The Patriots have yet to move rookie quarterback Drake Maye to the top of their depth pool — and it’s unclear when that will happen — but coach Jerrod Mayo has spotted something that could hasten that change.
“I think initially he was just trying to hold back and just be a good teammate,” Mayo told Scott Zolak via ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss during a pregame appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub Sunday night. “Now he’s competing for the starting quarterback spot. He’s really stepped up his preparation and production on the field.”
That doesn’t mean Maye is on the brink of winning the head coaching job. As Rice pointed out in his excellent Sunday column about the Patriots, Maye said on his latest weekly radio show that there is a broader process at work.
“We [development] “This plan may not be popular, but we’re doing what we think is right for the organization not only in the short term but also in the long term,” Mayo said.
For now, veteran Jacoby Brissett is the likely starter, with Maye potentially taking over later in the year.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, their bye week doesn’t come until Week 14. The extra days provide a huge opportunity to make changes.