Mayo, who has faithfully backed Brissett as his starter since the start of training camp, said Wednesday it was time to make the move for Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

“He was a warrior,” Mayo said of Brissett, who was sacked 17 times in the first five games. ‘As you know, he took a lot of hits and he kept getting up.

“I think Drake gives us the best chance to win now and in the future. He’s getting better every week, as I’ve said before. In fact, by the end of training camp, he was trending at a very high rate. That continued throughout the first part of the season.”

Brissett, who postponed meeting with the media on Wednesday, spoke calmly on Thursday in a session that lasted about five minutes.

“I was telling someone this recently: I’ve been through some tougher times in my life,” Brissett said. “I’m sure this won’t be the last time I experience something difficult. Everything will be fine with me.”

The 31-year-old Brissett, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, was named a starter by Mayo at the start of camp. But the Patriots’ offense, especially the passing game, has struggled over the course of a 1-4 start.

The Patriots are at or near the bottom of the NFL in most major offensive categories, including points per game (12.4, 31st), passing yards per game (119.4, 32nd) and total yards per game (250 ,8, 31e). Brissett has completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 696 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

However, he is certainly not the only reason for the attacking misery. An ineffective line and health issues among some skill position players have contributed to the problems.

When asked if he felt like a scapegoat, Brissett said it wasn’t a question for him.

‘I won’t answer that. “I’m not going to comment on that,” he said. “Someone else can answer that question.”

Brissett, a third-round pick of the Patriots in 2016 who played for four other teams before returning to Foxborough, has built a lot of goodwill in the locker room and among the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said it was a difficult move given the depth of his relationship with Brissett. The two also worked together in Cleveland before coming to New England this offseason.

“Our relationship in Cleveland carries a lot of weight there,” Van Pelt said. “It’s hard to see someone go out there and do what he’s done – again, taking the hits and making plays when he gets the opportunity – and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to hand the ball to the young guy.’ It’s hard.

But again, I think he’s the guy we wanted here because he knows his personality and he knows his team-first mentality. Knowing he would be bringing a young quarterback with him. I think that was one of the decisions we made as an organization about the type of person we wanted to bring into the building to work with Drake.”

“Jacoby is the ultimate pro,” veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux said. “He’s a leader. He’s a captain for a reason. He knows how to deal with this. This isn’t the first time he’s done this.

“He’s a professional. He’s going to be a pro. He’s still going to teach Drake. Still mentor Drake. I’m just excited that Drake will get a chance to show off his skills. Show us why he was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick.

“He’s the ideal teammate,” Maye said of Brissett on Wednesday. “The ideal man to be in the room with as a quarterback. I think the biggest thing is that you hate it for him. I think Jacoby did his best and got up every time he got hit.

“He’s a great mentor, a great friend. I tried to do everything I could to help him, and I’m sure he will do the same.

Brissett said all remains well between him and Maye.

“Great kid. Great kid,” Brissett said. “There is no malice in my heart toward him. Obviously I just want the best for him. I’m very excited for him.

“Drake asked me how I’m doing. I was like, ‘Man, if you’re worried about me, you’re worried about the wrong things. I can take care of myself.’ I obviously appreciated that.”

Brissett noted that the game in which he made his first NFL start was playing on NFL Network in the training room, a 27-0 win over Houston in 2016 that included a touchdown run.

“The child I was. I had no facial hair,” Brissett said with a small smile. ‘Just cheesing all the time. I remember the excitement I had.”

Now, eight years later, it will be Maye who gets his first start against an aggressive Houston defense. When asked what this week – and the rest of this season – might have in store for him, Brissett shrugged.

“We’ll see how things go,” he said.

Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @cpriceglobe.