Following a 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins, it seems like change could be on the horizon for the New England Patriots.
The Houston Texans might have to start doing their homework on rookie quarterback Drake Maye for Week 6’s showdown.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that after Sunday’s loss, things must change if they plan on salvaging the season. Over the past several weeks, Mayo has remained committed to Jacoby Brissett despite underwhelming play.
That wasn’t the case Monday morning.
“He understands this, he touches the ball on every single play, and we didn’t win the game or score enough points to win the game,” Mayo said of Brissett. “I think he would echo that same sentiment, that it wasn’t good enough.”
The veteran signal caller wasn’t great. He completed 18-of-34 passes for 160 yards against Miami. He has just two passing touchdowns against one interception and 536 passing yards overall on the season while completing 58.5 percent of his passes.
After defeating the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, New England’s offense has been pedestrian at best. The Patriots have scored 26 points over the last three games.
New England enters Week 6 averaging 12.4 points per game. The offense has averaged 9.1 over the past three, all leading to losses and underwhelming production.
A QB change could soon be coming to New England, with rookie first-round pick Drake Maye potentially starting Sunday vs. the Texans. https://t.co/upeylmzyyR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2024
Maye, the No. 3 overall pick out of North Carolina, looked poised in his first appearance against the New York Jets in Week 2, completing 50 percent of his throws for 22 yards while rushing for 12 more.
Brissett isn’t the only problem. The Patriots offensive line is allowing third-highest mark in the NFL at 13.29 percent. They’ve allowed 19 sacks, 17 of which have come against Brissett.
Three of the six first-round quarterbacks from the 2024 class are currently starting. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is coming off his best performance with a three-touchdown day against the Carolina Panthers. No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels has been the most consistent rookie passer, totaling six total touchdowns (four passing and two rushing) over the past three games.
Opinion/analysis: Notable shift in Jerod Mayo's answers regarding QB situation in his day-after-game video conference compared to past weeks. Mayo said last week the way the team won its only game was "unsustainable" and he seems to strongly be considering switch to Drake Maye.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 7, 2024
Bo Nix, the final quarterback selected in the first round, has the Denver Broncos riding high at 3-2 while totaling five touchdowns against four interceptions. He’s also avoided the turnovers over the past three games.
For the Texans, playing a rookie could benefit them getting to 5-1. Houston forced seven sacks and two interceptions when Williams took center stage for the Chicago Bears in a Texans’ victory at NRG Stadium.
DeMeco Ryans could have his work cut out for him this week in terms of planning for a pair of passers instead of simply the veteran.
