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Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday he has decided on a Week 1 starting quarterback, but will not share that decision until he meets with players on Thursday.

“Yes, we’ve made a decision,” Mayo told reporters before a Wednesday practice. “Just haven’t communicated (it). And honestly, I want those guys to hear it first from me.”

Mayo took ownership of the decision, which he said he made Tuesday after speaking with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

“It’s hard to nail down a particular date, but if you want me to, I’ll say yesterday,” Mayo said. “I’m not sure what date it is, I just know I feel like I’m doing what’s best for the team with the decision that I made.”

Mayo shared Van Pelt received input from his offensive assistants about whether veteran Jacoby Brissett or first-round rookie Drake Maye should start, but reiterated it was a decision he made. The first-year head coach also said he did not feel he owes an explanation to his players

“I’m sure (the players) all have an opinion on who they think should be the starting quarterback, but I don’t think I have to explain it to anyone else. It’s my decision, and if it doesn’t work, blame me,” he said.

Mayo also stressed he views the quarterback competition as being a year-long consideration; how Brissett and Maye performed in OTA and minicamp practices, as well as training camp. On July 23, Mayo said Maye, who did not take any starting reps in practice until last week, would win the job if he “comes out here and he lights it up” in training camp.

Earlier this week, Mayo said Maye has out-played Brissett this summer, seemingly an indication the rookie won the starting job. But since then, and again on Wednesday, the head coach said the Patriots would weigh several factors in making their decision.

“I would say one thing: I think it’s important to remember what’s good for the team today may not be good for the team weeks down the line,” Mayo said. “So I think the challenge is, you want to win every single game now, but also, you’re trying to build something special.”