Patriots’ Jerod Mayo Addresses Heavy Point Of Criticism

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo went on the defensive this week, mostly because he didn’t have much of a choice.

New England’s most recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars sparked quite the controversy, as the 38-year-old called his team “soft” before partly walking back the statement following some backlash. It’s been pretty easy to pile on the rookie head coach ever since, which has led to criticism regarding everything from his press conferences to how engaged he is on the sideline during games.

Mayo was asked about the latter Wednesday and defended himself.

“I do engage with the players. I engage with the defense, and I would say I also have a headset where I’m flipping through channels talking to the coordinators,” Mayo said, per team-provided video. “There have been times where I’ve brought those guys up, and there have been times where I’ve let the coordinators or position coach do their thing, even though we’ve talked about it on the headset.”

New England’s issues defensively haven’t helped his case, as the unit essentially sparked that “soft” comment by giving up 171 yards on the ground to Jacksonville. Mayo was asked whether that was enough to influence a change on the coaching staff and continued to stick up for himself and his assistants by shouldering responsibility.

“DeMarcus [Covington] is our defensive coordinator,” Mayo said. “I have ownership of the defense, the offense and special teams. That’s how I look at it. Those guys are coordinators, but once again, ultimately, it falls on me.”

Mayo hasn’t started fast, but the response to his comments earlier in the week seems to have influenced some change at One Patriots Place — if not only in terms of what is being said. The Patriots will hope to prove they can change their misfortunes on the field, as well, as they take on the New York Jets on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.