After 24 years, the Bill Belichick era is over in New England. For the first time this century, the Patriots will have a new coach in Jerod Mayo to oversee the team.
An abysmal 4-13 record was the final straw for Robert Kraft to send Bill Belichick out the door. There were mixed emotions up in Foxborough whether Belichick should stay put or if a new era of Patriots football was needed. Kraft chose the second option and here we are.
There were many rumors with who Kraft would choose to become the new head coach, but he decided to stay in house and promote linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to the spot. Mayo, a defensive minded head coach, will look to continue the Patriots defensive dominance that we have been so accustomed to witnessing year after year.
With the mediocre record the Pats had in 2023, they landed the third overall pick and took Drake Maye. They are hoping that the quarterback out of North Carolina is the long term answer in New England as they have struggled to find that guy since Tom Brady departed just a couple of years ago.
They most recently sent Mac Jones packing and replaced him with Drake Maye as their second quarterback to be taken in the first round in the past couple of seasons. Maye is still not confirmed to be the Pats starter come Week 1 as he is currently competing with veteran Jacoby Brissett for the job.
For the Patriots this offseason, their main goal was to retain their core pieces that they believe will play a big role for their success in the future. They extended not one, not two, but ten players to multiyear extensions this offseason.
The defensive players extended included: Davon Godchaux, Jabrill Peppers, Jahlani Tavai, Christian Barmore, Kyle Dugger, and Anfernee Jennings. The offensive players included: Rhamondre Stevenson, Mike Onwenu, Kendrick Bourne, and Hunter Henry. New England's front office did an excellent job in retaining in-house talent for the long term this offseason.
The one player that New England has yet to extend and is currently in a contract dispute with is Matthew Judon. Judon, getting up there in age now at 31, is still one of the most valuable players on New England's defense despite his age. It will be interesting to see if Judon is that eleventh player to become extended before September 8th rolls around.
Despite their 4-13 record, the Pats still ranked 7th in the NFL in total defense. The offense was the problem. They ranked 30th in this category after flip flopping back and forth between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe at quarterback. Is Drake Maye the answer to all of New England's problems?
They still could use some help at the receiver position with Kendrick Bourne leading the receiving core. Lately there have been rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk being on the trade block and the Pats have been trying hard to get him up in New England. Aiyuk would be massive for their new young quarterback and the receiving room itself.
The new era of Patriots football in New England is almost underway as the season approaches. Could the Patriots make a huge jump after their underwhelming season just a year ago or will they stay on the consistent rebuild track in 2024?
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