Patriots’ Jerod Mayo clears air on his controversial comments about Drake Maye playing better than Jacoby Brissett in preseason
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo clarified why he praised rookie Drake Maye's preseason performance better than starting QB Jacoby Brissett.
Jerod Mayo on Drake Maye playing better than Jacoby Brissett in preseason (Via Imago/The Boston Globe)
The New England Patriots have officially picked Jacoby Brissett over rookie Drake Maye, to be the starting quarterback for week 1 of the 2024 season. However, shortly after the announcement, head coach Jerod Mayo’s previous comments about Maye playing better than Brissett in the preseason surfaced on the internet, causing a stir among football fans.
It happened last month after the team’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders where Mayo labeled the rookie signal-caller as the ‘second-best quarterback on the roster,’ but suggesting that the best remains Brissett. He praised Maye for his performance in the preseason, admitting that he outplayed starting QB Brissett.
Since the speculations around Mayo’s words intensified on the internet, the Patriots head coach finally decided to break his silence and clear the air on the controversial comments during his interview with WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show.
I should have given more context to the comment at the time. Drake had more playing time in the preseason than Jacoby, and that was intentional.Jerod Mayo said
In the preseason, where Brissett logged completing five of the 14 passing attempts and an interception, rookie Maye brought some hope in the eyes of the fans by completing 21-of-34 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown.
Jerod Mayo emphasizes patience in Drake Maye’s development journey
As for the No. 3 overall pick, sooner or later, he would definitely lead the Patriots’ offense as the starter, but for now, the team wants him to sit back and learn the rhythm of the NFL before stepping on the football field. Head coach Mayo shared that he doesn’t want to rush Maye into taking the responsibilities for which he might not be ready.
We talk about, not only in the game, but also in practices, getting those mental reps, and he’ll know what every play is. He’ll make his checks and stuff on the sideline and continue to develop that way. And he’ll develop through practice. He’ll get reps [still] with the first team and also the show team.Jerod Mayo said about the rookie
For now, Mayo has put his confidence in quarterback Brissett and stated that he encourages healthy competition between Maye and him. If Brissett fails to create the best chances for the Patriots to win games, then the head coach would consider exploring other options.
The Patriots kick off their 2024 season on Sunday with an away game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This season promises to be intriguing for New England, as they start the year with a new head coach for the first time in over two decades, a revamped quarterback lineup, and numerous concerns surrounding the offensive line and the overall team.
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