Patriots Reporter Explains ‘Smart Move’ For New England’s QB Situation

The New England Patriots drafted rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III four months ago and signed veteran Jacoby Brissett over five months ago, however, the organization (presumably) remains indecisive about its Week 1 starting quarterback.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo hasn’t provided any clarity throughout the offseason/preseason process, which remained the case following the team’s most recent matchup heading into Week 1 — against the Washington Commanders. Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald joined NESN’s George Balekji and Adam Pellerin to break down the indicators of where New England (so far) appears to be going with its current quarterback dilemma: Brissett or Maye?

“It really feels like the Patriots are going to roll with Jacoby Brissett and continue that conservative approach to Drake Maye’s development,” Kyed said on NESN’s “Boston Has Entered The Chat” podcast. “But Maye really is forcing the issue right now. I think the turning point was really August 13 — that was the joint practice with the Eagles — that he really started playing better than Jacoby Brissett, and it’s been pretty consistent since that point. Still though, with so much uncertainty with the offensive line; really only one spot right there is settled now with center David Andrews. It probably is the smart move to go with Jacoby Brissett. I just don’t know that the Patriots want to admit that the offensive line is what’s holding Drake Maye from starting at this point.”

Brissett suffered a shoulder injury during Sunday’s 20-10 Patriots loss to the Commanders, prompting an early exit in the first quarter. Maye, meanwhile, impressed yet again throughout the limited on-field time provided by New England’s coaching staff. The 21-year-old completed 13-of-20 attempts, totaled 126 passing yards and threw one touchdown with no interceptions. In terms of performance, it’d be easy to give Maye to green light, but Mayo and the Patriots are considering much more than just relying on the North Carolina product’s production alone.

“I’m extremely impressed with Drake Maye,” Kyed explained. “I think that he’s proven himself to be a gamer. I don’t think those 11-on-11 workouts in training camp are the best way to see how Drake Maye’s developing because he can use his legs, he is good at rolling out of the pocket. We saw it multiple times (against the Commanders). He delivered that 48-yard pass to K.J. Osborn that was nullified because of a penalty. But that would’ve been a touchdown on the move. … Overall, I think he is ready to play Week 1.”

Watch the full episode of NESN’s “Boston Has Entered The Chat” here: