FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots have stumbled out of the gates in 2024, and much of the blame for their 1-4 start can be placed on the coaching staff.
Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt, in particular.
New England’s loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday was a startling reminder just how bad things can get with a new staff, as Mayo and Van Pelt combined to make some mind-numbing decisions. Mayo’s clock management at the end of each half was questionable, at best. Van Pelt’s decision to throw the ball on four consecutive plays on the penultimate drive, when his offense had run it effectively and had plenty of time on the clock, was enough to make some people want to rip their hair out.
Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson could (and probably should) have been one of those people, but he took different approach in his postgame press conference.
“The NFL is the NFL,” Stevenson said. “It’s a hard game to play, so the (offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator) are important jobs in our league. I feel like they have a more challenging job than we give them credit for. It’s kind of a mind game, so we just have to go out there and run the play, do your job and make the most of it.”
Stevenson stuck up for his coordinator, despite having every reason to pass blame after being asked about whether the offensive unit was being put in positions to be successful. The Patriots averaged a franchise-best 7.9 yards per carry Sunday, but Van Pelt made the decision to throw on 24-of-36 plays in the second half — the majority of which they had a lead.
It didn’t matter to Stevenson, though, he just remains committed to executing the play that is called. If only it were that simple.