Some New England Patriots fans have voiced similar concerns about the team’s recent decision to bench one of its highest-paid veterans.
On Friday, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo appeared on “Patriots All-Access” and revealed his decision to remove running back Rhamondre Stevenson from the team’s starting lineup.
Mayo cited Stevenson’s fumbles as the biggest reason behind the move. Stevenson has fumbled in each of New England’s first four games.
Jerod Mayo, to @scottzolak, on Patriots All-Access regarding his plans at RB on Sunday: “Had a conversation with Rhamondre [Stevenson] and he won’t be starting … I’ll be upfront and transparent. But he will play. And he understands he has to protect the football going forward…”
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 5, 2024
It’s not surprising for a coach to make a lineup change based on a player underperforming. However, a few Patriots fans want Mayo to maintain the same policy with the quarterback position.
With veteran QB Jacoby Brissett scuffling through his first four starts, some called Mayo out for seemingly having a double standard.
So why is Jacoby starting?
— Steven Blathras (@StevenBlathras) October 5, 2024
So why is Jacoby still starting? Where’s the consistency? Also, this is the last thing patriots coaching staff should be worrying about…
— cam ☘️ (@cmccarthy999) October 5, 2024
Keep the same standards for the QB position
— Boston Hemp Inc (@BostonHempire) October 5, 2024
Okay so he can get benched and Brissett can’t
— Owen (@DMayetoboston) October 5, 2024
Entering Week 5, the Patriots rank 31st in points per game with a measly 13.0 average. Only the Tua Tagovailoa-less Miami Dolphins have scored fewer points. Brissett has posted a completion rate of just 60.4% with just two total touchdowns in that span.
Fans may be eager to get a serious glimpse at their prized draft pick Drake Maye.
Mayo has not shut the door on Maye taking the starting job sometime this season. With the Patriots off to a 1-3 start, several fans are getting tired of waiting.
