The Los Angeles Chargers absolutely wrecked the New England Patriots on Saturday afternoon, a 40–7 rout that Pats fans were likely not shocked by at all. New England, now 3–13, has had an incredibly rough year, with the only silver lining being the promise of fledgling quarterback Drake Maye and the continuing possibility that the team earns the No. 1 draft pick next year. The loss is extra disappointing after New England played a surprisingly close game against Buffalo last week.
Speaking after the contest on Saturday, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo gave a brutally honest assessment of the blowout. "Really nothing good to take out of that game today," Mayo told reporters. "We just didn't play well enough in any phase of the game. No complementary football, that's what you get."
As for the "fire Mayo" chants that filled Gillette Stadium afterward, the coach said the team just needs to "play better."
"If we play better, we don't have to hear that stuff," he said
Additionally, Mayo maintained his confidence in his coaching staff, and said the pressure of coaching for his job, if you will, is really nothing new to him. "Look, I’m always under pressure," he said. "It’s been that way for a long time, not just when I became head coach of the Patriots. I’m ok, and I always do what’s best for the team.”
#Patriots HC Jerod Mayo on if he feels like he and his coordinators are coaching for their jobs:
— New England Sports Fellow (@NESportsFellow) December 28, 2024
“Look, I’m always under pressure. It’s been that way for a long time, not just when I became head coach of the Patriots. I’m ok, and I always do what’s best for the team.” pic.twitter.com/BH15QTsTSt
The Pats' only touchdown was on a 36-yard pass to DeMario Douglas, which also cemented Maye as the only rookie quarterback in franchise history with a TD pass in eight consecutive games. Still, the 22-year-old was sacked four times and briefly left the field due to a head injury.
New England will get another chance against Buffalo on Jan. 5.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Jerod Mayo Was Brutally Honest in Assessment of Patriots' Blowout Loss to Chargers.
