FOXBORO — Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt confirmed Thursday that he’s “on board” with the decision to bench quarterback Jacoby Brissett for rookie Drake Maye.
Head coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday that it was “solely” his decision to make that move but that he consulted Van Pelt and the Patriots’ other offensive coaches before making it.
“We all sat together and gave our opinions and what we thought, and ultimately, it’s his decision,” Van Pelt said Thursday of Mayo. “I’m on board with that decision. I am. I’m excited to see Drake play. It’s his time. I think he’s prepared. He’s done a great job on the practice field, getting ready for this moment.”
Van Pelt gave two reasons why he believes it’s the right choice to start Maye over Brissett this Sunday against the Texans.
“Offensively, we’re not where we want to be from a production standpoint, especially in the pass game. I think that that leads to some of that decision, and also the fact that to see (Maye’s) growth and development over those weeks of practice and what he’s put on on the practice field, I think the two of those combined,” Van Pelt said.
Van Pelt expressed optimism over the Patriots’ offense while also acknowledging the need to make a change. The Patriots are 31st in total offense and dead last in passing yards per game this season.
The hope is that Maye will provide a spark for the struggling offense.
“We’re close. We’re a couple plays away from being 3-2 and feeling a lot better about where we are right now. But the reality of it is we’re not. We’re 1-4, and at this point, we need to find something to get us a chance to win on Sunday,” Van Pelt said. “And we thought that Drake’s development over the past — first part of the season on the practice field that he was ready to step in and take over.”
Brissett’s advice to Maye was to “play well.” The veteran QB has seen Maye improve his football knowledge and ability to run an NFL offense since being drafted in April.
Van Pelt believes the Patriots can use Maye’s athleticism to their advantage, especially on plays where he can operate outside the confines of the offense. But Van Pelt also wants to see his rookie QB play it safe.
“I think that’s going to be natural for him, knowing when there’s a crease he can maybe sneak through and use his legs,” Van Pelt said. “I think that comes natural for those guys. Obviously on time and in rhythm is a big part of what we need to get done based on their ability to rush the passer, but there will be opportunities for him to use his legs and hopefully pick up yards an protect himself there at the end of that run, as well.”
It’s also important for Maye to protect himself when the Texans blitz. Van Pelt said the Patriots went top offense vs. defense on Wednesday in practice during a blitz period. Maye went 6-for-6.
That’s a good omen for Sunday.