Patriots

“I know it’s impressive to watch Drake Maye, but you have to remember that these are standard defenses in the preseason.”

Devin McCourty is among those who believe Jacoby Brissett will be in the starting lineup for the Patriots in Week 1.

But the former All-Pro safety and three-time Super Bowl winner believes the decision will not be easy for Jerod Mayo and the New England coaching staff.

McCourty, who was part of the editorial team for NBC’s broadcast of the Patriots’ preseason game against the Commanders on Sunday, gave his assessment of the state of competition between the quarterbacks in New England during the meeting at Commanders Field.

“I think it’s still Jacoby’s job,” McCourty said when NBC’s Mike Tirico and Chris Collinsworth asked him about New England’s QB1, transcribed by MassLive’s Matt Vautour. “I know it’s impressive to watch Drake Maye, but you have to remember that in the preseason, they were mediocre defenses. They weren’t Washington’s starters.”

“But they have to be encouraged by what they’re seeing. Drake Maye is getting better and better. From his start in the spring to where he is now, it shows that he can be the guy for this team one day.”

Even Mayo admitted on Monday that Maye has played better than Brissett in the preseason, but that progress from the Patriots rookie could be wiped out in short order if Maye spends most of the regular season on the field due to a leaky O-line.

Considering Mac Jones went from a rookie Pro Bowl talent to the backup of a broken offense in 2023, it should come as no surprise that the Patriots want to proceed with caution with their latest first-round quarterback.

“Overall, I think they’re still more confident in Week 1 against Cincinnati putting Jacoby on the field to sort some things out,” McCourty noted. “I think what happened with Mac Jones is still fresh in the minds of the New England folks.

“If we put him on the field early and it’s not a good fit with the people we really want around him, is that going to ruin his career? I think they’re thinking about it. They’re not going to talk about it, but it has to be fresh in their minds.”

Keeping Maye on the bench while New England shapes its offensive line could be a smart move for a franchise that is likely still several seasons away from making a serious shot at a playoff spot.

However, McCourty also noted that New England’s current defense – one of the few expected bright spots on this 2024 roster – could become discouraged if Maye isn’t given a chance to breathe new life into a lackluster offense at some point this season.

“The way Drake Maye has performed the last two games is going to get some players excited – especially if you’re playing defense. You’re not in all the meetings and you don’t hear all the instructions, but you see it,” McCourty said. “If he keeps doing this, there are going to be players saying, ‘I want to see Maye out there.’ I think that makes it even more exciting.”