Mazz: Inability To Stop Run Existed Before Loss Of Jerod Mayo
BOSTON (CBS) - The Patriots were gashed on the ground last night against the Jets.
Chris Ivory led the way for Gang Green with 107 yards on 21 attempts, including one touchdown. In total, the New England defense allowed the Jets to gain 218 rushing yards.
Four days earlier, veteran linebacker and captain Jerod Mayo -- arguably the team's best run defender -- went down in Buffalo with a season-ending knee injury.
Put the two together, and the logical conclusion is that the Patriots sorely miss having Jerod Mayo, and defending the run will be an uphill battle all season.
That last part may be true, but 98.5 The Sports Hub's Tony Massarotti ain't buying the Mayo excuse for last night's performance.
"I turned on the radio and heard [Scott Zolak] talking about the absence of Mayo, and everyone on Twitter was talking about the absence of Mayo, which is obvious. Mayo wasn't there, first game without him the Jets ran for over 200 yards. Let me ask you a question: was Mayo there when they played Kansas City? They got steamrolled in that game. They gave up 200 yards.
"Was he there when they played Miami? They ran for 190-plus, essentially 200 yards. This team has now, essentially, allowed the opponent to run for 200 yards on three occasions this year. Last night wasn't about Mayo. It's still about the defensive line. I'm not saying that the absence of Mayo helped them, because it didn't. It's another factor. But last night was not a Mayo thing, I'm sorry. If Vince Wilfork ain't making plays then nobody is."
Because of his opinion on Mayo and the stopping the run, Mazz is coming away from Thursday Night Football the same way he went in. That is, it was their fourth game in 18 days, it was a short week and one of those "survival" games.
"Just get through [the game] and we'll see how they are in a few weeks," added Mazz. "I feel the same way coming out as I did going in. I still have concerns about them and I still think that they're fixable."
"I feel worse," said Felger. "I feel worse about them now."
Listen below to hear Felger's explanation:
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