Jerod Mayo is singing a different tune as it relates to the New England Patriots quarterback competition between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye.
Mayo labeled the veteran Brissett the starter at the beginning of training camp, but an impressive stretch from Maye has prompted New England's first-year head coach to open the competition back up.
Brissett, however, isn't too concerned with the change.
"Nah, man. I still treat myself as if I'm the starter," Brissett told reporters at Gillette Stadium on Monday afternoon, per a team-provided video.
It might feel awkward to those outside the confines of One Patriot Place. After all, a large portion of the fanbase is pulling for the third overall pick to rescue the Patriots in 2024. His improvement in training camp practices and preseason games has made for consistent headlines, too.
"I can't worry about that, I just go out there and do my job," Brissett said. "And, hey, I've been in this league long enough. A lot of crazy things have happened in my career so far and I wouldn't be shocked by anything. But at the same time, I'm enjoying this process, putting my best foot forward and letting the chips fall where they lay."
Brissett added: "That's what's kept me in this league so far is not listening to the outside noise. If that was the case, I would've been done in this league a long time ago."
The Patriots signed Brissett in free agency because of the type of veteran he is. He's viewed as a perfect bridge quarterback, someone who can compete for the starting job while not making things awkward for the rookie.
"If mentor means being a good teammate, then yeah, I guess I'm the perfect person for that," Brissett said. "That's how I look at it."
Brissett credited Maye for turning a corner since New England's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. He said Maye was "definitely progressing" and picking things up along the way.
That doesn't mean Brissett is going to make it easy for Maye, though. Brissett has made it a priority to finish training camp strong as the Patriots get set for their final preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.
"Every day I come out here I'm trying to do my best," Brissett said. "It doesn't matter if it was Day 1 or Day 39, I'm still going out there trying to do my best. I don't really worry about the competition, I more so worry about myself and then being a good teammate."
Mayo said the Patriots have not determined a starting quarterback since they have one preseason game remaining before ramp-up week before Week 1. Brissett will have to keep the pressure on during that stretch.
