To Play Or Not To Play?

Obvious headline aside, Shank calls on former New England Patriots coach Bill Parcells (who's still speaking to Shank) to discuss the pros and cons of starting a rookle quarterback (I.e. Drake Maye):

To play or not to play a young quarterback? Bill Parcells discusses the pros and cons.

Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells knows all about veteran journeyman quarterbacks, first-round franchise quarterbacks, and quarterback controversies.

He also knows a thing or two about the Bob Kraft franchise and the mind-set of New England football fans. He knows the Patriots are rebuilding and that there’s going to be pressure to play No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye over eight-year veteran (five teams) Jacoby Brissett.

“Fans always want to see what’s new, particularly if you’re losing games,” Parcells said when I tracked him down on the phone this week.

No specifics, please. Parcells worked for the Krafts for four full seasons — it ended badly, perhaps you’ve heard? — and has mentored Brissett since he was a 15-year-old high schooler in West Palm Beach. The Tuna roots for Brissett to succeed, but won’t butt into New England’s football operation.

Yeah, we heard, Shank - you were one of the writers cirling like pirhanas.