What Jerod Mayo had to say about Drake Maye’s endorsement of the Patriots coaches
"Hopefully, those guys know I care about them not only as football players, but as men."
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has received his share of criticism amid a 3-12 first season through 15 games in charge following the departure of Bill Belichick.
And while Mayo’s job status is reportedly looking fairly safe through 2025, the embattled rookie coach has won one of the most important voices in the locker room.
Quarterback Drake Maye, who (like Mayo) is a rookie, spoke up in defense of the head coach and the rest of New England’s coaching staff following Sunday’s 24-21 loss to the Bills.
“Just trying to block out that noise,” Maye said when asked about the narratives swirling around the team’s coaches. “I think it’s a bunch of conversations about our coaching staff and stuff like that. I think it’s some B.S. to be quite honest. Coach Mayo, like I said, we got his back and he coaches hard. He wants to win. We all want to win. We’re all frustrated.”
It was a strong endorsement from Maye, who has showcased his talent and potential during an up-and-down rookie season.
On Monday, Mayo was asked about the comments from his quarterback.
“It means a lot. It means a lot,” Mayo told reporters. “Hopefully, those guys know I care about them not only as football players, but as men. That’s always been my message, and it’s been consistent all year. I care about these guys as men, and I have to continue to get better so we can get in the win column and push forward.”
Maye wasn’t the only Patriot to vocally support the coaches. Tight end Hunter Henry said that he “loves” to play for Mayo and Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
On the field, the Patriots played a high-level game for a quarter. But after taking a 14-0 lead early in the first half, New England was unable to sustain the offense. Eventually, home team Bills were able to turn the tide and win. While the game produced some moments of progress from Maye, Mayo and the Patriots’ side, it doesn’t mask the final result.
“To be frank, I don’t believe in good losses,” Mayo said of the defeat in Buffalo. “I think there’s a lot to learn from the game.
“Look, we’re headed in the right direction,” he added, “but it’s all about consistency, and we have to do that on a down-after-down, a game-after-game basis to be successful in this league.”
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