Columnist hints Patriots will soon make big Drake Maye decision

First-year head coach Jerod Mayo insisted earlier this week that veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett gives the New England Patriots (1-2) "the best chance" to earn a win at the San Francisco 49ers (1-2) this coming Sunday. 

Nevertheless, Patriots columnist Karen Guregian of MassLive shared on Friday that rookie Drake Maye "is definitely gaining ground" and could replace Brissett atop the depth chart for New England's Week 5 home game versus the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 6.

"With waiver wire pickup Demontrey Jacobs looking like he’s going to serve as the blind side left tackle against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, given both Vederian Lowe and rookie Caedan Wallace are dealing with knee injuries, the Patriots aren’t likely to make a move right away," Guregian explained. "But with Lowe nearing a return, and left guard Sidy Sow having a good shot to play this week, the line might be considered safe enough to green-light Maye for a start in the not-so-distant future." 

While Brissett guided the Patriots to a surprising 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, New England has since suffered back-to-back losses and featured a lack of offensive production in the 24-3 Week 3 defeat at the New York Jets. Per ESPN stats, the Patriots enter this weekend ranked last in the NFL with an average of 102.0 passing yards per game and ranked 31st in the league with an average of 13.0 points scored per contest. 

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald suggested that Mayo wants to start Maye earlier this week despite New England's woeful offensive line. The Athletic's Chad Graff noted on Thursday he's "in favor of playing Maye sooner rather than later." Also on Thursday, Mark Daniels of MassLive mentioned how multiple "Patriots defensive assistants spoke glowingly of Maye’s development" this week. 

One doesn't need to be an insider to see the writing on the wall. 

"The waiting game for a switch to the rookie might not be as long as many had forecast," Guregian added in Friday's piece. "And in some cases, hoped."

As of Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Patriots as 10.5-point underdogs against the 49ers. If that game becomes a laugher, it could prove to be Brissett's last as a New England starter until further notice.