The talk during the week was not so much about starter Jacoby Brissett. It was more about Drake Maye, and when he might take over as the starter. Nothing seemed imminent, but he was closing in.
The rookie had mop-up duty in the Patriots 24-3 loss to the New York Jets in their Week 3 game Thursday night. He didn’t necessarily do anything in the game to suggest that he might be ready to assume the starter’s job, but members of the coaching staff were highly complimentary of how much Maye had stood out at practice. He also showed he was capable of taking hits in a game.
That said, the job still belongs to Brissett, until it doesn’t. The veteran, who was at the helm against the San Francisco 49ers, has had to persevere through numerous hits and takedowns thanks to an offensive line that has struggled to pass block.
While Brissett had done well to survive, the offense hadn’t done much in way of scoring, averaging just 13 points per game.
Was Brissett able to get anything going against the 49ers? Was he able to find a passing game by going with shorter quicker passes?
Like the Jets loss, Brissett was once again under siege, getting sacked six times. He was hit 10 other times. He fumbled the ball three times, losing one.
He wasn’t able to accomplish much in the 30-13 to the 49ers. It was pretty much Groundhog Day for the Patriots quarterback.
Brissett: The start wasn’t pretty. And it didn’t get much better after that.
The Patriots, who had largely played clean football through the first three games, committed two turnovers in the first half alone.
Brissett had gone turnover-free, but threw a pick-six at the start of the second quarter.
Brissett had good pass protection, and had receivers open, he just didn’t see them. In a game where Jerod Mayo wanted his quarterback to get rid of the ball quickly, Brissett held on to the ball too long. As he delivered it, he was hit, and the ball was picked off by Fred Werner, who took the ball back 45 yards for the score.
While Brissett was hit and sacked, per usual, this wasn’t the veteran’s finest hour. He was much too deliberate. He’s not getting the ball out fast enough.
Players were getting open.
It also didn’t help having Rhamondre Stevenson turn the ball over with his fourth turnover in as many games. That led to points, as the Patriots trailed 20-3 at the half.
The Patriots needed a fast start, and Brissett went 8-for-13 for 54 yards, with the pick. He was sacked four times.
Brissett wasn’t helped by losing both center David Andrews and tackle Caedan Wallace before half time.
Their best play of the game for the Patriots offense came in the third quarter. Brissett threw to Pop Douglas on a third down play. Douglas, in turn, lateraled to Stevenson who picked up the first down, and more. It was a nice little wrinkle, but Tyquan Thornton was flagged for an illegal block in the back.
The Patriots did convert on a turnover, with Brissett hitting Austin Hooper on a fourth down play from the six to draw to within 20-10, but that was as close as it got.
Brissett finished 19 for 32 for 168 yards. He threw a TD pass, an interception, and lost a fumble. He was sacked six times.
There will likely be more clamor for Maye during the week. Some may have liked to see him against the 49ers after halftime.
That wouldn’t have been the best choice, given the injuries and struggles to the offensive line. With the type of pounding Brissett has endured, it wouldn’t be the best way for Maye to learn on the job.
