Jerod Mayo praises Patriots rookie offensive lineman originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
After a difficult pre-season, the New England Patriots The offensive line delivered a promising performance in the team’s Week 1 upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The unit excelled in the running game, allowing Rhamondre Stevenson to take over with 120 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. Fourth round rookie Layden Robinson played a key role in this success at right guard in his NFL debut.
The 6-foot-3, 311-pounder impressed, playing every offensive snap in New EnglandThe Patriots’ 16-10 victory came as no surprise to Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo.
“There was a moment in training camp where not only me but I think the other coaches saw it and we said, ‘You know what? Layden Robinson has the opportunity to be a special player in this league.’ He’s tough, he moves guys off the line of scrimmage, he can do it all,” Mayo told reporters Monday.
“His overall effort and his mentality are things that, when you think about changing the culture, make him one of those guys that fits that definition perfectly. He’s done a great job. Now, having said that, it’s just one game. We’ll see how that continues to progress going forward.”
Robinson, 23, was selected 103rd overall in the 2024 draft out of Texas A&M. He replaces the 2022 first-round pick Strange Colewho is still recovering from a knee injury suffered in December.
While Sunday was a success for Robinson and the Pats’ offensive line, there is still room for improvement in the pass protection department. Jacoby Brissett He was only sacked once, but was hit seven times. ranked 26th in pass blocking in Week 1, according to PFF.
The Patriots’ offensive line will look to take another step forward in next Sunday’s game against the The Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium.
