Drake Maye has no regrets after Jacoby Brissett wins job

Drake Maye played well enough this preseason to make a serious case that he should be the Patriots’ starting quarterback.

Many, including coach Jerod Mayo, would say that Maye outplayed Brissett.

And yet, Mayo announced Thursday that Maye will begin his rookie season backing up Brissett.

Maye did not seem disappointed by the decision as he took questions from reporters at his locker Thursday morning at Gillette Stadium.

“I wouldn’t say disappointed, obviously I want to play,” Maye said. “That’s the competitive edge in me. At the same time, I understand the situation. Jacoby has been in the offense and gotten the reps with ones all camp. So, I can’t say I’m disappointed but at the same time I want to be playing.”

Maye showed significant improvement at the end of training camp, not only feeling more comfortable with the offense but also correcting some of the issues with his mechanics he had coming out of college.

One particularly notable aspect of improvement was his footwork, which NBC’s Cris Collinsworth praised during the broadcast of the Patriots’ presesason finale loss to the Commanders.

Maye seems to have learned a lot this summer and says he doesn’t have regrets about the way the competition ended.

“I feel like I left it all out there. I have no regrets going back, and in the end that’s how it worked out,” Maye said. “Like I said, I’m going to keep the right mindset and I know this is the NFL. Shoot, it ain’t like anybody is just going out there and getting even second-team as a quarterback. Just be the blessed person I am and thank God for his blessings.”

Although he is the backup, the 21-year-old quarterback said he will continue to prepare as if he is the starter.

“I don’t think anything has changed, I came into this camp working and studying hard to be the starter and I don’t think that’s changed,” Maye said. “I’m still one play away, so just have to be ready for all circumstances and I’m here to help Jacoby and keep the vibes in the quarterback room up because nothing is going to change. I’m still rooting for him and cheering for him.”

Brissett, who was brought in to take the reins of the offense as Maye prepares and to mentor Maye, said he will continue to help Maye.

“He’s done a great job dating back from when he first got here to where he is now, it’s been a lightyear’s difference. He’ll say the same. I’m excited for his future. He’ll obviously be a good quarterback in this league. He kind of came up to me like man whatever you need I’m here for, and it’s the same thing for him from me.”

Brissett said he is excited to be the starting quarterback for the Patriots – the team that drafted him back in 2016.

“It’s nothing that I take for granted, that’s for sure,” Brissett said. “It will probably set in more when y’all leave my locker, but I’m excited. It’s been a lot of work, a lot of long days, long nights and the journey to get to this point. I’m grateful for this opportunity but I’m also excited for it.”