With gap closing, Jacoby Brissett still believes he’ll start over Maye

The way Jerod Mayo talks about the Patriots’ quarterback situation is changing.

Heading into camp, Mayo said that Jacoby Brissett would likely be the starter because he is the most pro-ready quarterback. On Monday, Mayo said he doesn’t know who the Patriots’ Week 1 starter will be.

Mayo has said throughout camp that he considers there to be a competition at the position.

Brissett started out ahead in the competition, but rookie quarterback Drake Maye has seemingly narrowed the gap in recent weeks.

There was always the possibility that the No. 3 overall pick could come in and start right away, but as training camp draws to a close it appears the quarterback battle is closer than it has been all summer.

“He’s definitely progressing, doing a good job,” Brissett said of Maye. “He’s picking it up and doing a good job.”

Brissett told reporters on Monday that his mindset hasn’t changed despite the new developments.

“I still treat myself as if I am the starter,” Brissett said.

There has been speculation as to when Maye might be ready to play. Brissett said he is tuning that kind of talk out as he continues to focus on winning the battle.

“I can’t worry about that,” Brissett said. “I just go out there and do my job and I’ve been in this league long enough to know, a lot of crazy things have happened in my career and I wouldn’t be shocked by anything but at the same time I’m enjoying this process, putting my best foot forward and letting the chips fall where they may.”

The competition isn’t over, Mayo said recently. There are still a few more practices before the final preseason game and a couple weeks after that before the Patriots travel to Cincinnati for the season opener.

A strong finish will be key, Brissett said.

“Every day I come out here, I’m trying to do my best,” Brissett said. “It doesn’t matter if it was Day 1 or Day 39, I’m still trying to go out there and to my best. I don’t really worry about the competition, I’m mores just worried about myself and just being a good teammate.”