HEAD COACH JEROD MAYO

Postgame press conference
Sunday, September 8, 2024

Initial comments ...

"The guys went out there, competed hard. We talked about establishing the run game. We were able to stop their run game, they did a good job with that. We left a lot of plays out there, but we're going to enjoy this one on the flight home and get ready for next week. Very proud, but my message to the players, after they gave me the Gatorade shower (was that) without them I'm nothing, and I made sure they knew that. They crossed the white lines, I talk about empowering the players to go out there and play. We talk about awareness being the No. 1 thing, and those guys take advantage of that. Those guys did a great job."

You've been waiting for this day for quite a while, what was it like to walk off that field with a win?

"The day started off solid like any other day. Walking off the field though, getting in that victory formation, you get the feeling rushing over you. I'm going to enjoy this one for the next couple of hours, and truth be told, it's a 'what have you done for me lately' type of business. It's time to turn the page. Not trying rain on anyone's parade, but turn the page and get ready for the next game."

Describe the experience, making those decisions. How did you find those decisions that went through your mind?

"It was just part of ... I mean, I've been playing football my entire life, and I was a great Madden player back in the days. I understand situational football, and my staff understands situational football. We talk through those things, and I said throughout the whole week that I have to make the ultimate decision and felt good about the way we operated today."

Talk about how your defense played today

"They came out on fire. We challenged those guys. Everyone was talking about Cincinnati's offense and how explosive they are. And they answered the call. Started up front, those defensive linemen, they did a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage. The second level players, the LBs, they did a good job coming down here in a couple of plays in the pass game. The safeties and corners, they did a good job of covering. It was a total unit."

What did you make of Rhamondre Stevenson out there?

"I challenged Rhamondre in the spring. I said, 'Look, you don't get a lot of love,' and I have always believed he's one of the best running backs in the league. When we signed him to the extension, there was no one more happy than me because I know what he's capable of, and he showed that today. He can catch the ball, he can run, he can do all those things. He's a great player."

Since January, you guys have been talking about defense and the run game and how that's the formula. How did you like that seeing that come to fruition?

"It was great. You always come out with a plan. They say God laughs at plans, like what Mike Tyson says, 'everyone has a plan until you get hit in the mouth.' In the first half, we averaging 6.1 yards per carry and able to control in the front. Defensively, we did a good job against their run game until the second half when they had a few runs, but it started up there."

Where in the first half did you say, "We got this"?

"I'd say the way we were running the ball. I felt pretty confident about that, from the beginning to the end. Our offensive line did a great job, led by David Andrews and Big Mike (Onwenu) — those guys did a great job. Having Lowe here, it's good to get him into the game. They were moving bodies. So when I talk about fundamentals, that's part of it. Defensively, block destruction. Offensively, opening up holes and those guys did that today."

Robert Kraft's first win as an owner came here as was yours, what did he say to you when he gave you the game ball?

"It was special. I just want to thank the Kraft family — Robert, all of them, Josh — just for the opportunity here, for not getting in the middle of anything that we do, football-wise. Pretty much handed the keys over to Elliott and myself and the rest of the staff. I'm just appreciative of the opportunity. We came in here today and represented the Krafts in a good light."

What did you think of Jacoby Brissett's decision making today?

"It was great. He made plays with his legs, plays with his arm. He's a tough guy. He took some hits in the game, but he did everything we asked him to do. We came out of here with a victory."

Did you get a souvenir for the game?

"Yeah, Mr Kraft gave me a ball."

Do you want to keep that one?

"Absolutely. I also gave Elliott the ball. It was a special moment."

Who did you think of, like your family, with this first win?

"A lot of people say they are self made and things like that, but we all think of people who've helped us along the way. It made me think about my family, think about my grandparents, think about my pop-warner coaches, all the people who not only showed me the Xs and Os, but also how to operate in life. One thing you guys will notice about me and whatever you guys want to write about, I'm stoic. I try not to get too high and get too low. It's always been my mentality from a little kid up to until now."

Was that your first Gatorade bath?

"Yeah that was my first Gatorade bath. It was cold. It felt worse in my shoes (laughs)."

You guys were betting underdogs and the Bengals were a very popular survivor pick, did you use that as motivation?

"No, not at all. We try not to hear anything from the outside. I told those guys all week it's all about us in this building. There's no one going to come in here on a white, shining horse and save the day. I said, 'Look, you guys are here for a reason. It's all we got and all we need.'"

What does it feel like winning as a player and as a coach?

