How Jerod Mayo Explained Benching Of Struggling Patriots Starter

Demontrey Jacobs eventually found a seat on the bench, but New England Patriots fans might argue it was three quarters too late.

The Patriots right tackle allowed seven pressures and one sack during a 34-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Jacobs was far and away New England’s lowest-graded offensive lineman, per Pro Football Focus.

“Yeah, he was having a tough game,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters at Hard Rock Stadium, per a team-provided video.

Jacobs, who also was whistled for a false start and a hold, was benched in favor of Sidy Sow.

“Whether it was penalties or blocking the edge, he was having a tough game,” Mayo said. “We got to protect the quarterback. As an offensive lineman, that’s what we do: we protect quarterbacks, and we got to open up holes for the backs.”

Fellow offensive tackle Vederian Lowe, who was whistled for three false stars and one holding penalty in the first half, wasn’t much better. Blocking Drake Maye’s blindside, Lowe allowed four pressures and one sack. He remained in the game, however.

When asked if there was a reason Jacobs was pulled instead of Lowe, Mayo replied: “No, not at all.”

While Jacobs’ standing with the team might be in the balance, one thing that’s clear is the Patriots need to address the offensive tackle position in the 2025 NFL Draft.