The New England Patriots starting quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, suffered a shoulder injury during the team’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders. Coach Jerod Mayo mentioned that Brissett could have continued playing if the game plan involved using him for a longer duration. Brissett’s injury occurred after a sack by Washington’s KJ Henry, with the force of the impact landing on Brissett’s right shoulder. Despite the injury, Brissett stayed in the game for a few more plays before being pulled out. If Brissett’s injury proves to be severe, the coaching staff will have to consider their options, including rookie Drake Maye.
After Brissett’s injury, rookie Drake Maye took over as the Patriots’ quarterback. Maye performed reasonably well, going 13-of-20 for 126 yards and throwing one touchdown on his first drive. He also showcased his mobility with a 17-yard run that set up a scoring opportunity for the team. However, Mayo refrained from committing to Maye as the second-best quarterback on the roster, stating that he needs to review the game film before making a decision. Maye’s performance, combined with the surrounding offensive cast, will play a crucial role in determining the team’s quarterback situation moving forward.
The Patriots’ offensive line faced several challenges during the game, including multiple penalties and execution errors. The top offensive line, excluding center David Andrews, was flagged for eight penalties, with several infractions related to incorrect alignment. These penalties, along with other errors such as a bad shotgun snap and a botched center-quarterback exchange, highlight the need for improvement in the offensive line’s performance. The cohesion and reliability of the offensive line are essential for protecting the quarterback and sustaining offensive drives effectively.
In addition to Brissett and Maye, the Patriots have rookie Joe Milton III and third-year veteran Bailey Zappe on the quarterback depth chart. As the team approaches the deadline to trim the roster to 53 players, decisions regarding the quarterback position become even more critical. Mayo has consistently maintained Brissett as the starter throughout training camp, emphasizing the opportunity for Maye to compete for the position based on his performance. The competition among the quarterbacks and the overall depth of the position group will influence the team’s final roster decisions.
Jacoby Brissett’s injury presents a significant challenge for the New England Patriots as they navigate their quarterback situation heading into the regular season. The performance of backup quarterback Drake Maye, the effectiveness of the offensive line, and the overall depth of the quarterback position will be crucial factors in determining the team’s strategy moving forward. As the coaching staff evaluates the extent of Brissett’s injury and assesses their options, the Patriots must prioritize stability and efficiency in the quarterback position to set the tone for a successful season.
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