The New England Patriots fell to the Arizona Cardinals 30-17 on Sunday at State Farm Stadium to earn their fourth loss in a row.
Throughout the game, New England’s offense moved the ball well at times, but errors and negative plays consistently halted their progress and killed drives.
On their first possession of the second half, the Patriots drove the ball down 66 yards to Arizona’s 4-yard line. However, two failed runs on both third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 by Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson resulted in a turnover on downs.
The Cardinals took possession and eventually punted the ball to New England back in their territory.
After the game, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked if there was any thought given to running rookie quarterback Drake Maye in those situations, as the first-round pick has shown an ability to pick up yards with his legs when needed.
The coach’s answer was interesting, to say the least.
“You said it. I didn’t,” Mayo responded.
It almost seemed like the head coach was placing the blame on the play-calling of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Two questions later, Mayo was asked if it was Van Pelt’s decision not to run.
“It’s always my decision,” Mayo clarified.”I would say, look, the quarterback obviously has a good pair of legs and does a good job running the ball. We just chose not to do it there.”
This seemed like another situation where Mayo realized he said something he probably shouldn’t have, and that has happened multiple times this year in his media availabilities.
MORE PATRIOTS NEWS
Patriots vs. Cardinals: Final score, instant analysis
Drake Maye makes magic for lone TD pass vs. Cardinals
Patriots RB climbs up another spot in top-10 rushers in team history
Patriots place young defender on season-ending IR
