Official team announcements and game lineups published by the New England Patriots and NFL records

Patriots Head Coach Jerod Mayo Names Rookie Drake Maye Starting QB with OC Support

Oct 10, 2024, 03:04 PM

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has announced the decision to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye, a choice supported by offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Mayo expressed disappointment that the news was leaked before he could inform the team, but he communicated the decision to the players this morning. Van Pelt, who previously believed Maye should sit rather than play, now supports the decision due to Maye's recent improvements in practice, including a perfect 6-for-6 performance during a blitz period in yesterday’s practice. Van Pelt cited the team's lack of production in the passing game and Maye's growth and development as key reasons for the change. Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington also noted Maye's positive performance against the blitz.