Could Drake Maye Start Week 1? Patriots Coordinator Echoes Jerod Mayo

It feels like Drake Maye is Lloyd Christmas in the movie "Dumb and Dumber" when it comes to the New England Patriots quarterback situation.

"So, you're telling me there's a chance."

That's exactly what first-year Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has been saying even though it seems like lip service with all signals pointing to Jacoby Brissett being New England's starting signal-caller when the season opens in just over two weeks at the Cincinnati Bengals.

Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt reiterated what Mayo said when he met with reporters Thursday, but Van Pelt also seemed to hint that Maye will be serving as Brissett's backup to start.

"Sure. Coach said it's open competition." Van Pelt told reporters when asked if Maye could be the Week 1 starter, per team-provided video. "Obviously we have one more game to go. I'm sure there's a chance. As you go in, there's still a process of how you bring a rookie quarterback along. So, I think that's important to remember as well."

The Patriots haven't exactly laid out details of their plan for Maye, but it's clear it differs from other teams that selected a quarterback in the first round of this year's draft. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, who was selected after Maye, will all start for their respective teams.

While Van Pelt certainly has been encouraged by the progress Maye made during training camp, the Patriots are going to be patient when it comes to their quarterback of the future.

"I think it's just to bring him along," Van Pelt said. "There's certain things in this offense that Jacoby having played in this offense understands some of the tools that you can use to get you out of certain situations, pressure situations, things like that, that Drake is still learning. But he has really been impressive the last few weeks of practice and in the game and he's moving in the right direction, for sure.

"But again, rookie quarterback coming in and playing, obviously Jacoby has tons of experience. Not just in the NFL, but in this system and we've won games with him in Cleveland. So, I feel comfortable with his understanding. But again, Drake is pushing."