Patriots players continue calling each other out after another embarrassing loss

It's no secret that the Patriots' start to the 2024 season has not been smooth, and it's not just the offense that has been struggling. In fact, there's a fair argument to be made that the defense has actually been the weaker side of the team and is becoming more of a liability on the field.

That was demonstrated even further against the Jaguars on Sunday, as the offense came out swinging to go up 10-0, only for the Patriots' defense to allow their opponent to score 32 straight points, leading to another blowout for the second week in a row.

In recent weeks, it has become a talking point when discussing the state of the team and the roster, especially as more injuries continue to pile up. While losses of top contributors have significantly harmed defensive production, there appears to be more of an issue going on behind the scenes that continues to be relayed to the media by different players.

The latest to add to the fire is defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale, who is echoing much of what has already been said by teammate Davon Godchaux in recent weeks, seemingly proving dysfunction further.

More comments regarding egos and not playing like a team draw a lot of concerns about the Patriots' future

After another disappointing effort by the defense against the very beatable Jaguars this week, Ekuale was blunt with his comments regarding the state of the team and what needs to change moving forward.

He emphasized many points that we have heard recently from Godchaux and Jabrill Peppers, seemingly confirming the worst-case scenario about the dysfunction in the locker room and during games.

"I feel like a lot of guys think too highly of themselves, and have to check their ego and come in and just play as a team."

That has to be the most telling part out of everything Ekuale said.

It's reminiscent of Godchaux referring to some of his teammates as "selfish" and playing in that a way that doesn't benefit the team. While we don't know who they're referring to, as they didn't say any names, the assumption is that they're (at least) implying their defensive teammates are part of the problem.

Whatever it might mean and whoever they might be talking about, the coaching staff can no longer ignore it. Mayo stated changes to the starting lineup would be made for this week's game, which was proven with a few players seeing much fewer snaps than they have all season. But that doesn't appear to have been enough to get the type of results the team needs.

Bigger changes need to come, especially as frustrations are starting to boil over. They seemed to address this by making Drake Maye the starting quarterback to avoid the "near mutiny" that was allegedly in the making.

If this continues, drastic moves might also need to be made defensively, or they will have bigger problems during the remainder of the season.

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