Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo keeps it real about QB Jacoby Brissett after loss to 49ers
All throughout the spring, summer, and now fall, the New England Patriots have been asked the same question over an over again: When are you going to start Drake Maye? However, head coach Jerod Mayo and the rest of the team have continued to voice their support for veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who was named […]
All throughout the spring, summer, and now fall, the New England Patriots have been asked the same question over an over again: When are you going to start Drake Maye?
However, head coach Jerod Mayo and the rest of the team have continued to voice their support for veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who was named the starter prior to Week 1. But with each loss, Mayo's answer about the possibility of a quarterback change becomes even more important.
On Sunday, the Patriots suffered their third straight loss, dropping to 1-3 on the season. And because of that, many fans are calling for something different.
“As this point, Jacoby is our starting quarterback,” Mayo said. “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 and we’ve gotta watch the film. We’ve got a long flight to go back to watch the film and we’re always evaluating every single position.”
Brissett has not had it easy since rejoining the Patriots. He has taken hit after hit, and a lot of that is because of the issues on the offensive line. New England has been forced to start four different offensive tackles in the four games this season. And then, starting center David Andrews went out with an injury on Sunday.
But despite how hard he gets hit and any discomfort he might be feeling, the quarterback gets up each and every time.
“What I will say about Jacoby is that he’s tough, both mentally and physically. This guy’s going out there, he is taking some huge shots and continues to get back up. Sometimes you’re like, ‘Man, is he okay?’ You're watching him for a while. But he is a tough guy and I would never use the word ‘skittish’ with a guy like that.”
In the loss to the Jets in Week 3, Mayo made the decision to put Maye in for the final drive. So was that a consideration this week?
"No thoughts today," he said.
Brissett has the respect of the entire locker room for his perseverance and toughness. Earlier this week, tight end Austin Hooper called him a "tough SOB," and Hunter Henry further praised the quarterback after the loss.
"Jacoby’s just a warrior, standing back there and taking hits," Henry said. "Love playing with Jacoby.”
Nobody expected Maye to be on the sideline for the entire season. He was always set to replace Brissett at some point. And Mayo did mention that they have got to "watch the film," because they are "always evaluating every single position." So we'll see if this changes this timeline.
