The New England Patriots’ debut season in the post-Bill Belichick era has spiraled into a nightmare. After a surprising Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Patriots have dropped six straight games and now face long odds as underdogs at home against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sunday.
The situation grew even more turbulent following last Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. During the postgame press conference, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo openly criticized his team, labeling them “soft”—a comment that drew attention and even rebukes throughout the week, including from former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who voiced his disapproval over Mayo’s public critique.
Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan, who previously led the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, didn’t hold back in his response to Mayo’s comments.
Speaking on ESPN’s NFL Sunday Countdown, Ryan took issue with Mayo’s decision to air his frustrations publicly. “It’s not a ‘we’ thing; it’s a ‘you’ thing,” Ryan stated. “If your team is soft, as you put it, that’s on you. Something’s missing in your locker room, and I don’t know what it is. But if you think calling them out in public is the answer, I think you’re mistaken.”
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Ryan went on to suggest that Mayo should start by holding himself accountable. “Challenge yourself first,” he advised. “These are grown men, and publicly trying to embarrass them won’t get you results. Look, your team stinks right now. They’re eight-point underdogs at home to a team with just two wins. You don’t need to call them ‘soft’ for everyone to know where they’re at.”
Ryan emphasized his disdain for the term “soft,” explaining that it’s not a label players take lightly. “I hate the word. I hate the word,” Ryan repeated. “This is a team that’s struggling, yes, but calling them ‘soft’ does nothing but add fuel to the fire in a negative way.”
As the Patriots prepare to face off against the Jets, all eyes are on how Mayo’s comments may impact their performance. A decisive response on the field might be the only way to put the “soft” narrative behind them.
