SCOTT Pioli has urged the New England Patriots not to panic and judge their season by more than just wins and losses.
The Patriots flew to London this weekend to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars with just one win from six games.
Jerod Mayo has to establish his process and measure success different from wins and losses, Scott Pioli thinks[/caption]
Scott Pioli won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots[/caption]
Pioli, 59, was director of player personnel on Bill Belichick’s Patriots dynasty for eight years.
He helped turn the franchise around in the year 2000 before overseeing three Super Bowl wins.
And, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Pioli drew on his own experience to send a message of advice to new head coach Jerod Mayo.
“Our first year in New England we were 5-11 – people forget that,” Pioli said.
“We were internally making significant strides so people could see we were getting better with our strength and conditioning, our preparation and our understanding of our system.
“I think Jerod Mayo has to establish his system and process.
“You have your plan, you go to work and you execute your plan.
“Not to say you don’t tweak things, but in order for you to maintain credibility with the people you’re leading, everyone in the organization has to understand what’s expected.”
Pioli added, “Progress in year one and two isn’t necessarily based on wins and losses.
“It’s a new team, it’s a new direction and it’s a new era and things don’t happen overnight.
“Whether players are doing things well fundamentally – I think that’s how you measure success.
“That’s how we won a lot of championships, because the team was prepared for situational football.
“We had success and won the Super Bowl in our second season.
“But we also married into a lot of very good talent.”
Pioli was also wary of making a “blanket statement” on the development of rookie quarterbacks.
Scott Pioli (left) worked under Bill Belichick (right) as soon as he got to New England[/caption]
The former Patriots director of player personnel (right) admitted they married into some good talent – like quarterback Tom Brady (left)[/caption]
Drake Maye, 22, made his first start last weekend since he was drafted No. 3 overall this summer.
“Every single player has a different developmental cycle and a way to develop,” Pioli said.
“Guys like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes didn’t play at all in their first year.
“Some players go right to it – that ruins some careers but it helps some careers for players.
“You can’t make blanket statements, but you don’t want to put him in harm’s way.”
