Jerod Mayo explained why Patriots changes are not ‘shots’ at Bill Belichick
"I learned a lot from Bill and also his staff, but now we’ll see what this chapter looks like."
Jerod Mayo’s thoughts about Bill Belichick and changes to the Patriots: Though he’s less than two months into his new role as head coach of the Patriots, one of the major themes of Jerod Mayo’s approach to the job is already clear. Changes are coming to an organization that previously had the same head coach for 24 years.
Still, despite the inevitability of post-Bill Belichick change for a football team that went 4-13 last season, Mayo wants to be clear about something: He isn’t trying to disrespect his predecessor with the alterations.
During a media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday morning, Mayo elaborated on the topic.
“Look, it’s going to be different, but at the same time, I would say Bill did a great job for a long period of time,” Mayo told Patriots reporters. “I don’t want you guys to take this as because we’re changing as shots toward the previous regime. And saying that, we will do it differently. And it’ll feel different.
“But at the end of the day, we would like to replicate the success that the prior regime has had,” Mayo added. “So, I learned a lot from Bill and also his staff, but now we’ll see what this chapter looks like.”
Currently immersed in the scouting process at the combine, Mayo gave a general but straightforward answer about what he’s trying to find.
“Looking for good players,” he said simply. “We’re looking for someone who is very knowledgable, not only about the game, but self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses. I think that’s an important part of it.”
While part of the combine process (players and teams talking to each other) is already underway, actual drills don’t get underway until Thursday at 3 p.m., when the annual on-field portion of the event starts with defensive linemen and linebackers.
Trivia: Jerod Mayo was voted the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2008. Only one other Patriot won the award before that. Can you name him?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: A Hall of Famer, he was drafted fifth overall by New England before eventually being traded to the Raiders (contributing to a Super Bowl win for the then-Los Angeles-based franchise).
Scores and schedules:
The Celtics defeated the 76ers on Tuesday, 117-98, extending the winning streak to nine in a row. Boston will face the Mavericks at home on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
On Thursday, the Bruins host the Golden Knights at 7 p.m.
Also on Thursday night, the Revolution play the first game at home in 2024, matching up against Panamanian side Club Atlético Independiente. It’s the return leg of a first-round CONCACAF Champions Cup fixture, in which New England won the first game 1-0.
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- Patriots plan on meeting with 3 top QB prospects at NFL Combine
- Mass. gaming commission ‘expects more’ after fining Encore $40,000 for illegal bets
- Brian Hoyer says Patriots should keep Mac Jones, draft a wide receiver with No. 3 pick
- After an unexpected trade, Jaden Springer happy to grow his game with Celtics
- Draymond Green thinks the ‘goalposts have shifted’ in Jayson Tatum’s MVP case
- Judge grants Easton’s Oliver Ames boys basketball team late entry to MIAA tournament
- JJ Reddick praises Joe Mazzulla’s ‘creative and thoughtful’ defense
Analyzing the Patriots’ rebuild: Multiple experts weighed in on Tuesday, including Ian Rapoport (discussing the possibility of New England trading the third overall pick).
Scott Pioli’s combine memory: The former Patriots personnel executive recalled scouting Matthew Slater prior to the 2008 NFL Draft.
On this day: In 1975, the Celtics won a seesaw battle against the Bucks, 107-106. After seeing multiple double-digit leads evaporate under the pressure of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who totaled a game-high 40 points), Boston stars John Havlicek and Jo Jo White came to the Celtics’ rescue (hitting the team’s final four shots of the game).
Dave Cowens finished the night with 33 points, 19 rebounds, and eight assists. White added 28 clutch points of his own, plus nine assists.
Daily highlight: After a wild final few minutes — in which Cavaliers guard Max Strus hit several three-pointers in a row (along with Donovan Mitchell) to help Cleveland battle back from a deficit — it appeared that the Mavericks would still end up getting the win nonetheless. Yet following P.J. Washington’s would-be game-winning basket with less than three seconds remaining, Strus put up one last half-court heave as time expired.
Improbably, the 27-year-old nailed the shot, handing the Cavaliers a thrilling 121-119 win.
Bonus: Not quite a highlight (as he couldn’t quite complete the dunk), but this Victor Wembanyama sequence in a Spurs loss to the Timberwolves on Tuesday was outrageous.
Trivia answer: Mike Haynes
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