Patriots coach Jerod Mayo answers big QB question ahead of Week 5

Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo walks to the microphones for to hold a press conference at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots have looked like arguably the worst team in football over the past two weeks, but that does not mean it is Drake Maye time.

Jacoby Brissett had another rough game in the Patriots’ 30-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday. The veteran went 19/32 for 168 yards, a touchdown and a brutal interception where he somehow did not see Niners linebacker Fred Warner standing right in the passing lane.

The calls for the Patriots to bench Brissett and start Maye are growing louder by the week. During his Monday morning appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said Brissett is “still our starter.” Though, Mayo made sure to emphasize that he has the right to change his mind.

“(He’s) still our starter. … And when we say those things, we always, always reserve the right to do something else — no matter what the position is,” Mayo said. “That’s how I operate. Like I said, I’m always gonna do what’s best for the organization.”

Some wondered if that was Mayo’s way of hinting that Brissett’s job is not safe heading into Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. The coach was asked to elaborate later in the day during his conference call with reporters, and he threw his full support behind Brissett.

“I’m not trying to send mixed messages. When I said I have the right to change my mind, I’m talking about the entire team. I always reserve the right to make a change at any given time,” Mayo said. “I don’t want the fans or anyone to think, ‘What is he talking about?’ Jacoby is 100 percent our starter. He’s 100 percent our starter and that’s how we’re gonna look at this going forward.”

The Patriots’ loss at San Francisco came a week after they were blown out 24-3 by the New York Jets. Brissett was benched for Maye late in that game, but the Patriots continue to insist they want to be patient with their rookie quarterback.

One recent report made it seem like the Patriots have a specific plan in mind for Maye this season . Another bad performance from Brissett and the team in Week 5 could have an impact on that plan, however.

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