“Gronkowski Backs Mayo, Dismisses Calls for Firing After Patriots’ Struggles”
Reactions to the Patriots’ tough Week 7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars are escalating.
Jerod Mayo labeled New England a “soft football team” after their sixth consecutive loss, and now rumors suggest the rookie head coach might be on the hot seat.
While opinions abound, former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski insists it would be a mistake for New England to fire Mayo now or after the season.
“I don’t think there’s any truth to that,” Gronkowski said on “The Up & Adams Show” Wednesday. “He deserves another chance next year. You didn’t hire him without seeing potential. He understands football deeply.”
Gronkowski noted that Mayo inherited a difficult situation in New England, and the focus should be on his future performance rather than early setbacks this season.
“It’s about how he handles the offseason,” Gronkowski continued. “It’s about how his team performs from now on. Are they competitive? Will they win a game? Are the players still with him? If he can maintain the locker room, that’s key.”
The four-time Super Bowl champion also suggested that Mayo should reflect on the past week when addressing the media after the Patriots’ upcoming game against the New York Jets.
“As a rookie head coach, you’re bound to have learning moments,” Gronkowski said. “This was likely one of them, especially since his comments about the team being ‘soft’ could be seen as adistraction.”