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 referred to as it “the noise.” After three days of reports, tales and speak about the best way he blasted his crew after a sixth straight loss, Mayo went with largely standard coachspeak. Channeling his predecessor, he urged the Patriots are “on to the Jets” and mentioned the vitality has been good getting into the primary apply of the week.
LIVE: Jerod Mayo Press Convention 10/23:
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 23, 2024
Nevertheless it was additionally a recognition of all of the drama that has swirled round this crew over the past 10 days. In that span:
• After beforehand referring to it as a mutual settlement to half methods, Robert Kraft referred to as his determination to eliminate Invoice Belichick a firing.
• Mayo put everybody on discover by calling them “a smooth 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 apply reps all week earlier than being inserted into the lineup and catching the sport’s remaining 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 best way. That occurs to any first-time coach, not to mention one handed the worst roster within the NFL. Nevertheless it wasn’t presupposed to go like this — undisciplined play, uncompetitive soccer and, effectively, all of the drama. There can be numerous losses, certain, but in addition 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 difficulty 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 enjoying 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 principally on the road.
“The message for (the gamers) is it’s all concerning the Jets, and we’re shifting ahead,” Mayo mentioned. “Clearly, there’s a variety of noise on the market, and I mentioned, ‘We’re what our document is, and we’ve got to get higher.’ That in the end is my accountability, and look, I take all of the blame, and that’s wonderful. It’s shifting on to the Jets.”
Nonetheless, it’s been dizzying to maintain up with all the pieces happening across the Patriots.
Let’s begin with Belichick. He and Kraft got here to an settlement after final season on their cut up, which might be termed mutual. They’d attempt, 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 mentioned 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 received’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 smooth and famous that final yr’s Patriots crew might cease the run, in contrast to 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 speak about separation of powers. All of that makes it completely affordable that Belichick would need to defend himself, particularly as he seeks a brand new teaching job.
Alternatively, to present 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 may need stopped the run, spectacular work should you ignore the opposite huge 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 glad to lob grenades after each misstep.
“Look, like I mentioned, my predominant focus is the blokes within this constructing — not solely the gamers but in addition the coaches and the remainder of the employees,” Mayo mentioned when requested about Belichick’s feedback. “Look, as quickly as we flip this factor round, then we’ll be OK. It comes all the way 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 “smooth” feedback will carry over as a storyline till the crew proves him improper. Polk’s play will probably be questioned till he turns issues round. (Concerningly, the whole rookie draft class exterior of Drake Maye has been unhealthy.)
The commerce deadline is looming and so they’ve determined to be sellers, already discussing with groups potential trades involving Kendrick Bourne, Joshua Uche and Tyquan Thornton. Perhaps Osborn is the subsequent 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 residence in opposition to a 2-5 rival. A loss Sunday can be seven straight. Who is aware of what it will carry? Gamers demanding out? Belichick revving up for an additional 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 approach.
(Photograph of Jerod Mayo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Pictures)
