New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo isn’t concerning himself with the outside noise, including a recent criticism from Bill Belichick.
Belichick took a shot at Mayo and his coaching staff after the first-year head coach called the Patriots a “soft football team across the board.” Mayo was asked about his reaction to Belichick’s comments when he spoke with the media at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday.
“My main focus is the guys inside of this building, not only the players, but also the coaches and the rest of this staff,” Mayo told reporters, per a team-provided video. “As soon as we turn this thing around, we’ll be OK. It comes down to wins and losses. That’s what it comes down to. That’s what you’re ultimately judged by.”
Belichick on Monday took a flamethrower to Mayo on the “Pat McAfee Show.” The legendary head coach-turned-analyst pushed back on Mayo’s sentiment the Patriots were a “soft” team. Belichick defended his former players and noted how those defenders were much better against the run last season than they are this season.
“The Patriots led the league last year in rushing defense, yards per carry, No. 1 league,” Belichick told McAfee. “This year, they’re way down in the 20s somewhere. It’s the same guys.”
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Belichick conveniently omitted a detail that strengthened his argument, but his criticism of Mayo proceeded to make headlines and make matters worse for those inside One Patriot Place. Mayo stressed the importance of ignoring the outside noise whether it comes from Belichick or elsewhere.
“It’s a time for us to get closer while everything around you gets louder,” Mayo said. “Hopefully we go out there and get a victory.”
The 1-6 Patriots will have that opportunity when they host the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Featured image via Joseph Maiorana/Imagn Images
