Patriots Coach Explains Lack Of First-Team Reps For Drake Maye

Drake Maye's practice usage perplexed fans throughout training camp, but for the Patriots coaching staff, the quarterback situation isn't that complicated.

Jacoby Brissett primarily took snaps with the first-string offense throughout training camp. However, momentum grew for Maye following New England's second preseason game, and the rookie's seen more reps with the starting offense this week.

"Obviously, we've got to get him out there and watch him play," offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters. "We'd obviously like to get him out there with the first group if we can and see him operate with the first offense."

Head coach Jerod Mayo kept the quarterback competition open as Brissett and Maye remained supportive of each other throughout the process. The Patriots didn't reveal their plans for their preseason finale this Sunday, but the decision to roll Maye out with the first-string offense against the Washington Commanders might not happen for one reason.

"Jacoby, right now, he's our starting quarterback," Van Pelt said. "The good news this week is we'll play everybody. We're still in the evaluation process. We have one more preseason game. Our guys are going to play, so that's going to give us a chance to evaluate."

Van Pelt believed there would be a "chance" for Maye to become the Week 1 starter and reiterated Matyo's rhetoric of a quarterback competition.

As of Thursday afternoon, New England did not confirm how much Brissett or Maye would play Sunday. But the 2024 first-round pick's chances of starting could depend on how he is deployed at Commanders Field.