6 Patriots on the Chopping Block After Week 7 Loss
By Ryan Bunton

1. Ja'Lynn Polk
After drop issues persisted for the rookie wide receiver throughout the first six games, second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk was defensive about his struggles this past week. Mayo deemed Polk's struggles mental, but the 37th overall pick disagreed, countering that he has the best hands in the league:
"I believe I have the best hands in the league. So, I feel like my drops, that’s not an issue at all."
- Ja'Lynn Polk to Mark Daniels
Unfortunately, Polk's drops are in fact an issue. Two passes intended for Polk wound up incomplete after hitting his hands, including a dime from Maye early in the game that he couldn't haul in.
Ja’Lynn Polk drops a great throw on the run from Drake Maye. pic.twitter.com/4zWtQEQU0l
— Savage (@SavageSports_) October 20, 2024
Following a 22-yard touchdown pass to K.J. Osborn, the Patriots went for two to cut the lead to a seven-point game. On the two-point play, Polk attempted to pivot back towards the pylon, but slipped on the grass and Maye's pass fell incomplete.
Following the game, Mayo called out Polk's play. The Washington product finished with 0 catches on three targets on Sunday. In seven games this season, Polk only has 10 catches on 23 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Jerod Mayo: “We need more from Polk. We need more concentration. He’ll be a good player in this league, just got to continue to work at it.”
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) October 20, 2024
Apparently, Polk didn't receive his head coach's criticism well. The wideout took to Instagram after Mayo's comments, posting a peace sign on his story.
🚨BREAKING: #Patriots rookie WR Ja'Lynn Polk just posted PEACE on IG, after coach Jerod Mayo called him out for his 3 drops.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 20, 2024
😳
WHAT A DISASTER… pic.twitter.com/zhllDysSex
After heavily underperforming in his first seven career games, Polk's attitude hasn't done himself any favors with the Patriots fanbase either.
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