Patriots Veteran Not Thrilled With Social Posts From Teammates

Recent social media activity from Patriots wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and K.J. Osborn has fueled the fire regarding New England’s dysfunction, leaving their teammates to address it.

Patriots veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones didn’t seem to appreciate the two wideouts running to their phones shortly after New England’s 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

“Yeah, I think it never does good for you,” Jones said Monday when he appeared on the “WEEI Afternoon Show.” “I don’t think there’s any space where running to social media after a game — whether win, lose, or draw — that it really does anything good for you as a team. Especially when it’s bringing about division.

“So, just understanding that when you speak sometimes you’re speaking for the whole team and not just yourself. Guys need to recognize that. It’s a part of it. A lot of younger guys got to understand that aspect of team ball and that’s something they’ll continue to figure out.”

Jones’ team-first attitude might be just what the Patriots need after outbursts from Polk and Osborn. Polk took to Instagram and posted a peace sign emoji after he struggled again. Osborn, who doesn’t fall into the same “younger guys” bucket, amplified a message that suggested his unhappiness in New England.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said he’d appreciate it if players kept such feelings in-house, but confirmed it was their “freedom of speech.”

Jones said it would be up to the leaders in the locker room to make sure players get back on the same track.

“It’s a team sport. It’s the ultimate team sport,” Jones said. “You can’t point fingers to one person when we win, and you definitely can’t point fingers to one person when we lose. We just have to stick together, stick together and fight. This is our team we have for this year. And we have to stick together through whatever comes our way.”

The 1-6 Patriots host the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.