Did Patriots HC offer hint about starting QB choice?

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo didn't name a starting quarterback on Wednesday, but he possibly dropped a hint.

Mayo said he has determined whether rookie QB Drake Maye or veteran Jacoby Brissett will start. However, he plans to notify the team in a Thursday meeting before announcing his decision.

"I think it's important to remember what's good for the team today may not be good for the team weeks down the line," Mayo said, per Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports Boston. "So I think the challenge is, you want to win every single game now, but also we're trying to build something special here in New England."

Hartwell thinks Mayo's comment suggests he's leaning toward starting Brissett in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"When Mayo says the Patriots are 'building something special,' that appears to be a reference to Maye's long-term potential, which the team could jeopardize by starting the rookie QB right away behind a porous offensive line," wrote Hartwell. "So, while fans might clamor for Maye to start after his strong preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, Mayo could still be inferring it's in the team's best interest to start an experienced veteran like Brissett instead of rushing the rookie into action."

It's easy to argue Maye outplayed Brissett in the preseason, though. The No. 3 overall pick out of North Carolina completed 21-of-34 passes for 192 yards and one TD in three games. Brissett, meanwhile, completed 5-of-14 passes for 36 yards and one interception.

The Patriots probably don't want to rush Maye's development, which is understandable. Still, even if Mayo names Brissett the starter, don't expect the rookie to remain on the bench for long.

The 21-year-old probably has more upside than 31-year-old Brissett and may become the face of the franchise. More importantly, he could give the Patriots a better chance of winning in 2024.