Jerod Mayo draws attention for his postgame comments

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo poses for a photo at a press conference held at Gillette Stadium to announce his hiring as head coach. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Some postgame comments by Jerod Mayo on Sunday drew attention from fans and the media.

Mayo’s New England Patriots lost to the Miami Dolphins 34-15 to fall to 3-9 on the season. New England was called for 10 penalties for 75 yards, which made things a lot easier for the Dolphins.

After the game, Mayo was asked about the penalties, with a reporter suggesting he couldn’t do a lot about them. Mayo said as much.

“Once those guys cross the white lines, there’s nothing I can do for them. There’s nothing any coach can do for them once they cross the white line. It’s my job to continue to prepare not only them, but our coaches to go out here and play better football,” Mayo said.

#Patriots HC Jerod Mayo on the constant errors committed by players:

“Once those guys cross the [sideline] there’s nothing I can do for them. There’s nothing any coach can do for them once they cross the [sideline]. It’s my job to continue to prepare… them.” pic.twitter.com/nhGjOF1KO1

— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) November 24, 2024

Mayo is right to an extent. Once the players are in the game, it’s on the players. But how many penalties a team commits is also a reflection of their discipline and coaching. It’s on the coaches to emphasize certain issues to avoid penalties, like trying to ensure the offensive line gets things down before the snap.

In separate comments, Mayo acknowledged that and said the penalties issues “starts with me.”

The Patriots are in their first season under Mayo.