Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots coach, has named Jacoby Brissett as the team’s starting quarterback for their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Brissett was selected over rookie first-round draft pick Drake Maye, who he had been sharing snaps with during the training camp and preseason. Mayo communicated his decision to both players individually and then jointly during a team meeting. While recognizing that a lot of factors led to this decision, Mayo stated that the team is 100 percent behind Jacoby, indicating that he will be the team’s quarterback this season as long as he performs well.
Brissett, now into his ninth NFL season, had previously contracted a one-year, $8 million deal with the Patriots in March. This deal saw him returning with the team that had chosen him during the third round in 2016. After Patriots traded him to Indianapolis in 2017, Brissett spent four years with the Colts, and had one year stints with Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders. In total, he has played 79 games with 48 starts, solidifying his reputation as a respected veteran in the sporting world.
Mayo and the team’s new executive vice president of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, find Brissett’s vast experience invaluable. They especially appreciate his being a proven veteran presence on the roster to help mentor Maye. Earlier this week, Mayo admitted that Maye had outshone Brissett in the preseason. However, he also mentioned that other factors, primarily Brissett’s extensive experience, tipped the scales in his favor.
Mayo also highlighted the importance of experience, especially at the start of the season. The coaching staff continues to iron out the consistency issues with an offensive line that will begin the season without its starting left guard, Cole Strange. Strange, who had been placed on the physically unable to perform list due to a knee problem, will be absent from the opening games.
Despite Maye showing some great promise, it was ultimately Brissett’s consistent performance that led to him being selected as the starting quarterback. So, while Drake Maye’s talent shone through during the team’s recent loss against the Eagles, the decision was made to build the team’s strategy around the experienced campaigner and proven performer, Jacoby Brissett.
This choice reconfirms a key principle in Mayo’s coaching philosophy: short term victory is important, but long-term success is paramount. By selecting Brissett over promising rookie Maye, Mayo is making it clear that established experience and consistency are key factors in his strategy for this season’s games and beyond. With this decision, Mayo is also sending a clear message to the team: unity and belief in the chosen quarterback is key for the team’s success.
