In the wake of the New England Patriots’ disappointing 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, head coach Jerod Mayo expressed frustration, labeling his team as “soft.” His remarks drew mixed reactions, particularly from former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. During an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, Belichick voiced concern over Mayo’s comments, expressing empathy for the players who had been criticized after contributing to one of the best run defenses in the league just a season earlier.
Belichick noted that while the Patriots’ defense has struggled significantly in 2024, the players themselves shouldn’t shoulder the blame. He pointed out the stark contrast between their performance last year, where they led the league in rushing defense, and their current ranking of 26th. According to Belichick, the drop in performance has more to do with poor coaching than the players’ effort or physicality. In his view, it’s not the players who have suddenly become soft but rather the lack of proper coaching that has led to this decline.
Tom Brady, a guest on Belichick’s “Let’s Go” podcast, chimed in on the discussion. Brady emphasized that toughness in football isn’t just a matter of perception but can be measured through specific metrics. For Brady, elements like stopping the run, executing well in the rushing game, and performing efficiently on special teams are the true indicators of a team’s toughness. He praised Belichick’s coaching philosophy, noting that physicality on the field can be supported by statistics, not just opinions.
Brady further elaborated that teams are often labeled as “soft” when they fail to excel in these key areas. However, he reminded listeners that physicality is a trait developed through consistent and well-rounded play, not just individual talent. Belichick and Brady, having worked together for years, seemed to