Head Coach Jerod Mayo Explains Patriots ‘Plan’ For Drake Maye

It was slightly perplexing to see Drake Maye play just one series in New England’s first preseason game, but there doesn’t seem to be any deviation from the coaching staff.

Joe Milton III stole the show at Gillette Stadium in the Patriots’ 17-3 win over the Carolina Panthers. The sixth-round rookie’s performance furthered the illogical narrative that Milton is better than Maye, but it is a talking point that existed because people want to see more from Maye, especially in a game environment.

The 21-year-old went 2-for-3 for 19 yards in his lone series in the first quarter, and fans highlighted the weather and shaky offensive line as to why Maye might not have played as much as they hoped. But Mayo on Friday stuck to his line about the quarterback room after the first preseason game Thursday.

“Going into the game, I talked to (Alex Van Pelt) and the entire offensive staff about what’s the plan for the quarterback, and this conversation has been ongoing,” Mayo said in a video conference call. “This has always been in the plan to develop these guys this way. We’ll see how this looks going forward, and it won’t always be the same because we’re always evaluating everyone on the roster but especially the quarterbacks.”

Mayo offered slight hope when he added that Maye would “get more reps” in New England’s second exhibition matchup when the Philadelphia Eagles roll into Foxboro, Mass.

While Mayo and the coaching staff’s plan for Maye is understandable, the need to be patient frustrated fans after Thursday night.