Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has approached his new role very differently than that of his predecessor, but there are a few Bill Belichick-isms still floating around the halls of One Patriot Place.
Mayo put one of them into action Tuesday, skirting any and all questions regarding New England's reported interest in San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk.
"I know what you guys all want to know," Mayo said to kick off his pre-practice press conference, per team-provided video. "One thing I did learn from Bill, I don't talk about players on other teams. I'm just going to say that right now, because I remember as a player I appreciated that. I appreciated that the only opinions that mattered were inside the walls. I'm still trying to apply that moving forward."
Aiyuk's incoming trade reportedly is dependent on where he would like to play. If what we've heard is to be believed, New England has an offer sitting on the table and really is just waiting for a return call from San Francisco.
As you can imagine, that leaves us with lots of questions. Mayo heard all of them Tuesday, (four to be exact) and carefully skirted the lines of giving legitimate answers and staying true to what he learned from Belichick.
It was veteran-like.
Can Mayo confirm that there have been trade talks?
"I'll be honest with you, that's more of an Eliot (Wolf) question. I'm focused on the guys out here, the New England Patriots."
How does he feel about his current wide receiver room?
"Those guys are working hard. They're getting better every day. Now, from Eliot and my perspective, we're always trying to get better, no matter what position we're talking about, no matter how those guys get here."
Can he confirm there have been talks between Aiyuk's camp and the Patriots?
"I can't. I'm just focused on the guys in the room."
Has he spoken to Kendrick Bourne regarding the wide receiver's involvement in Aiyuk trade rumors?
"I did talk to him. It was a good conversation, and once again, the story is so much further along than anything else. I just wanted to make sure we cleared the air. I do believe in being transparent with the players and setting those guys at ease.
Mayo's approach to the entire Aiyuk ordeal slightly differed from how he's answered questions previously. He was less forthcoming, but perhaps that was out of necessity. New England certainly doesn't want to tip its hand in a potential negotiation.
