The decision has been made. The announcement has not.
Jerod Mayo and New England Patriots decision-makers decided who will serve as the starting quarterback. But because Mayo did not tell the team the decision Wednesday morning -- he said it was "hectic" given roster cuts and waiver wire adds -- he did not want to tell reporters.
Wanting to tell players the news first is understandable, of course. Mayo said last week that's how he would operate. Opting not to tell them Wednesday so he didn't have to tell reporters, though, might be a sly move by the first-year head coach.
Regardless of whether or not it has been made public, though, the decision should be known. And Mayo more of less showed his hand Wednesday with one notable quote.
"I would say one thing," Mayo told reporters at Gillette Stadium, per a team-provided video. "I think it's important to remember what's good for the team today may not be good for the team weeks down the line."
I think it's important to remember what's good for the team today may not be good for the team weeks down the line.
Jerod Mayo
What's good for the Patriots now? If Brissett is behind center.
What would be the best scenario weeks down the line? If Maye takes over for Brissett.
"I think the challenge is, you want to win every single game now, but also, we're trying to build something special here in New England," Mayo said. "So that, to me, was a challenge."
Mayo said he planned to inform the team of his decision Thursday. The first-year head coach is not scheduled to meet with reporters until next week, however, so it's to be determined when the Patriots starting quarterback will become public knowledge.
So for now Patriots fans will have to read between the lines.
