Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo isn’t sugarcoating the situation. Despite an exciting season-opening victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, Mayo admitted that starting offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor faced difficulties in the game, leading to a shake-up in the offensive line.
The New England Patriots pulled off a surprising 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals to kick off their 2024 NFL season, marking Mayo’s first victory as head coach. This win comes as the team looks to regain its former dominance in the post-Bill Belichick era. However, while the result was positive, it wasn’t without its challenges.
One of the most notable struggles came from veteran left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, who was replaced by Vederian Lowe after only 12 snaps. With the game in the rearview, Mayo addressed Okorafor’s performance and the decision to make the mid-game substitution.
Jerod Mayo on Chukwuma Okorafor’s Performance
Speaking to reporters after the win, Mayo acknowledged that Okorafor had his difficulties, stating that the 27-year-old faced “some challenges” throughout the game. While Mayo noted that Okorafor possesses the skills necessary to be a solid tackle, he emphasized the importance of competition, noting that Lowe’s emergence was exactly what the coaching staff wants to see.
After being pulled from the game, Okorafor didn’t return, while Lowe took over and played 52 offensive snaps. Whether Lowe will continue to see this kind of workload remains to be seen, but his performance was a positive sign, especially considering his struggles in 2023. The 184th-overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft is now aiming to build on this momentum in the weeks to come.
As for Okorafor, this performance was concerning, but the Patriots are hopeful it was just a blip. The former third-round pick from the 2018 draft spent his first six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing a one-year deal with New England in March. Though he has been a serviceable player, his transition to the left side of the offensive line with the Patriots has been bumpy, especially after spending most of his time on the right side with the Steelers.
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Position Change Challenges
Okorafor’s struggles didn’t start in Week 1. During the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, he was flagged for three illegal formation penalties, further showcasing the difficulties of his position switch. With the Bengals game now in the books, it’s clear something needs to change moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Patriots vs. Seahawks in Week 2
As the Patriots gear up for their home opener in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, all eyes will be on the offensive line, particularly Okorafor. It remains to be seen whether he will retain his starting role or if Lowe’s strong performance will earn him the nod. Either way, Mayo and his coaching staff are going to need all hands on deck, as the Patriots are currently 3.5-point underdogs according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Okorafor has the opportunity to bounce back and prove himself, but Week 2 will be a crucial test, both for him and the team. As New England continues its transition into the Mayo era, improving consistency and execution on the offensive line will be key to their success.
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