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When it comes to the New England Patriots, the future is bright with quarterback Drake Maye. However, for the present, Jacoby Brissett is the man leading the team.
Credit coach Jerod Mayo for sticking to his guns and not succumbing to public pressure.
The Patriots are in a rebuilding phase with slim chances of making the playoffs this season. Realistically, they are closer to competing for the No. 1 overall draft pick.
While Maye, the No. 3 overall pick, may have shown promise in the preseason and even outplayed Brissett, the decision to start the veteran QB in Week 1 is more about setting Maye up for success.
Starting a rookie quarterback, especially one like Maye, behind a weak offensive line and mediocre receiving corps is a risky move. The Patriots want to avoid a situation like what happened with Bryce Young in Carolina last season.
The team is transitioning into a new era post-Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. The focus for 2024 is on grooming Maye for future success while acknowledging the challenges of the present.
“I feel like we are all on the same page from an organizational perspective,” Mayo stated. “There are a lot of factors that led to this choice. The hard part is thinking in the short term and the long term at the same time.”
History shows that most first-round rookie quarterbacks benefit from sitting out initially. Patience is key in their development.
In terms of experience and mentorship, Brissett brings a wealth of knowledge to the table with five teams and 48 games started under his belt.
Maye has embraced the decision with maturity, understanding the circumstances and his time will come when he’s ready.
As the NFL season kicks off, keep an eye on other rookie quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix, each facing their unique challenges.
Every team, coach, and quarterback situation is different, but one thing remains constant — the journey to success takes time and careful planning.
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