The New England Patriots’ challenging 2024 campaign continued with a 28-22 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium, dropping their record to 3-8.
With NFL Next Gen Stats giving the team less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs, the disappointing season has left fans questioning the future of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo.
Since taking over from Bill Belichick in the offseason, Mayo has faced mounting criticism as the team struggles offensively, ranking 30th in scoring (16.5 points per game) and 31st in total yards (281.2 per game). Despite the frustrations, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that Mayo’s position may be secure for now.
“At this point in the season, people around the league believe that (Mayo’s) coaching staff is safe,” Russini stated on X. “We’ll see if that changes.”
Mayo has had limited time to shape the team, which continues to adjust after decades of Belichick’s leadership. While the offense has been underwhelming, the defense has shown flashes of competence, contributing to several one-possession losses. Supporters argue Mayo deserves additional time to build a competitive roster, with improvements likely hinging on offseason moves.
As the Patriots prepare for a Week 12 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, the outcome could further influence opinions on Mayo’s tenure. Management must decide whether to back the 38-year-old head coach or explore new leadership as the season unfolds.
