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Ja'Lynn Polk Posts Cryptic IG Photo After 0 Catches in Patriots' Loss to Jaguars

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVOctober 20, 2024

Foxborough, MA - October 13: New England Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk runs out onto the field. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk had fans scratching their heads with his cryptic post on Instagram following the team's 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Polk, who had zero receptions on three targets, before exiting with a head injury. After the game, he added an Instagram story that featured an ellipsis and the peace sign emoji:

Savage @SavageSports_

Ja'Lynn Polk on IG: <a href="https://t.co/DYIGx9zuEJ">pic.twitter.com/DYIGx9zuEJ</a>

This could all have a rational, innocuous explanation.

But many will read the post as coming from a place of frustration after Polk was shut out. If that's the case, then it couldn't be more ill-timed for the rookie.

Head coach Jerod Mayo challenged Polk a bit in the aftermath of a 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans. He said the second-round pick "needs to get over this mental hump," citing dropped and blocking as areas where the first-year pass-catcher has room for improvement.

Polk pushed back in an interview with MassLive's Mark Daniels. He denied having any "mental problems" with his game and added he has "the best hands in the league."

The 22-year-old didn't back that up on the field. Maybe quarterback Drake Maye could've looked his way more a little earlier in the game, but he didn't make the most of the passes that were thrown in his direction.

Thomas Carrieri @Thomas_Carrieri

Ja'Lynn Polk please stop giving me N'Keal Harry flashbacks.

Mike Giardi @MikeGiardi

Two balls in Ja'Lynn Polk's hands. Two non-catches. They won't be ruled drops, but if you've got the best hands in the league, you make those catches.

Ian Hartitz @Ihartitz

Ja'Lynn Polk if dropping passes was an Olympic sport <a href="https://t.co/bwWk0gB8j2">pic.twitter.com/bwWk0gB8j2</a>

Not surprisingly, Mayo remained direct when discussing the young star.

"We need more from Polk. We need more concentration," he told reporters. "He'll be a good player in this league, just got to continue to work at it."

Mayo probably wouldn't take kindly to Polk firing off subtle shots on social media.