Bill Belichick shares thoughts on rookie QB usage in preseason

Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick had a unique perspective on the preseason and how to judge rookie quarterbacks.

Belichick appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and helped establish a baseline for how the rookie signal-callers should be judged. This is especially relevant on the New England side of things with Drake Maye’s usage being a hot topic for debate.

He played on only one drive in last week’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, and this week against the Philadelphia Eagles, he played for the second and third quarters.

Joe Milton III has also seen extensive work in preseason action. Belichick noted that kind of experience could play a large factor for any rookie quarterback under center in the NFL.

“I think we’re going to have to judge the rookies when they get to the regular season,” said Belichick. “Preseason is a good time to gain experience and get a little bit of game exposure. Especially at the quarterback position, the defenses are very basic. There isn’t a lot of scheme.”

Maye could have an opportunity to get even more reps in the Week 3 preseason finale.

Getting that experience for the rookie would be important, even if he isn’t the starter. The Patriots have had to revamp their quarterback room, and it has undergone a youth movement. Now, it’s going to be about development.