The Patriots were within reach of drafting him with the No. 34 overall pick, but they opted to trade that pick to the Chargers, who moved up to take him instead. Meanwhile, the Patriots moved down to No. 37 and used that pick on Ja’Lynn Polk.

If you were hoping the Patriots would fire Jerod Mayo, Sunday’s close call in Buffalo should have dashed those hopes. Here’s why.

It’s possible Maye was being diplomatic (and a little patriotic) in defending his coaches, but it didn't sound that way. It sounded gutsy.