New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has admitted he is still unsure about who his starting quarter-back will be this season.
Heading into their training camp, Mayo had said that veteran QB Jacoby Brissett would likely stay as starter in 2024 but rookie first-rounder Drake Mayo has seemingly narrowed the gap in recent weeks.
And on Monday, Mayo now says they have not made any decision on who will line up in their season opener against the Cincinatti Bengals.
“We still don’t know right now,” Mayo said, via team transcript. “We have another preseason game [vs Washington Commanders], and then a week after that. When I know, I’ll let you know.”
Mayo did shed light on how impressed he has been with 21-year-old Maye.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Patriots haven’t made a QB decision yet, as Drake Maye continues to improve. pic.twitter.com/jXkgm4oF98
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 19, 2024
“This guy comes in early, leaves late,” Mayo added. “Every day, he’s one of those type of guys, and he’s done a great job.
“I would also say the coaches have done a good job meeting with him one-on-one, making sure that he’s comfortable with his team play. He’s absolutely getting better.”
Brissett had been the assumed QB despite the lack of announcement and the 31-year-old says he is still expecting that to be the case.
“I still treat myself as if I am the starter,” Brissett said.
He also added that he won’t get carried away if the noise backing Maye to start becomes louder as the season progresses.
“I can’t worry about that,” Brissett said. “I just go out there and do my job and I’ve been in this league long enough to know, a lot of crazy things have happened in my career and I wouldn’t be shocked by anything but at the same time I’m enjoying this process, putting my best foot forward and letting the chips fall where they may.”
