Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt downplays Jerod Mayo’s ‘You said it’ comment, willing to speak with Krafts following recent criticism
"I have Jerod’s back at all costs. We have a great relationship."
Alex Van Pelt’s play-calling seemingly came under fire by a pair of the most important people in the Patriots’ organization during and following their loss to the Cardinals on Thursday.
Instead of harshly responding to Jonathan Kraft’s and Jerod Mayo’s comments though, the Patriots’ offensive coordinator took the high road when he met with reporters for the first time since Sunday’s loss.
“I understand [Jonathan Kraft’s] frustration,” Van Pelt said. “There is nothing that is not frustrating about losing. I think we’re all frustrated. It comes at multiple levels. When you have three wins, those things can happen.”
Patriots president Jonathan Kraft appeared to criticize the team’s play-calling when the CBS broadcast showed him and his father, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, during the first half of Sunday’s game. The younger Kraft also had a pen and paper with him, appearing to take notes throughout the game.
In the third quarterback, Van Pelt opted to run the with the Patriots’ running backs (Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson) on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 at the Cardinals’ 4-yard line. The Patriots’ running backs were stuffed on both plays, turning the ball over on downs as they only trailed 16-3 at the time.
Van Pelt’s decision to not use Drake Maye for a designed run, such as a quarterback sneak, was widely criticized. It appeared Mayo took a shot at Van Pelt as well when he was first asked about it, saying, “You said it, I didn’t,” when asked why Maye’s legs weren’t used on either play.
Mayo attempted to take ownership in a follow-up question, saying, “It’s always my decision.” But Mayo also remarked that Maye “obviously has a good pair of legs and does a good job running the ball. We just chose not to do it there.”
As Mayo’s comment caused more controversy in the aftermath of the loss to the Cardinals, Van Pelt said he didn’t see or hear the head coach’s comments.
“I was watching tape early in the morning and he came in and said what he had said. I have Jerod’s back at all costs,” Van Pelt said. “We have a great relationship. Very communicative. I took no offense to that whatsoever. I think it was taken out of context, as he said, and we have a great relationship.”
Van Pelt hasn’t had that same conversation yet, though, with the Kraft family. He’s willing to discuss play-calling matters with them if they’d like.
“My door is always open,” Van Pelt said. “Obviously, the Krafts, I answer to those guys. So, if they ever want to come down and talk, my door is open. I’ve had great conversations with Robert over the course of the season, Mr. Kraft, and it’s been positive. Always willing and always available.”
Van Pelt also explained his decision to not use Maye as a runner on those two short-down situations in Thursday’s game, saying he’s looking to protect the rookie quarterback.
“Really just focusing on keeping him out of harm’s way and getting him through these last three games healthy,” Van Pelt said. “That’s really what it comes down to. It’s about developing our quarterback. I think we all feel very confident in his abilities.
“At the same time, I’d hate to lose him and not let him finish out the season by using him in a way where if we didn’t need to, we didn’t have to. So, that’s kind of my thought on that.”
While Mayo and Kraft appeared to take shots at Van Pelt during and after Sunday’s game, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was blunt in his criticism of the Patriots’ offensive coordinator right after the game. He told reporters that the Patriots’ should’ve attacked the Cardinals’ man coverage defense in the first half more than they did.
Boutte shared he apologized to Van Pelt on Wednesday, with the Patriots offensive coordinator calling it a “really good conversation.”
“This is the best part of receiver play. It’s not changed since I’ve played,” Van Pelt said of Boutte’s comment. “When Andre Reed didn’t get enough catches, he’d be upset and I’d understand that. It’s the competitive nature of these guys.
“I just reiterated to him, if there’s something you see during the game, we can always talk about it,” Van Pelt added. “Communication. You can come to me during the game. Don’t wait. Let’s try and find solutions during the course of the game. But it was a real positive conversation with him. I’m excited to see him make plays for us this week.”
Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals was just one of many rough outings for the Patriots’ offense this season. New England ranks 30th in yards (292.4 per game) and 31st in scoring (17 points per game) entering Week 16, leading some to wonder if Van Pelt will see a second season as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator.
As the noise seems to be growing louder around Van Pelt and the rest of the Patriots’ coaching staff each week, he’s remaining focused on the task at hand. However, he also made it clear that he’s more than happy to explain his decisions to anyone, including the Krafts.
“I don’t ever really pay attention to much [of the outside chatter], I just put my head down and go,” Van Pelt said. “If they have a question, I’m always willing to answer the questions.”
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