Mayo officially announced the QB change on Wednesday.
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo officially informed his team on Wednesday that Drake Maye will take over for Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback.
“Going forward, I think now Drake Maye gives us the best chance to win — now and going forward,” Mayo told the media Wednesday morning. “He’s been getting better every single week as I said before. At the end of training camp he was actually trending at a very high rate and that has continued through the early part of the season.”
Mayo stated the decision was solely his too make, but offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was “fully on board.”
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and ownership also agreed with the decision, according to Mayo.
Since drafting Maye in April, New England’s entire staff has stuck true to their development plan for the 22-year old. Mayo shared the team did not deviate from that plan after a 1-4 start.
“I wouldn’t say the plan was expedited,” Mayo said. “At the end of training camp he was trending up and that hasn’t slowed down. He gives us the best chance to win.”
Maye’s first start will come against the Houston Texans, who enter Week 6 leading the league in pressure rate.
“There’s never a perfect time to make a change, Mayo said. “Every defense we play has the ability to rush and get after the quarterback.”
As for Brissett, the veteran will remain his captain status and serve as the backup quarterback.
“He was a warrior. As you guys know, he’s taken a lot of hits and just kept getting up,” Mayo said of Brissett.
“For a guy like that to be voted captain — in this situation — and continuing to be very supportive of Drake Maye, I tip my hat to Jacoby.”