Andrew Callahan: Jacoby Brissett vs. Drake Maye – The Patriots’ Dilemma as the Season Approaches

During this morning's Toucher & Hardy radio program, Andrew Callahan from the Boston Herald discussed the Patriots' quarterback situation, focusing on the competition between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. Despite Maye's recent improvement, Brissett has consistently taken first-team reps, and Callahan believes Brissett will likely start in Week 1. They also talked about the Patriots' defense, acknowledging its strength last season but expressing concerns about the loss of key players like Judon and Barmore. Callahan emphasized that while the defense could still be solid, the Patriots might struggle offensively, leading to a potentially challenging start to the season.

WATCH HERE:

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Quarterback Battle: Andrew Callahan highlighted the ongoing competition between Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye for the Patriots' starting quarterback position. While Brissett has been the more consistent performer throughout camp, Maye has shown improvement recently, leading to speculation about who will start in Week 1.

Patriots’ Strategic Patience: Callahan mentioned that the Patriots are likely to prioritize long-term development over immediate success. Despite Maye's progress, the team may still choose to start Brissett to avoid rushing Maye into a starting role before he’s fully ready.

Maye’s Progress: Callahan noted that Maye has been more accurate and made better decisions in recent practices, narrowing the gap between him and Brissett. However, the Patriots have yet to give Maye significant reps with the starting offensive unit, which could impact his chances of starting early in the season.

Defense Outlook: The discussion also touched on the Patriots' defense, particularly concerns over the loss of key players like Matthew Judon and Christian Barmore. Callahan suggested that while the defense is still strong, it might be more of a top-ten unit rather than a top-five one this season.

Christian Gonzalez's Performance: Callahan expressed some concerns about cornerback Christian Gonzalez's performance in training camp, noting that while Gonzalez has the potential to be a dominant player, he hasn't shown the same level of consistency as last year. However, Callahan believes it's too early to panic and expects Gonzalez to perform better once the regular season starts.

On Friday's Felger & Mazz program, Mike Felger gives his list of best summer vacation spots in New England.

Mike Felger is well-traveled over the New England area. Many know of his love for the Island of Nantucket, but as it turns out, he's been to more vacation spots in New England than you'd think. 

On Thursday's show, the first of August, Felger and "Big Jim" Murray did a remote broadcast from The Faregrounds Restaurant on Nantucket. And it only seemed right for the guys to rank their best summer vacation spots. And while Murray and Matt McCarthy—stuck back at the Town Fair Tire Studios in Waltham—chimed in, Felger wanted everyone to know that these are his Tiers. Nobody else's. 

From time to time, Felger can be seen doing remote broadcasts from his backyard in Nantucket. Thursday’s event, however, was a little more dressed up as Heineken Silver sponsored the broadcast. And the Faregrounds are known to be a regularly frequented spot by Felger.  

Jim Murray, on the other hand, is less privy to the secrets of Nantucket. He did take the pro move by taking a flight to the island, though. Typically, many passengers will take a one- to two-hour ferry to Nantucket. 

But flying regionally out of a local New England airport will get you to the Island in a mere 20-30 minutes. Felger was almost too scared to share this secret on the air, as he was afraid too many people would find out about this ultimate life hack.

And now... Mike Felger's ultimate list of best New England Vacation spots, going from worst to best...

-ANYWHERE IN CONNECTICUT (BOO!)

-LAKE SUNAPEE

-CAPE COD

-KENNEBUNKPORT

-NEWPORT

-OGUNQUIT

-CONWAY

-STOWE

-WELL BEACH

-PEAKS ISLAND

-MARTHA'S VINEYARD

-KEZAR LAKE

-BAR HARBOR / ACADIA

-WINNIPESAUKEE

-WATCH HILL

-NANTUCKET! (AND ONLY NANTUCKET)