The New England Patriots hope to quiet the noise by knocking off the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Unfortunately, they’ll be carrying over some leftover baggage from their Week 7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Coach Jerod Mayo called the team “soft” after they dropped a 32-16 loss to the Jaguars in London. He did walk back those comments, but it didn’t quell the rising tide of outside noise that followed. Multiple analysts, former players and even current players weighed in on Mayo’s comments.
Even former coach Bill Belichick disagreed with Mayo’s approach when discussing the comments on “The Pat McAfee Show.” It’s a mess for the Patriots right now, and it could get even worse if they get blown out by the Jets for a second time this season.
Let’s take a look at who’s up and who’s down for the Patriots heading into Week 8.