FOXBORO, Mass. — Earlier than Jerod Mayo was even requested a query at his midweek information convention Wednesday, the one which usually kicks off with questions concerning the upcoming opponent, the New England Patriots coach addressed, in no unsure phrases, the elephant within the room.
He known as it “the noise.” After three days of reports, tales and discuss the way in which he blasted his crew after a sixth straight loss, Mayo went with largely typical coachspeak. Channeling his predecessor, he recommended the Patriots are “on to the Jets” and stated the vitality has been good coming into the primary follow of the week.
LIVE: Jerod Mayo Press Convention 10/23: https://t.co/S4r5ppTEix
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 23, 2024
However it was additionally a recognition of all of the drama that has swirled round this crew during the last 10 days. In that span:
• After beforehand referring to it as a mutual settlement to half methods, Robert Kraft known as his determination to do away with Invoice Belichick a firing.
• Mayo put everybody on discover by calling them “a delicate soccer crew throughout the board” solely seven video games into his teaching tenure.
• The crew’s second-round decide (Ja’Lynn Polk) has performed like a bust and posted cryptic messages on social media.
• The crew’s largest offensive free-agent addition (Ok.J. Osborn) indicated he was going to be a wholesome scratch Sunday and solely bought three follow reps all week earlier than being inserted into the lineup and catching the sport’s last landing.
• Belichick reignited a mini-feud with the Patriots, taking a victory lap over their struggles whereas delivering a not-so-subtle shot at his successor.
Phew. Did we miss something?
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Mayo’s first season was going to have bumps alongside the way in which. That occurs to any first-time coach, not to mention one handed the worst roster within the NFL. However it wasn’t speculated to go like this — undisciplined play, uncompetitive soccer and, nicely, all of the drama. There could be a lot of losses, certain, but additionally a greater vibe across the place. That was the purpose, anyway.
As a substitute, Mayo is left to play Whac-A-Mole with each new concern that pops up across the place, together with a number of which were self-inflicted.
Oh, and the Patriots selected in the course of the offseason to not take their bye after taking part in in London, an off week that may really feel awfully good proper about now. In order that they’re pressured to prepare — whereas nonetheless jet-lagged — for maybe the one crew within the league that may match the drama they’ve been by way of. The New York Jets arrive Sunday with their season mainly on the road.
“The message for (the gamers) is it’s all concerning the Jets, and we’re shifting ahead,” Mayo stated. “Clearly, there’s a variety of noise on the market, and I stated, ‘We’re what our report is, and we’ve got to get higher.’ That in the end is my duty, and look, I take all of the blame, and that’s tremendous. It’s shifting on to the Jets.”
Nonetheless, it’s been dizzying to maintain up with every part happening across the Patriots.
Let’s begin with Belichick. He and Kraft got here to an settlement after final season on their break up, which might be termed mutual. They’d strive, it appeared, to finish issues amicably and with out mudslinging within the media.
However that has modified. Whether or not by coincidence or as a result of Kraft stated final week that he wished he had put extra checks and balances on Belichick, the previous coach got here out swinging this week.
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Belichick is likely one of the league’s nice grudge holders (which, as we beforehand famous, is why he gained’t be teaching the Jets subsequent season), and he has seemingly set his sights on his former crew. He questioned Mayo’s use of the time period delicate and famous that final yr’s Patriots crew may cease the run, not like this one.
On the one hand, it’s comprehensible that Belichick has gotten fed up with Patriots decision-makers speaking about altering the tradition he created and watching his former boss discuss separation of powers. All of that makes it completely cheap that Belichick would wish to defend himself, particularly as he seeks a brand new teaching job.
Alternatively, to provide flowers to final season’s 4-13 Patriots crew as a result of they stopped the run is like praising the clear flooring on a sinking ship. Belichick’s crew might need stopped the run, spectacular work in the event you ignore the opposite large holes Belichick was unable to repair, leaving the Pats with the worst roster within the NFL, the principle motive he now not works for the crew.
Now, if the Patriots don’t flip issues round, Mayo should fear about greater than his personal self-inflicted drama and the sort that comes from a locker room that loses like this one does. Now, the best coach of all time, Mayo’s former boss and mentor no much less, appears all too pleased to lob grenades after each misstep.
“Look, like I stated, my important focus is the blokes inside this constructing — not solely the gamers but additionally the coaches and the remainder of the employees,” Mayo stated when requested about Belichick’s feedback. “Look, as quickly as we flip this factor round, then we’ll be OK. It comes right down to wins and losses. That’s … what you’re in the end judged by.”
In the meantime, the remainder of the drama isn’t over. Mayo’s “delicate” feedback will carry over as a storyline till the crew proves him unsuitable. Polk’s play shall be questioned till he turns issues round. (Concerningly, your entire rookie draft class outdoors of Drake Maye has been unhealthy.)
The commerce deadline is looming they usually’ve determined to be sellers, already discussing with groups potential trades involving Kendrick Bourne, Joshua Uche and Tyquan Thornton. Perhaps Osborn is the following one they attempt to transfer after his feedback.
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All of which means the drama continues to swirl with New England a landing underdog at house in opposition to a 2-5 rival. A loss Sunday could be seven straight. Who is aware of what it could carry? Gamers demanding out? Belichick revving up for one more awkward victory lap?
It’s solely Week 8 of a season that wasn’t going to result in a playoff berth, and the Patriots already want a win within the worst means.
(Photograph of Jerod Mayo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Pictures)
