The Patriots confronted low expectations this season, however Jerod Mayo didn’t precisely convey a whole lot of confidence when New England entered the bye week.
Mayo’s aspect entered Week 14 with a 3-10 file and commanding one of many league’s worst offenses and defenses. It’s by no means a straightforward job to be Invoice Belichick’s successor, however Mayo’s transition right into a head coach was tough.
The 38-year-old tried to be the antithesis of Belichick in his dealing with of the media. Nevertheless, that turned Mayo right into a head coach who speaks out of either side of his mouth. Drake Maye was the most effective quarterback in observe, however Jacoby Brissett was named the starter in Week 1. The Patriots had been gentle — err, really, they’re “enjoying gentle.”
Numerous occasions, Mayo says one thing solely to take it again a day or two later. That’s led to dangerous actors taking the pinnacle coach out of context like when he supposedly blamed the gamers for the workforce’s poor play — the total context of the quote wasn’t as dangerous as X aggregators made it out to be.
However is that this sufficient to fireside him after one season? In response to a number of studies, Robert Kraft gave assurances to Mayo at the least that he’ll be round subsequent season. Ought to he although? Let’s weigh the professionals and cons of firing Mayo.
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CONS
You had been in all probability typing this after you noticed the headline, however sure, Mayo didn’t construct this roster. Eliot Wolf appeared too safe in regards to the offensive line and talent gamers and didn’t do a lot to improve the roster. The chief vp of participant personnel actually tried to try this however was unsuccessful. However a protection of Mayo can be that not many coaches would have finished higher with this season’s Patriots roster.
Firing a coach after one season additionally is perhaps a hasty transfer. Dan Campbell wanted time to construct the tradition that’s on show with the Detroit Lions. Mayo may also want one other season to indicate his price as a head coach. He additionally won’t be the entire downside. Alex Van Pelt hasn’t been that inspiring of an offensive coordinator, and DeMarcus Covington in some way isn’t getting sufficient blame for the regression on protection. A coordinator change may very well be extra useful to the Patriots than a head teaching hearth.
PROS
Alright, we’re attending to the portion that you simply’re in all probability salivating over. Whereas there’s an argument to be made that Mayo would possibly want extra time or that he isn’t the only real motive for New England’s woes, what has he finished to benefit one other season? Mayo isn’t an analytically-minded head coach who takes benefit of small edges to assist his workforce win. He offers off the impression of one other conservative head coach who simply desires to run the ball and play good protection. Nicely, you possibly can’t try this in case your offensive line and protection are trash.
Mayo additionally offers off the impression that he prefers to defer to his coordinators and his assistants. So the Patriots have a worse model of Mike Tomlin? The Pittsburgh Steelers had been constructed on Tomlin’s identification, however Mayo’s finished a horrible job at establishing his and letting his voice join with the gamers. Simply have a look at how he’s dealt with controversies. A number of gamers voice their frustrations on social media, and gamers who’ve been concerned in authorized bother solely confronted little to no penalties. The Patriots don’t give off an impression of a tightly run ship as Pittsburgh has.
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There may very well be as many as 10 head coach openings when the common season ends. There will probably be many intriguing candidates who appear to be they may very well be higher than Mayo. Mike Vrabel has confirmed expertise getting probably the most out of a nasty roster. Ben Johnson can be a dream coach to pair with Drake Maye. Liam Cohen and Joe Brady additionally can be intriguing hires. Wish to enhance the protection? How about Aaron Glenn and the work he’s finished with an injury-riddled Lions protection?
VERDICT
It appears possible Mayo will return subsequent season, however it could not be shocking if there was at the least one coordinator change. But when we’re answering the query: how scorching ought to Mayo’s seat be? We’re going to provide it an 8 out of 10. The Patriots had been anticipated to be dangerous, however Mayo’s aspect seems poorly coached and ill-prepared each week. Followers ought to worry that Maye’s excellence will shield Mayo and different coach’s jobs and that they may take credit score for what was an apparent transfer on the NFL draft. Mayo nonetheless has time after the bye to indicate his strengths as a head coach, however he failed to indicate that earlier than Week 14.
