Patriots HC Jerod Mayo Unsure of Week 1 Quarterback Choice but Drake Maye ‘absolutely getting better’

As the NFL preseason continues, fewer quarterback battles (Week 1 Quarterback choice) remain unresolved.

One key decision still up in the air is with the New England Patriots, where rookie first-round pick Drake Maye seems to be closing the gap on veteran Jacoby Brissett.

Jerod Mayo’s Uncertainty Over Week 1 QB Decision: Insights and Updates

With two preseason games completed and three weeks until the season opener, rookie head coach Jerod Mayo indicated on Monday that he has not yet decided on his Week 1 starter against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“We’re not sure yet,” Mayo said, according to the team’s transcript. “We’ve got another preseason game and then the week following. As soon as I know, I’ll let you know.”

Maye’s Progress Raises Questions About Week 1 Quarterback Choice

Mayo did reveal that Maye is making significant strides and impressing coaches.

“He’s one of those guys who comes in early and leaves late,” Mayo commented. “Every day, he’s consistently putting in the work, and he’s been impressive. The coaches have also done well working with him individually, ensuring he’s comfortable with the team’s play. He’s definitely improving.”

Since the start of the Patriots’ offseason program, Brissett has been positioned as the team’s Week 1 Quarterback choice, though he has yet to be officially confirmed as the starter for the regular season.

It is likely that Brissett will start the season, giving Maye more time to adapt before potentially taking over later in the year, especially if the Patriots face challenges.

“I still view myself as the starter,” Brissett said on Monday.

Despite this, Maye’s progress and growing support are evident.

As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye represents the future of the Patriots’ quarterback position. How soon New England embraces this future is still uncertain, but it appears to be approaching.

“He’s made some impressive throws, and his confidence is noticeable to his teammates,” Mayo noted. “We hope this is just the beginning of his upward trajectory.”

The buzz around Maye from the media and Patriots fans is likely to intensify.

Brissett, however, remains focused on his performance.

“I can’t worry about that; I just need to do my job,” Brissett said. “I’ve seen a lot in this league, and nothing really surprises me anymore. I’m enjoying the process, giving my best effort, and letting things fall as they may.”

Elsewhere, the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 1 Quarterback Choice was unsettled dramatically when rookie J.J. McCarthy was sidelined for the season with a knee injury, leaving Sam Darnold as the default starter.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ QB1 spot was secured by Gardner Minshew over Aidan O’Connell, and the Washington Commanders announced that No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels would start over veteran Marcus Mariota.

Decisions still loom for the Denver Broncos, where No. 12 pick Bo Nix is contending with Jarrett Stidham, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, where neither Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields performed well this past week.

New England will wrap up its preseason with a game against the Commanders on Sunday.

After a brief appearance in the preseason opener, Maye saw more action on Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Through two preseason games, he’s 6 of 11 for 47 yards with a rushing touchdown. Brissett, who also had limited play in the opener, has struggled, completing 3 of 7 passes for 17 yards with an interception.

With several weeks of practice and one more crucial preseason game remaining, Coach Mayo will need to make his decision soon about Week 1 Quarterback choice.

Will the Patriots start with the experienced Brissett or is Maye’s potential too compelling to keep him on the bench? We’ll find out soon.

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