Bill Belichick hasn’t said much about his former team during his myriad early season media hits. In fact, Belichick rarely has been asked about the New England Patriots at all.
However, Monday provided arguably Belichick’s most candid Patriots take yet. While appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Belichick was asked about Drake Maye, New England’s recent struggles, and more.
Bill Belichick Gets Honest About Patriots, Rips Former Draft Pick
Belichick gave a general view of the Patriots, including thoughts on their 30-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
“I’d say there’s a number of issues there,” Belichick said. “One is, can’t move the ball and can’t score. … had a hard time moving the ball [against the 49ers].
“And I don’t know exactly what the numbers were, but the amount of time that [Brock] Purdy had to throw was pretty high. … So, I think there’s some pass-rush issues there. There’s some scoring issues.”
Belichick added: “There’s some other things that have to be worked out. … We’ll see.”
"I'm not sure what the plan is in New England right now..
If Mayo says he's gotta plan then I guess he's got one..
They've had a hard time moving the ball & Purdy had a lot of time to throw..
Joey Slye was a great addition & he's a great kicker" ~ Bill Belichick #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/47IPr5Hpw4
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 30, 2024
Belichick then praised kicker Joey Slye, who joined the Patriots during the offseason and beat sophomore Chad Ryland in a training camp competition. Slye, who kicked a team-record 63-yarder on Sunday, has made eight of his nine attempts in the first four games.
While speaking on Slye, Belichick fired a clear shot at Ryland, who struggled mightily last season after being drafted in the fourth round.
“Joey Slye — that’s a great addition for them,” Belichick said. “They got a good kicker. That’s a big upgrade from where we were last year.”
Of course, Belichick was responsible for drafting Ryland, but he didn’t mention that. Nor did he mention that his neglecting of offensive line personnel and coaching created the mess in which the Patriots find themselves.
Nevertheless, here’s hoping Belichick says more about the Patriots moving forward.
What Did Belichick Say About Drake Maye?
Belichick also was asked about Jerod Mayo’s handling of Drake Maye, who backed up veteran Jacoby Brissett in the first four games. Brissett entered Week 5 as the NFL’s most pressured quarterback.
“Well, Pat, I’ll be honest with you, I have no idea what the plan is,” Belichick said. “So, I don’t know. I can’t comment on that. If [Jerod] Mayo said he’s got a plan, then I guess he’s got one. We’ll have to wait and see what it is. I don’t know.”
But how does Mayo feel about the Maye-Brissett debate?
The first-year head coach backed Brissett after Sunday’s loss and sang a similar tune Monday morning.
“Jacoby is 100% our starter,” Mayo said during a virtual news conference. “He’s done a good job doing what we’ve asked. Are there a lot of plays he could do a better job? Absolutely.
“But I would never question his toughness, dependability, and leadership style for this team. That’s what we need right now.”
As of right now, is Jacoby Brissett still the starter? Could that change? #nfl @WEEI pic.twitter.com/q0JnHcAX7A
— The Greg Hill Show (@TheGregHillShow) September 30, 2024
During his Monday morning WEEI appearance, Mayo said he reserves the right to change his mind about the starting quarterback before this Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. He also indicated Maye might not see the field anytime soon.
“I think the hard part about it, all the fans, you in the media, they want to see the third-overall pick play,” Mayo said. “I understand the frustration from fans and [media]. What we’re doing is what we think is best. What I’m doing is what I think is best for the Patriots today and also in the future.”
Mayo added: “We came into the season with a plan and we’re going to execute that plan, knowing that we’ll take our bumps and bruises along the way.”
The Patriots — especially Brissett — are certainly feeling some bumps and bruises.
However, that can’t dissuade them from playing the long game with Maye, who likely will play at some point this season but, for now, must remain on the bench.
