Patriots linebacker stonewalls question on NE potentially benching Jacoby Brissett for Drake Maye
With the Patriots at 1-3 and the offense struggling to produce under Jacoby Brissett, a change at quarterback is on the cards. Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai was asked about it on "The Greg Hill Show" in a clip posted on Twitter/X on October 4. The linebacker was short on his response.
“You gotta ask Coach Mayo about that. My job is to make sure I make the right calls, make some tackles, and get the ball back in their hands,” the linebacker said.
He was also asked whether the locker room was calling for a change. Tavai stammered through his response, essentially declining to comment.
Entering Week 5, Jacoby Brissett has thrown 61 of 101 passes for 536 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Per ESPN, the quarterback's offense is ranked dead last in the league in average yards per game.
Without any star weapons to place around the quarterback, some are surprised by the results. Many fear that if a switch were to take place, the rookie would fare no better than the journeyman quarterback.
Drake Maye's preseason production teases instant success for change-happy Patriots fans
The New England Patriots have little idea of how the rookie will fit with the offense in the regular season. There was a brief showing earlier this season, but most of the rookie's preseason tape has teased those wanting to see change.
In Week 1 of the preseason, Maye completed two of three throws for 19 yards. Then, in Week 2, he completed six of 11 throws for 47 yards. However, his best performance came in his last preseason game, when he completed 13 of 20 throws for 126 yards and a touchdown. Drake Maye did not throw a single interception during the preseason.
However, the Patriots have lived through one recent example of a rookie quarterback thrown into the fire in his first season. Mac Jones started his career well enough but soon fell off the backside of the mountain.
The Patriots appear to be hoping to learn from that mistake in returning to the training format that gave them Tom Brady. Namely, letting their young rookie sit for an extended period. That said, the calls and pressure to start Drake Maye will only increase as Brissett's offense sputters. Will the Patriots be able to hold out all season?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "The Greg Hill Show" and H/T Sportskeeda.