JuJu Smith-Schuster throws shade at Bill Belichick: Patriots vibes are way better

The New England Patriots have embarked on a new chapter, bidding farewell to the Bill Belichick era and welcoming former linebacker Jerod Mayo as the new head coach.

Mayo, who played under Belichick and even served as his assistant, is bringing a fresh energy to the team.

Juju on locker room: vibes are way better

One of the team's notable players, JuJu Smith-Schuster, recently shared his thoughts on the shift in atmosphere during the Patriots' organized team activities (OTAs).

The wide receiver, who has experienced a variety of coaching styles in his career, offered a telling comment about the current mood in the locker room.

"Wait til you see the locker room. The vibes are way better,"Smith-Schuster remarked, hinting at a significant change from the past environment under Belichick.

Belichick, known for his stern and rigorous coaching approach, led the Patriots to unprecedented success with quarterback Tom Brady.

Their partnership resulted in six Super Bowl victories, nine Super Bowl appearances, and 17 division titles.

However, following Brady's departure in 2020, the Patriots struggled to maintain their winning ways, making the playoffs just once in the past four seasons.

These difficulties, along with internal friction, ultimately led to Belichick's departure earlier this year.

Juju poised to thrive with Patriots

In contrast to Belichick's demanding style, Smith-Schuster seems to appreciate the more relaxed and positive environment Mayo is fostering.

This change in leadership might be exactly what the team needs after several challenging seasons.

For Smith-Schuster, this year holds promise not only because of the new coaching dynamic but also because he is finally at full health.

Last season, he was hampered by a knee injury that he had been rehabbing since the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII victory. Reflecting on his condition during last year's OTAs, he estimated he was only at 60 percent.

"It's a big difference," Smith-Schuster stated on Monday, as reported by Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.

"It's not easy coming off a knee injury and having a long season and coming back really short. . . . I feel great, honestly. I feel great. I've never felt better. I'm just excited to finally be out here around this time and participating."

Smith-Schuster endured a challenging season last year, finishing with 29 receptions for 260 yards and a touchdown in 11 games before ending the season on injured reserve.

He attributed his struggles to his injury but remained committed to pushing through the pain.

"I've always wanted to just push through and play," he said.

"I had some injuries that I was dealing with, and I just kept pushing through it and playing. That's just the competitiveness in me. I don't mind that. So this year it's a lot different than how it was."

Now fully recovered, Smith-Schuster is ready to contribute to the Patriots' success in this new era.

With his health restored and a rejuvenated team spirit under Mayo, there is a renewed sense of optimism in Foxborough.

As the Patriots navigate this transition, fans will be eager to see if the improved vibes translate to success on the field.