Is It Time for the Patriots to Move on from Jacoby Brissett and Hand the Reins to Drake Maye?
The New England Patriots have found themselves in the midst of a turbulent 2024 season, and frustrations are mounting both within the locker room and among fans. With the team sitting at a disappointing 1-3, questions are swirling around the quarterback position, coaching staff, and the overall direction of the franchise. Amid these growing concerns, a particular moment stood out when the Patriots removed an episode of their Catch 22 podcast from YouTube following some candid remarks by team reporter Evan Lazar. The episode featured a raw and honest discussion about the Patriots’ internal struggles, including a claim that the team was “teetering on a mutiny.” The fact that this podcast was taken down raises even more eyebrows about the state of the Patriots as they head deeper into a season that is rapidly slipping away.
The Locker Room Tensions
Lazar’s remarks centered on the growing frustration among players, particularly in light of the team’s offensive struggles and the ongoing debate about the quarterback situation. Through four games, Jacoby Brissett has been the starter, but his performance has been underwhelming. With only two touchdowns and multiple turnovers, including a back-breaking pick-six in the Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Brissett has struggled to get the Patriots’ offense moving. The offensive line has provided little support, as Brissett has been sacked 15 times this season. These issues have led to growing frustrations among the offensive players, especially the younger receivers.
One of the biggest talking points is the situation with rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Taken third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye was expected to be the future face of the Patriots. However, with Brissett as the starter, Maye has been stuck on the bench, which has caused unrest within the team. Players see the potential in Maye, whom many view as the “Ferrari in the garage,” but the coaching staff’s decision to keep him sidelined has led to questions about whether the team is prioritizing future development over current success. As frustrations mount, some players are beginning to question why they’re going out on the field and “getting their butts kicked” when the solution to their offensive woes might be sitting on the bench.
The Discontent in the Receiver Room
The frustration isn’t just limited to the quarterback position. Young wide receivers like DeMario Douglas and rookie Ja’Lynn Polk have shown visible signs of frustration on the field, leading to moments of tense body language. Following the Week 4 loss, Douglas even apologized for his actions during the game, saying that his behavior was not representative of his character. This frustration is understandable when considering the offensive struggles—the Patriots are currently last in the league in total yards per game (238.8) and 31st in points per game (13.0). With Brissett at the helm, the passing game has been anemic, leaving receivers like Douglas and Polk with limited opportunities to showcase their talents.
Douglas and Polk were both expected to contribute significantly this season, but the lack of production at the quarterback position has stifled their potential. Polk, in particular, was drafted with high expectations and has shown flashes of brilliance, but the inconsistencies in the passing game have hindered his development. For these young players, the desire to succeed is palpable, and the longer they play in an underperforming offense, the more frustration is likely to grow. This dynamic is especially concerning for a team that has historically thrived on a strong locker room culture and unity.
Defensive Frustration
On the defensive side of the ball, things aren’t much better. The Patriots, once known for their stout defense, are currently allowing the fifth-most yards per play in the league. What’s more alarming is their poor performance on third downs, where they rank second-worst in the NFL. Defensive leaders, including captain Davon Godchaux, have expressed concerns about the defense’s execution and discipline. Players have been missing assignments and failing to contain opposing quarterbacks, something that would have been unthinkable in the Bill Belichick era.
While the defense had its moments last season, finishing in the top 10, their 2024 performance has been far from inspiring. The breakdowns in coverage and lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks are glaring issues, and it’s clear that the players on this side of the ball are growing tired of carrying the weight while the offense sputters. As Lazar pointed out, the defense is mad at the defense, and the offense is mad at the offense—indicating a team that is slowly unraveling from within.
The Maye Question: When Will the Patriots Turn to the Rookie?
The biggest question surrounding the Patriots right now is when—or if—rookie quarterback Drake Maye will get his shot. Taken with the third overall pick, Maye was seen as the future of the franchise, but his role has been limited to garbage-time appearances so far. According to reports, Maye is still not receiving the majority of first-team practice reps, which raises concerns about when the coaching staff plans to make the switch.
Maye showed flashes of his potential during his brief appearance in Week 3 against the New York Jets, completing four of eight passes for 22 yards and adding 12 rushing yards. While these numbers aren’t eye-popping, they provide a glimpse of what the Patriots could have in the young quarterback if they decide to hand him the reins. The question is whether Jerod Mayo and general manager Eliot Wolf have the guts to make the move sooner rather than later.
For a team that’s already struggling to stay competitive, making the switch to Maye might provide the spark the offense desperately needs. On the other hand, thrusting a rookie quarterback into the starting role behind a porous offensive line could backfire, potentially damaging Maye’s development in the process. It’s a delicate balance that the coaching staff must navigate, but with the season slipping away, the time for caution may be running out.
Jerod Mayo’s Leadership Tested
As a first-year head coach, Jerod Mayo is already facing one of the most significant challenges of his young career. Taking over a team that has long been accustomed to success, Mayo is now tasked with steering the Patriots through uncharted waters. His decision to stand by Jacoby Brissett has drawn criticism, but Mayo has remained firm in his belief that the veteran quarterback gives the team the best chance to win.
However, as the losses continue to pile up, Mayo will need to make tough decisions, not just about the quarterback position but also about how to manage the growing frustrations within the locker room. With a defense that’s underperforming and an offense that can’t seem to find its rhythm, Mayo is in danger of losing the locker room if he can’t turn things around quickly. His leadership is being tested in ways he likely never anticipated, and how he responds will shape the future of the Patriots for years to come.
Looking Ahead: Will Change Come Soon?
As the Patriots prepare for a Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, the pressure is mounting. The Dolphins, despite their own struggles, will be a tough test for a Patriots team that has yet to find its footing. The Patriots’ coaching staff, front office, and players must come together quickly if they hope to salvage the 2024 season. The lingering question remains: when will Drake Maye take the field, and will it be too late by then?
For now, all eyes are on Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf as they navigate one of the most challenging starts to a Patriots season in recent memory. Will they have the courage to make the necessary changes, or will the Patriots continue to sink deeper into mediocrity? The next few weeks will provide the answer.
