QB1 Drake Maye? Jerod Mayo Says Patriots’ Competition Not Over

When it comes to the quarterback situation, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has made it clear: The battle between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye for the starting role continues.

That's a bit surprising, at least to those who assumed the Patriots would take it slow with Maye, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. New England signed Brissett, a veteran with starting experience, to keep the seat warm and eventually give way to Maye.

Ultimately, that might still be the case, but after the Patriots' second preseason game Thursday night, Mayo said nothing is settled.

"For me, we always talk about competition and that's at all spots. So even if Drake beats out Jacoby, I mean, he earned that role," Mayo told reporters after the Patriots' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. "And we don't really take that into consideration when he's ready to go, and if he's better than Jacoby, he'll play. He'll start."

In a follow-up media session Friday morning, Mayo was asked point-blank whether he thought Brissett and Maye were battling for the starting job ahead of New England's Week 1 game with Cincinnati.

"I do. We have three more days of training camp practice. It's our job as coaches to evaluate and the competition isn't over. They're still going to go out there, and they have to show not only themselves and the coaches but also their teammates. It's definitely still a competition."

Maye impressed in extended playing time Thursday night after getting just six snaps in the preseason opener last week. His physical skills are evident. His arm strength is top-notch, and he can move well in the pocket to extend plays with his legs. When it comes to those sorts of traits, he's better than Brissett, and it's why he was a top pick in the draft. However, he still needs to improve on some very important aspects of playing the position at the highest level for Mayo and the coaching staff to place him atop the depth chart.

"First and foremost, it's just the entire operation. I think it needs to be faster. I think he needs to get those guys in the huddle faster, get them out of the huddle faster and get to the line and just be on point."

The Patriots have one more preseason game before the real thing. They'll travel to Washington to play the Commanders in their final tune-up on Aug. 25.