What Patriots Need To Fix Before Drake Maye Should Start

Drake Maye fans weren't pleased to hear Jerod Mayo's comments after the Patriots' loss last Sunday, but there are bigger fish to fry when it comes to the roster.

The New England head coach told reporters this week that Jacoby Brissett would remain the starting quarterback despite the signal-caller's poor outing in a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Mayo dismissed the idea of playing Maye and affirmed the team's development plan for the rookie.

NESN's Travis Thomas and George Balekji weren't buying Mayo's comments when they discussed them on "Boston Has Entered the Chat" on Tuesday. Thomas emphatically decried Mayo's excuses for Brissett and like many fans, wanted Maye to come in and bring some life to the offense.

Balekji held firm on his belief that New England shouldn't rush Maye. He highlighted how the offensive line must be addressed first, especially left tackle. Balekji also specified what moves he'd like the Patriots to make before the NFL trade deadline.

Thomas and Balekji agreed that while Mayo might not believe all of his praise for Brissett, the head coach's loyalty to the veteran would not hinder Maye's development in any way.

To hear more about Thomas and Balekji's conversation on "Boston Has Entered The Chat," click on the YouTube and Spotify embeds.