Readers share overwhelming support for the Patriots starting QB

On Thursday morning, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters at a press conference that veteran quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, will start for the beginning of the season. 

“There were a lot of factors that led to this choice,” said Mayo at yesterday’s conference. “I think the hard part is thinking of the short term and the long term at the same time. As an organization, we feel like Jacoby gives us the best chance to win right now.”

As a strong contender for this season, rookie quarterback Drake Maye challenged Brissett for the job.

Maye performed impressively in preseason games, drawing attention as the potential starting quarterback after Mac Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this year.

Many fans were eager to have the rookie quarterback start this season, in hopes of bringing home another championship ring. However, readers agreed with Mayo’s selection of Brissett.

“I think Jacoby is worthy of the opportunity, and this will allow us to maximize Drake’s readiness,” wrote Jonas Z., from Farmington, New Hampshire. 

A majority of the more than 200 readers polled agreed with this sentiment. 

“Reluctantly, I agree with this decision. If your future quarterback is Maye long term, with the O-Line they currently have, it just makes sense,” wrote Frances J. from Cambridge. “He could get pounded on a weekly basis by first-string defenses and that could wreck his confidence, instill bad habits, and generally ruin your first round pick.” 

Respondents who disagree with the decision believe that putting Maye front and center could be a learning opportunity for the rookie.

“Let Maye learn under fire,” wrote Alan M. from Topsfield.

With overwhelming support from fans, here’s a sampling of reader reactions, and the benefits and downsides of starting Brissett over Maye this season.

I agree: ‘Brissett has more experience’

“It provides Maye an opportunity to look, practice and learn without the additional pressure to perform immediately.”

– Karen R., South Easton

“The O-line needs more time to develop, Maye will get too physically and potentially psychologically beat up if they throw him out there right away. Mac Jones tenure in NE is a good case study in what happens when a QB’s psyche gets damaged.

“Also, give Brissett credit. He’s got years of experience in tough situations and has played some of his best football in recent years despite limited opportunities to play. I worry he’s gonna get injured but he’s the right guy to start right now.”

– Rhys P., Charlestown

“Brissett has more experience that will matter when the games start to count. Let Maye develop. He’s clearly got talent and is the future guy, so don’t rush him out there and set him up for failure like Mac Jones was. Also, don’t want that O-Line beating Maye up. Seems like the Patriots as an organization understand what’s at stake and made a sound decision.”

– D.D., Berkeley

“Let Maye take it all in, as a student.”

– Bill, Saugus

“We want Drake to evolve more over time and sitting him initially will offer him more time being mentored by Jacoby. It’s a long season and things do happen and I’m sure Drake will be READY when his time comes, later in the season. Also, if I’m to believe it, the offensive line is not at its best right now and we don’t need Drake to get injured at the beginning of the season because some of the linemen are not effectively protecting our quarterback.”

– Mark C., Wrentham

“No reason to rush the kid. Let him develop a la Patrick Mahomes.”

– Tim, Hingham

I disagree: ‘The best player should be starting’

“Maye gives them a chance to win. Brissett does not.”

– Jonathan E., Wellesley

“He was picked by the coach for the wrong reason. The best player should be starting.”

– Bob, North Shore