Jerod Mayo kicked off his tenure as head coach of the Patriots on a high note.
Most of the talk about New England over the summer was centered around major concerns for Mayo's side this season. Most expected the Patriots' struggles to begin immediately, as the Bengals were significant betting favorites for the teams' season-opening meeting Sunday afternoon.
New England defied those odds, using a strong running game and a stout defensive performance to secure a 16-10 win in Cincinnati. The Week 1 contest also featured a great coaching exhibition from Mayo, who received some kind words from former teammate Julian Edelman after notching his first head-coaching victory.
"Shoutout to Coach Mayo on win #1," Edelman posted to X. "Don't listen to the noise. Keep working, keep improving. More to come. #LFG"
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Mayo also received high praise from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, but the first-year head coach didn't bask in the glory much after his latest milestone. While the 38-year-old acknowledged the win at Paycor Stadium was "special," he preached the importance of turning the page and focusing on the next challenge.
That challenge will arrive Sunday when New England hosts the 1-0 Seattle Seahawks for an early afternoon Week 2 clash.
Featured image via Joseph Maiorana/Imagn Images
