NFL insider makes eye-opening claim on Patriots HC Jerod Mayo throwing OC Alex Van Pelt under the bus

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo wasn't happy with his team's performance on offense. After the Patriots were defeated by the Arizona Cardinals 30-17, Mayo was asked about the offensive play calling. The first-year coach essentially placed all of the blame on offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

On Monday morning, senior NFL reporter Albert Breer said on NBC Sports Boston that Mayo's lack of accountability will prevent coaches from exploring job opportunities with the organization. Breer also believes that Jerod Mayo may be on the hot seat heading into 2025.

“Correct me if I’m wrong guys, but that felt like he was throwing Alex Van Pelt under the bus," Breer said via NBC Sports Patriots. … I think that’s a really hard thing to come back from. The players see that, they see a lack of accountability … how are you gonna get coaches here then? They’re all gonna think that Jerod Mayo is on the hot seat in 2025.”

The New England Patriots coach's first season isn't going as planned after he took over the reins from Bill Belichick. The Patriots are 3-11 and have lost their last four games.

Jerod Mayo backtracks on criticism of OC Alex Van Pelt

On Sunday afternoon, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was asked if there was a reason rookie quarterback Drake Maye didn't get an opportunity to make a play on a fourth-and-one.

"You said it. I didn't," Mayo replied to the reporter.

His response left a lot of fans scratching their heads and criticizing Mayo at the same time. On Monday morning, he made his weekly appearance on the WEEI radio show and defended his comments.

He said that his answer was simply him being defensive of his team. He also took responsibility for the play-calling.

“I know there’s a lot of chatter about the question last night, you know, ‘You said that.’ I didn’t mean anything by that. It was more of a defensive response, and ultimately, and I tried to clarify that with the follow-up question, because ultimately, all of those decisions are mine. So just wanted to get that out there.”

Jerod Mayo also said that he spoke to Alex Van Pelt about the comments he made and that the offensive coordinator was unaware of what he said.