Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo says ‘we’ve made a decision’ on quarterback; announcement expected Thursday

Mayo noted that due to squad reductions and player transfers, there was no time to notify players before Wednesday’s media session.

The coach said he has sought advice from offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and the rest of the staff has their own thoughts on the player who will start in Week 1, but he will make the final decision.

“Look, they went through the process. They went through the spring with those guys, they went through training camp with those guys,” Mayo said. “I’m sure everybody has an opinion on who the quarterback should be, but I don’t think I have to explain it to anybody. It’s my decision, and if it doesn’t work, blame me.”

Brissett entered training camp with an absolute advantage in the Week 1 race, but Maye put pressure on the veteran, flashing a big arm, intoxicating pocket movement and improved play despite less-than-ideal surroundings. Maye’s development on the field and increased leadership presence made the decision closer than it seemed before the season, and Mayo admitted this week that the rookie “played better” in games.

One of the biggest questions for Mayo is whether he wants to throw the rookie into the fire behind an unstable, struggling offensive line.

Will Brissett open the season on September 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals with Maye making his debut later, or will the rookie coach be the face of the team from the start?

“I would say one thing: I think it’s important to remember that what’s good for the team today might not be good for the team in the weeks to come,” Mayo said Wednesday. “And that’s why I think the challenge is you want to win every game right now, but we’re also trying to build something special here in New England. So for me, that was a challenge.”