Jerod Mayo Explains Why Patriots Didn’t Go For It On Fourth Down In OT Loss

The Patriots lost their first game of the 2024 NFL season when the Seattle Seahawks defeated New England in its home opener 23-20 in overtime at Gillette Stadium.

The Patriots won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball to begin the sudden-death quarter. After the touchback, New England started at its own 30-yard line. After two short gains, the Patriots opted to give Rhamondre Stevenson the ball on third and one, but he was stopped at the line of scrimmage, and Caden Wallace was flagged for an illegal formation on the play.

Instead of going for it on fourth down, the Patriots punted, and the Seahawks won the game on Myers' third field goal of the game. After the loss, New England head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about not going for it on fourth down.

"I would say there's some consideration," Mayo told reporters after the loss. "There's always some consideration in those weird spots. Especially when you get on the plus side of the field. I thought I did what I thought was best."

The Patriots held a three-point advantage late in the fourth quarter but were unable to extend their lead with under four minutes to play.

On Seattle's 21-yard line, Jacoby Brissett was sacked by Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II for a nine-yard loss on third and six, setting up a 48-yard field goal for Joey Slye. Unfortunately for New England, Julian Love blocked the attempt, and Seattle took over in downs. The Seahawks drove 42 yards, and Jason Myers capped off the nine-play drive with a 38-yard field goal to tie the game.