The Patriots locker room faces complete chaos thanks to Jerod Mayo and Drake Maye

In the midst of a tumultuous period, head coach Jerod Mayo and the New England Patriots had a great opportunity to improve their morale in Week 5.

In sports, winning can cure almost anything. Mayo and the Patriots were as likely to have the rest of the season to do that against the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, New England did not succeed, losing 15-10 to an opponent in bad shape in front of their home crowd at Gillette Stadium.

As the Miami game approached, reports suggested Mayo was facing a “mutiny” in the Patriots locker room. If tensions in Foxborough were already high, a dismal loss to the Dolphins surely wouldn’t help. This could spark a real blowout from New England players.

Although much of the friction stems from the Patriots’ ongoing four-game losing streak, there is internal disagreement regarding the team’s quarterback situation. Team members believe first-round rookie signal-caller Drake Maye should play. Meanwhile, Mayo remains adamant that veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett remains at center despite his struggles taking a toll on New England’s entire offense.

Brissett didn’t do much to help his or Mayo’s case in the showdown with Miami. He completed 18 of 34 passes for 160 scoreless yards. Additionally, his willingness to hang on to football continues to be a glaring problem. The ninth-year pro took two sacks, marking the fourth of five games where he was picked off multiple times.

Mayo could lose the Patriots locker room if he doesn’t turn to Maye soon. Frankly, it’s a concerning development, especially considering he’s five games into his coaching tenure in New England.

Another confusing decision that didn’t work in Mayo’s favor was the demotion of Rhamondre Stevenson. Typically, the running back is the leader of his backfield and the focal point of New England’s offense. The defensive end quickly proved the Pats general wrong, scoring the team’s only touchdown in Week 5, regardless of his new role.

New England selected Maye third overall in this year’s draft. They are ostensibly invested in him for the long term. Meanwhile, Brissett is not under contract beyond 2024. The former was chosen to be the face of the franchise, while the latter is just a placeholder. Mayo’s procrastination only delays the inevitable.