Surprise Drake Maye-Jacoby Brissett Report Emerges During OTAs
All eyes will be on the New England Patriots' quarterback play this preseason as the 2024 campaign approaches. The overwhelming sentiment right now is top pick Drake Maye will enter the year as the No. 2, while veteran Jacoby Brissett gets the start in Week 1.
However, it appears those within New England's organization aren't all on the same page regarding their QB situation just yet.
After the draft, there was personnel within the #Patriots organization that believed Drake Maye could be the starter Week 1 and didn’t need to sit behind a vet, per @DougKyed.
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) June 2, 2024
If that sentiment has not changed and the internal support is loud, I think Maye will be the starter. pic.twitter.com/35Z0Vz82ox
Doug Kyed of the Boston Sports Journal reports that after the draft, some within the Patriots believed Maye was ready to immediately start, instead of sitting behind Brissett to begin the season.
It's intriguing for this intel to come out now as the team starts to wraps up its OTA period. Maye has already made some highlight-worthy plays that showcase his potential, like a no-look pass during one practice.
Drake Maye no-look 👀
— PFF (@PFF) May 30, 2024
(🎥 @Patriots)pic.twitter.com/3jowXr2xTo
Meanwhile, Chris Mason of Mass Live has noted some Maye's other impressive moments during spring workouts. That includes lofting "a perfect deep ball" to Tyquan Thornton down the sideline one day, and double-clutching a ball but still having "the arm strength to drive the pass for a completion."
The excitement around Maye is obviously high, but the Pats need to make sure they don't rush into anything with the young QB. His biggest concern coming into the draft was his lack of experience, with just 26 starts at North Carolina to his name.
Starting Maye before he's ready has way more backfire potential than playing it safe and allowing him to learn from Brissett for at least part of the season. New England's immediate and potentially long-term future depends on Maye, so prioritizing his development is key.
Playing is obviously part of that evolution, but there's serious negative consequences if a young quarterback struggles early on in his career. Considering the Patriots still have a ways to go to make this offense even near a top-10 unit, that would make Maye's first year even more difficult.
As a result, it's likely the Pats have to resist the temptation and roll with Brissett in the early going before handing the keys to Maye.
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