The New England Patriots suffered a disappointing 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, leading head coach Jerod Mayo to call his team “soft” and lacking toughness. Despite getting an early lead, the Patriots failed to run the ball effectively and stop the Jaguars’ running game. Mayo emphasized the importance of being tough in football, including running the ball, stopping the run, and covering kicks, areas in which the Patriots struggled. The team’s struggles were evident in the Jaguars’ dominating time of possession and long, clock-draining drives.
Mayo acknowledged the team’s lack of toughness and called on players to reflect on their performance and find a way to improve. The team’s shift from Bill Belichick’s disciplined coaching style to Mayo’s more player-friendly approach has raised questions about the team’s mindset and preparation. Mayo recognized the need for balance in being tough on his players and hinted at potential changes to improve performance.
Players like quarterback Drake Maye and cornerback Jonathan Jones echoed Mayo’s sentiments, recognizing the need for the team to step up and address their shortcomings. Mayo emphasized the need for a strong mentality and tough football team going forward. While the offense also struggled in the loss, Mayo focused on the defense’s performance and potential adjustments that may be needed. As the Patriots continue to search for answers amidst a six-game losing streak, Mayo acknowledged the need for improvement and a stronger overall approach from the team.
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