Jerod Mayo Sticks Up For Patriots Coaches After Decisive Victory

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo hasn’t been the only person at One Patriot Place to receive criticism this season.

It’s been a reality for his entire staff.

New England has been up-and-down throughout the year, but a victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday can safely be described as the highest of highs thus far. Mayo’s team was dominant on the whole, and while the credit goes toward his players, he made sure to give a special shoutout to coordinators Alex Van Pelt, DeMarcus Covington and Jeremy Springer.

“I just want to send a — I thought the coordinators did an excellent job the entire week,” Mayo said following the game, per team-provided video. “Not only reiterating the message I sent in the squad meeting room, but also putting together a great game plan and knowing how we need to win football games.”

Van Pelt did a commendable job with the offense, incorporating younger players into the game plan better than he has at any other point this season. Ja’Lynn Polk scored a touchdown, and it came on a nifty design where he slipped out from a blocking assignment uncovered. Kayshon Boutte was especially active as he continues to grow as the team’s de-facto top option at wide receiver. Covington’s unit was damn-near flawless, dominating to the tune of just 142 total yards allowed and giving up just one third-down conversion on the entire afternoon.

It’s never going to be perfect with this roster, but the staff clearly had its best day together against Chicago. Mayo had every right to give them credit, while perhaps subtly taking to task those who were critical.