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Bill Belichick defends Patriots players, says he was ‘hurt’ by Jerod Mayo calling them soft

Related Topics: Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo

Former coach Bill Belichick responded to Jerod Mayo’s comments about the Patriots being a soft football team on Monday during an episode of ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show.

Belichick, who coached the team for 24 years and drafted many of the players who are on the current roster, said he does not believe they are soft.

“Defensively, the Patriots led the league in rushing defense last year in yards per carry,” Belichick said. “No. 1 in the league and this year, they’re way down in the 20s somewhere. It’s the same guys.