"I talk about my calling a lot. Winning as a coach is huge, not for what it does for me, but what it does for those players out there. I just can't say enough about those players."

You talked all week about complimentary football in offense, defense, and special teams ...

"Those guys just play hand in hand. We had a plan, they knew the plan. It was walked about throughout the week and they executed. You can have all the mantras and all the things that you want, but on gameday, it comes down to execution. You can have all those rah-rah speeches, you talk about discipline. Those are things that you continue to build upon going forward."

How was the conditioning?

"They showed up. It was like 'keep going', but I did talk about this on Friday. You look at those other games and conditioning, they showed up. I'd say our guys are in good condition."

Do you want to say anything to those fans before the opener next week?

"For the fans, hopefully they see what we're trying to do. I talk about it takes time. We're still not where we want to be, but we're headed in the right direction."

Do you think your decision to use pads a lot in the preseason helped going into today?

"I'm not sure. I have some friends, like how the Ravens and Chiefs practice and how their camp went — it's like the total other side of the spectrum. Those were two teams that made me say, 'Man, we're getting tired here.' And that's why I was so heavy on that with our team. I'm not sure how to answer that question."

When they kicked that ball back to you and you were able to run out the clock, what does that say about your team?

"There comes a point where they know we're going to run it, we know we're going to run it, the fans know we're going to run it, and we're going to have to pick up four yards. It's a challenge I always offer those guys. It's really man-on-man in those instances. It's not really X's and O's in those situations. It's about dominating the player across from you, and those guys did that."

What other emotions would you reveal outside of being stoic?

"I'm happy. I don't want you to take away from this that I'm unhappy. I'm definitely happy to get out of here with a win, and happy for the players and the organization."

Joe Burrow really didn't throw very far for most of the game outside of one late in the game. How were you guys able to keep him from doing that?

"We just kept it moving. We ran a bunch of different coverages, different fronts. And then, there in the second half, there were a lot more quick passes. They were trying to get into a rhythm. That's how I felt, and that's what I saw in the game. We had a couple of big plays, but we said, 'Win the turnover battle and don't give up big plays, make these guys drive and we'll be OK.'"

QUARTERBACK JACOBY BRISSETT

Postgame press conference
Sunday, September 8, 2024

How good did that feel from start to finish? You came out of here with a win ...

"Yeah, it was awesome. That's a great team win right there. In all three phases of the game. Everybody stepped up when we needed them to step up. To win a game on a road in victory formation ... it doesn't get much better than that. Just proud of the work that we put in obviously, to playing on both sides of the ball, and special teams was executed to what we thought it was going to be. A 60-minute football game. They obviously had a good plan on their side of the ball, but you know today we executed a little bit better."

You talked about that offensive line earlier in the week. How good did it feel to watch that unit do what it did?

"Yeah. Like I said earlier in the week, everybody's talking about our O-line. And we know in this room how confident we are in that group. I don't have the stat sheet; I don't know how many yards we rushed for. Zero sacks I think, versus two Pro Bowl defensive ends, a good interior pass rush, and (Bengals defensive coordinator) Lou (Anarumo), who does so much on defense. My hats go off to that O-line, and to (offensive line coach) Scott (Peters) for what he did with those guys. I know they're hungry to get back out there to do it again next week. But I'm super proud of those guys."

How much do formations help you, especially in motion recognizing man, because you picked up plays with your legs today on third down?

"Yeah, for sure. And I think (Patriots Offensive Coordinator) AVP (Alex Van Pelt) did a good job of playing against Lou, so much when he was in Cleveland. Understanding his tendencies and things like that simplifies the game. And it takes things like that, and obviously giving me the opportunity to pick up plays with my legs, and the O-line doing a good job of creating rush lanes for me. I thought we had a good plan with those things. And obviously you want to complete a couple more passes, but I thought we did a good job with that."

You may have been asked this, but when your coach came in after the game, what was his demeanor? What did he say? What were his emotions?

"Excited. It's hard to win in this league. He played in this league. He understands how hard it is on the road versus a good opponent. He was —what's the word? — ecstatic? Elated? Or any word you can think of that means 'overjoyed.' He should be noticed for his first one. He got us ready to go — not only this week, but dating back to OTAs. We're all built up for this moment right here, to put all our work on display. We did a good job of doing that this week.

How validating is a performance like this today of all the work that you guys put in leading into this game?

