Patriots defender begs for better coaching after latest disappointing loss

Coming into the 2024 season, there was a strong sense that the Patriots' defense would be the saviors of the year, keeping the team afloat, at least as best as they could. They had been the better part of the roster for several years, especially since Tom Brady left in 2020, and that wasn't expected to change under Jerod Mayo.

Some of that belief changed with the trade of Matthew Judon in the preseason, as he had been the team's leading pass rusher since 2021, and the announcement of Christian Barmore being sidelined indefinitely with a health issue. It worsened when Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a season-ending injury against the Seahawks in Week 2, furthering the downfall of the defense.

They began the year struggling and as the weeks have passed, it doesn't seem to be getting any better, especially the fundamentals.

That has become a significant issue in recent games, a point that a few defense leaders have pointed out after losses. Davon Godchaux has been one of the more outspoken players regarding the defense's effort (or lack thereof), stating some players' selfishness to explain why the group hasn't been performing up to expectations.

He didn't stray from that assertion after the Patriots were blown out by the Texans last Sunday, as the defense allowed a season-high 41 points by the C.J. Stroud-led offense. Godchaux wasn't thrilled about that and had more thoughts to share with reporters.

Davon Godchaux's frustration with the Patriots defense continues after Week 6 blowout loss

Still stewing in the Patriots' latest loss, Godchaux candidly spoke to reporters in the locker room and shared his frustrations with how the game progressed.

He emphasized a previous point he made a few weeks ago about players needing to be more accountable, which didn't seem like the case after allowing the Texans to score 27 points after halftime.

There are many ways to interpret what he's saying, and it's possible this is his way of asking for more hard coaching from the new staff. It's been a point that fans and reporters have brought up about the new regime by Jerod Mayo. Because he has been labeled a player's coach, there's a belief that he isn't hard enough on the team, which leads to messy performances and frustrating losses.

Given that Godchaux has already spoken on this matter, his words suggest wanting more tough coaching, at least for his teammates.

Fortunately, the loss doesn't appear to be sitting well with Mayo, either, who stated to the media that the defense should "feel like crap" after the loss, even more so to have that kind of performance in Drake Maye's debut.

What will come of this will be interesting, but Godchaux is right; something needs to change and change quickly.

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