NFL quarterback benched after just five weeks as struggling team make huge switch
The New England Patriots will start rookie Drake Maye against the Houston Texans, as the coaching staff decided to send starter Jacoby Brissett to the bench.
On Tuesday, Ian Rapoport reported the dramatic change as the team has struggled early in the season.
After winning their opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals, New England lost their previous four outings to the Seahawks, Jets, 49ers and Dolphins.
Brissett was named the starting quarterback for the Patriots in their first season since the departure of Bill Belichick, despite drafting Maye with the third overall pick in the offseason.
However, Brissett has been an easy target for defenses as the Patriots are 1-4 on the season. The quarterback has been sacked 17 times and his death numbers have been unimpressive.
Through five games, Brissett completed 79 of 135 passes for 696 yards and two touchdowns. He was also intercepted during New England’s loss to the 49ers.
On the other hand, Maye’s only appearance this season came in the 24-3 loss to the Jets. The former North Carolina Tar Heel completed four of eight passes for 22 yards, zero touchdowns, and was sacked twice.
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Drake Maye will start for the New England Patriots after losing their last four games
Jacoby Brissett started for New England in their first five games and was sacked 17 times