Jerod Mayo’s Patriots fell to their third straight loss since their opening-week victory in Cincinnati. In their latest defeat, the Patriots’ offense yet again failed to show any fight, as they lost 30-13 to the 49ers in San Francisco. After this defeat, fans in Foxborough have seemingly had enough of Jacoby Brissett leading the Patriots week in and week out to embarrassing defeats.

On popular demand, New England fans are waiting for Drake Maye to take on the reigns and offer some much-needed breathing space to this struggling offense. When asked to respond to those fans’ frustrations on The Greg Hill Show, Mayo said, “We evaluate things every single week. I think the hard part about it. All the fans, you guys here, media. They want to see the third-overall pick play. And I understand the frustration from the fans.” 

Well, it’s understandable what the Patriots fans are demanding, as Brissett’s start to this season isn’t something to look back upon. After four games starting for New England, Brissett is 61-of-101 passes for 536 yards with only two TDs. However, these aren’t the only numbers that have led to fans calling out Brissett to be dropped. As the 31-year-old has been sacked a whopping 15 times with one interception. The offensive lines’ misery is also on display.

Even this Sunday, Brissett made a costly mistake that resulted in a pick 6 by 49ers LB Fred Warner. His returning it for a 45-yard touchdown summed up the Patriots QB time in New England. Adding to his thoughts about making a possible change, Mayo stated, “We came into the season with a plan, and we’re going to execute that plan, knowing that we’ll take our bumps and bruises along the way.”

On the same podcast, Mayo also stated, “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 and that’s how I have to look at these things… I think there’s a combination of multiple things I have to deal with.”

But how many losses will it take for Mayo to finally move on from his decision to start Jacoby Brissett? Well, for now, there don’t seem to be any changes forthcoming in the next few weeks. However, former Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has seemingly asked the fans to calm down on a possible change, offering his insights on it.

Rob Gronkowski rallies behind Jerod Mayo’s decision to stick with Jacoby Brissett

Since hanging up his cleats in 2022, Rob Gronkowski has taken up the role of an analyst for Fox Sports Network. He expressed his thoughts about a change in the Patriots quarterback position. Gronk shared, “New England Patriots fans, I know what you’re saying. Put Drake Maye in. This offense needs a spark. But I’m telling you, it will be the same old story with Drake Maye in if he replaces Jacoby Brissett. He’ll be getting sacked. The offensive line will be letting guys go through, putting pressure on him. You don’t want to ruin his confidence.”

Seeing Gronk’s concerns with the offensive line, like we alluded to earlier, he is nowhere to be contradicted. Brissett was sacked six times in San Francisco. Even Maye, who made his debut against the Jets last week, got sacked two times during the final 5 minutes.

Although Maye has continued to impress in practice, he has since doubled down on Brissett’s role in New England, “At this point, Jacoby is our starting quarterback. I haven’t watched any film or anything like that. He’s been a great leader. He just broke the huddle down after I talked to the guys. We have to watch the film. We’re always evaluating every single position.”

For now, it looks like Brissett would be the one leading the Patriots out in next week’s clash against the Dolphins. Until the same problems continue to hover above the Patriots team, Drake Maye might have to wait for his full debut in Foxborough colors.