Patriots Veterans Blocking out Noise Coming from Bill Belichick

When the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick parted ways after over two decades, there were obviously going to be growing pains. Belichick had been the ultimate decision-maker in all aspects of the organization for so long that it was going to take time to adjust to the new reality.

Fortunately, there was no expectation for the Patriots to be competitive. It was going to be a developmental season in which the franchise was going to see what they have in No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye and the rest of the core. First-time head coach Jerod Mayo was hired to be the man in charge throughout this process.

The 1-6 start and six straight losses aside, things haven't gone according to plan in Foxborough. The team has performed below the already minimal expectations. More importantly, however, the relationship between the team and the coaching staff and the overall vibes of the locker room have been far from ideal.

The problems culminated after the disappointing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7. After the game, Mayo called his team, "soft", sparking widespread criticism among the fanbase and the media. Belichick joined the parade and defended his former players, claiming that they were not soft.

Stuck between their former and current head coach are the Patriots veterans. Mark Daniels from MassLive reported that the team is doing an excellent job ignoring all that is being said, even if it comes from the greatest coach of all time.

"I did hear what (Belichick) said. I don’t have any concerns toward any outside noise. I’m just focused on what I can do to be better for the team, the defense and how I can help. I didn’t hear it and don’t have any concern for it. It doesn’t really do me any justice."

- Patriots S Kyle Dugger

While some defenders like Marte Mapu said that they didn't hear what Belichick had to say, Davon Godchaux and Jahlani Tavai weren't too worked up about what their former coach had to say.

Kyle Dugger summarized the team's attitude about all of this. Even though most of them hear it all, they are focusing on what they can do to help the team instead. And that is the exact approach to get the Patriots out of the hole they have dug themselves into.

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