Jerod Mayo proves negative label wrong with Patriots players' support

In the months that have followed the Patriots announcement that former linebacker and positions coach Jerod Mayo was going to take over head coaching duties in the wake of Bill Belichick's departure, a lot has been made about what kind of coach he would be given the circumstances.

Besides the inevitable belief that he would have a rough time following in the footsteps of a legendary figure of the game, Mayo was quickly labeled as a player's coach, which takes on a negative connotation in today's NFL. Most coaches referenced as such are not the most well-respected or successful, which likely explains why the new head coach has been fighting off the characterization.

It has become the latest negative thing to say about the new regime, with many believing Mayo's inexperience and what some have said to be a softer coaching style fit the definition of what a player's coach is.

It has prompted the projection that it could doom the Patriots before they even get back on track, especially since that is not how Belichick approached the job, and we saw the results of his coaching style.

However, based on how the team played in their season opener against a tough Bengals team on Sunday and the overall vibe the players had, it's evident they are willing to run through a wall for their new head coach, an attitude that could take them further than anyone anticipated.

That sentiment was made even clearer during the newest episode of "The Quick Snap" podcast hosted by current Patriots center David Andrews and former quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Player's coach label seems to be working for Jerod Mayo and Patriots

Regardless of those who want to discredit what the Patriots accomplished against the Bengals in Week 1, as they attempt to claim the home team played badly and that's the only explanation for New England walking out as the winner, Andrews described what the biggest reason in helping the team get the job done.

The emphasis of it all? Jerod Mayo.

“The biggest thing is belief. Jerod did such a great job – obviously throughout the year, but this week – trying to get guys ready to go and talking about how we want to play the game. … There’s belief in that. Guys saw this is how we can win games.”

Brian Hoyer doubled down on that, as he watched the game from a fan's perspective but with the experience of working with the new head coach and the roster.

“A lot of good teams, they embody who their coach is. To me, that was a Jerod Mayo football team. That’s who he was as a player.”

The attitude shift from just one year ago was apparent throughout the offseason and exemplified throughout Sunday's matchup. It was a lighter, more enjoyable game to watch than seen over the last few years, and the players were far more animated in supporting their teammates as well, a much-welcomed sight considering the toxicity that dominated the locker room last season.

Because players are very much on board with Mayo as the coach and want to start his tenure off with a bang, the Patriots could stack more wins to start the year than the predicted 0-4 start most analysts put out there.

That attitude from the players and Mayo's natural coaching instincts will take him far, not to mention learning from the best-ever coach in the NFL as a player and in a mentorship role. Former Patriots tackle Matt Light, a guest on the podcast this week, saw from his teammate years ago and believes will be the basis of the team's success in this new era.

“From the second he set foot in that facility (in 2008), that dude was a coach. People are born to do certain things … the way he took to coaching was so natural. For him to be doing what he's doing today – I’ve said this about two guys I’ve played with: Mike Vrabel and Jerod Mayo.”

It's an excellent start for what was deemed to be another forgettable year in Foxboro. Let's hope the Patriots continue to shock the NFL world when they welcome the Seahawks next Sunday for their Week 2 matchup.

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