"Yeah. We said before the game, it's going to be a certain point in the game where we're just going to overpower them. We're going to out condition them and do all the little things right more than them, because of all the work that we put in. And I think that was on display. Everybody in the stands knew we were running the ball at the end of the game. And we still get first down after first down. We're there in pass situations, and our defense is hunting down and brought it back in, taking away their best players and limiting a really good quarterback. Once you do that, you know that's the identity we want to create, and I think we did that. We did a good job of establishing that on one game this week."

You said it was going to come to a point where that happened. Was there a point? Was there a moment?

"For sure. We pick up a big third down, and we get back into our big personnel and they see (Patriots guard) Big Layden (Layden Robinson) coming on the field, and they know we're about to run it. We're not throwing the ball out of that. And the runs didn't change, and we went downhill, and (Patriots running back) Rhamondre (Stevenson) was like, 'Just give me the ball and let me run downhill.' And (Patriots offensive coordinator) AVP (Alex Van Pelt) did a good job. And I think he does a really good job of trusting us out there. When we talked about communication, one of the main things was being honest out there, and Rhamondre says, 'I don't want to run outside zone no more. I want to run downhill.' And that's what we did. Obviously somewhere earlier in the game, the outside zone stuff was working. Then we hit it downhill. And they haven't seen those looks, and they're gashing them."

Jacoby, I wanted to follow up what you said about the defense helping you out and keeping you in this game. How did it allow you guys to run the offense knowing the defense was going to come out there and get the ball back for you?

"It was just what our game plan was. Establishing a line of scrimmage, run the ball, stop the run, take away their big players and keep converting third downs, stay on the field and score points when we get down there in the red zone. And I think we did that. Obviously, we have to get a little better with the sudden change part of the game, and start faster after the half. But I think our defense did a great job. I think we got to the second quarter before they got a first down. If we do that, we're going to be all right. Hats off to our defense. They did a hell of a job. And I know those guys. I know the work that they put in this offseason as well. I'm just super proud for the guys. Super happy for them"

A little while ago, Jerod Mayo said that he told Rhamondre Stevenson during the offseason, 'You don't get a lot of attention in the league but you're one of the better backs.' So, you've been around a lot of good running backs including one in Alex Van Pelt's system. How good do you think Rhamondre is?

"Yeah, I don't want to say the sky's the roof because that'll put a limit on it. But it was definitely fun turning it around and handing the ball and seeing the patience that he runs with, the aggression he runs with, how fast he was. He was pulling away from DBs that had angles on him. He's such a smart back. I'm excited to see how this progresses in this offense. It was just a lot of fun to watch him play."

I want to go back to what you did for Washington against the Jets and the Rams last year. For you though, I know you are all about the team, what was the circle of life moment for you to make this start as a Patriot quarterback versus 2016 and get out of here with a win?

"I think I cried three times before the game. I cried when I got to the stadium, I cried when (Jerod) Mayo came up to me before the game and started laughing. He's said, 'Man, you're about to win us this game. You're about to ball out,' and I have never heard that from a coach and that meant a lot to me. And then I cried when I got out there and they were going out there on offense. My emotions were definitely high. It's definitely a moment that I just can't take for granted. These things don't come by often. And like I said, I don't take it for granted.

In 2016, there was that shot of you after you scored, coming off the sideline and handing the football to the coach ...

"I didn't score."

You did have the football. Where does that ball go with you?

"I kept that one. (Jerod) Mayo has a game ball for sure. His first one, which he deserved. I don't think people understand. I think it's like the plan that he put in place with us this week, knowing the work that he knows, foresaw for us to get to this point. He was preaching that the people in this room are the ones that matter, and that came to fruition. Coming on the road versus a good team during Week 1, new head coach, new offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator. All these things that stacked up against us and none of that mattered once we got between those white lines, and once we got on that plane to come here the vision was clear, and the communication was clear. And we came and executed that plan."

OFFENSIVE TACKLE VEDERIAN LOWE

Coming in to the season, people had a lot of questions about the offensive line. Do you guys feel vindicated as a group?

"With Coach (Jerod) Mayo, he always talks about process/progress. So, every single week, we start the process, and we make progress every week, and the payoff will come later on."

Mayo had talked about rotating guys in and out this first game. You made an appearance about roughly through the first quarter. Was that the plan? Tell us how that all shook out ...

"I was just told to stay ready, and just do what's best for the team, and I'm just glad we came in and got the 'W.'"

Going up against a guy like Trey Hendrickson, who was second in the league in sacks last year, to hold him without a sack, how big was that for you?

