The New England Patriots entered the 2024 season in a state of flux. With legendary coach Bill Belichick unceremoniously fired in the offseason, and Jerod Mayo stepping into the role as head coach, this is clearly a transitional year. But here’s the question: how long can the Patriots wait? With Jacoby Brissett under center and rookie sensation Drake Maye waiting in the wings, it’s clear that New England’s sights are set on the future, not the present.
But are they willing to throw away a season just to get there?
Jacoby Brissett: Just Keeping the Seat Warm
Look, no one is under any illusions here—Jacoby Brissett isn’t here to lead the Patriots to the promised land. He’s the definition of a placeholder quarterback, tasked with keeping the offense from completely imploding until Drake Maye is ready to take over. Let’s be honest, Brissett’s career has been defined by his ability to not screw up royally rather than by any flashy plays. He’s serviceable, but if you’re a Patriots fan, you’re counting the days until the inevitable quarterback switch.
That switch, though, is nowhere in sight. The Patriots are on their third starting left tackle in just three weeks of the 2024 season. The offensive line is in shambles, a ragtag group held together by duct tape and hope. Throwing Maye behind that O-line would be malpractice. So, for now, Brissett is the unfortunate guy tasked with taking snaps and absorbing the hits while the Patriots bide their time. But how long can they wait before it’s too late to salvage the season?
Offensive Line Woes: Can the Patriots Fix It Before Maye is Ready?
The Patriots' offensive line is, to put it bluntly, an unmitigated disaster. Injuries have decimated the unit, leaving Brissett scrambling for his life week after week. When you’re on your third left tackle by Week 3, you know things are bad. The line’s struggles have made it impossible for the offense to function effectively, and the thought of inserting Maye behind this mess is terrifying.
Maye, who was drafted No. 3 overall in April, is undoubtedly the future. But if you’re the Patriots, you’re probably looking at him like the expensive sports car you can’t drive until the roads are fixed. You can’t risk putting your franchise QB in harm’s way until there’s some semblance of stability upfront.
Right now, there is no timeline for when that stability might arrive, and that’s the most frustrating part for fans. The offense is essentially stuck in neutral until the offensive line can get healthy and cohesive.
Keion White: A Glimmer of Hope on Defense Amid the Chaos
While the offense flounders, the defense is doing its best to keep the Patriots afloat, and one player, in particular, has emerged as a beacon of hope: Keion White.
Judon’s departure wasn’t just about clearing cap space; it was about clearing the way for White to take center stage. And boy, has he made the most of the opportunity. With Christian Barmore sidelined indefinitely due to blood clots, White’s versatility and relentless motor have been critical in keeping the defense competitive. He’s a power rusher who has embraced the challenge of leading a defense that’s missing some of its biggest stars.
White is the future of this defensive front, and with Judon mentoring him from afar, it’s clear the Patriots see him as the cornerstone of their pass rush for years to come. He’s been a bright spot in an otherwise dark season, showing flashes of brilliance as the Patriots try to rebuild on the fly.
Mayo’s First Season: A Steep Learning Curve
Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach was never going to be easy, but it’s been even more difficult than anticipated. With the Patriots not just reeling from Belichick’s departure but also dealing with a slew of injuries, Mayo has been forced to navigate the toughest of circumstances. His defensive pedigree has been on display, as the Pats' D has remained competitive despite losing key pieces like Judon and Barmore.
Mayo, a former star linebacker under Belichick, knows the importance of strong defensive play, and he's relying heavily on players like White, Joshua Uche, and Davon Godchaux to keep the team in games. However, without a functioning offense, even the best defense can only do so much.
The Patriots' defense has the talent to succeed, but the question is whether Mayo can figure out how to get more out of his offense while the line continues to struggle. In today’s NFL, defense alone isn’t enough to win games—just ask Bill Belichick, whose legendary career ended after back-to-back subpar seasons. Mayo knows the stakes are high, but he's got time on his side. Or does he?
The Drake Maye Dilemma: When Will We See Him?
Every Patriots fan is wondering: When will Drake Maye take the reins? The rookie is the franchise's future, but there’s no telling when he’ll be ready to step onto the field. Until the offensive line issues are fixed, there’s no rush to play Maye—at least, there shouldn’t be. Putting him behind that disaster of an O-line would be career suicide, both for him and for Mayo’s young tenure as head coach.
It’s hard to be patient when your team is underperforming, but patience is exactly what’s needed right now. Maye’s time will come, but for the sake of his long-term development, it has to be at the right time. Right now, that time is not Week 3, nor does it look like it will be anytime soon.
The Harsh Reality: Can the Patriots Salvage 2024?
The Patriots are clearly in rebuilding mode, and it’s tough to watch. Brissett is merely a band-aid, and the offensive line is falling apart faster than Jerod Mayo can figure out a solution. The defense, led by the emerging Keion White, can only carry the team so far, and without any real offensive production, it’s hard to see how the Patriots will remain competitive as the season drags on.
The harsh truth is that the 2024 season may already be a lost cause unless the offensive line magically fixes itself. The Patriots need to be smart and protect their future—Drake Maye—while also building up the pieces around him so that when he does step onto the field, he has a chance to succeed.
Final Thoughts
The Patriots are stuck in a holding pattern, and it’s painful to watch. Jacoby Brissett is doing what he can, but he’s a known quantity. Keion White has been a revelation on defense, but even he can’t mask the glaring issues on the offensive side of the ball. Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach was always going to be tough, but it’s turning into a trial by fire.
The future may be bright with Drake Maye waiting in the wings, but the Patriots can’t afford to rush him onto the field before the team is ready. Until then, it’s going to be a long, frustrating season in New England.
Let’s just hope the wait is worth it.
