Drake Maye Promotion Sounds Inevitable After Patriots Coach's Latest Comments

As the New England Patriots are preparing for a Week 4 collision with the San Francisco 49ers, many are wondering who'll be starting under center at Levi's Stadium. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett started in each of the Patriots' first three games, however, it was rookie signal-caller Drake Maye who finished the team's most recent game in relief.

Even when Brissett signed his one-year, $8 million contract during the offseason, everyone knew that his status as the Patriots' QB1 wouldn't last forever. Some thought he'd make it to the end of the season while others thought it was only a matter of time before Maye took over during his rookie campaign.

Judging by one New England coach's recent comments about Maye, the 2024 third-overall pick's eventual promotion seems inevitable.

Patriots Rumors: Drake Maye to Be Promoted to QB1?

Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington spoke to the media about Maye on Thursday morning and had nothing but positive things to say about the first-year gunslinger.

"Drake [Maye] has improved every day, every week," Covington told the media, per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, adding that the rookie has "earned his teammates' trust."

If Maye keeps on improving at his current rate, it might not be long before he's officially named the starting quarterback. The Patriots' passing game has been abysmal to begin the season and anything that can lead to a potential improvement is worth a shot.

Nobody expected Brissett to light the world on fire during his return to New England, however, that doesn't change the fact that he's left much to be desired. The veteran QB is only averaging 122.7 passing yards per game while tallying one touchdown pass with a 79.9 passer rating along the way.

While not everything is Brissett's fault — the offensive line has been putrid — you can't blame fans for wanting to see what Maye can do.

In Maye's limited appearance last week, the rookie arm went 4-of-8 (50.0%) in the pocket for 22 passing yards while being sacked twice. That performance comes after a solid preseason that saw him record 192 passing yards, one TD, and a 61.8% completion rate in three appearances.

But regardless of who's under center in Week 4, it won't be easy.

The 49ers have one of the best defenses in the NFL and are holding opposing QBs to the sixth-fewest completions per game with the 11th-highest sack percentage. Considering how Pro Football Focus currently has the Patriots listed as having the fifth-worst pass rush protection this season, it could be a long day for Maye or Brissett.

At the end of the day, it might be best to let Brissett start against the 49ers and let Maye take over later. New England's following four games will be played at home and overseas in London, meaning the team could give Maye some extra time to prepare for the job before handing him the reins.

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