Quarterback Drake Maye and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will work even closer together now that Maye has been named the starter for Sunday’s game against Houston. Nancy Lane/Boston Herald

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt confirmed Thursday that he’s “on board” with the decision to bench quarterback Jacoby Brissett for rookie Drake Maye.

Coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday that it was “solely” his decision to make that move but that he consulted Van Pelt and other offensive coaches before making it.

“We all sat together and gave our opinions and what we thought, and ultimately, it’s his decision,” Van Pelt said Thursday of Mayo. “I’m on board with that decision. I am. I’m excited to see Drake play. It’s his time. I think he’s prepared. He’s done a great job on the practice field, getting ready for this moment.”

Van Pelt gave two reasons why he believes it’s the right choice to start Maye over Brissett this Sunday against the Texans.

“Offensively, we’re not where we want to be from a production standpoint, especially in the pass game. I think that that leads to some of that decision, and also the fact that to see (Maye’s) growth and development over those weeks of practice and what he’s put on on the practice field, I think the two of those combined,” Van Pelt said.

Van Pelt expressed optimism over the Patriots’ offense while also acknowledging the need to make a change. The Patriots are 31st in total offense and dead last in passing yards per game this season.

Brissett signed a one-year contract with the Patriots in March, but he knew that the Patriots held the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and that there was a strong possibility that they would select a quarterback. That’s exactly what happened when the Patriots drafted Maye in the first round.

“I told somebody this the other day, I’ve been through harder things in my life,” Brissett said when asked how he’s doing. “I’m sure this won’t be the last time I go through something hard. I’ll be alright. Drake asked me how I’m doing. I’m like, ‘Man, if you’re worried about me, you’re worrying about the wrong thing right now. I can take care of myself.’ Appreciate that, but I’ll be all right.”

That does tell Brissett that Maye is a “great kid.”

“It’s no malice in my heart towards him, obviously. I just want the best for him, and I’m very excited for him.”

• Running back Rhamondre Stevenson missed his second straight practice Thursday due to a foot injury. Safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) returned for Thursday’s session after missing Week 5 with the ankle ailment.

JETS: Jeff Ulbrich shook up the New York’s struggling offense in his first major move as interim head coach.

Ulbrich announced Thursday he replaced Nathaniel Hackett with Todd Downing as the offensive play caller. Downing, the Jets’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, takes over as New York prepares for a showdown with the AFC East-rival Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

Hackett – who is close to quarterback Aaron Rodgers – will remain the offensive coordinator in title, but is taking a back seat to Downing in what is now an undefined role.

Ulbrich took over as coach Tuesday after owner Woody Johnson stunningly fired Robert Saleh with the team off to a 2-3 start and on a two-game losing streak.

JAGUARS: Jacksonville plans to arrive in London later than expected Friday because of Hurricane Milton, the team confirmed ahead of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

For their London NFL games, the Jags regularly depart on Thursday night and arrive Friday morning. They’ve played in London 11 times. The Jaguars canceled a Friday press conference at the team hotel outside London and rescheduled it for Saturday morning.