NFL
By Steve Atkinson
Patriots fans, myself included, were spoiled for two decades with winning, division championships, AFC Championships, and Super Bowls. We enjoyed the success brought by Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman. The Patriots truly thrived thanks to Tom Brady. However, now the team appears to be back in the pre-Super Bowl days, and fans are growing restless. Many thought Mac Jones would be the next Tom Brady, but Belichick’s decision to put Matt Patricia and Joe Judge in charge of the offense has not worked out. Now, Robert Kraft has hired Jerod Mayo as head coach, and in his first year, the team is facing the possibility of having the number one pick in the draft.
Fans who pay to watch the Patriots have a right to voice their complaints. Yet, we should remember that the 20 years of dominance are not something that happens in a lifetime. We witnessed the greatest quarterback of all time win six Super Bowls alongside a head coach who struggled to draft offensive talent but was covered up by Brady’s presence. Fans experienced a long stretch of winning, and that was what mattered most.
Since 2020, Patriots fans have become increasingly impatient. For example, during the 2022 season, they chanted for the brash Bailey Zappe during the Bears game, despite his poor performance. In 2023, fans booed both Mac Jones and Belichick because they thought Zappe was the solution. Now, as we look ahead, fans are clamoring for Drake Maye, and there’s talk of firing Jerod Mayo, who has often been undermined by Belichick. While I agree that DeMarcus Covington needs to go, I believe Mayo, who has never been a play caller, deserves another chance, especially since the right quarterback can make a difference.
Patriots Fans are a spoiled bunch
Fans booing Mayo and calling for his firing after the loss to the Chargers may be frustrated, and I understand why. However, we have to recognize that Brady covered up many issues, and things have unraveled over the past four years. If changes are to be made, it will likely involve the defensive and possibly the offensive coordinator. Beyond that, Mayo and Wolf are likely to stay for at least another season. Patience is needed, Patriots fans. Here’s what Jahlani Tavai said today
Right Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was the first dynasty. The Patriots had a good defense just needed the quarterback. This time they have the quarterback just need a complete team around them. The players like Mayo because he’s different from the hard ass vibe Belichick. The players can speak more openly about how they feel and it’s a lot different from last year. Players really didn’t like Belichick and because they have the quarterback Kraft is going to keep Mayo one more season.
