Riding high from a dominant victory over the Bears last week, the Patriots were hoping they could continue that momentum by taking on the Rams in Foxborough. However, their inconsistency was yet again exposed. This time, by the Rams, who condemned the Patriots to their eighth loss of the season. Losing 28-22 on the day, the Patriots often trailed the visitors by a margin of 15 points.

But there was one thing that caught everyone’s attention in New England. Rookie receiver Javon Baker, who was handling the mantle of kick returns, wasn’t allowed to take the final one on Sunday. Even after his big return of 46 yards, Baker was pulled away from his duties. When Mayo was asked to explain his thoughts behind the decision. He gave a simple yet straightforward answer, “Didn’t execute the way we all hoped he would.”

Well, seeing Mayo throw Baker under the bus didn’t sit well with their fans. They were quick to express their disappointment with Mayo’s decision. One of them came up with his suggestion of pulling Mayo instead, “Hey Jerod, you haven’t executed the way we have hoped either. Hope u get pulled.” Well, that wasn’t the only criticism Mayo was garnering after his thoughts behind benching Baker. His decision to call out the player publicly wasn’t appreciated, “Why does he call his players out week-after-week?”

This fan was indeed right to point out Mayo’s public shaming of his players. Just last month, when the Patriots faced the Jaguars in London. Mayo decided to call his team ‘soft’ on the back of a disappointing 32-16 loss. While a 22-year-old shoulders blame for his poor kick return, there is another who is garnering all the praise he can. As Drake Maye continues to shine as a leader even though the Patriots failed to win on Sunday.

Drake Maye cementing his role in New England

Remember those days when Jerod Mayo didn’t allow Maye to start, even though his predecessor struggled heavily? Earning his starting role after six weeks of Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots may have found their future. Although Maye couldn’t help the Patriots win consecutive games for the first time this season, he was simply brilliant. Completing 30-of-40 passes for 282 yards with two TDs and a single interception. Maye had his best week this Sunday.

Clocking a passer rating of 100.2 and 27 rushing yards, Rams QB Matthew Stafford couldn’t but express his thoughts on the rookie, “Really talented player. I’ve watched a little bit of crossover tape just from games, but really talented kid. Obviously can move great in the pocket. I thought he stood in there a few times a few times today and made some nice players on third down. He’s got a bright future.” Well, Maye did help the Patriots convert their 6 of 14 third-down opportunities compared to Rams 2 for 8.

He even led the Patriots for five scoring drives while notching his career-high passing yards (282). However, it still wasn’t enough, as the Patriots allowed 402 total yards on Sunday. Mayo needs to analyze their gaps quickly, or else his first season in New England could well be his last. As they languish at the bottom of their division after 11 weeks this season.