Patriots’ Quarterback Competition Takes an Unexpected Turn as Rookie Impresses and Veteran Suffers Injury
In the Patriots’ third and final preseason game against Washington, rookie quarterback Drake Maye once again outperformed Jacoby Brissett, raising questions about the team’s quarterback competition. Maye, the No. 3 pick in the draft, led the only touchdown drive of the first half and finished the game with impressive stats, completing 13-of-20 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. Although Brissett only played one drive and completed 2 of 4 passes for 19 yards, his role as the starter may still be secure for two key reasons.
Firstly, Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt has been vocal about his support for Brissett as the starting quarterback. Van Pelt emphasized Brissett’s better command of the offense and suggested that Maye’s limited reps with the starting offense were a deliberate part of the team’s plan to slowly bring him along. This indicates that the coaching staff may be hesitant to deviate from their original strategy.
Secondly, the Patriots’ offensive line performance in the game highlighted the challenges that the starting quarterback will face. Maye had to deal with two bad snaps, a false start from a lineman, and a guard getting pushed back so quickly that he stepped on Maye, causing his shoe to fall off. Brissett also experienced a brutal hit due to a lapse from the offensive line. While he continued to play for a few more snaps after the hit, it was evident that the impact had taken a toll on him. This serves as a reminder of the potential difficulties that the Patriots’ quarterback may face throughout the season.
It is worth noting that Brissett’s injury status remains uncertain. He sustained an injury to his throwing shoulder during the game and was labeled as “questionable” for a return. However, since the plan was for Brissett to play only a series or two, the severity of the injury is unclear. The Patriots’ decision on their starting quarterback is expected to be announced soon, possibly during Coach Mayo’s Wednesday afternoon news conference.
As the Patriots prepare to open the season in Cincinnati in two weeks, the quarterback competition continues to be a topic of interest and speculation. While Maye has shown promise and impressed in preseason games, the team’s commitment to Brissett and the challenges posed by the offensive line may ultimately influence the final decision. Ultimately, the Patriots are looking for a quarterback who not only performs well individually but also has a strong command of the offense and can handle the pressures and physicality of the game.