Patriots HC reveals when Drake Maye will start over Jacoby Brissett

After weeks of silly takes and over-the-top breakdowns, rookie Drake Maye showed flashes during Thursday's 14-13 preseason loss against the Philadelphia Eagles that he can eventually become the New England Patriots' next long-term franchise quarterback.

With that said, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo isn't yet ready to alter his plans and name Maye his Week 1 QB1 over veteran Jacoby Brissett.

"For me, we always talk about competition, and that’s at all spots," Mayo told reporters following Thursday's matchup, as shared by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "So, even if Drake beats out Jacoby, I mean, he earned that role. ...When he’s ready to go, and if he’s better than Jacoby, then he’ll play; he’ll start."

Maye, the third overall pick of this year's draft, clearly trailed Brissett in an alleged competition for the starting role from springtime workouts through training camp and New England's preseason opener held on Aug. 8. Some previously suggested that sixth-round draft choice Joe Milton III was the best rookie currently in the Patriots' quarterback room , and at least one reader recently asked NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated if Maye was already "a bust."

Maye temporarily silenced criticisms when he completed six of 11 passes for 47 yards to go along with 15 rushing yards and a touchdown on four carries against the Eagles. The 21-year-old would've produced an even better stat line against Philadelphia if not for a costly drop on a beautiful deep ball.

"He had great composure," Mayo said about Maye. "I thought he went out there and did a lot of good things. Hopefully, he can build on that, and we’ll see how this week goes."

Chad Graff of The Athletic noted early Friday morning that Maye "probably" didn't do enough against the Eagles to change Mayo's mind about starting Brissett for the Week 1 game at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8. For what it's worth, Brissett endured a rough outing against Philadelphia that included tossing an interception and 3-of-7 passing for 17 yards.

"One of the reasons we drafted Drake was, through the interview process you could kind of tell this was an even-keeled guy," Mayo added. "...This guy doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low. He was like that in college. He was probably like that as a kid. He remains that way now, which is a good thing for a quarterback."

Maye should receive additional opportunities to impress in New England's preseason finale at the Washington Commanders on Aug. 25. Whether or not he'll enter that game with a chance to leapfrog Brissett on the depth chart shall be seen.