As the preseason winds down and the regular season looms on the horizon, the New England Patriots face a crucial decision: Who will start at quarterback? Veteran Jacoby Brissett, who left the field with a shoulder injury during a game against the Commanders, has sparked speculation about the future of the QB position at Gillette Stadium. With rookie sensation Drake Maye making a strong case for the starting role, Head Coach Jerod Mayo might soon have to make a tough call.

NFL insider Michael Lombardi shared his thoughts on the situation during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “If I were in New England, I would play Brissett,” Lombardi stated. “Their offensive line is in such a state of disarray, and I don’t want to hurt the young rookie’s progress. Maye looks very good and has shown he has a future, but preseason is way different than the regular season.”

Lombardi’s cautious approach echoes the sentiments of Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick, who recently appeared on the same show. When asked about his thoughts on the quarterback situation, Belichick said, “I don’t think you really know how anybody is playing in the preseason, especially at the quarterback position. Most of those games are very basic, and I put more stock in what the players are doing in practice.”

Despite the veteran coach’s words, there’s no denying that Drake Maye has been impressive in the preseason. With Brissett sidelined, Maye took the reins against the Commanders and showcased his skills. Over five first-half series, he completed 13-of-20 passes for 126 yards and added a touchdown to his stat line.

After his strong performance in the preseason finale, Maye expressed confidence in his readiness. “Yeah, I think I would feel ready,” he said. “I think I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me and ready to get out there and try to help us beat the Bengals Week 1.”

The Patriots’ coaching staff, including Head Coach Mayo, has been impressed with the rookie’s poise and potential. As the first-round, third-overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, Maye has already generated a buzz in Foxborough. Now, the only question that remains is whether the Patriots will place their faith in the rookie or stick with the experience of Brissett as they embark on a new season. Either way, the decision will set the tone for what’s to come in New England.

Jerod Mayo discussing the potential role of Drake Maye going into the new season

Opening about his thoughts on the competition between Jacoby Brissett and Maye, the Patriots coach Mayo added, “I’m not going to get too far down the road on if Jacoby could play or couldn’t play. What I will say is this is a true competition.” But Mayo also conveyed that multiple things have to be considered before handing over the starting QB role.

“We have to take in the full body of work, going all the way back to the spring and beginning of training camp. And we’ll see where we end up,” the Patriots coach explained. However, Mayo was quick to point out the recent positives that could land Maye the nod of starting QB going into the new season, “It starts in practice and also in the game, where Drake has played better.”

But to continue his dilemma regarding the starting berth for QB, Mayo reiterates the significance of Brissett, “Oftentimes we forget about the overall experience that a guy like Jacoby has, which will also be weighted in the decision we have to make in the near future.” Currently, it seems Brissett would be the one who gets chucked into the fire before Maye could eventually take over.

However, for now, the 21-year-old could continue his learning curve while waiting for the opportunity that could knock on his door anytime during the season. As the battle for QB1 heats up, we can’t wait to see who gets the nod at Foxborough going into the 2024 NFL season.