Patriots starting QB position remains up for grabs

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has declared that the competition for the starting quarterback job remains ongoing, leaving the door for rookie Drake Maye to start.

"We have three more days of training camp practices, and it's our job as coaches to evaluate and the competition isn't over," Mayo told media on Friday. "They have to show not only themselves and the coaches [but] also their teammates. So, it's definitely still a competition."

Mayo's comments come after a lackluster performance from veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in New England's second preseason game. Brissett played three series against the Eagles, completing 3 of 7 pass attempts for 17 yards and an interception. In the preseason opener, he played one series and failed to complete a pass attempt.

In contrast, Maye appears to be on an upward trend. After playing one series in the Patriots' preseason opener, Maye played four series against the Eagles and completed 6 of 11 pass attempts for 47 yards, adding a four-yard rushing touchdown. He would have racked up even more yards as Maye launched a deep ball to Javon Baker that the wide receiver let slip through his hands.

New England has committed a decent chunk of change to Brissett. The Patriots signed Brissett to a one-year, $8 million contract in March, an indication that he would be starting in 2024.

But now Mayo has opened the door for Maye and it makes a lot of sense to start him.

There is nothing like live reps in a game. If Maye is to improve as a quarterback, he needs playing time. With his performance in the preseason, the rookie has shown promising signs that he can be a quality starting quarterback in the NFL.

Brissett can play the Brian Hoyer role, a veteran who can guide Maye through his rookie season. Why do this with Maye on the sidelines when the rookie has shown that he can make the necessary throws and is already showing signs of growth in preseason?

So with Mayo declaring that there is a quarterback competition in New England, Maye should be declared the victor and thus the starting quarterback for Week 1.