Drew Bledsoe drops advice for Patriots on starting Drake Maye in Week 1 vs Bengals

The New England Patriots are entering a new era in franchise history under the leadership of first-time head coach Jerod Mayo. The team selected Drake Maye as the quarterback of their future in the 2024 NFL draft. There has been a lot of discussion on whether to start the rookie in Week 1 of the upcoming season or to let him sit behind and learn.

On Wednesday, ex-Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe was asked about his thoughts on starting Maye in Week 1 in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The former No. 1 pick of the 1993 NFL draft had some advice for Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

"No, that's not an easy way to start," Bledsoe said. "You know, it's such an individual decision, right? It's about looking at your guy, and is he ready to do that yet? Some guys are, and some guys need some time. And then you also have to look at your team. Is your team in a place that sets this quarterback up for success as a young guy?" [From 2:53 mark onwards]

Bledsoe continued, drawing examples from his NFL career. He explained that he started in his first game because he felt ready as a rookie, and so did Bill Parcells, who was the general manager and head coach for the Patriots in 1993. He added that it was daunting to face the Buffalo Bills, who were coming off their third of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, in his NFL debut.

Bledsoe laid confidence in OC Van Pelt to make the best decision for both Maye and the New England Patriots heading into their Week 1 matchup.

"If he [Alex Van Pelt] feels like Drake [Maye] is ready and gives the team the best chance to win, and also can set him up for success in the future, then he'll, then he'll be under center for that first game. If he's not ready, and the team's not ready around him to give him some chance of success, you know, then they'll let him sit and let the veteran play."

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Patriots HC Jerod Mayo feels Drake Maye is ready to run the huddle

Who will be the Week 1 starter for the New England Patriots — Drake Maye or Jacoby Brissett? This has been the bugging question after last week's 14-13 preseason loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The rookie quarterback showed promise in his outing. Maye played 24 snaps, completed six of his 11 pass attempts for 47 yards and registered 15 rushing yards and a four-yard touchdown.

On Wednesday, Jerod Mayo was asked if Maye was ready to handle the pre-snap operation if he were to start. The Patriots HC jumped in before the question was finished.

" 100%. I think he’s ready to run a huddle," Mayo said.

Later on during the press conference, Mayo added:

"I would say by Monday night, we should know who the quarterback is. A Sunday night game, it's always hard to really crank through the film. Especially on the road. But I think Monday, Tuesday, you probably need to know who it is."

Mayo iterated that it doesn't mean he would reveal the starter on Monday or Tuesday itself. The Patriots kick off their campaign on Sept. 8 in Cincinnati.