Head Coach Jerod Mayo 12/23: "We are headed in the right direction, but it is all about consistency"

Jerod Mayo (0:00)

Yes, good morning, everyone. You know, yesterday, I made a lot of references to the film, and, you know, after going back to the film, there are a lot of things to be proud of. I thought the guys, you know, came out fast in a hostile environment, offensively and defensively. Unfortunately, we were unable to carry that over, really, into the second half, and ultimately, this game, you know, came down to turnovers, number one. There are not many teams in this league that, you know, you can have three turnovers in a game, especially one of the top teams in the league, and run defense. I mean, that's, to me, those are the two main things that really popped out on film. You know, a lot of big plays made last night. Some people don't get the recognition, you know, for instance, the deep pass, the booty, you know, the protection was good, you know, and that's what football is. Like, everyone has to be on the same page and work together to make those explosives happen. But like I said, it came down to two things, and that's really just the turnovers and the run defense. Fire away.

Mike Reese (1:01)

We'll start with Mike Reese, followed by Nick O'Malley.

SPEAKER_3 (1:04)

Jerod, specific to those turnovers, the last time we saw Ramon Dre have a little bit of a run of fumbles, we saw Antonio actually start a game the next week. Is that something that you'll have to put under consideration this week?

Jerod Mayo (1:19)

Look, you know, I think everyone understands how important football is, and you know, we're a team that we just can't turn the ball over. I don't think any team can really afford to turn the ball over. I thought Gibby, when he got in there, did a great job. And look, we had to go back and talk about it as a staff, but that's definitely still a possibility.

And I will say this, you know, we all in this building stand behind Ramon Dre and the things that he does, a lot of good things. Unfortunately, right now, you know, the ball is just on the ground too much.

Mike Reese (1:51)

Nick O'Malley, followed by Chris Ryan.

Nick O'Malley (1:54)

Hi, Jerod, after the game, we heard from Drake talking about how he's perceived the outside perception of the coaching staff and a lot of the criticism that's been abound in media and the fan base said that criticism is some BS. What, did you hear Drake's comments and have you talked to him after? What was your reaction to those comments?

Jerod Mayo (2:19)

I didn't hear the comments and I haven't talked to Drake about those comments. You know, my main concern is always the people inside this building.

Nick O'Malley (2:26)

Thank you.

Jerod Mayo (2:27)

Thank you.

SPEAKER_3 (2:28)

Chris Ryan, then Ian Steele.

Chris Ryan (2:32)

Hey, Jerod, I hope all is well with you. Just on the big picture following this game, do you feel that this was without a win, you know, a statement about the direction the team is going in, that you were, you know, that competitive and trying to beat a team that obviously had been enrolling? I mean, what do you look, how do you look at that game in terms of the overall projection and direction of this team franchise?

Jerod Mayo (2:59)

Yeah, you know, to be frank, I don't believe in, you know, good losses. I think there's a lot to learn from the game. And, you know, we're headed the right direction, but it's all about consistency. And we have to do that on a down after down, on a game after game basis to be successful in this league.

SPEAKER_3 (3:16)

Thank you.

Jerod Mayo (3:17)

Thanks, Chris.

SPEAKER_3 (3:18)

Ian Steele, followed by Sophie Weller.

Ian Steele (3:22)

Hey, Jerod, just expanding on Drake's comments a little bit. Basically, what he said was that the players have your back as the head coach and the coaching staffs back in a tough season. What does that mean to you to hear your quarterback and your players have your back?

Jerod Mayo (3:39)

It means a lot. It means a lot. And hopefully, those guys know I care about them not only as football players but as men. And that's always been my message and has been consistent all year. I care about these guys as men and I have to continue to get better so we can get in the win column and push forward.

Mike Reese (3:57)

Sophie Weller followed by Bob Sose.

Sophie Weller (4:00)

Hi Jerod, I was just curious your take on the like what went into the decision for that fake punt that you guys ended up getting the first down on. Just why you decided to go for that there and if that's something like you're trying to incorporate more.