What naming Drake Maye as starting QB means for the Patriots

The New England Patriots have made a franchise-changing decision. First-round rookie Drake Maye has been promoted to starting quarterback and will take over for veteran Jacoby Brissett in Week 6 against the Houston Texans.

Time will ultimately tell whether or not this decision, especially at this point in time, was a wise one. But first, let's focus on the bigger picture: What does the move mean for the Patriots?

There is no turning back

Drake Maye taking over as starting quarterback was always the plan, as he was selected third overall in this year's NFL Draft. The question wasn't “if” but “when” the team would give him the keys to the attack, and it has now been answered.

Head coach Jerod Mayo's decision to choose Maye over Jacoby Brissett also means there will be no repeat: That decision appears to be final, which two former Patriots, wide receiver Julian Edelman and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, discussed in a preseason episode of Edelman's have spoken Games with names Podcast.

“You can never move the kid away once you get him in,” was the opinion of the two long-time members of the Patriots organization. It is unlikely that Mayo sees the situation any differently.

The Patriots are hoping for new life on offense

Five games into the season, it is clear that the Patriots offense has not been on track. While Jacoby Brissett was only part of the problem, he plays the most important position on the pitch and was unable to lift the team around him – despite being consistently accurate and with the ball questionable decisions made his hands.

Will Drake Maye be better? That remains to be seen. However, he offers a significantly higher ceiling, which also means the offense as a whole now has a higher ceiling.

Ultimately, the fact is that Maye has skills that few quarterbacks have. His combination of size, athleticism and natural arm talent is rare, which in turn adds an element of playmaking ability to the unit. Additionally, his presence could allow offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to open up the playbook a bit.

While Mayes' ability to line up under center is questionable – 15 of 16 shots in his Week 3 debut came from the shotgun – his dual-threat potential and ability to make every pass in the game can be an asset be. It's also something Brissett didn't offer.

No element of surprise

Given their lack of offensive success, the Patriots' move at quarterback wasn't really a surprise. However, the news leaked on Tuesday gives this week's opponent, the aforementioned Texans, a chance to prepare for Maye. One has to wonder if a little spirit in that regard might have made life a little easier for New England and its first-time starter.

Trial by fire for a rookie QB

The Patriots are pleased with Drake Maye and his development and it's clear they need a shot in the arm on offense. However, the timing of the change at quarterback is still odd considering who New England is facing this week: The Texans are arguably the best pass-rushing team in the NFL so far this season.

According to Next Gen Stats, Houston generated pressure on 42 percent of opponent dropbacks, the highest such figure in the league. For comparison, New England's pass protection ranks 32nd in the same category, allowing a pressure rate of 48.3 percent through the first five weeks of the season.

Needless to say, Maye will be thrown in at the deep end on Sunday. Taking over the QB1 position was always going to be difficult, but against a defense like Houston's, the task seems even more daunting.

A vote of confidence in the supporting cast

Since his arrival in New England, the Patriots' offensive talent has been one of the biggest concerns about bringing Maye into the mix. The first five weeks of the season have done little to assuage those concerns and with starting player David Andrews out, things may only be looking more difficult for the 22-year-old.

However, there is also a half-full perspective here: The fact that Maye is now being used can be seen as a sign of trust in the offensive supporting cast. That may not be as naive a statement as it sounds.

The offense, for example, had arguably its best game since Week 1. Additionally, the same five players will start in a row on Sunday for the first time all season.

At wide receiver, DeMario Douglas and Ja'Lynn Polk have started to really get going – just in time for Kendrick Bourne to enter the game as another top player. Add in Kayshon Boutte's recent emergency and things are looking better for the receiver group than they have all season.

From this point of view, the timing of the change is actually better than it seems at first glance.

Jacoby Brissett will remain an important part of the operation

Jacoby Brissett knew the ice beneath his feet was getting thinner with each game. The lack of offensive production and his role within the overall operation, coupled with a first-round draft pick waiting in the wings, was a deadly combination for his starting job.

But even though he's now been demoted to the backup spot previously held by Maye, the veteran will remain a key figure at quarterback and in the Patriots' locker room.

First of all, he is still captain and as such part of the team's internal leadership committee. He's also the elder statesman in a QB room otherwise populated entirely by first-year players (Drake Maye, Joe Milton). Brissett will remain a mentor to her and the rest of the offense, including off the bench.

Starts in red

File this in the “fun fact” category: In Maye’s first start for the Patriots, he will be wearing the team’s throwback red jersey. The game against Houston will ultimately be the first of two return contests this season, with the other coming in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts.