Jerod Mayo Claims Patriots Rookie is in 'Mental' Funk

It was another game and another loss on Sunday for the New England Patriots, who were stomped by the Houston Texans to the tune of a 42-21 final score in Week 6. While the effort marked the Patriots' highest point total of the 2024 NFL season, several offensive playmakers were invisible in the loss — including rookie wideout Ja'Lynn Polk.

Drafted 37th overall back in April, Polk hasn't looked like a Day 2 receiver to begin his NFL career. His struggles have gotten to the point where head coach Jerod Mayo had to address the rookie's slow start to begin the week.

Patriots News: WR Ja'Lynn Polk Dealing with 'Mental Hump'

"[Ja'Lynn Polk] needs to get over this mental hump," Mayo told reporters on Monday morning, per Patriots insider Brian Hines. "You got to eliminate the drop passes."

Although Mayo's words were harsh, it might be what the struggling pass-catcher needs to hear. It wasn't all negative, though, as the first-year HC also told reporters the Patriots coaches "fully expect [Polk} to grow into a receiver that's dependable on run and pass downs."

Polk, 22, improved in each collegiate season after transferring to Washington in 2021. He went on to play 31 games with the Huskies, hauling in 115 catches for 1,957 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns while cementing himself as one of the top Pac-12 playmakers.

Unfortunately, Polk hasn't come close to sniffing that much success as a pro. He's only caught 10-of-23 targets (43.5%) through six games for 78 receiving yards and a touchdown grab. Additionally, he's dropped a pass in each of his last two games and only carries a 66.9 passer rating when targeted this season.

For reference, that would rank fifth-worst among quarterback passer ratings this season.

Even though rookies don't always find immediate NFL success, Polk's slow start is frustrating. He was the Patriots' first selection after they took QB Drake Maye third overall at the 2024 draft and the hope was that the duo could have a dynamic connection for years to come.

Instead, Polk looks like just another guy in New England's passing game, ranking fifth in receptions and sixth in receiving yards. He also owns a 48.4 receiving grade on Pro Football Focus, which is the fourth-worst mark among 114 eligible wideouts.

Time will tell if Polk can find his groove against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7. The Jaguars have been beatable through the air this season as they've allowed the second-most receptions, fifth-most touchdowns, and most receiving yards to WRs this season.

Having said that, Jacksonville's poor passing defense doesn't necessarily mean New England will win. After all, DraftKings Sportsbook is currently listing the Patriots as 5.5-point underdogs against the Jaguars in London.

More New England Patriots News: