How Drake Maye reacted to not being named a Patriots Starter

How Drake Maye reacted to not being named a Patriots Starter

Drake Maye outplayed Jacoby Brissett throughout the preseason. That’s not just our perspective; Jerod Mayo stated it himself following the Patriots’ preseason finale.

However, Maye’s overall performance in August was insufficient to earn him a spot in New England’s starting lineup to begin his rookie season.

On Thursday morning, Mayo officially announced Brissett as the Patriots’ starting quarterback. After the announcement, Maye was questioned if he was “disappointed” by his initial assignment as the backup in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

“I wouldn’t say disappointed,” Maye told journalists. “Look, I definitely want to play; I have a competitive edge. But I understand the problem. Jacoby has been in the offense, doing reps with the others throughout camp. So, I can’t say I’m disappointed. At the same time, I want to play.

Maye appears to understand that the decision was taken to benefit his future. New England is expected to be a lousy football club this season, which may make September particularly difficult as an uninspiring roster tries to find its feet with a new coaching staff. Mixing Maye into what is expected to be a chaotic early season would be detrimental to both the 21-year-old and the squad.

Similarly, the Patriots’ current quarterback depth chart is only temporary. While Mayo reiterated on Thursday that the squad is “100% behind” Brissett, Maye is clearly the future of the franchise, and his enormous talent and potential may force the coach’s hand sooner rather than later.

Brissett will try to tighten his grip on his position beginning Sept. 8 in Cincinnati, when New England begins its regular season.