New-Look Patriots Debut Versus Panthers

(L-R) Newly appointed head coach Jerod Mayo and Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots pose for a photo following a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on Jan. 17, 2024. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Once a model of stability in the NFL, the New England Patriots will look drastically different on Thursday, Aug. 8, against the Carolina Panthers in preseason action.

New England will have a new head coach on the sideline for the first time since Jan. 2, 2000, when the team takes the field in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. In addition, the Patriots will field numerous new players on offense, regardless of how many starters play, amid a draft class of seven offensive players.

Jerod Mayo now coaches the Patriots in place of longtime head coach and general manager Bill Belichick, who stepped away in January. The Patriots’ offensive overhaul includes No. 3 pick and quarterback Drake Maye, the team’s latest swing at replacing Tom Brady, who left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.

New England didn’t enjoy the same dynastic success after Brady’s departure amid only one playoff appearance in four years. Brady and Belichick teamed up to lead the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances and six Lombardi Trophies between 2001 and 2019, and now, both cornerstones of the dynasty are gone from Foxborough.

Mayo understands the dynasty well since he played for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015, and he won a Super Bowl along the way. Patriots owner Robert Kraft tabbed Mayo for the head coaching job after the former linebacker spent five seasons as an assistant on Belichick’s staff from 2019 to 2023.

“That decision has only strengthened as I’ve observed him over the last five years. I’ve learned to trust my instincts throughout my career, and I trust that Jerod is the right person to lead the Patriots back to the championship level contention and long-term success,” Kraft said in January’s introductory press conference.

Mayo faces the task of a total rebuild after the Patriots’ 4-13 season last year—the team’s worst record since 1992. How much the Patriots can improve from last year in a stacked AFC Easter remains to be seen.

“I mean, look, I don’t have a crystal ball,” Mayo told reporters on Aug. 6. “We‘ll wait and see, but what I will say is, we’ll be better as the season goes on. I don’t know if the first game, we go out there and get beat or beat whoever we’re playing. I think teams are still trying to figure out their identity because now, we only have three preseason games as well. So, we'll see what happens.”

There’s much to improve as New England had its worst offensive output since 1992 as the 2023 squad averaged only 13.9 points per game. That led to benching former No. 15 draft pick and quarterback Mac Jones followed by an offseason trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Underperforming veterans, such as running back Ezekiel Elliott and tight end Mike Geisicki, moved on in free agency. The Patriots also released wide receiver Devante Parker after a subpar season of 33 catches for 394 yards in 2023. He entered last season with high expectations after a $33 million contract extension.

New England’s offensive line changed slightly with the addition of Chukwuma Okorafor and the departure of Trent Brown. Despite the continuity, younger linemen such as Cole Strange and Sidy Sow will need to step up for the Patriots’ offense to make strides in 2024.

Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf made strides for the offense in the draft, starting with Maye. Wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, the Patriots’ second-round pick, could make an early impact and boost a position group that struggled mightily in 2023.

Fellow receiver Javon Baker and tight end Jaheim Bell will get their shots in preseason action as will offensive linemen Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson. Quarterback Joe Milton III, a sixth-round pick, likewise will get a shot behind Maye and veterans Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe.

The Patriots’ defense didn’t face as many changes in the offseason, but the contract drama surrounding linebacker Matthew Judon could lead to a major change. If New England can keep him, it could help the defense build on the successes of a 15th-ranked unit for points allowed last season.

“Look, Judon is doing what he has to do,” Mayo said regarding Judon. “What I will say about Judon, he always brings great energy to the practice field, brings great energy in the locker room, and that is the expectation that he set early on. I don’t see it any different now.”

For now, the Patriots can begin building on the first weeks of training camp with the players’ preseason debut against the Panthers.

“I’m excited. I’m excited to be on the sideline, and honestly, I’m excited for the players to go out there and perform well. So, that’s the main thing,” Mayo said.