Patriots Secure First Win Without Belichick in Over 24 Years
The New England Patriots marked a historic moment on Thursday by winning their first game in over 24 years without legendary coach Bill Belichick at the helm. The Patriots triumphed over the Carolina Panthers with a 17-3 victory in their opening preseason game, signaling a new era for the team under the leadership of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo.
Jerod Mayo’s Debut as Head Coach
Jerod Mayo, stepping into the spotlight as the Patriots’ new head coach, made a strong debut in the preseason opener. His leadership will be closely watched as the team transitions from the Belichick era, and this initial victory sets a promising tone for the season ahead.
Rookie Quarterback Drake Maye’s First NFL Appearance
The game also featured the highly anticipated debut of the Patriots’ first-round draft pick, quarterback Drake Maye. Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, Maye played just one series in the first quarter. He completed two of his three passes for 19 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, before taking a seat for the remainder of the game.
Maye’s First Impressions on the NFL Stage
Reflecting on his first NFL experience, Maye expressed excitement and a bit of nervous energy. “It was awesome, first of all, to get out there in the stadium,” Maye said. He described feeling chills as he took the field, highlighting the unique atmosphere of playing in front of fans for the first time as a professional athlete.
Bailey Zappe Takes the Helm
With Maye on the sidelines, third-year quarterback Bailey Zappe took on a larger role during the game. Zappe’s experience and familiarity with the team were evident as he helped maintain momentum before handing off duties to rookie QB Joe Milton III.
Joe Milton III Sparks Late-Game Energy
Rookie quarterback Joe Milton III brought a much-needed spark to the game, which had lacked energy for much of the evening. Milton crafted a field goal and led a touchdown drive, which culminated in a 38-yard touchdown pass to JaQuae Jackson. His performance earned praise from Coach Mayo, who called it “a step forward” in Milton’s progression.
Mayo’s Confidence in Milton III’s Development
Mayo highlighted Milton’s potential, noting his powerful arm, athleticism, and natural leadership abilities. However, Mayo emphasized that consistent performance is key, not just in games but in daily practice, as Milton continues to earn the trust of both the coaching staff and his teammates.
End of an Era: The Patriots Without Belichick
The game marked the Patriots’ first win without Bill Belichick on the sidelines since January 2, 2000, when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens under Pete Carroll’s leadership. Belichick, who parted ways with the team after 24 seasons, leaves behind a legacy of six Super Bowl titles and one of the most successful coaching careers in NFL history. The Patriots now look to build a new legacy under Coach Jerod Mayo.(jilibet)