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The New England Patriots have a quarterback controversy bubbling this preseason as they gear up for the first game of the year. Veteran Jacoby Brissett seems to have an inside track to winning the starting job, but rookie Drake Maye is making the decision tougher.
Head coach Jerod Mayo’s comments have only made the situation more confusing as he continues to flip flop on his outlook of the QB room. He can’t seem to make up his mind!
The Patriots just wrapped up their third and final preseason matchup on Sunday, falling 20-10 to the Wahington Commanders.
Brissett started the contest, only to leave the game with injury on his first drive.
@fantasysphinest Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett Injured Shoulder Vs. WAS Jacoby Brissett took a shot and got planted into the ground on his shoulder. #jacobybrissett #newenglandpatriots #preseason #quarterbacks #fantasyfootball ♬ Photoshoot – Gucci Mane
Washington defender KJ Henry flew off the edge unblocked to deliver the blow, which would send Brissett to the sidelines for the remainder of the game.
Drake Maye entered, immediately leading a touchdown drive on his first possession.
The rookie from UNC connected on 13-of-20 passes throughout the night, totaling 126 yards and that score. He also ran for 17 yards.
Jerod Mayo commented on the Patriots’ QB situation after the game.
He first updated Jacoby Brissett’s injury, saying that the passer could’ve re-entered if the team needed him. Instead, they opted to keep him on the bench to rest up after taking that vicious shot.
Mayo then chimed in on the quarterback race with the season opener just weeks away.
“[Drake Maye] is the second-best quarterback on our roster right now,” Mayo said after the game when asked if he could start Week 1.
A few short hours later, he contradicted himself!
The head coach made a media appearance on a local radio show the next day, suggesting that it’s Maye who’s the best player in the QB room.
“At this current point, Drake has outplayed Jacoby,” Mayo told listeners via the Greg Hill Show on Monday morning. He then dropped more insight as to who will take the first snap of the season under center.
“We have to take the full body of work, going all the way back to spring and beginning of training camp. We’ll see where we end up… It starts in practice and also in the game, where Drake has played better.”
-Jerod Mayo on the Patriots’ QB race
Even while admitting that the rookie is outplaying the seasoned vet this fall, Mayo is looking for reasons to keep Drake Maye on the sidelines.
It will be interesting to see who Mayo ultimately goes with. If Brissett is healthy enough, it seems the Patriots would rather keep the pressure off their youngster to continue letting him learn.
Cries for Drake Maye will certainly be heard should Brissett struggle as the starter.