In a significant shift for the New England Patriots, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt revealed the reasoning behind the decision to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
Van Pelt, who previously believed Maye would benefit from learning on the sidelines, acknowledged that a mix of the team’s lackluster offensive performance and Maye’s growth during practice led to the change.
“We’re not where we want to be offensively, especially in the passing game,” Van Pelt said, via MassLive’s Karen Guregian.
He cited both the need for improvement and Maye’s impressive development as key factors.
“The two of those combined made the decision clear.”
While no one expects an immediate turnaround, the move marks a pivotal moment for the team’s future. With veteran Jacoby Brissett struggling to provide the spark the Patriots needed, the team opted to see what the highly-touted first-round pick can bring to the field.