FOXBORO — Patriots quarterback Drake Maye took the podium for his first press conference as the team’s new starter Wednesday. He was right on time.
Staying on schedule, Maye said, will also be the biggest key when he makes his his first career Sunday against Houston.
“I think the biggest thing is me playing on time,” Maye said. “Playing in rhythm and trusting the guys around me. The game plan is not going to change.”
The 22-year-old has replaced Jacoby Brissett, who led one of the NFL’s worst passing attacks through Week 5. The Patriots averaged a league-low 119 passing yards, while Brissett faced the highest pressure rate of any quarterback at 48.5% of his dropbacks. He completed 58.5% of his passes for 696 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo called both quarterbacks Monday night to inform them of his decision and met with Maye and Brissett on Tuesday. The rookie pushed Brissett at the end of training camp, even out-performing him over the final two weeks of practice and in the preseason. Maye has since built on that progress behind the scenes, and will now take almost all of the starting reps in practice.
“You don’t want to make the spotlight too big,” Maye said. “I think it’s a great opportunity, something you dream of — getting your first start in the NFL. I’m excited to get out with their guys, take advantage of having the full week to get prepared, and put my best foot forward and help the team win.”
Maye also credited Brissett for helping him develop his command of the offense and leadership on the sideline. He called Brissett “the ideal teammate.”
“I think the biggest thing is you hate it for him,” Maye said. “Jacoby fought his butt off, got up every time he was hit. Not only that, he kept that mindset of ‘next play.’ You see him on the sideline and the positive vibes he brought to this team and will still bring to this team. He’s a great mentor and great friend.”
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