Jonnu Smith reacts to poor performance in loss to Saints

Yesterday's performance wasn't exactly what the Patriots had in mind when they invested $50 million in Jonnu Smith this offseason. The 26-year-old had just one catch on six targets with three drops, one of which turned into a backbreaking pick six.

The game was a bit of a speedbump for Smith, who played well in the team's first two games. Against the Dolphins and the Jets, he totaled nine catches for 70 yards. For a Patriots offense that is already having issues maxing out its efficiency, having Smith fall off the way he did on Sunday is crushing.

"I've got to have a certain level of honesty with myself in the mirror, man," Smith said when speaking to the media Monday afternoon. "I didn't put my best product of myself out there yesterday. I know that, the whole world knows that."

Asked specifically about the pick six, Smith took full responsibility for the play, deflecting any blame from rookie quarterback Mac Jones. "Mac threw a catchable ball, Mac did everything right. I've just got to make that play that I know I can make and that I will make when the opportunity presents itself," he explained. " Mac, he didn't do anything wrong, it's on not on his end, I put that on myself. Every ball he threw to me yesterday was catchable, catches that I've made, that I know I can make and unfortunately just couldn't come up with them."

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.