Scott Zolak gave his take on the Patriots’ quarterback situation

As the Patriots‘ quarterback competition culminates with Jerod Mayo naming a Week 1 starter, a former New England signal-caller has his own thoughts on the matter.

Asked to decide between veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye, ex-Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak — speaking during a segment on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand” — acknowledged that he’s more of a fan of starting the third overall pick right away.

“I’ve always been a Week 1 guy,” Zolak said of starting Maye immediately, “but I’ve witnessed other things that I understand why he wouldn’t be in there in Week 1.”

Co-host Marc Bertrand tried to get an answer out of Zolak about who he actually wants to see in Week 1.

“I would’ve turned the keys over to him [on] day one,” added Zolak.

The expectation throughout training camp has been that the Patriots will start Brissett in Week 1, but probably hand things over to Maye within a few weeks.

Zolak expressed his disapproval with such a plan.

“I don’t see what the difference Week 1 to Week 3 makes,” he explained.

Eventually, co-host Marc Bertrand put a simple question to Zolak.

“Does Scott David Zolak want to see Drake Maye start Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, yes or no?”

“Yes, I do,” Zolak replied.

“I just think he’s that much better. It’s clear,” Zolak continued. “Game plan for him then.”

Given the concerns over the quality of the Patriots’ offensive line, many observers have suggested not putting Maye out there as the starter right away.

Still, Mayo acknowledged after the preseason finale that Maye has outplayed Brissett in the competition in training camp.

“Your third overall pick, he’s obviously talented, and the head coach just said yesterday that he’s outplayed Jacoby Brissett,” Zolak reasoned. “So I mean, you’re there. This is not like it’s neck and neck.”

Trying to take the take the point of view of the Patriots coaching staff, Zolak advocated taking the straightforward approach: As Maye won the competition, he should start.

“We’re not hem-hawing this thing, like ‘We’ve got to talk about it, see the tape, we’re not sure,’” the former Patriots quarterback said. “Because you got a little bit of that [Sunday] night when you clearly know [Maye’s] the best guy. He’s not the second best quarterback. He’s your best quarterback.”