Drake Maye Had Amazing Response to Patriots Benching Jacoby Brissett

The New England Patriots announced earlier this week that rookie quarterback Drake Maye will make his first-ever NFL start against the Houston Texans on Sunday. After the offense struggled under veteran QB Jacoby Brissett's guidance to begin the season, the Patriots have given a huge opportunity to the future face of the franchise in Week 6.

With how athletes tend to be competitive in nature, being benched can hurt a lot — especially when you're a veteran like Brissett. That's why it's heartwarming to see how Maye responded to the Patriots' quarterback change.

Patriots News: Drake Maye Responds to Jacoby Brissett Benching

On Thursday, Brissett told reporters that Maye is a "great kid" due to the compassion the former has shown since the latter was benched.

"Drake asked me how I’m doing. I’m like, ‘Man, if you’re worried about me, you’re worrying about the wrong thing right now. I can take care of myself,'" Brissett said, according to Boston Herald's Doug Kyed. "It’s no malice in my heart towards him, obviously. I just want the best for him, and I’m very excited for him."

According to Kyed, Maye called Brissett the "ideal teammate" on Thursday. The former UNC signal-caller said that the veteran gunslinger's determination and "positive vibes" have been a great influence to have on the team.

"[Jacoby Brissett is] great mentor, a great friend, and I was trying to do everything I can to help him, and I’m sure he’ll do the same."

- Drake Maye P

Before the Patriots drafted Maye third overall in April, they had reunited with Brissett on a one-year contract shortly after free agency opened. The belief was that the 31-year-old QB could serve as the perfect stop-gap for the franchise's next quarterback, which happened to be Maye.

Unfortunately, Brissett has been unable to find any early success. The former 2016 third-rounder has gone 1-4 in his first five appearances while completing only 58.5% of passes for 696 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and a 74.2 passer rating.

Even though Maye still hasn't made an NFL start, he made his professional debut in relief for Brissett against the New York Jets in Week 3. The 22-year-old's debut wasn't anything to write home about as he only went 4-of-8 (50.0%) in the pocket for 22 passing yards while turning two carries into another 12 yards.

We'll see if Maye can turn New England's passing attack around on Sunday. As it stands, the Patriots are projected to be 6.5-point underdogs against the Texans at Gillette Stadium, per DraftKings Sportsbook.

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