Play Or Watch? Patriots Coach Weighs In On Drake Maye Question

It’s clear where New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt stands.

Van Pelt prefers veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to continue as New England’s starting quarterback as opposed to rookie Drake Maye. The Patriots’ first-year play-caller told reporters he’s encouraged by what he’s seen from Maye, but believes it’s best for the third overall pick to watch from the sidelines — at least for now.

“I still think it’s by watching,” Van Pelt told reporters Friday after New England’s Week 3 loss to the New York Jets, per a team-provided video. “I think there’s a lot to be learned yet, and that’s where I’ll stand on that.”

Maye took the field at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night with the 24-3 verdict all but decided. He led the Patriots on a 16-play drive, their longest of the night, and played the final 4:24 of regulation after the offense converted three fourth downs on the possession.

The 22-year-old completed 50% of his passes (4-for-8) for 22 yards and ran for 12 yards on two carries. He also was sacked twice behind an offense line that similarly struggled to protect Brissett (five sacks).

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Van Pelt also noticed Maye’s “up and down” footwork, an area of his game the coaching staff made a clear emphasis during training camp.

“There were some things there to correct,” Van Pelt said. “That’s usually the case the first time you’re out for live bullets. It can change your feet, revert back.

“So we’re still a work in progress there, but the strides he’s made over the course of the spring, the summer camp and the games in the preseason, obviously you’ll be able to do that and take it to the next level.”

Van Pelt was complimentary of the Brissett, who didn’t turn the ball over in the Patriots’ first three games. Brissett remains the starter at this point.

“He’s playing well for this position,” Van Pelt said of the veteran. “He’s tough as heck. He stands in the pocket, takes those hits. He’s a big, strong guy. We’d like to obviously take some of those off of him, but he’s playing the way we need him to play.

“… There’s things there we would like to have back, sure, but I think he’s playing football and leading this offense the way we want to have it done.”

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed Maye is receiving 30% of first-team reps in practice. Maye’s amount of practice work, and the fact Mayo felt Thursday was a good opportunity to play the rookie, hint the Patriots are getting closer and closer to playing Maye.