Over the course of the 2024 NFL season so far, the New England Patriots have not received great production from the wide receiver position. One player who has been somewhat disappointing thus far is rookie wideout Ja’Lynn Polk.

After being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 37 overall pick, Polk was expected to be a key playmaker right away. So far in six games, he has caught just 10 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.

After the slow start to the year for Polk, Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo spoke out and challenged him to “get over this mental hump.”

Mayo suggested the rookie’s struggles and lack of production were all due to mental errors. That’s a sentiment Polk clearly disagrees with.

During a recent quote shared by Mass livePolk fired back at his head coach’s comments. It looks like there could be a little bit of drama brewing in New England.

“I don’t have any psychological problems at all. No mental problems. I believe I have the best hands in the league. So I feel like having my drops, that’s no problem at all,” Polk said.

It is clear that Polk did not appreciate the words Mayo spoke. He strongly disagreed and was not shy about letting the press know that he disagreed with his head coach.

There is no doubt that Polk has the talent and potential to become a very special player at the wide receiver position for the Patriots. However, he needs to show that talent and potential on the field.

Now that Drake Maye is the starting quarterback, there are no excuses for wide receivers. Jacoby Brissett’s poor quarterback play was an excuse for the first five weeks, but that won’t work going forward.

In Maye’s debut, Polk caught just one pass on four targets for four yards. These figures should improve in the future.

All that said, this could be something to keep an eye on. A head coach and rookie wide receiver publicly disagreeing like this isn’t the best look and it’s something to keep an eye on.

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