New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett took a crushing blow on a first-drive sack in the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. The QB stayed in a few more plays before being taken out and listed as questionable.
After the game, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that Brissett could have returned if it was a regular season game. The injury, however, provided more playing time for rookie Drake Maye, making Mayo's decision on the Week 1 starter more interesting.
"I talked to him, but we'll see [Monday]. You always feel a little bit more sore the next day," Mayo said of Brissett, via the official transcript. "But he said he was good."
With Brissett exiting early, Maye got more reps to flash the talent that made him the No. 3 overall pick. Playing behind a porous, mistake-filled offensive line, the rookie showed off his big arm, excellent athleticism and the pocket presence of a savvy vet.
Mayo is expected to name an opening-day starter early this week. The rookie said he'd be ready if the first-year coach called his number.
"Yeah, I think I would feel ready," Maye said. "I think I'm ready for whatever this football team asks of me and ready to get out there and try to help us beat the Bengals Week 1."
Mayo wouldn't say that the rookie would start if Brissett can't go.
"I would like to sit here and say 100 percent. He's our second-best quarterback on our roster right now," the coach said.
Brissett entered training camp squarely in the lead for the Week 1 gig, with the likelihood that Maye would take over at some point. However, the rookie has surged in recent weeks. The coaching staff has cooed about his enhanced leadership, and his play has improved each outing.
On Sunday night, Maye completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. There were some impressive throws, particularly in the face of pressure, which didn't affect his accuracy. The rookie's massive arm allows him to reach any area of the field, his athleticism adds another element, and the fearlessness in the pocket would be necessary behind a questionable offensive line. There were also negative moments, including bobbled snaps and some off-target tosses.
Maye's most impressive throw of the night didn't even count. He exited the pocket after feeling pressure from his right, rolling left. The rookie launched a deep shot on the move to a wide-open K.J. Osborn, who scampered into the end zone. The play was nullified by an illegal formation penalty but showed off Maye's tremendous upside.
If Brissett truly isn't injured enough to keep him out Week 1, Mayo's decision comes down to whether he and the club believe Maye will develop best on the field or learning from the sideline to open the season.
Mayo told reporters on Monday morning that multiple factors will be considered in deciding who is QB1.
"It starts in practice and also in the game, where Drake has played better," Mayo said, per ESPN.com. "In saying that, everyone wants to know who the starter is going to be. There are multiple factors that have to go into this decision. One is the total body of work, whether we're talking about the spring or the entirety of training camp. And I would also say, oftentimes we forget about the overall experience that a guy like Jacoby has, which will also be weighted in the decision we have to make in the near future.
"I'm happy with the way those guys are battling it out. Hopefully over the next couple days, we can name a starter and get the season rolling."
The thought entering camp was that the 21-year-old could use time learning behind Brissett before being chucked into the fire -- particularly given the questionable surrounding talent. However, Maye's made a clear push for the Week 1 gig. His improvement each preseason week could be an indicator that he'd learn best playing through any rough patches. The question is whether Mayo sees it that way or sticks with the original timetable.