This season has been a poor reflection on everyone in the building. However, the latest New England Patriots QB decision has added runway time to the team. Here’s a summary for those who have not paid attention to the inner workings of the 1-4 team.
The franchise currently owns the top pick in the upcoming draft. The sole win came against a bad Cincinnati Bengals team. And finally, they’re fresh off the win against the lowest average-scoring offense.
But those in glass houses should not throw stones. The Dolphins average 12.0 points per game, but Alex Van Pelt’s successfully mustered a slightly better 12.4 PPG so far this year. So why are some skeptical over the latest announcement from Foxboro?
In a vacuum, it makes sense to hold players accountable and to trot someone else out there under center. Furthermore, teams want to see a top pick play. Ian Rapaport reported Tuesday afternoon on Drake Maye starting against the Houston Texans.
But this serves as a chess move by the organization that has a lot of eggs on its face at the moment. Jacoby Brissett has been far from a Pro Bowler. But fans are witnessing a phenomenon more this year. The eye level of quarterbacks continually drops when they take hits and feel under pressure.
A counterargument could include that opposing defenses always make the signal caller uncomfortable. However, this Pats offense has been so abnormally out-of-synch, and the issue will persist for Maye. This will be especially true without starting center David Andrews.
Anticipating the blitz and navigating the pocket is part of playing the position. But constantly needing to shake off an in-face defender, only moments after the snap is impossible to gain any sort of rhythm.
Leading Up to the Latest New England Patriots QB Decision
The argument against starting the rookie hasn’t been a lack of talent or trust. Instead, advocates of Maye sitting point to some of the best to ever play. Furthermore, facing the type of pressure the current offensive line is allowing will force him to try to make a lot of plays that are forced. Bad habits and spending up the internal clock lead to a short career as a starter.
Luckily, Sam Darnold’s current play shows that the right system and organization can bring out the best in anyone. However, if the first year gets off to a bad start like what the current Vikings’ QB saw in New York, then it’s about ‘career resurrection’.
Unfortunately, a team drafts a player with a top-three selection for them to be part of the franchise for years to come. Furthermore, the mixed messaging shows an overall lack of a plan in this New England Patriots QB decision. The timetable becomes even more questionable.
In reality, it’s doubtful that there was ever anything concrete in this regard. More likely, the Krafts and coaching staff are hoping to rewind the clock of the fan base’s good graces.
Anticipation and excitement leaked out like a balloon losing air when Brissett was named the starter. However, the fun-filled intrigue instantly reinflates with the latest news. Job security and public opinion may be somewhat saved for now.
But again, this doesn’t seem like a well-thought-out, methodical development plan (that was promised). Conversely, it looks like a media ploy to buy favor and, more importantly, time. The overall problems persist.
The coaching staff has taken a step back from what was in the building last year. The players aren’t seeing progress translated on the field. And the additional people jockeying for public credit are only muddying the organizational standard.
Starting Maye excuses poor on-field results for now. This team will struggle regardless of who is at quarterback.
But the franchise is gambling on the development of the former North Carolina prospect in exchange for more positive coverage. If he’s successful, it will be despite the lack of continuity. And if he isn’t, it will be interesting to know the next phase of the highly touted plan in regards to the New England Patriots QB decision.
Main Photo Courtesy of Brad Penner – Imagn Images
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