Jerod Mayo had an ‘upfront conversation’ with offensive line after meltdown against Jets

"This isn't good enough," the coach said.

Jerod Mayo. AP Photo/Seth Wenig

September 23, 2024

2 minutes to read

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo had a frank discussion with the offensive line after a dismal performance against the Jets on Thursday night that resulted in seven sacks allowed.

Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett was hit on more plays than just the five sacks on the stat sheet. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye took his share of hits during his limited action at the end of the game.

The offensive line, which had held up relatively well compared to what was expected over the first two games, had a meltdown Thursday night.

“It’s a very upfront conversation,” Mayo said. “I have the relationship and so do the coaches with those guys, where you can be very transparent and open. This isn’t good enough.”

“I showed on one of my slides this morning just a picture of a mirror,” Mayo added. “Our job as coaches is to put the mirror in front of the players faces, and remind them what it really is. It’s not about your mom, your brother, or cousins telling you it’s not your fault. It’s all of our fault. Once again, it starts with me.”

Offensive guard Layden Robinson said his takeaway from the message is that the Patriots need to show more consistency up front.

“The message was just rent is due every day,” Robinson said. “That’s one of my favorite things he always says because it just clicks in your head. Success is rented, rent is due every day, and we’ve just got to get back out there.

“We know what type of team we are and we’ve got to prove it and not beat ourselves. We’ve got to get out there, prove it every day, and put that check in every day and I really like that.”

The Patriots’ struggles with pass protection are nothing new. They had issues flare up throughout the summer and during the first few weeks of this season.

However, New England moved the ball on the ground enough to stay competitive with Cincinnati and Seattle. That didn’t happen against the Jets. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson combined for 52 yards on 11 touches.

The Patriots’ offensive line, which started a pair of rookies in Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson along with Michael Jordan who began the year on the practice squad, looked overmatched at times.

Mayo was asked if his team is still searching for its identity. They had a hard-nosed edge during the first two games that was nowhere to be found on Thursday.

“I don’t want to jump to conclusions,” Mayo said. “After we controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the preseason, and on both sides of the ball in the first two games, to sit here and overreact on the third game, and controlling the line of scrimmage, I don’t want to do that.”

“I still think we have a tough, physical football team,” he continued. “That’s my expectation, and that’s also their expectation, to go out there and establish your toughness. In the fourth quarter, hopefully, you have a chance to win.”

Robinson said he is eager for another chance to compete against the 49ers this week this week.

“You always want to get back out there and play no matter what,” Robinson said. “Win or lose, you always want to get back out there and get ready for the next game. That’s the thing, even when you win you want to shake it off because it’s a new week. So, it’s the same mindset with that.”