Video: Drake Maye Called Patriots' 2nd-Best QB by Mayo After Jacoby Brissett's Injury

The New England Patriots don't have an official starting quarterback just yet, but their hierarchy at the position sounds relatively straightforward.

Following a 20-10 loss to the Washington Commanders to close out the preseason, head coach Jerod Mayo balked when asked if Drake Maye would get the nod ahead of an injured Jacoby Brissett. Mayo did, however, describe Maye as "our second-best quarterback on our roster right now."

Brissett suffered a shoulder injury early in the first quarter Sunday from a hit by Commanders defensive end KJ Henry.

The veteran signal-caller stayed on the field for the remainder of the drive. Maye took over when New England got the ball back.

After the game, Mayo said that Brissett felt "good" and "would have been able to continue" if that had been the team's plan.

When it came to addressing the Patriots' QB situation more broadly, the first-year head coach might have fallen victim to his inexperience in the role. He certainly hasn't grasped Bill Belichick's mastery of speaking to the media while saying nothing of consequence.

Mayo seemed to make it pretty clear he believes Brissett is the best option right now — or at the very least that's the impression the organization wants to convey to the outside world. Perhaps the Patriots' internal belief is that Maye is better than Brissett but would rather take his ascension to the starting job more gradually. Rushing a rookie onto the field, even if he's ready, can be disastrous if the offense around him isn't built to succeed.

Maye had an encouraging preseason. The No. 3 overall pick went 21-of-34 for 192 yards and one touchdown across three appearances.

Going with Brissett in Week 1 against Cincinnati Bengals would make sense since he's far more tenured than his understudy.

If this proves to be the rebuilding year many expect for the Patriots, though, the longer Brissett remains the starter will bring more questions about why Maye is holding a clipboard.