On Thursday, the Patriots head coach, Jerod Mayo, decided to announce the starting QB going into the regular season. Although most of us thought that rookie QB Drake Maye would be the one leading the team out in Foxborough, Mayo seemed to have other plans, as he named Jacoby Brissett as the starting QB for the 2024 season.

Tom Brady, who had won six Super Bowl titles during his time at the Patriots, was asked whether he would be willing to start Drake Maye on the Herd w/Colin Cowherd show. “I think it’s best for rookie quarterback to watch a veteran do it,” answered the seven-time Super Bowl champion. But Brady didn’t stop there as he went on to cite quite a few examples, stating that Brissett is the right choice considering Maye’s first year in the NFL.

Among those examples, Brady remembered his first year in the NFL, “I sat behind Drew Bledsoe my first year. What a great player he was. Someone that I got to watch and learn from.” Well, the ex-Patriots legend also referred to the four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who had spent years watching Brett Favre do it in Green Bay. However, among all those examples, one that stood out the most was the reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.

The three-time Super Bowl champion had to watch Alex Smith for a season before getting his turn at Kansas City. Looking at Brady’s references, he might not be wrong, as Bryce Young failed miserably after leading the Panthers in his first season in the NFL. Elsewhere, Jordan Love learned from Packers legend Aaron Rodgers after spending two years as a backup.

But C.J. Stroud’s first season in the NFL for the Texans remains the only exception, where he went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year while guiding his team to the playoffs. However, it remains to be whether the Patriots’ plan with Maye will pay off or whether the problems at the Foxborough will continue into the regular season.

Patriots handing Drake Maye backup QB role going into the regular season

Although Maye finished his preseason with 21-of-34 for 192 yards while scoring one TD and no interception, it wasn’t enough for him to lead his team. At the same time, Brissett, who managed just 5-of-14 for 36 yards with no TD and one interception, was given the vote of confidence by head coach Jerod Mayo.

“We have decided, or I have decided, that Jacoby Brissett will be our starting quarterback this season. In saying that, as an organization, we are 100% behind Jacoby,” announced Mayo before the regular season. It seems like Brissett’s experience and plans dating back to spring might have prompted Jerod to make this decision. Because looking at preseason games, Mayo was the outright winner waiting for his opportunity to lead the team.

However, Maye was rather accepting of the decision, although it somewhat went against him, “I feel like we’re all on the same page from an organizational perspective. There were a lot of factors that led to this choice. I think the hard part is thinking in the short term and the long term at the same time.” But finishing on his thoughts, the rookie QB also mentioned how he would continue to prepare like the starter, citing an opportunity could come anytime during the season.

Well, it would be up to Maye whether he can handle the pressure that comes with playing in the regular season fixtures. If he continues to practice while learning the necessary moves, he might be able to solve the Patriots’ problem at QB since Tom Brady vacated the spot in 2020.