Jerod Mayo of the Patriots had a candid response to Bill Belichick's criticism

This season was always going to be tough for Jerod Mayo, regardless of the results on the field. He replaces Bill Belichick, considered by many to be the greatest coach in football history and who led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. Those are impossible spots, and the job became even more difficult for Mayo thanks to Belichick's sudden penchant for voicing his opinions during media appearances.

While the Patriots were 1-6 and Mayo called his team “soft” in postgame press conferences, Belichick finally spoke out Tuesday about what his coaching student is doing with his former team. He was more critical and didn't seem to take many hits. On Wednesday, Mayo was asked about the criticism and gave a candid answer that was certainly reminiscent of a Belichickian upbringing.

“My main focus is the people in this building,” he told reporters.

Given that Mayo also previously made a real classic by saying the Patriots were “on the Jets” amid all the noise surrounding the organization, he has something to say from the years he spent on Belichick's staff. clearly learned something. He can't do much about what people say outside the building, so it's best to ignore it. Even if it's Bill Belichick.

New England's next opportunity to quiet the noise comes Sunday against the Jets.