We’re on to Cincinnati!
The Patriots have named Jacoby Brissett the starting quarterback for the team’s Week 1 game at the Bengals on Sept. 8, the team announced Thursday.
Head coach Jerod Mayo told his players in a team meeting that Brissett had won the battle and 2024 No. 3 overall draft pick Drake Maye would be the backup, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett passes against the Washington Commanders during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Landover, Md. AP
Brissett, the veteran, and Maye, the highly touted rookie, had been battling for the starting role during training camp and Mayo had previously been coy about the decision.
Mayo told reporters Wednesday that he had made his decision, but was not yet ready to reveal the starter until he announced the news to the team.
In a spot on WEEI earlier this week, Mayo said Maye had been performing better than Brissett as of late.
“What I will say is this is a true competition … and I would say at this current point, Drake has outplayed Jacoby,” Mayo said. “Now, in saying that, we have to take in the full body of work, going all the way back to the spring and beginning of training camp, and we’ll see where we end up. But those are the conversations that will happen here over the next couple of days.”
For now, the Patriots are going to give Maye some additional time to adjust to the NFL before, in theory, turning the franchise over to him.
Brissett began his career in New England in 2016, getting two starts when Tom Brady was suspended for Deflategate.
He has played for the Colts, Dolphins, Browns and Commanders in the seasons since.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass prior to the start of the preseason game against the Washington Commanders. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Maye, who played at North Carolina before being the third quarterback drafted this year, threw for 126 yards and a touchdown during the team’s 20-10 preseason loss to the Commanders on Sunday.
He had an additional 47-yard touchdown pass to rookie wideout Ja’Lynn Polk nullified due to a holding penalty.
There has been concern about Maye starting his career behind a beleaguered Patriots offensive line.
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo walks the field before the start of the preseason game vs. Commanders. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Mayo played linebacker for the Patriots from 2008-15 and served on Bill Belichick’s defensive coaching staff from 2019 through last season.
It was reported he would replace Belichick the day after the coaching legend and the Patriots parted ways following a 4-13 season.
