Robert Kraft Gave Jerod Mayo Special Gift After Week 1 Win

What a start to the season, and the Jerod Mayo era, for the New England Patriots on Sunday. Despite New England being the overwhelming favorite against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Patriots were in control of the game throughout the afternoon, emerging with a 16-10 win on the road.

Mayo could not have asked for a better way to begin his head-coaching tenure, and it's safe to say owner Robert Kraft is happy about his choice to succeed Bill Belichick.

Mayo told reporters following the game that Kraft came and gifted a game ball after Sunday's victory. The head coach had his own present to pass on as well, as he celebrated the win by handing another game ball to director of player personnel and de facto GM Eliot Wolf.

The vibes could not be higher in New England's locker room after beginning the year with a win -- and one that was unexpected at that. Even with the Bengals' wide receiver drama, many assumed these were the same Pats who were uncompetitive at many points during the 2023 season.

Yet, Mayo's squad already showed things are different than last year. The offense played relatively mistake-free, eliminating the back-breaking turnovers that cost them in '23.

There was a clear strategy of attack by new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt as well, whose emphasis on establishing the run paid massive dividends with Rhamondre Stevenson rumbling for a staggering 120 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.

The offense being competent, combined with New England's established defensive talent, paved the way for the upset against a Cincinnati team that was plagued by internal issues among its playmakers.

Now Mayo and co. will hope to build upon this momentum with a 2-0 start. They'll look to accomplish that with a win in Week 2 over the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium.

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