Jerod Mayo Sent This Message To Jacoby Brissett Before Patriots Opener

Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye turned heads with his play during the preseason, but first-year head coach Jerod Mayo opted to stick with veteran Jacoby Brissett as New England's starter in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Whether or not it was a risk or a gamble, the move paid off, and the Patriots exceeded expectations, defeating the Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday.

While many questioned whether Brissett could lead the Patriots this season, Mayo sent a clear message to his No. 1 quarterback before the game. Speaking with the media following the win, Brissett explained to reporters how his emotions were high before the game, and he revealed what Mayo had told him.

"I think I cried three times before the game," Brissett said, per team-provided video. "... Mayo came up to me before the game, and he started laughing. He's like, 'Man, you're about to win us this game. You're about to ball out.' I have never heard that from a coach. I mean, that meant a lot to me."

Brissett didn't have a spectacular showing in his first start for New England, but he didn't have to be -- he had Rhamondre Stevenson to run the ball. Brissett had 121 yards on 15 completions and scrambled for another 32 yards while Stevenson scored the Patriots only touchdown and rushed for 120 yards on 25 carries. Mayo was still impressed with the way Brissett handled the offense.

"He was great. He made plays with his arm, he made plays with his legs," Mayo told reporters after the game. "He's a tough guy. He took some hits in the game, and I'm just like, 'Man, get up.' He did everything we asked him to do."

The 31-year-old veteran directed an 80-yard drive in the first quarter, including six first downs, and finished with Stevenson's three-yard touchdown run.