It would be easy for New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo to feel the pressure to play rookie quarterback, and the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft Drake Maye after the franchise’s disappointing start to the season.
Four games in, and the Patriots’ Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals is looking more and more like an aberration as quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been asked to withstand a constant barrage of pressure behind New England’s patchwork and overmatched offensive line.
Jerod Mayo Won’t Rush New England Patriots Rookie Drake Maye
However, it doesn’t sound like Mayo is anywhere close to making the change at quarterback, or subjecting Maye to the kind of punishment Brissett has faced this season.
“Jacoby is 100% our starter,” Mayo told reporters during his day-after-game video conference. “He’s done a good job doing what we’ve asked. Are there a lot of plays he could do a better job? Absolutely. But I would never question his toughness, dependability and leadership style for this team. That’s what we need right now.”
Brissett has been a capable veteran placeholder for Maye, especially given the Patriots’ limitations on offense.
On the season, Brissett is completing 60.4 percent of his passes for 536 yards with two touchdowns to two interceptions.
But, Mayo seems understand the damage that putting may behind this offensive line and with these Patriots receivers could do to a rookie quarterback.
“I think the hard part about it,” Mayo said during an interview with WEEI Radio in Boston. “All the fans, you in the media, they want to see the third-overall pick play. I understand the frustration from fans and [media]. What we’re doing is what we think is best. What I’m doing is what I think is best for the Patriots today and also in the future.”
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