Jerod Mayo calls Patriots soft after loss to Jaguars in London

On October 20, 2024, the New England Patriots faced a disappointing defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, losing 32-16. This marked the Patriots' sixth consecutive loss of the season, prompting head coach Jerod Mayo to criticize the team's performance, describing them as 'soft.' Despite a brief lead in the game, their inability to sustain offensive momentum and lack of physicality became apparent. The Patriots' rushing game struggled significantly, with only 38 yards on the ground and rookie quarterback Drake Maye leading the team in rushing with 18 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson contributed minimally to the running efforts, which further emphasized the team’s offensive shortcomings. This lack of productivity has left fans and analysts questioning the team's capability moving forward. Moreover, the team's defense also faltered, allowing the Jaguars to accumulate 171 yards rushing. The inability to stop the run was an area Mayo expected to be a strength, showing perhaps a broader issue within the team's overall competitiveness. A critical moment in the game included a 96-yard punt return touchdown by Jacksonville, which showcased weaknesses in the special teams unit. As the players return to New England, Mayo's comments may resonate deeply. The upcoming weeks will reveal if the team can transform this critique into motivation or if they will falter further as the season progresses.