Drake Maye shares insightful perspective about what he learned during his five weeks on the bench

FOXBOROUGH, Mass - Drake Maye has spent the first five weeks of the season observing from the sidelines.

But now, it's his time to lead the team on the field.

The rookie quarterback spoke with reporters on Wednesday and explained what he's learned from watching Jacoby Brissett.

"I had five games of sitting on the sideline hearing the play calls, preparing for the game, preparing for a Thursday night game versus preparing for a Sunday afternoon game," Maye said. "I feel like we've balanced a lot of different things throughout the week, how to prepare, and just trying to tag along from Jacoby [Brissett], a veteran in this league who does a great job.

"I’ve learned so much from him and seeing how he goes about practice. That's been the best thing of watching Jacoby and watching how he handles the whole nine yards, whether it's preparing, handling teammates, handling y'all [laughs]. He's been great, and a great mentor."

And there was one specific advantage to watching things from the sidelines.

"Yeah, down the sideline, you get more of a view of the defensive structure, trying to see techniques up front from the defensive line, trying to see safeties, and trying to see back-end stuff," he added. "At the same time, you get the back view of what the quarterback's thinking.

"I try to do that, or try to stand behind Jacoby. I think that was my mindset, trying to get a feel of playing back there behind him, what it would be like, and you don't get a great view as you do in practice standing right behind him. I'm just trying to replicate that and play the game while I'm on the sideline."

Throughout the first few games of the season, much of the offensive issues were blamed on the offensive line. However, in recent weeks, a lot of that negativity has turned towards Brissett.

And because of that, it seemed like Maye was going to be the starter sooner rather than later.

However, this news didn't change how the rookie approaches the week because he's been preparing as the starter since September.

"Really, I was just trying to prepare and try to stay ready every week," Maye revealed. "I think that's the thing about this league. You never know when your number is going to get called, so try to stay ready."

He did take a moment to praise Brissett for his efforts in the first five weeks.

"Like I said earlier, Jacoby, I think he did all he could," Maye added. "I think he battled his butt off and was a great leader. I think the biggest thing is it's a winning league. We're sitting here at one and four, and I think those guys around here want to win.

Now he gets an opportunity to show everything he's learned on Sunday.