Curran: Launching Maye is a necessary change, despite the risks

Curran: Starting Maye was a necessary change despite the risks originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots' decision to use rookie quarterback Drake Maye instead of Jacoby Brissett in Week 6 is polarizing. While some believe now is the perfect time to make a move, others are reluctant to throw the coveted third place in the standings into the fire.

It's an interesting debate. On one hand, the Patriots' offense desperately needs a boost after losing four straight games. On the other hand, it is concerning that Maye is starting behind the worst offensive line in the league.

Before Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins, our Patriots insider Tom E. Curran said starting Maye would be a “panic attack.” But after another painful loss, he acknowledged an opinion from former Pats safety Devin McCourty that suggests it's a sensible move.

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“An interesting comment from Devin McCourty the other night Football night in America” Curran said Tuesday Early edition. “He was talking about Deshaun Watson, who's really struggling for the Cleveland Browns, and he said, 'Bill Belichick always told us, if you're not getting the results you want in the NFL, you've got to change.' And the Patriots have a chance because they aren't getting the results they want.

“There’s nothing else they can do on offense. There were plays that had to be made that Jacoby Brissett just didn't make. And it might be that in a half of football, Drake Maye made more horrible, horrible, embarrassing plays than Jacoby's.” I did it in five games, but I think the opportunity to say, “It's so bad, it can certainly look better. We'll try.” “

On Monday, Curran wrote about the Patriots' “authority triangle” consisting of head coach Jerod Mayo, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. He pointed out that New England's unique power structure made the Maye decision even more difficult.

Now that the decision has been made, Curran wonders how the Triangle of Authority will work now that he has chosen Plan B.

“That’s where I think it’s difficult to deal with this triangle of authority,” he said. “You have Jerod, who understands what a football locker room feels like as a player, who understands how difficult it is to defend a player like that. And you have two other people who are not forward-facing people who have to deal with it.” Team and the daily control by Eliot Wolf and Alex Van Pelt.

Growing pains are to be expected, but Maye and the Patriots offense will simply look to show signs of life against a stout Houston Texans defense on Sunday. At the very least, they hope to bring some much-needed excitement back to Gillette Stadium.

Kickoff for the Week 6 matchup is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.