Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt explained why Drake Maye is starting at QB

Morning sports update

In recent weeks, Van Pelt has hinted that Maye's first start might be a while off.

What Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said about the decision to use Drake Maye: The Patriots' decision to use their rookie quarterback instead of Jacoby Brissett appeared to be long overdue. But if the team's coaching staff had been listened to, the decision to sign Drake Maye might have come sooner than expected.

Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt had preached in recent weeks that it was still best for Maye to remain on the bench as part of the team's development plan for him. When Maye was named the starter for Sunday's game against the Texans, Van Pelt explained why he changed his mind on the matter, acknowledging that the team had underperformed so far this season.

“I think it's really a combination of things,” Van Pelt told reporters when asked what made him change his mind. “On offense we are not yet where we want to be in terms of production, especially in the passing game. I think that drives part of this decision. And also the fact of seeing his growth and development over these weeks of training and seeing what he's done on the practice field.

“Both together. We're close – a few are playing less than 3-2 and are feeling much better than they are now. The reality is that we are not; We’re 1-4.”

New England's offense had struggled mightily to this point with a 1-4 start. The team ranks 31st in the league in both yards (250.8) and points (12.4) per game. Brissett was probably the main reason for this. He entered the week ranked 27th in passing yards (696) and 29th in passer rating (74.2) while throwing just two touchdowns in five games.

While the Patriots' offense put up lackluster performances through the first five weeks, Maye got plenty of reps in practice to prepare for his first NFL start. Maye received 30 percent of the reps in practice through the first five weeks of the season.

Van Pelt saw enough in Mayes' practice appearances to believe he is the best option at quarterback to help the Patriots win games in the future.

“At this point we have to find something that gives us a chance to win on Sunday,” Van Pelt said. “We thought Drake’s development over the past first part of the season on the practice field was ready to step in and take over.”

While Patriots coach Jerod Mayo referred to Van Pelt as the “head offensive coach” earlier in the season, the offensive coordinator pointed out that it was Mayo's decision to use Maye and he signed off on that decision.

“We all sat together and voiced our opinions on what we thought, and ultimately it’s (Mayo’s) decision,” Van Pelt said. “I agree with this decision. I’m excited to see Drake play.”