Mike Tomlin, perhaps more than anyone else in the NFL, can understand what Jerod Mayo is going through.
Tomlin became head coach of the Steelers when he was only 34, three years younger than Mayo was when he took the helm in New England. And like the first-year Patriots head coach, Tomlin replaced a decorated coaching legend when he took the job in Pittsburgh in 2007.
Thus, Tomlin was more than fit to give Mayo tips and head-ups when the latter replaced Bill Belichick back in January. And one of the messages passed along proved to be very true.
"He (Tomlin) told me, 'Every day is going to be different,'" Mayo told ESPN's Mike Reiss. "He wasn't lying. That's how it's been so far."
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From injuries to key players, disciplinary measures and a fascinating quarterback situation, Mayo has juggled quite a bit in his short time as New England's head coach. But the former linebacker has handled everything pretty well thus far, and his Patriots have a real opportunity to exceed (admittedly low) expectations this season.
New England will try to notch its second win under Mayo on Thursday night when it visits the division rival New York Jets.
Featured image via David Butler II/Imagn Images
