Jerod Mayo contradicts himself regarding naming Drake Maye the Patriots starter

The Patriots' preseason came to a close late Sunday night, as they fell to the Commanders after a last-minute touchdown from backup quarterback Trace McSorley. It was the last time the coaching staff would have to evaluate the roster before each team needs to trim its roster to 53 players, and based on how New England played in Washington, D.C., it will be a tough task for the new regime.

Several players were playing for a spot on the team in this game, many of which didn't do themselves any favors in accomplishing that goal. However, one player who did everything to prove why he should be named the starter was Drake Maye, who impressed with his performance yet again.

After Jacoby Brissett was injured during the opening drive of the game, which forced the team to keep him sidelined for the remainder, the conversation about who would inevitably be named the starter picked up again, with most believing the rookie clearly won the job.

While that might be the case in the eyes of most fans and reporters, Jerod Mayo is not ready to make the declaration just yet.

Jerod Mayo seems to contradict himself when discussing plans for the offense

When speaking to reporters right after the game concluded, Mayo emphasized Maye's impressive showing despite the unforgivable struggles by the offensive line. He refused to name him the starter and actually referred to him as the "second best quarterback on the team," which seems to indicate he won't be named the starter for the season ahead.

Although many will disagree with that decision, it wasn't the most controversial part of Mayo's presser.

Because the offensive line was (by far) the worst part of the game, racking up nearly double-digit penalties and making the quarterback's job even tougher, reporters questioned how much that would play in the decision to make Maye the QB1, especially if Brissett is unable to perform due to the shoulder injury he suffered early in the game.

Mayo first shared his concerns with the offensive line, which was good to hear considering how the team has been saying the opposite for most of the offseason.

But then, when asked a follow-up question about how much that might impact their decision regarding Maye, the head coach stated the best players are going to play.

Based on what we've seen from Brissett and Maye, the rookie would be the one to be named the starter, yet that's not the impression Mayo has been giving when asked about the eventual decision.

It's a bit of a contradiction and makes the situation more concerning. Maye might be the better option, but it's also not a great idea to throw him out there against starting defenses with an inept offensive line expected to protect him.

Starting the Mayo era by risking severe injury on your presumed franchise quarterback would not be remembered fondly.

More Patriots news and analysis: