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Jonathan Jones says Jerod Mayo’s ‘consistent’ approach helps Patriots weather tough times
Jones, who played with Mayo in 2016, also revealed another way the Patriots coach takes after Bill Belichick.
Last Thursday night’s loss to the New York Jets in primetime certainly stung the Patriots after dropping their home opener to Seattle in Week 2. But New England’s players aren’t hanging their heads yet.
Veteran defensive back and leader Jonathan Jones says they have their coach to thank for that.
Jones is one of just four players — alongside Andrews, Joe Cardona and Jacoby Brissett — who have both played with and under head coach Jerod Mayo. During his appearance on the fifth episode of “The Quick Snap” podcast with Brian Hoyer and David Andrews, Jones talked about what Mayo has brought to the team through its early ups and downs.
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“ Just first off with Jerod, he’s been consistent,” the nine-year pro said. “A lot of people, it’s hard to say that about, but he’s just been consistent since I’ve met him. He’s the same person every day. When we came in from the win (in Week 1), he was the same way when he came in from the loss. As a leader, you value those things, and you notice those things.”
That consistency will be paramount for a team that isn’t expected to contend for the playoffs this season as it rebuilds and prepares to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who got his first official NFL action late in Thursday’s loss.
Jones also has a unique relationship with Mayo compared to Hoyer and Andrews as he actually shared the field with the now-head coach during Mayo’s final season with the team in 2016 and was in defensive meeting rooms with Mayo when the latter joined New England’s coaching staff in 2019.
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“I think it is easier when you’ve played with a guy — and he coached me — to reiterate his message because I know what he stands for,” Jones explained. “I know the principles, and I know the man that he is. So it’s easy for me to go back and to reiterate that to the guys like, ‘Hey, this is what he wants. You know, there’s good behind it and let’s just get out there and do it.'”
Andrews, the longest-tenured Patriot along with Cardona, echoed those sentiments.
“He’s always genuine, and I think that goes hand in hand with consistent,” the center added. “Grown men can see through the rah-rah … but coming in, no matter what every day, consistent, is who he is, is not gonna change for anybody. I think that as a leader, as a grown man, you appreciate that.”
How well that approach translates to wins remains to be seen now that the Patriots have dropped their last two games following a surprising Week 1 victory over the 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals. The offensive line, which Andrews leads, has especially struggled to protect starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett and has suffered from a laundry list of injuries, especially on the left side. Those liabilities up front have cast doubt on when Maye will finally take over the starting job, though Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer suggested Monday the move is coming soon.
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But while the podcast didn’t speak on Maye specifically, Jones dropped an interesting quote about New England’s culture of giving players chances to prove themselves, alluding to his own experience making the team as an undrafted rookie out of Auburn in 2016.
“I think he’ll always give guys the opportunity, just the same as how we talk about undrafted guys. He’s gonna carry that over,” Jones said. “So, I think New England will forever be that place where, hey, if you want an opportunity and you think you’re better than the guys in front of you, show up and do it. Prove it.”
How the Patriots employ that approach with Maye and rookie offensive line prospects like Caedan Wallace, who’s currently starting at left tackle, and now-starting right guard Layden Robinson could define the franchise’s future. So far, Mayo’s kept a steady hand on the ship as he guides it through choppy waters, and the Patriots will need that in 2024.
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