Jerod Mayo: Jacoby Brissett is our quarterback until I say he’s not the quarterback

The Patriots gave rookie quarterback Drake Maye some work after Thursday’s 24-3 loss to the Jets, but that doesn’t mean the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft will now be promoted to QB1.

“Jacoby is our quarterback until I say he’s not the quarterback“, said head coach Jerod Mayo in his press conference on Friday. “I thought he showed a lot of toughness and grit last night. On protection breakdowns, he tried to do what we asked of him. But I would say we just have to get better as a team, as a coaching staff.”

Thursday was a rough night for the Patriots overall, but especially for the offense. The unit managed just 139 yards and 11 first downs, averaging just 2.9 yards per play. Brissett was hit hard, and the Jets totaled 15 quarterback hits. While Mayo criticized the team’s performance in pass protection, he said the problems are correctable.

Brissett completed 12 of 18 passes for 98 yards.

Maye completed 4 of 8 passes for 22 yards in his limited playing time, praising his athleticism.

“He can make all the throws,” Mayo said of Maye. “I thought it’s always tough to come off the bench at this point, no matter what position, but especially at the quarterback position. I thought he did well and tried to put a drive together. Something to build on. I thought it would be a good opportunity for him to go out there and do some live drills.”

While the Patriots have split some of the practice sessions between Brissett and Maye, Mayo does not plan to increase the rookie’s time on the first team offensive line.

“Right now, I’d say it’s still the status quo,” Mayo said. “I’ve said it before, Jacoby is still our starting quarterback. We just have to be ready to support him. There are 11 guys on offense, so everyone is involved. To answer your question, that’s really not up for debate right now.”

After a long weekend, the Patriots host the 49ers in Week 4.

“Our whole focus right now is to get to 2-2,” Mayo said. “I would say we have the bonus on Monday and we’re getting ready for San Fran. Everything is always being re-evaluated. But just to be clear: Jacoby is still our starting quarterback until I say he’s not anymore.”