"Man, playing against Trey was really fun today. It was really fun, with how competitive he is — he's such a great player. You can't take a play off against him. It was just really fun to go out there, and play against him, and hats off to him. He's definitely a respectable edge rusher in this league, for sure."

How valuing was this performance for you guys?

"It's still a part of the process. It's great to start out 1-0, and every week is its own week — its own game. But we still have a long way to go, and we still have a lot of progress to make."

Obviously, there was some criticism in the preseason. To come out and have such a clean game, how good did that feel for you guys?

"It feels really good. It feels really good to be able to say that, but there's still work to be done. We'll go back, watch the film, and clean up a lot of the little mishaps from the game, and get on to next week."

What was your assessment of Jacoby Brissett's performance today?

"Jacoby played great. That's our guy — he's our captain for a reason — he's the guy to lead our offense."

SAFETY JABRILL PEPPERS

That's a great way to start, huh?

"Absolutely. Always great to open the season with a 'W.'"

You guys seemed to play mistake-free football today. Did you see that during the week at practice?

"Oh yeah, that's a big point of emphasis — eliminate bad football, and make teams beat you. And I think we did a good job of that today."

You also kept them from making any big, huge plays ...

"Keep everything in front of you. We know Joe Sheisty can make any throw on the field, Ja'Marr Chase is one of the best, if not the best receiver in the league, and I think we did a good job today."

It was an emotional reaction coming out of the tunnel. Was that a bit of a release after an offseason where you guys heard a lot of questions?

"No doubt, but we don't really care about the outside noise. We only care about what the people believe and think inside our building. We know the work we put in day in and day out, we know the work the coaches put in day in and day out, and we're all here for one common goal, and that's to win. People can say whatever they want to say, but they can't play in this league. You still got to put that football down and line up. That's our mindset — we go about business the right way, put in the work, it means something to us, and I think we did the job in all three phases today."

TIGHT END HUNTER HENRY

What did you see from your quarterback Jacoby Brissett today?

"He's just played like a pro — very calm and cool. It was a hostile environment, very loud, and he brought a lot of energy in there, and I feel like he handled it really well — checks, throws, timely third down pick ups — it was a good one."

Cincinnati was inching back at the end of the game, but how were you guys able to maintain your composure?

"A lot of work. We've been put in this situation in practice many, many times. The amount of times you do it in practice, you're more likely to go out there and execute on the field. We were able to do that today, and come away with the win."

What was Jerod Mayo's message to you after the game, and what did you see from him today?

"I think we just stuck to the plan, and we wanted to start 1-0, and we did. We were focused on this game, and not listening to anything else, just executing our formula and plan. Holding on to the ball, and protecting the ball was huge, and getting two turnovers was huge. Special teams played great, and we just played complimentary football today, which was huge."

What did it mean to you guys to help him start 1-0?

"Yeah, it was big. It's always good to get that first one for him. It didn't take long, and that's always nice. We love Mayo, we love playing for him, he's a great coach, and we love being around him."

What was his message when he came in the locker room after the game?

"Just excitement. Proud of the way we played, created turnovers, took care of the ball, played complimentary football, timely stops, timely drives when we needed to. So, that was the recipe for us today."

CORNERBACK CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ

Were you on Ja'Marr Chase duty today?

"I was, I was. Fun matchup."

How do you guys think you did — as a team, and you specifically against Chase?

"I feel that we executed what we wanted to do. There were some plays we left out there. Obviously, there's never a perfect game — we'll get to the film and watch it. Personally, I feel like I did good. It was a fun matchup — he's one of the best receivers in the league. So, it was fun."

After an offseason of questions, to go out there and play like you did today, that's got to be a good feeling ...

"Oh for sure. We were asked all week what people were thinking of us, but we don't really listen to the outside. We know everybody in here believes."

What did Coach Mayo say to the team after the game?

"He said it was a good win. We came out and executed, and did what we wanted to do, but there's still so much more that we can do. So, get back to it tomorrow, and get ready for next week."

How much does it mean to get that first win for Coach Mayo?

"It means everything. Everybody saw the Gatorade bath — it's cool. I feel like we put in a lot of work this offseason, and to be able to come out, and get the win for an away game where everybody doubted us. It definitely meant a lot, but there's so much more we can grow with."

Was it the plan coming in for you to shadow Ja'Marr Chase? And how do you feel that the coaches trusted you with that?

"Yes, that was the plan that they wanted me to go with him. I talked about it earlier this week, but that's what you want. That's what you want being a corner — that's the dream. So being able to do that is fun."