Patriots coach Jerod Mayo wipes his players' hands clean when they step between the lines.
In a bizarre comment to reporters after a 34-15 road loss to the Dolphins, Mayo said the team's penalty problems were not due to poor coaching.
New England accepted 10 penalties against the Dolphins, the second-most of any team in Week 12.
“If those people cross the white line, there's nothing I can do. Mayo told reporters. After the match. “Once they cross the white line, there's nothing any coach can do for them. It's up to me to continue preparing not only them, but our coaches as well, to come out here and play better football.” It's the job of
Mayo later said the penalty issue “starts with me.”
The Patriots have been called for 98 penalties on the season, fifth most in the NFL, while the Baltimore Ravens lead the NFL with 110 flags.
New England looked uncompetitive against the Dolphins through the third quarter Sunday, falling behind 31-0, but a few garbage-time scores made the final score look a little paltry. Ta.
Mayo is in his first year as coach, taking over from Bill Belichick, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots.
The legendary coach's successor has struggled to manage the media in his first year on the job, from discussing Drake Maye vs. Jacoby Brissett in the preseason quarterback competition to being a star in pre-trade training camp. He looked uncertain on numerous occasions, including watching defensive end Matthew Judon's pitches suffer from seizures. .
Mayo's only bright spot in this horrible season may be Mayo, who seems to be getting a lot of attention as a 22-year-old rookie quarterback.
The Patriots (3-9) host the Colts in Week 13.
