After early reports broke yesterday that Drake Maye would take over as starting quarterback for the Patriots, Jerod Mayo confirmed the news with his weekly Wednesday's press conference, followed by Maye's first media availability since the summer.

"I think Drake gives us the best chance to win now and going forward," said Mayo. "He's been getting better every single week, as I've said before. At the end of training camp, he actually was trending at a very high rate. That has continued through the early part of the season."

Maye spent his first five weeks mostly behind the scenes, following starter Jacoby Brissett and taking in every bit of experience that he could. Now, with the team at 1-4, the time has come for him to step into the spotlight, a move the young quarterback is excited for.

"I think it's a great opportunity," said Maye. "It's something you dream of, getting your first start in the NFL. I'm really excited to get out there with the guys, take advantage of having the full week to get prepared, and try to put my best foot forward to help the team win."

Brissett was under a lot of pass rush pressure throughout the first five games. The Patriots offense stagnated over the last two weeks, despite a promising opening win over the Bengals. Mayo was sure to praise Brissett's effort and toughness after enduring a trying run as the starter.

"[Jacoby] was a warrior," said Mayo. "As you guys know, he's taken a lot of hits and just kept getting up. I would also say, for a guy like that to be voted as a captain in this situation and continue to be very supportive of Drake Maye, I tip my hat to Jacoby for having that egoless mentality."

"I've learned so much from [Jacoby] and seeing how he goes about practice," said Maye. "That's been the best thing of watching Jacoby and watching how he handles the whole nine yards, whether it's preparing, handling teammates, handling y'all [the media]. He's been great, and a great mentor."

Now, all eyes turn to Maye, a 21-year old with just 30 games experience in college. He'll be at the helm of Alex Van Pelt's offense and look to provide the kind of sparks that he did throughout training camp.

"I think I'll go out there and try to make some plays," said Maye. "I think the biggest thing, I was telling some of those guys, it's probably going to be a little nervous at the beginning. I think once we settle down, we have a chance to move the football and just have fun out there. It goes back to having fun going out there. That's what this game is about. Don't make it too big, or the spotlight too big. Just go out there with those guys that we've been battling for three months since training camp, go out there and try to make some plays."

While everyone will be on the lookout for the big plays, it's the easy plays that Maye has targeted for his first start.

"I think the biggest thing is me playing on time, playing in rhythm, and trusting the guys around me," said Maye. "I think early on, just try to take what they give me, and find completions. I think that's the biggest thing for a young quarterback going in there. Then from there, just don't try to hunt up off-platform, off-play, off-schedule throws. I think just feel it out and play football."

The head coach Mayo was well aware of the challenge that Maye will face. Demeco Ryans defense is among the league's best and they bring consistent pressure, especially from their vaunted pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson.

"I would say there's never a perfect time to make a change," said Mayo. "Every defense that we play, whether it's the defensive ends or the defensive tackles, they all have the ability to rush and get after the quarterback. So, I don't think there's ever a perfect time. What I will say is this defense, we're familiar with the defense. We've seen it, and he's prepared for this defense as if he was the starter. I just felt like this was the right time to do it."

Later in the day, Maye took the first team quarterback reps during the brief open practice window. Two more practices and it will quickly be go time for the Maye era in New England.

"I think it'll be pretty sweet in the red throwbacks," said Maye. "I think that'll be pretty cool to get out there in my first start, and especially in front of these fans. I think Patriots fans are the best fans in the league, and I'm looking forward to playing at Gillette in front of them."