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Jerod Mayo says gap between offensive line starters and reserves is ‘dramatic’
"They have to get better as a whole, as a unit."
Last week, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said the offensive line was still under construction.
This week, after New England gave up three sacks in a 14-13 preseason loss to the Eagles, Mayo called the drop-off between the offensive line starters and reserves “dramatic.”
“There were definitely some ups and some downs,” Mayo said. “I would say there’s a dramatic drop-off, not really physically, but just knowing what to do between the first line and the second and third guys.”
“They have to get better as a whole, as a unit,” Mayo added. “They just have to get better, and that comes from playing football games. We have another preseason game coming up. We’re going to play. That’s the only way you’re going to get better at football is playing football.”
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Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who saw his first extended game action of the preseason, got rocked by Nolan Smith on a blindside hit.
Smith bounced off a chip block attempt from running back Kevin Harris, breezed past Vederian Lowe (who started at left tackle), and slammed into Maye from behind.
Last week, Mayo said that trepidation over having Maye play behind the backup offensive line contributed to his limited reps against the Panthers.
“That’s always a consideration,” Mayo said. “If he’s in there, you want him in there with the starting offensive line. We’ve got to protect guy. Not saying we don’t have to protect the other guys, but absolutely they’re going to.”
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He seemed to change his tune after the loss on Thursday. He was asked if the offensive line issues would impact Maye’s chances to win the starting job.
“For me, we always talk about competition, and that’s at all spots,” Mayo said. “So, even if Drake beats out Jacoby [Brissett], I mean, he earned that role. We don’t really take that into consideration. When he’s ready to go, and if he’s better than Jacoby, then he’ll play; he’ll start.”
Joe Milton was also sacked twice. Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe were not sacked during their limited reps.
Maye began his outing playing behind the offensive line starters, but played long enough to get reps with the backups as well. Maye and reserve center Nick Leverett had an issue on a snap that led to a fumble.
Center David Andrews said the Patriots have to be on the same page and take care of the little things.
“We just have to try to get better as fast and as quick as we can,” Andrews said. “Especially the young guys, but old guys too. We’re all pushed up three weeks or whatever it is to the opener. It’s a race, not only those three weeks but throughout the year who can get better and build that momentum and be the best football team in the end.”
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