The New England Patriots haven't been playing their best football through the first week of the season, as they've started 1-3 and lost their last three games.
While lack of talent and injuries are two big reasons for their struggles, New England has repeatedly made avoidable mistakes that have really hurt them in winnable games.
After their most recent loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Patriots defensive lineman Davon Godchaux called some of his teammates selfish for the way they've been playing.
On Wednesday, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo backed Godchaux's comments and even made it clear that the coach said it first.
"No, I'm okay with a player voicing that because that's what I said in the squad meeting. So, everything I say to the players, and I'm not saying it as a secret," Mayo said. "We just have to play better together. Especially defensively, look – well, I would say across the board – it takes 11 people to make a big play. I know one person gets all the praise and things like that, but it takes everyone being on the same page. I agree with DG [Davon Godchaux] in regard to some of those plays are selfish plays. That's exactly what it is."
The Patriots can't be making those same mistakes over and over again because they're just not a good enough team to overcome the same issues.
Hopefully, some harsh words from a coach and a peer get through to those responsible for those mistakes because it will be a long season if New England can't keep quarterbacks in the pocket and can't set the edge.
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