The last time the Patriots had a head coach that wasn’t named Bill Belichick, I wasn’t of legal age to drink alcohol. We were weeks removed from many people thinking the world was going to end due to Y2K. Stuart Little and The Green Mile were the top two movies in theaters across the country. Many people reading this have had children, watched those children grow up and have since watched those same kids graduate from college, while Belichick ran the ship and won six 'chips.
Yeah, it’s been a long time.
But, now we know, it’s over. Belichick is moving on. Jerod Mayo is moving in. Or, at least moving to the master bedroom with the en suite. And, now, thousands upon thousands of Patriots fans will, for the first time in their lives, watch a new man lead their favorite football team.
Don’t get it twisted: Many fans have been conditioned by Belichick and this transition will be jarring for them. Shoot, it’s likely going to be jarring for everyone.
We’re used to the grumbles and congestion at the podium. Now, we’ll get charisma and laughs. We’re used to the hoodie. Not sure what Mayo will pick as his head coach garb. We’re used to the stoicism stalking the sideline. We’ll see if Mayo is a little more demonstrative. And as much as Mayo has only played and coached in New England, everyone that knows him will tell you, he ain’t Bill Belichick.
And because he’s not Belichick, Patriots fans are about to embark on a journey filled with “new” at head coach. With “newness” comes the unknown. The unknown can bring unpredictability and even a feeling of discomfort.
However, fear of the unknown is not a reason to keep the status quo.
It’s time to remember Belichick’s greatness, while embracing the “Mayo Era.” At least, in my humble opinion. A new voice and fresh set of eyes in the locker room, even if that voice and those eyes have been in New England the last five years, was needed. Mayo will relate to players better in 2024 and players will relate to the 37-year-old better than Belichick. Maybe Mayo will be willing to go for it on 4th & 3 from the 50, instead of punting and approaching the game like it’s 1990. One can dream, can’t he?! Maybe he’ll appreciate the idea of scoring points more than Bill.
It’s time to watch Mayo face one of the most monumental challenges any coach has faced in sports history: Replacing Bill Belichick.
It’s time to get uncomfortable. It’s time for Jerod
New General Manager, Same ‘Ole Red Sox
What are the Red Sox doing? I ask that question with genuine curiosity. Yes, there’s still time, even though it is starting to slip away. But, what in the world is their plan? I don’t get it. I’m sure you don’t get it.
The Sox walked into the offseason with one glaring roster weakness to address: Starting pitching. Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn’t seem to want anything to do with them, be it because of cash or an affinity for LA. They’re reportedly not in on Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, because, you know, it would cost legit money to sign either one of them. They even lost out on Shota Imanaga.
Speaking of signing, after agreeing to a contract with Lucas Giolito, they traded Chris Sale to Atlanta. One starting pitcher in, one starting pitcher out. Now we sit here inching closer to mid-January with the need of two starting pitchers, including someone who we could confidently call an “ace,” or at least someone who can be at the front of the rotation without question. I love Brayan Bello, but he’s more of a ‘2’ right now, not ready to take the reins as the stopper.
I’ve tried to stay positive, holding onto the thought, “Maybe they’ll make a trade for a young cost-controlled stud.” Unfortunately, that looks more unlikely by the day. Check out this excerpt from former MLB GM, Jim Bowden, this week in the Athletic:
"The Red Sox have made a lot of moves this offseason but I’m not sure their major-league team is any better than it was when the season ended. They’ve had trade discussions with the White Sox regarding [Dylan] Cease, but those have never gotten any traction. They touched base with the Brewers on Corbin Burnes and that went nowhere, and they had a conversation with the Marlins about Jesús Luzardo that also came up empty. Free agency remains their best shot at improving the rotation this offseason, but I’m not sure Red Sox ownership is willing to step up and pay the price it will take to land one of the top starters."
Boy, that just fills your heart with joy and optimism, amirite? But, none of us should be shocked by Bowden’s answer, as we continue to be inundated with reports that the Red Sox aren’t looking to add significant payroll, unless they cut payroll.
Oh, and speaking of not shocking: John Henry and Company have decided to bail on the town hall format for their “Winter Weekend” event. Apparently the suits didn’t enjoy getting booed at last year’s town hall. Who would have thought that?!
So, instead, per a Red Sox press release, “The Friday night event will open with the introduction of the 2024 players and coaches followed by ‘The Cinco Ocho Show with Jonathan Papelbon,’ a late-night talk show-style segment. Alongside co-host Tom Caron of NESN, Papelbon will lead conversations about the upcoming season and the state of the club.”
Can’t wait.
Seriously, does any of this catch you off guard? Not spending the kind of money they used to spend. Running away from any sort of accountability. Afraid of what the ownership will utter publicly, after the “Full Throttle Incident of 2023.” This has been the Red Sox for the last number of years. Is it a coincidence they have failed to win a title, since they dramatically changed the way they do business? I don’t think so.
Dear John: Give us all a break. If this is how you’re going to operate, sell the team, so we can all move on and fall back in love with a franchise that occupies a top-10 media market and should be contending every year.
You can follow me on 'X' (FKA Twitter) @NickCRadio