Patriots' stunning QB news adds new level of intrigue to Jaguars game in London

The Jacksonville Jaguars are no strangers to playing in London. Heck, they'll play two games overseas in 2024. One of the teams they'll face is the New England Patriots. Like the Jags, they're 1-3 and currently not doing great. That's why they could have a rookie quarterback behind center for their Week 7 matchup.

First-round pick quarterback Drake Maye has been sitting behind veteran Jacoby Brissett. But following the loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, Patriots head coach Jared Mayo didn't rule out a change at quarterback, pointing out that the team will have conversations about the position when the coaching staff meets.

"We haven't had our full staff meeting today. That's a conversation, not only at that spot but all the spots, of how do we get better as a football team," Mayo said on WEEI via CBS News. "We're not playing well. It's not a secret. Being the head coach of this team, I have to accept all of the responsibility for that."

Insider Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported that a change at quarterback is potentially coming against the Houston Texans in Week 6.

That means that if the Pats plug Drake Maye into the lineup, the Jaguars could get to face him in their Week 7 matchup across the pond.

Maye was the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Patriots didn't want to throw him into the wolves to soon, so they have had him sit and learn behind Brissett. But in light of the team's offensive struggles, the Patriots could turn to the rookie signal-caller to give the offense a spark.

Five games into the 2024 season, New England ranks 31st in points scored and last in total yards in the league. Just before the Dolphins game, a report made the rounds that players were "teetering on a mutiny" because some wanted the team to take the Ferrari (Maye) out of the garage.

Players were quick to shut down the report but you could make the case that Maye gives New England the best chance to win and they're better off rolling with him, even if that means experiencing the bumps and bruises that come with having a first-year quarterback behind center.

Facing Drake Maye could potentially give the Jaguars an edge in London

Players' readiness coming out of the draft is always variable. Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in this year's draft, is experiencing growing pains while fellow first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels suddenly turned the Washington Commanders into a playoff contender and is taking the league by storm. Heck, Trevor Lawrence — despite his recent struggles — gives the Jacksonville Jaguars a long-term answer at the position but he was underwhelming as a rookie.

By all accounts, Drake Maye outplayed Jacoby Brissett at the end of training camp. It's understandable that the New England Patriots didn't want to hamper his development but they may not have any other options right now. They gain nothing by keeping him on the sidelines, and if he makes his debut against the Houston Texans in Week 6, the Jags will get him one game later.

Jacksonville just earned their first win of the season, a 37-34 thriller against the Indianapolis Colts. Although they got off to a rough stretch at the start of the season, they've shown enough promise that they could go on a three-game winning streak if they can keep playing well while cutting down on mistakes. Having to face a quarterback in London only increases their chances of picking up steam.

Ultimately, the Jaguars have to be ready regardless of who their opponent is, but facing an unexperienced Drake Maye is an opportunity they cannot afford to waste.

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