It has been a question all summer who will be the New England Patriots starting quarterback in Week 1 of the regular season, and OC Alex Van Pelt left the decision up in the air when asked about the situation Thursday at training camp. After telling the media Jacoby Brissett is currently the starter, Van Pelt said, “I’m sure there’s a chance,” when asked if Maye could start Week 1.
Brissett did start for New England in their last preseason this past Thursday vs. the Eagles, but Maye entered the game after Brissett and played more snaps. In that contest, Brissett completed 3-of-7 passes for 17 yards and a pick, while Maye completed 6-of-11 passes for 47 yards and rushed for 15 yards and a touchdown on four carries. Maye made a far bigger impact than Brissett, but the latter has eight years of NFL experience under his belt – including his rookie season with the Patriots – compared to Maye, a rookie after being selected third overall by New England in this past NFL draft.
Given that the Patriots used a top-five pick on Maye, starting him right out of the gate and letting Brissett guide him behind the scenes feels like the logical move for this New England team that isn’t a contender this coming season. However, the Patriots have made many questionable decisions in the post-Brady era, and Brissett’s starting come Week 1 wouldn’t be a surprise in any way. New England plays their final preseason game this coming Sunday vs. the Commanders, and the team could use this game as a dress rehearsal for Week 1. Whoever gets the nod for the game might be the presumed starter for the regular season opener. On the other hand, the Patriots may rest all their key players this Sunday vs. Washington, and we won’t receive any clues about who will start Week 1.
All in all, while Maye may not open the season as the Patriots’ starter, the rookie will likely get a chance to start early in the season, and if he produces at even a solid level, Maye will likely hold the job for the rest of the way, given he is viewed as New England’s quarterback of the future. Maye threw for 62 touchdowns across his last two seasons at North Carolina, and while it’s a longshot, at +3500 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year on the DraftKings Sportsbook, Maye is a flier to consider for the award.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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