FOXBORO, Mass. — Jerod Mayo was surprisingly candid on Wednesday morning while discussing the New England Patriots‘ quarterback competition.
The first-year head coach revealed the current front-runner, his deadline for the decision, and which Patriots power brokers will have input. Mayo delivered the remarks shortly before New England took the practice field to begin preparations for Sunday’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders.
Jerod Mayo Reaffirms Jacoby Brissett as Patriots’ Top Quarterback — for Now
Mayo began training camp by saying Jacob Brissett was the starting quarterback while leaving the door open for Drake Maye to win the job. And, despite Mayo insisting the QB competition is open, Brissett has seen all the starter’s reps and all the snaps with the top offensive line throughout training camp.
Maye’s recent improvement can’t be ignored, though. He’s closed the gap with Brissett and has seemingly given himself a real chance at starting Week 1.
So, what are Mayo’s current thoughts on the QB battle?
“It’s still a competition, and Jacoby is still QB1,” Mayo said. “It’s a competition amongst all the guys on the field, including the quarterback spot. … He’s still QB1.”
LIVE: Jerod Mayo Press Conference 8/21: https://t.co/QLlqjsLoAs
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 21, 2024
Mayo also was asked whether he and other top decision-makers currently are on the same page as it pertains to Maye and Brissett.
“I think so,” he said. “Look, I think anyone can see the confidence growing in Drake. Anyone can see Jacoby go out here and, as a total body of work, do a good job. We’ll see how it goes.”
Does Mayo Believe Drake Maye Is Ready To Start?
Maye wasn’t considered a pro-ready prospect when he entered the 2024 NFL Draft. While at North Carolina, Maye ran an Air Raid-style offense, primarily played out of the shotgun, rarely took snaps under center, and didn’t call plays in the huddle. Play-action also wasn’t a big part of UNC’s offense.
In New England, Maye is learning Alex Van Pelt’s version of the West Coast offense, emphasizing play-action, outside-zone reads, and long dropbacks. Maye must be able to execute quick, rhythmic passes rather than relying on deep, explosive plays. He also must learn how to lead in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage.
His first two weeks of training camp were a struggle. Maye wasn’t decisive and lacked confidence, and his timing with receivers was off. Conversely, Brissett, who has experience in Van Pelt’s scheme, looked like the obvious choice to start the season opener.
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Maye has made significant strides in all areas, but he must be able to lead a huddle before he can start. During his presser, Mayo was asked whether he believed Maye would be ready to start if called upon.
“100%, I think he’s ready to run a huddle,” Mayo said.
Jerod Mayo said the Patriots will work off cards for a good chunk of today's practice as they ramp up preparation for the Commanders and the Bengals pic.twitter.com/yIhcsEr4WH
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) August 21, 2024
Mayo Reveals Timeline for Decision, Who’ll Have Input
Surprisingly, Mayo offered a timeline for when he’ll decide on a starting quarterback.
“I would say by Monday night, we should know who the quarterback is,” said Mayo, who added the team first must get past Sunday’s game against the Commanders. ” … I think Monday, Tuesday, we probably need to know who it is.
“That doesn’t mean I’ll tell you who it is.”
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Mayo reiterated that de facto general manager Eliot Wolf has the final say on the 53-man roster but that coaches and front-office staffers will collaborate on those decisions. However, when it comes to who’ll start, Mayo seemingly believes he should make the call.
“The players that go on the field, I would think that I have final say,” said Mayo, adding, “We’ll collaborate.”
Mayo wavered when pressed on which staffers would have input on making quarterback decisions.
“It’s between Alex, myself, Eliot, and the rest of the offensive staff,” Mayo said. “I think our goal is to put the best team that we can put out there.”