Patriots Playmaker Walks Back Controversial Postgame Comments
By Cem Yolbulan
The New England Patriots losing four straight games and sitting 3-11 at the bottom of the AFC East is not surprising. This is a developmental year with a rookie quarterback under center and a first-time head coach on the sidelines. The way the Patriots have been losing and reacting to these losses, however, have been deeply disappointing.
Losing a lot can take a toll on a team. It is hard to maintain good team chemistry and a positive locker room when you keep losing. That is what Jerod Mayo and the Patriots have been struggling with this season.
There simply has been too much locker-room drama in Foxborough this season. The latest example came after the Week 15 loss to the Cardinals. On Sunday, Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte spoke to the media, criticizing the playcalling and saying that they should have played with a higher tempo throughout the game because of Arizona's man coverage.
On Wednesday, Boutte walked back his comments, per Patriots insider Mike Reiss. The second-year playmaker said it was the frustration talking and that he should have handled it a different way.
Patriots News: Kayshon Boutte Walks Back Post-Game Criticism
WR Kayshon Boutte today in locker room: “Nobody likes losing. It was frustration I had lingering from the game into the post-game interview. I feel like I was wrong for what I said. It wasn’t the right way to handle it.”
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 18, 2024
Says he cleared air w/ Alex Van Pelt, who appreciated it. https://t.co/GlxW0F4Vh7
Boutte is only 22 years old, and mistakes like this are normal. Young players will say things they shouldn't to the media. It shows a level of maturity that he was aware of his mistake and cleared the air both with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and the media. At the end of the day, this was a harmless incident.
At the same time, it could potentially signal a lack of authority in the locker room. The Patriots are a young and inexperienced team and they need a head coach that will command respect. There have unfortunately been too many instances of publicly calling out coaches and teammates this season. Whether Jerod Mayo stays for another year or leaves, this needs significant improvement in 2025.
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