The New England Patriots’ embarrassing 3-11 season appears to be taking its toll on ownership.
Jonathan Kraft, president of the Kraft Group and son of billionaire Patriots owner Robert Kraft, was photographed by CBS cameras during New England’s 30-17 loss at Arizona on Sunday. The 60-year-old heir and Harvard Business School alumnus was clearly upset about another poor performance as he gestured to his 83-year-old father.
That’s when young Kraft appeared to announce, “the play is terrible.”
It’s unclear whether Jonathan was referring to the offensive or defensive play, but head coach Jerod Mayo answered a question on the topic anyway.
“I haven’t seen anything like it, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Mayo told reporters Monday. “What I will say is that they have fully supported us as a team and look, they are big fans of the team that they own. So whatever they say, that’s what they said.
Mayo drew attention after Sunday’s loss when asked about offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s decision to run the ball at the goal line with running backs Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson instead of athletic quarterback Drake Maye.
Jonathan Kraft (right), president of the Kraft Group and son of billionaire Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left), appeared furious during Sunday’s loss in Arizona.
At least one former Patriots player is fed up with both Jonathan Kraft and Mayo: Patrick Pass
Embattled Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo likely needs a strong finish to save his job
“You said it, I didn’t,” Mayo said in a comment that many perceived as a dig at Van Pelt.
Mayo walked back that comment on Monday.
“I know there was a lot of talk about the question last night.” “You said that.” I didn’t mean anything by it,” Mayo said. ‘It was more of a defensive response and ultimately I tried to clarify it with the next question. Because ultimately all of those decisions are mine. So I just wanted to get that out there.’ the light.”
Speaking to Boston’s WFAN on Monday, Mayo clarified that he and Van Pelt are aligned, schematically.
“I talked to him this morning because I didn’t think today would be a big story,” Mayo said. “I talked to him today and he said, ‘What are you talking about?’
At least one former Patriots player is fed up with both Jonathan Kraft and Mayo.
After calling Kraft a ‘clown’ and the one who ’caused all the trouble,’ former New England defenseman Patrick Pass turned his attention to the head coach: ‘#FireJerodMayo.’
Boston Sports Journal recently reported that Mayo’s job could be on the line during the final month of the season. The first-year head coach and former Patriots linebacker replaces six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick.
And according to Kraft’s father, he was chosen to be Belichick’s successor as early as 2019.
“I’ve known Jerod for the last 15 years and chose him 5 years ago to be our next head coach,” Kraft told Amazon’s Taylor Rooks in September. “It’s very special and it’s great that I’ve had the ability to train with Bill.”
Mayo was previously the Patriots’ linebackers coach from 2019-2023.
The Patriots’ offense currently ranks 31st in points and 30th in yards, while their defense ranks 23rd and 20th in those categories, respectively.
Despite the team’s struggles, freshman quarterback Drake Maye has been impressive. The 22-year-old North Carolina product has completed 68.5 percent of his passes this season, and while he has thrown nine interceptions, he has also shown better decision-making over the course of his rookie season.