Patriots HC Jerod Mayo's huge admission could signal shift on Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett battle

Veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett has seemingly been in the driver's seat all summer for the New England Patriots starting quarterback job.

The 31-year-old suffered a shoulder injury during the team's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, though. While early indications are that the issue isn't serious, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters on Monday that in his opinion, rookie first-round pick Drake Maye has performed better than Brissett this summer.

The Patriots open their 2024 regular season on Sept. 8 on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals and are just one of two teams that haven't officially named a Week 1 starter. The Pittsburgh Steelers are still choosing between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, though the latter is expected to receive the gig to begin the year.

Mayo said on Monday that he's hoping to name the starter "over the next few days."

Brissett finished just 2-of-4 with 19 passing yards against the Commanders before exiting with his injury, while Maye went 13-of-20 with 126 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. The third overall pick added three carries for 17 yards.

Maye ended the preseason 21-of-34 for 192 passing yards with one score and no picks, while Brissett finished 5-of-14 with 36 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.