Replacing Bill Belichick was Never Going to be Easy
Replacing Bill Belichick was never going to be without its challenges, particularly with the roster makeup. As a result, the Patriots have struggled, with a glaring emphasis on offense. Moreover, the defense has taken a significant step backward, with rookie quarterback Bailey Maye yet to reach full potential.
Mayo has had his fair share of missteps, taking back some of his comments and admitting to mistakes. While learning from these mistakes is crucial for growth, the key is not to fall into the same situation repeatedly. On the other hand, Maye has shown flashes of brilliance amidst expected rookie struggles.
Mayo opted to not start Maye until Week 6, citing the need to stick to the original plan despite external pressures. He believes this decision allowed Maye to reach high levels, and Maye still has room to improve. The Patriots are focused on his development as the starting quarterback and the most crucial piece of the team, confident in their current position.
The franchise’s upward mobility in 2025 relies on Maye’s development, with a necessary Year 2 leap from Mayo as a coach.
