Does Jacoby Brissett still believe he’s the Patriots’ starting QB?
“I haven’t heard anything differently. So that’s what I gotta go off of.”
Even before Drake Maye’s encouraging performance in the Patriots’ preseason finale against the Commanders on Sunday, Jacoby Brissett stood firm on his stance about New England’s QB depth chart.
“I still treat myself as if I am the starter,” Brissett said on August 19.
And with the preseason now in the rearview mirror, the 31-year-old veteran has not changed his stance about where he lands on New England’s pecking order under center.
During his weekly appearance on WEEI Tuesday, Brissett was asked if he believes he’s still the starting quarterback for the Patriots entering Week 1.
“In my mind, I am,” he responded.
When pressed if his comments meant that he’d be starting against the Bengals on Sept. 8, Brissett once again shared the same message.
“Uhh, like I said, in my eyes, I am,” Brissett said. “I haven’t heard anything differently. So that’s what I gotta go off of.”
Brissett’s comments generally fall in line with the sentiment shared by Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt over the last week when it comes to Brissett’s standing as the team’s starting QB.
Even though Mayo acknowledged on Monday that Maye has “outplayed” Brissett during preseason action, he did note after Sunday’s preseason loss to Washington that the rookie QB is still the “second-best quarterback” on New England’s roster.
Those comments might clash with the stats drawn from three preseason contests, but Van Pelt noted last week that Brissett’s experience might be the deciding factor in who gets the starting nod for Week 1.
“(Quarterback is) the hardest position in sports,” Van Pelt said. “Especially for a rookie guy coming in and not seeing all the defenses that they’re going to see in the NFL, it’s tough.
It’s hard to transition in, and it takes a little bit of time. So, we’re going to be as patient as we can with that process. … “There’s certain things in this offense that Jacoby, having played in this offense, understands some of the tools you can use to get you out of certain situations, pressure situations, things like that, that Drake is still learning.
“He has really been impressive the last two weeks in practice and in the game, and he’s moving in the right direction, for sure. But again, a rookie quarterback coming in and playing — obviously Jacoby has tons of experience, not just in the NFL but in this system, and we’ve won games with him in Cleveland, so I feel comfortable with his understanding (of the offense).”
Of course, one particular hurdle that could hinder Brissett in Week 1 is his ailing shoulder — as the veteran was deemed questionable in Sunday’s loss to the Commanders after getting sacked by Washington defensive lineman K.J. Henry.
But Brissett noted on WEEI that he’s not worried about the injury and its chances of lingering into the regular season.
“No, not at all. “Like I said, it was a precautionary measure [leaving the game],” Brissett said. “I feel 100 percent fine. I’m good.”
Even though the Patriots likely entered the preseason with the expectation of Brissett serving as a bridge starter while Maye marinates from the sideline, the rookie’s encouraging play — coupled with Brissett’s lackluster results — have narrowed the gap between the two signal-callers.
Over three preseason tune-ups, Brissett completed five of his 14 pass attempts for 36 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
But even though his baseline stats may not hold up to the promise showcased by Maye (21-of-34, 192 passing yards, 32 rushing yards, two touchdowns), Brissett still feels as though he’s in a good spot entering the 2024 season.
“Preseason I wouldn’t say was a definite reflection of what the training camp practices and OTA practices have been,” Brissett said. “I’m not (playing) in preseason as much as other guys. So, preseason was, I guess, not a great average, or whatever the case may be. But like I said, it wasn’t a reflection of what practices have been, and how I’ve performed.
“I feel good about what I’ve put on film as far as practice, and things like that,” Brissett added. “Obviously, I’d want a couple plays back in preseason.
“But I think for the most part, preseason, for me, was making sure that guys — since I’ve been in this offense before — are cleaning up the operation as far as in-game, getting in and out of the huddle, getting to the line of scrimmage, calling plays. … Seeing me and [Van Pelt] having that connection from back when I was in Cleveland, and how guys are going to hear it on Sundays going forward. I thought it went really well.”
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