“Tom Brady always wanted to!” Bill Belichick admits rookie QBs should play in preseason after Jerod Mayo decided otherwise with Drake Maye

The preseason is a series of games when teams try on players to see how they have learned all that they could from practices. These games also help those new to the game or a team to get a feel of how the entire game plan works. Especially those coming from college.

Bill Belichick, just like many others, was waiting to see how his successor at the New England Patriots, Jerod Mayo, and rookie quarterback Drake Maye would perform.

The Patriots had their preseason opener last Thursday, which gave Mayo a winning start. However, Belichick would have loved to see a bit more of Maye.

Tom always wanted to play in the preseason. If a player really wants to play, I think you're gonna find a way to do it. As far as the rookies go, I think for those guys they should play and they should get a feel for the game, the speed of the pass rush. That’s good for them to experience in a live-game situation, not just practice.

Bill Belichick said on the Pat McAfee Show

Belichick suggested that the coaching staff should have given Drake Maye more reps. After all, he is a rookie and will need to get a feel of playing against grown men.

But Bill Belichick mentioned that he understands if the team wants to protect their young quarterback. Playing with second or third-string offensive linemen is not easy. Especially when there are defensive linemen on the other side, playing for their jobs.

It seems that head coach Jerod Mayo and his coaching staff made a conscious decision not to play Maye more than seven snaps in game 1. But with the Philadelphia Eagles rolling in, the rookie is expected to take on a larger role.

Jerod Mayo will play Drake Maye more against Eagles

Ahead of the next preseason game, the Philadelphia Eagles will practice jointly with the Patriots. Keeping that in mind, Jerod Mayo said this to reporters after the team’s practices yesterday;

Drake will play more this for sure. Don't forget, anytime you practice against a team, they'll get a lot of reps against someone else. Based on that we'll see how we will play the game.

Jerod Mayo said

That means, Drake Maye will have a chance to get a feel for what a league dominating defense can be. It will help the New England Patriots if they have their starting offensive line ready to practice.

All those reps in practice against the Eagles will help Maye pick up his development faster. Eventually, as per Mayo, the young quarterback should play a lot more snaps. Crucial in speeding up his development and understanding of the nuances that come with a game.

It has been long understood that Jacoby Brissett will be the starter entering the regular season. However, if Maye practices well and keeps developing, it will not be a long time before he is handed the keys.

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