Why Alex Van Pelt may prefer Jacoby Brissett as Patriots Week 1 starting QB NBC Sports Boston [Video]

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has made it clear there is still an ongoing competition for the team’s starting quarterback job. On Thursday, however, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt didn’t hesitate to label Jacoby Brissett as QB1 over rookie Drake Maye.

While Van Pelt acknowledged Maye could still win the job, it appears he would prefer to open the season with the veteran under center. Our Phil Perry explained why Van Pelt is likely leaning toward Brissett as the Week 1 starter on Thursday’s Early Edition.

“It’s clear his affinity for Jacoby Brissett. He spent some time with this guy. This is a player who understands his offense and not only understands his offense, but understands NFL defenses,” Perry said. “And I thought it was interesting when he really got into what makes Jacoby Brissett so valuable to the Patriots right now. It’s that, to steal a line from Tom Brady, he has the answers to the test. He’s gonna be able to figure out …