The Patriots exerted patience with Drake Maye to start the season, but that might wear thin if their troubles continue.
Jerod Mayo’s hand was forced last Thursday when Maye came in during the final minutes of New England’s loss to the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots head coach affirmed Jacoby Brissett was the starter as Maye continues to stay ready under his unique development plan.
There was a segment of analysts and fans who believed it could be wise of New England to sign a veteran quarterback to be the backup behind Brissett. That strategy would allow Maye to develop and not throw Joe Milton III out there to waste his development, too. But it was an idea Mayo didn’t entertain.
“That’s not in our plans at this current time,” Mayo told reporters, per team-provided video.
Mayo noted that he and executive Eliot Wolf are always trying to find ways to improve the roster, but that doesn’t include altering Maye’s development plan in any way.
“He’s looked good in practice,” Mayo said of Maye. “Once again, it’s just practice. You want to get a guy like that on the football field. At this current time, we’re not looking ahead at that spot.”
The offensive line didn’t get better in Maye’s NFL debut, and it might be one reason why the Patriots were cautious not to throw the rookie under the fire right away. However, whether it be internal issues or outside factors, fans eagerly anticipate Maye will see the field again this season.
