FOXBORO — Patriots defenders were gassed at the end of Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins. It was clear in real time. In fact, it was so clear that head coach Jerod Mayo said after the fact, without the benefit of reviewing the tape, “I know for a fact fatigue played a part in this game.”
No surprise given that, despite leading for 44 minutes in the game, the Patriots lost the time-of-possession battle by nearly 10 minutes. On the season, they rank 26th in average time of possession.
But a change at quarterback can swing things more in their favor in that regard. Going from Jacoby Brissett to Drake Maye, a move Mayo announced publicly Wednesday, could benefit the offense as early as this weekend thanks to Maye’s athleticism and ability to throw off-platform when under duress.
But the trickle-down effect could be felt by the defense as well if longer offensive drives result in better field position and longer stretches of rest between series.
Patriots defenders backed Mayo’s decision to go with Maye on Wednesday, saying they’re encouraging the No. 3 overall pick to stay within himself.
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“I think, just go out there and be himself,” Jonathan Jones said. “Drive us down the field. Do what needs to be done. If it’s make a play, if it’s check the ball down, just make the right play. He has some ability to run around, extend some plays. Just be himself. Be who we drafted him to be.”
