Mayo provides fascinating insight into the split of training reps between Brissett and Maye, originally published on NBC Sports Boston

Jacoby Brissett is the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, but the team is still trying to get rookie Drake Maye some valuable playing time in practice.

NBC Sports Boston Patriots insider Phil Perry reported before Week 1 that Maye spent more time with the starters in practice than most backup quarterbacks typically do. It’s all part of the Patriots’ development plan for the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo essentially confirmed that on Friday morning. He was asked how the team manages to prepare Brissett for his role as a starter while also developing Maye, and if he envisions a 70-30 split in reps in practice.

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“That’s definitely true. It’s no secret. We have a quarterback in the back who needs to develop,” Maye told reporters in his press conference. “Normally I would say the starter gets, say, 95% of the reps and the backup doesn’t. It’s a little different here. We’ve talked about how we – I think the problem is how do you prepare your starting quarterback for the game while also developing the guy in the back, which is Drake.”

“So it’s a 70-30 split. You’re absolutely right. We’re very thoughtful. When we talk about having a development plan for Drake, that’s part of it. I try not to get too into what that plan actually looks like, but he (Maye) is still playing with the starters. He’s doing a good job on the (scout) team as well. He’s doing a good job and you can see his confidence continues to grow.”

That’s not a bad plan. Maye needs as many reps as possible, and if he’s not getting them in games, the next best thing is to get them in practice with the starters. This team needs Maye to be as prepared as possible before he steps on the field for the first time in a real game. That’s not going to happen if he only gets a handful of meaningful practice reps per week.

Mayo also praised Brissett for understanding the Patriots’ plan and executing it in a truly professional manner. For a starter to go from 95 percent of reps in practice to 70 percent may not seem like much, but it’s certainly not normal.

“Yeah, since Day 1, I’ve always said he’s a true professional,” Mayo said of Brissett. “I’ve always said he’s a great mentor, not only to Drake, but to the other quarterback in the room, (Joe) Milton. He understands. Look, he’s a professional. He’s won games in this league. He understands we selected Drake No. 3 in the draft, and when I look out the windshield, at some point – I don’t know when that time will come – he’s going to have to go out there and play.

“Just seeing the relationship in the quarterback room was special to me. It’s very tough. When we talk about leaving your ego at the door, I would say Jacoby is one of those guys that has no ego. He wants to do what’s best for the team, not what’s best for himself. Whether he’s throwing 150 yards or 350 yards, he’s very consistent and just a true professional.”

It remains to be seen when and if Maye will be on the field this season, but to the Patriots’ credit, they’re doing a good job of giving him the chance to be as prepared as possible when the time comes.

Meanwhile, Brissett will look to lead the Patriots to their first 2-0 start since 2019 when they host the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium on Sunday in Week 2 play.