Jerod Mayo Provides Shocking Update On QB Competition

The New England Patriots drafted talented young quarterback Drake Maye with the third-overall pick this spring. Even though the organization was certainly very high on the UNC product's physical and athletic tools, he wasn't widely expected to start for the Patriots immediately.

Maye had only 26 starts to his name in college and has yet to turn 22, and the Patriots signed competent veteran Jacoby Brissett in the offseason. All these signs pointed to Brissett starting to begin the season while the team slowly brought along Maye. Everything coming out of head coach Jerod Mayo was confirming the likelihood of this plan. Until Preseason Week 2.

After the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Mayo seemed to have changed his tone. Stating that the quarterback competition is wide open, the first-time head coach said Maye has as good of a chance to start as Brissett.

Jerod Mayo Keeps Door Open On Starting Drake Maye in Week 1

This came on the heels of an impressive individual performance by Maye against the Eagles. The former Tar Heel threw for 6/11 and 47 yards while adding 15 yards on 4 carries and a touchdown in the running game. In comparison, Brissett threw 3/7 for 17 yards and an interception.

"For me, we always talk about competition and that's at all spots. So even if Drake beats out Jacoby, I mean, he earned that role. And we don't really take that into consideration when he's ready to go, and if he's better than Jacoby, he'll play. He'll start."

- Patriots HC Jerod Mayo

It's obviously a big mistake to read too much into one preseason game. If you recall, fans were calling for Joe Milton to start only last week before he went for 2/7 on Thursday.

The Patriots offensive line and wide receivers received serious criticism following their performance against Philly. Whoever is starting in Week 1 will have an uphill battle considering the lack of elite talent on this team. It is a great sign, nevertheless, that Maye is making this a competition this early on.

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