The Patriots, as has largely been the case since Tom Brady left, did not receive stellar quarterback play in their 2024 season opener.
But Jacoby Brissett, unlike the signal-callers who came before him in New England, successfully managed the game en route to a Patriots win.
Brissett played mistake-free football at Paycor Stadium last Sunday. The veteran quarterback only threw for 121 yards, but he made a handful of crucial timely throws and had a clear command of the offense. With Brissett in control, New England could lean on its powerful rushing attack and stout defense against the Cincinnati Bengals.
David Andrews, who arrived in the NFL one year before Brissett, offered high praise of his teammate after the Patriots kicked off their campaign on a high note. But in doing so, the longtime New England captain might have taken a dig at Mac Jones and other recent Patriots QBs.
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"It's nice having a veteran presence at quarterback,” Andrews said on "The Quick Snap" podcast, as transcribed by Boston.com. "Obviously, Drake (Maye)'s got a bright future ahead of him. But to kind of see and learn from Jacoby, 'Ok, I don't have to go out there and throw it for 350 yards. I can go out there, I can play good, smart, complementary football, and we can win games.' ...I think as a quarterback, that leadership Jacoby provides has been great. It's something we've been needing on the offensive side of the ball."
Andrews' remarks obviously weren't a direct shot at Jones or anyone else, but they were a reminder of missed opportunities in recent years. New England had pieces to be a competent, effective offense before Brissett returned, but a dire quarterback situation held the team back.
That could make Brissett the perfect QB for the Patriots at this point. The 31-year-old has a chance to stabilize New England's offense while serving as a great mentor for Maye, the future of the franchise.
Featured image via Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images
