‘Maye-day next week’: Scott Zolak explained why he thinks Patriots should start Drake Maye in Week 5

"Let him grow."

Scott Zolak’s take on the Patriots quarterback situation: After another tough day for the Patriots — and specifically the Patriots offense — the chorus of Drake Maye advocates grew a little bit louder in the wake of the 30-13 defeat to the 49ers.

One of the voices speaking most directly on the subject is former Patriots quarterback and current radio co-host and team broadcaster, Scott Zolak.

Asked after the game by WBZ’s Dan Roche about the prospect of Maye replacing current starter Jacoby Brissett, Zolak advocated for the switch to happen in time for the upcoming Week 5 matchup with the Dolphins.

“Oh I think ‘Maye-day’ next week,” said Zolak. “I would.”

Zolak’s reasoning was straightforward.

“Because I don’t think this is going to get any better,” he said, “and I think Jacoby is a tough kid — I appreciate everything he does — he’s not going to be able to elevate this.”

The longtime Patriots commentator cited Brissett’s costly interception during the loss against San Francisco (which 49ers linebacker Fred Warner returned for a touchdown) as proof that the veteran signal-caller is not the answer for the team at this time.

He also noted that New England wide receiver Demario “Pop” Douglas was open on “three or four plays” that the Patriots failed to get him the ball. After getting a surprise win in Week 1 with a run-heavy scheme, Zolak thinks the word is out on how to shut down Jerod Mayo’s team.

“Now, everybody has tape on you,” said Zolak. “I’m sitting up there [in the press box] calling the game, you’ve got one high safety, ten guys at the line of scrimmage. They don’t fear you. They’re not going to back off. You’re going to get more and more of that. You’re going to play better defenses.”

Roche quickly asked Zolak why he thinks the result will be any different with Maye in the lineup given the lack of pass protection.

“The offense will change,” he argued, citing comments made by New England offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt several days earlier. Van Pelt promised that the Patriots will adapt the play-calling to Maye’s skillset when (or if) he plays in 2024. Zolak concurred

“You’ve got to adapt a little bit to how these kids play.”

“Drake’s going to go out there, he’s going to make mistakes,” Zolak concluded. “There’s going to be some sloppy play, so if you’re 1-3 and your offense is not giving you anything right now, let him go out there. Let him grow. Get him in there with [Ja-Lynn] Polk, get him in there with [Kayshon] Boutte, with Pop [Douglas], let’s see what happens.”

Trivia: Scott Zolak was selected with the first pick of the fourth round in the 1991 NFL Draft. What player was chosen one pick before him?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: Originally drafted by the Giants, he went on to win a combined three Super Bowls with the 49ers and Broncos. Two of his sons are currently on NFL rosters.

Scores and schedules:

The Patriots lost to the 49ers 30-13 on Sunday, falling to 1-3 on the season. New England will face the Dolphins at home in Week 5 on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Also on Sunday, the Red Sox closed out the 2024 season with a 3-1 win over the Rays. Boston finished the season 81-81.

And in WNBA playoff action the Connecticut Sun defeated the Minnesota Lynx 73-70 in Game 1 of the semifinal matchup.

More from Boston.com:

Joe Castiglione signs off: The legendary Red Sox broadcasting figure closed out his final call at the end of the 2024 season on Sunday.

On this day: In 2001, the Patriots destroyed Peyton Manning and the Colts 44-13 in Tom Brady’s first career start. With Drew Bledsoe sidelined, the hitherto unknown Brady stepped in and completed 13 of 23 passes for 168 yards.

Fortunately for Brady, Bill Belichick’s defense forced three interceptions from Manning (two of which were returned for touchdowns).

Daily highlight: Amid the U.S. win in the Presidents Cup, Max Homa nailed a satisfying shot on the first hole of the day.

Trivia answer: Ed McCaffrey