Part 3/8:
Gerard Mayo's inaugural season was fraught with challenges. The Patriots concluded the year with a disappointing record of 3-14, contradicting any expectations that fans had for a competitive playoff run. Observers note that the ceiling for this season was realistically around seven wins, meaning the overall negativity surrounding Mayo's performance might have been exaggerated. Early in the season, the Patriots achieved a surprising victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, which ultimately hindered their chances of securing a high draft pick.