Patriots Celebrate Mayo’s First Win as Head Coach
CINCINNATI — History was made on Sunday as Jerod Mayo stepped into the role of head coach for the New England Patriots, securing a hard-fought 16-10 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. This marked not only his first postgame press conference as a head coach but also his inaugural win in the NFL coaching landscape. However, when Mayo stood in the cramped interview room at Paycor Stadium, he claimed, “I try not to get too high, I try not to get too low,” a statement that left many in attendance unconvinced.
Fortunately, quarterback Jacoby Brissett was on hand to articulate the excitement that Mayo seemed to downplay. He enthusiastically remarked, “Excited, man. It’s hard to win in this league. He played in this league. He understands how hard it is, especially on the road, against a good opponent. What’s the word? Ecstatic? Elated? Any word you can think of that means overjoyed, he should be. It’s his first one.”
Brissett’s colorful description perfectly captured the atmosphere. Mayo’s postgame comments, delivered at a rapid pace, hinted at a man fully engaged in the moment. He acknowledged the support of his family, grandparents, and Pop Warner coaches, who not only taught him the fundamentals of football but also the life lessons that accompany the game.
Significance of the Victory
This win over the Bengals was indeed significant. It sent a wave of disappointment through the sea of orange-clad Cincinnati fans who left the stadium disheartened. The New England defense excelled, effectively neutralizing the Bengals’ passing attack, which forced quarterback Joe Burrow into a series of ineffective short passes. Additionally, rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez showcased his skills, effectively shadowing Ja’Marr Chase, a feat that was particularly impressive given Gonzalez’s recent injury struggles.
While the Patriots now boast a 1-0 record, this victory carries deeper implications. Mayo’s first win as head coach creates a clear division between his era and the legacy of Bill Belichick, widely regarded as the greatest coach in NFL history. Belichick remains a fixture in the football world, constantly in the limelight and hinting at a desire to return to coaching if the right opportunity arises. For those keeping score, the tally stands at Belichick 333, Mayo 1 in all-time victories.
Future Outlook for the Patriots
Had the Patriots stumbled in this opening game, the narrative would have shifted dramatically, with discussions about the transition to rookie quarterback Drake Maye looming larger. A loss would have set the stage for a potentially disastrous start to the season, facing a challenging schedule ahead. However, with this victory, Mayo not only enters the win column but also garners significant respect from his players.
- Center David Andrews noted, “Guys are excited, guys are happy. (They) put in a lot of work, from guys from the offseason on their own time to workouts to OTAs to training camp. And obviously a lot of work this week.”
- Brissett, who completed 15 of 24 passes for 121 yards, shared an emotional experience, stating, “I cried three times before the game and Mayo had something to do with that.” He recounted a moment where Mayo encouraged him, saying, “You’re about to win us a game, you’re about to ball out.”
Mayo also highlighted a conversation he had with running back Rhamondre Stevenson earlier in the season, challenging him to rise to his potential. “I’ve always believed he’s one of the best running backs in the league,” Mayo said. “And when we signed him to the extension, there was no one happier than me because I know what he’s capable of and he showed that today.”
While some may argue that the outcome was more reflective of the Bengals’ shortcomings than the Patriots’ strengths, it’s essential to recognize this achievement. It was just one game, one victory, but for Mayo, it represents a significant milestone. He earned his first Gatorade shower and game ball, marking a new chapter for the Patriots—one where he stands firmly in control, free from the overshadowing legacy of his predecessor.
(Photo: Joseph Maiorana / Imagn Images)
