Mayo offers fascinating perception into Brissett-Maye apply rep break up initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Boston
Jacoby Brissett is the beginning quarterback for the New England Patriots, however the workforce continues to be discovering a method to get rookie Drake Maye priceless reps in apply.
NBC Sports activities Boston’s Patriots insider Phil Perry reported earlier than Week 1 that Maye was getting extra reps with the starters in apply than most backup quarterbacks usually obtain. It is all a part of the Patriots’ growth plan for the No. 3 decide from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo principally confirmed that Friday morning. He was requested how the workforce balances making ready Brissett to play because the starter whereas additionally growing Maye, and if he envisioned a 70-30 form of break up in reps throughout practices.
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“That is undoubtedly correct. It isn’t a secret. We have now a quarterback within the wings that should proceed to develop,” Maye advised reporters in his press convention. “Usually, I might say the starter will get, to illustrate, 95% of the reps and the backup would not. With this, it is just a little bit completely different. We had a dialog, how can we – I assume the battle is, how do you get your beginning quarterback ready for the sport and likewise proceed to develop the man within the background, which is Drake.
“So, it is sort of a 70-30 break up. You are proper on the pinnacle. We’re very considerate. After we discuss (how) we have now a growth plan for Drake, that is a part of it. I attempt to not get too deep into what that plan really appears like, however he (Maye) nonetheless takes reps with the starters. He does a very good job on the (scout) workforce as effectively. He is doing a very good job, and you’ll see his confidence persevering with to develop.”
It isn’t a nasty plan. Maye wants as many reps as doable, and if he is not going to get them in video games, getting them in apply with the starters is the next-best factor. This workforce wants Maye to be as prepared as doable earlier than he steps onto the sector in an actual recreation for the primary time. That will not occur if he is solely getting a handful of significant apply reps every week.
Mayo additionally credited Brissett with understanding the Patriots’ plan and being a real skilled about it. A starter going from 95 p.c of the reps in apply to 70 p.c may not seem to be so much, nevertheless it’s definitely not typical.
“Yeah, since Day 1, I’ve all the time stated that he is a real skilled,” Mayo stated of Brissett. “I’ve all the time stated that he is an excellent mentor, not just for Drake, however the different quarterback within the room in (Joe) Milton. He understands. Look, he is an expert. He is received video games on this league. He understands that we drafted Drake because the No. 3 decide within the draft, and searching the entrance windshield, sooner or later in time – I do not know when that point will come –he’ll must go on the market and play.
“Simply seeing the connection within the quarterback room has been particular for me. It is extremely arduous. After we discuss checking your ego on the door, I might say that Jacoby is a kind of guys that’s egoless. He needs to do what’s finest for the workforce, not about him. Whether or not he throws for 150 yards or 350 yards, he is very constant and only a true skilled.”
It stays to be seen when/if Maye will see the sector this season, however the Patriots, to their credit score, seem like doing a very good job giving him an opportunity to be as prepared as doable when the second comes.
Within the meantime, Brissett will attempt to lead the Patriots to their first 2-0 begin since 2019 once they host the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s Week 2 matchup at Gillette Stadium.
