After Jerod Mayo labeled the New England Patriots “a soft football team across the board” following the team’s sixth loss in a row, his comments caught many off guard, including his former coach.

During a segment on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, ex-Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who managed the team from 2000 until last season’s disappointing 4-13 outcome, voiced disappointment over Mayo’s comments regarding the team’s toughness after a 32-16 defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

“It’s mostly the same players (from last year),” Belichick stated. “I feel bad for those guys, because calling them soft is just not accurate.”

Mayo’s comments primarily focused on the team’s play on the ground, both in offense and defense. The Patriots managed only 38 rushing yards against the Jaguars while conceding 171 yards on the ground.

Belichick highlighted that last year’s Patriots squad had the best performance in yards allowed per carry at 3.3. Although this season’s defense retains many key players, they are missing standout defensive tackle Christian Barmore due to blood clots and linebacking team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley, who is out for the season following a torn pectoral muscle injury in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks during Week 2.

“These players worked hard, even when the offense struggled to score,” Belichick remarked. “I feel for the defenders because they’re a tough group.”

Mayo, who was previously the linebackers coach under Belichick starting in 2019 and later succeeded him as head coach, spoke on Monday to clarify that his criticism was directed more at the performance than the players themselves.

“I felt like we played with a lack of toughness. Right now, we’re not playing up to our potential,” Mayo explained. “However, I do believe we have what it takes to make a turnaround, but it requires hard work and steady improvement every day.”

The Patriots are set to play against the New York Jets at home this Sunday.