Patriots Legend Believes This QB Should Be New England’s Starter

Patriots fans should be excited about the progression of Drake Maye, who looked very impressive in New England's last two preseason games.

The Foxboro Faithful might not want to get too excited, though.

Yes, Maye showed flashes of a legitimate starting quarterback in limited action against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders. But as franchise legend Devin McCourty pointed out Sunday, we shouldn't put too much stock in what happens on the field in August.

As such, McCourty believes the Patriots should open the season with an experienced veteran behind center, not a rookie.

"I think it's still Jacoby’s job," McCourty told NBC, as transcribed by MassLive. "I know it's impressive watching Drake Maye, but you have to remember it is vanilla defenses in the preseason. It hasn't been Washington's starters. But they have to be encouraged by what they see. Drake Maye is getting better. From where he started in the spring to where he is now, it shows that he can be the guy someday for this team."

Bill Belichick echoed McCourty's sentiments Monday on "The Pat McAfee Show." While the ex-Patriots coach didn't advise Jerod Mayo on who to start at quarterback, Belichick did explain the grain of salt that should be taken from preseason performances. In fact, the future Hall of Fame coach always valued practice showings more than what he saw in exhibitions.

Thus, Mayo and company surely will many other factors in addition to preseason play when they determine a Week 1 starter. Several signs point to the nod going to Brissett, which would make sense for a variety of reasons.