LONDON – After an underwhelming performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo openly criticized his team. He claimed, “We’re a soft football team across the board,” highlighting his disappointment in their lackluster effort.
The Patriots, now at 1-6, let an early advantage slip away, conceding 171 rushing yards and surrendering a punt return for a touchdown. This led to a sixth consecutive defeat, with the final score being 32-16 at Wembley Stadium. Mayo pointed out the key elements that define a tough football team, which include running effectively, stopping the run, and covering kicks. Unfortunately, he noted that they excelled in none of these areas during the game.
This marks the longest losing streak for the Patriots since 1993. Although the team started strong, taking a 10-0 lead after scoring on their first two possessions – Drake Maye connecting with JaMycal Hasty for a 16-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 41-yard field goal from Joey Slye – their momentum quickly dwindled. Jacksonville retaliated, scoring four consecutive times to seize control of the match.
Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby had a standout performance, gaining 118 yards on 26 carries and contributing two touchdowns. As the game progressed, it became apparent the Patriots struggled to halt Jacksonville’s offensive drives, especially in the second half. Bigsby remarked, “I felt like as we kept running the ball that the Patriots were getting tired,” noting that their tackling became less effective as the game wore on.
On the offensive side, New England mustered just 38 rushing yards throughout the game. “They controlled the ball for most of the day,” Mayo remarked, emphasizing the need for improvement. He acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and urged them to regroup, stating, “Back to the drawing board. We can’t sit here and pout.”
In the second quarter, Parker Washington electrified the crowd with a 96-yard punt return touchdown. After catching a 57-yard punt at the Jacksonville 4, he adeptly maneuvered past two defenders, finding open space to score. Mayo commented on the play, noting the difficulties of covering a punt that was kicked down the middle of the field.
Maye, in only his second career start, completed 26 of 37 passes for 276 yards, recording two touchdowns without an interception. He also managed to scramble for an additional 18 yards on three carries. The Patriots narrowed the gap to nine points when Maye connected with K.J. Osborn for a 22-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, but they failed to convert the subsequent 2-point attempt.
Adding to the team’s disappointment, the third overall pick from this year’s NFL draft revealed that Mayo delivered his straightforward assessment in the locker room. Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones also stepped up, emphasizing the need for accountability among the players. “What we’re doing is not good enough,” Maye recounted, highlighting Jones’ call to “man up.”
The Patriots now face challenges following back-to-back international losses, having previously faltered in Frankfurt, Germany, the prior year. During that match, Bill Belichick made the controversial decision to bench Mac Jones, who was later traded to the Jaguars in the offseason to serve as Trevor Lawrence’s backup.
Historically, the Patriots have found success in international games, with Tom Brady leading the team to victories in 2009 and 2012 at Wembley Stadium, as well as a win in Mexico City in 2017. However, the current streak of international losses adds pressure as they seek to return to form.