Jerod Mayo starter comments after Drake Maye’s performance changes things

Should Drake Maye start in Week 1 of the regular season?

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye impressed in the New England Patriots’ preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. Not only did he impress, but he looked better than Jacoby Brissett under center.

One game doesn’t tell the entire story, and of course, there is still another week of training camp and preseason football before a decision is ultimately made.

However, Maye’s performance seemed to shift the narrative. Heading into the game, everyone seemed convinced that Brissett would be the starting quarterback. He’s the more experienced player, and the Patriots wouldn’t dare throw the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft behind a patchwork offensive line, right?

Think again.

“If Drake beats out Jacoby, he earned that role,” Mayo said, via MassLive’s Karen Guregian. “And we don’t really take (the offensive line) into consideration when he’s ready ready to go … if he’s better than Jacoby, then he’ll play; he’ll start.”

Maye finished the game going 6-of-11 passing for 47 yards, along with four rushes for 15 yards and a touchdown.

His athleticism and ability to manipulate the pocket, along with his deep ball accuracy, made the offense feel like a threat even with all of its deficiencies. If he continues to do as such down the stretch, the consensus that Brissett will be the starter in Week 1 could get turned on its head.

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