The New England Patriots faced a setback when starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter of their preseason game against the Washington Commanders. The injury occurred when Brissett was sacked by Washington’s KJ Henry, with the full force of Henry’s body landing on Brissett’s right shoulder. Despite grimacing in pain, Brissett continued to play for a short while before being pulled from the game. Coach Jerod Mayo mentioned that Brissett could have continued if the plan was to play him longer.
After Brissett’s injury, rookie Drake Maye took over as the quarterback for the Patriots. Maye’s performance was commendable, finishing 13-of-20 for 126 yards and throwing one touchdown on his first drive. He also showcased his versatility with a 17-yard run that set up a crucial play leading to the team’s lone touchdown. However, Mayo did not commit to Maye as the primary option if Brissett’s injury proves to be more severe. Mayo emphasized the need to review the game film before making a final decision.
The Patriots faced challenges in their offensive line during the game against the Commanders. The top offensive line, excluding center David Andrews, was penalized eight times for various infractions. In addition, there were issues like a bad shotgun snap, a botched center-quarterback exchange, and a blocking error that led to Brissett’s injury. The penalties, including alignment violations by key players like Chukwuma Okorafor and Mike Onwenu, raised concerns about the overall performance of the offensive line.
Heading into the final roster cut-off, the Patriots have a mix of quarterbacks, including rookie Joe Milton III and third-year veteran Bailey Zappe, besides Brissett and Maye. Mayo has consistently stated that Brissett is the starter, with Maye having the potential to earn the position if he excels. With decisions to be made regarding the quarterback situation and the roster cut-down, the Patriots face crucial choices in shaping their team for the upcoming season.
As the Patriots navigate through the preseason challenges and injuries, they must evaluate the quarterback situation carefully. The performance of Brissett, Maye, and the surrounding offensive cast will play a significant role in determining the team’s success. With uncertainties looming over Brissett’s injury and the readiness of the backup quarterbacks, the coaching staff faces critical decisions before the season opener. Maye expressed confidence in his abilities, but the final verdict on the quarterback position remains a key factor in the Patriots’ quest for success in the upcoming season.
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