Morning sports update
James White urged patience towards Jerod Mayo: After the Patriots' 1-6 begin to the season – and the Jerod Mayo era – a former Super Bowl hero has thrown his support behind the embattled head coach.
Mayo called his team “soft” after a 32-16 loss to the Jaguars in London in Week 7, during which New England gave up greater than 170 rushing yards for the third straight game.
His comments sparked polarizing reactions and even prompted a dissenting response from former Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Mayo has since clarified that he specifically described his team as playing softly.
But speculation about his skilled status has by some means begun lower than a yr into his tenure in New England.
In response to the dramatic backlash against Mayo and his comments, former Patriots running back James White recently tried to strike a more measured tone Interview with Taylor Kyles of CLNS.
“I mean, when you're 1-6, things aren't going right, you can't score on offense, teams are overrunning you on defense, people are going to notice that every little thing you do is working too. Be that Wrong ones and they want you to do the opposite of what you’re doing,” he explained.
White tried to get fans to step back and think in regards to the circumstances for a moment.
“I just think everything is under the microscope at the moment and that's what happens when you lose football games. I think Mayo is doing a good job,” he said. He noted that the brand new coach simply has a distinct style than his predecessor.
“I just think it’s different. People aren't used to it. He’s going to be himself,” White said of Mayo. “He can’t be in the media Bill. Come on, let's just call it that. He won't be less talkative or less descriptive. Maybe he'll get to that point at some point, I don't know. He’s just trying to be himself and I just think people aren’t really open to that right now because they’re not winning.”
New England is off to its worst start since 1993, when the Patriots opened the season 1-11.
White said rebuilding will take time and require patience, even whether it is difficult to muster.
“We have to let things flow,” he said. “It’s just the nature of the game. When you're losing in the NFL, you're going to hear all sorts of things about what you have to do and what you shouldn't do. That’s exactly what it takes.”
As for advice for Patriots fans, the three-time Super Bowl winner emphasized that he tries to see the larger picture.
“Just manage your expectations,” White said. “Most of you probably assumed from the start that we wouldn't win many football games. And now that we are in the situation, everyone is ready to abandon ship. Fire this guy, fire this guy, trade this guy, get rid of this guy. That's not how this whole operation works.
“It’s Mayo’s first year as head coach. Let him learn and grow throughout the year. Let these players learn and grow together. You have a rookie quarterback. It looks like his future is bright. Let it grow all year round.”
While staying among the many league's elite is difficult within the context of New England's decades-long track record, White believes Patriots fans need to search out something to be optimistic about despite the loss.
“Just find the positive,” White said. “It can be difficult to find the positive in what you see out there every weekend.”
“I really believe these guys are going to continue to compete,” he added, “and they're going to compete harder as the year goes on. “It's hard, it's not fun. I'm telling you, as a player, it's no fun going into that constructing after losses, especially after six losses in a row. I mean, I’ve never been on this predicament myself, but I can only imagine it.”
And as for calls to fireside Mayo so quickly initially of his first head coaching job, White warned fans and pundits to pump the brakes.
“There is obviously outside noise. There will also be some noise inside the building. I think Mayo will do a good job keeping these guys together,” White concluded. “As fans, when we watch, there is nothing wrong with being a harsh critic. That's fine, but when it comes to saying, “Fire this guy, trade him,” I don't think we need to achieve that goal. This is the first year of this operation. It will take some time.”
Interesting facts: As a senior at Wisconsin, James White combined for 3,053 rushing yards with which future NFL first-round pick?
(Answer below).
Note: This player was drafted by the Chargers.
Scores and schedules:
Tonight the Celtics face the Wizards in Washington at 7 p.m
The Bruins can even host the celebrities at TD Garden tonight (at 7 p.m.).
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A more in-depth have a look at the rings: The Celtics shared a video showing step-by-step how the team's championship rings were forged.
On today: In 2004, the Red Sox won Game 2 of the World Series 6-2 against the Cardinals to take a 2-0 lead. Curt Schilling, still bothered by his ankle injury, managed to last six innings, allowing only one unearned run. As a testament to the team's strength, Boston won despite David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez going just 1-7 overall on the night.
Jason Varitek's triple gave the Red Sox an early lead in the underside of the primary, and extra clutch hits from Mark Bellhorn and Orlando Cabrera each scored two runs. Although Bill Mueller made three errors at third base, he also managed to step up his defense at times and help Schilling escape several jams.
Daily highlight: Vancouver forward Ryan Gauld scored an impressive chip within the MLS Western Conference wild card match on Wednesday. The Whitecaps advanced with a 5-0 win over Portland.
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