The New England Patriots suffered another disappointing loss, this time against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Despite quarterback Drake Maye’s impressive performance, the Patriots’ defense failed to stop the Jaguars’ offense, surrendering over 170 rushing yards for the third consecutive game. Defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo criticized the team’s lack of fundamentals and called them a “soft football team.” The defense’s struggles have coincided with Maye’s emergence as the starting quarterback, putting more pressure on the offense to keep up.
Mayo and linebacker Jahlani Tavai emphasized the need for accountability and teamwork, urging players to set aside their egos and focus on playing as a cohesive unit. The Patriots defense was particularly vulnerable in the run game, allowing the Jaguars to control the clock and limit Maye’s opportunities to lead a comeback. Despite a valiant effort from the offense, the Patriots fell short due to their defense’s inability to get off the field.
With key defensive players missing due to injuries, New England’s defense has regressed over the last month, undermining the team’s overall performance. Mayo and Tavai stressed the importance of consistency and execution on defense to turn things around. As the Patriots head into a crucial stretch of the season, they will need to address their defensive issues if they hope to salvage their season and compete in the AFC.
Source
Photo credit www.boston.com