“We are going to run the ball.” With those seven words, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo might’ve just handed his opponents the playbook. But in the high-stakes world of the NFL, sometimes the simplest strategies pack the biggest punch.

Mayo’s recent candor about the Patriots’ plans for their first preseason game has raised eyebrows. He told reporters during a training camp press conference this week, “The first preseason game is a very basic game. It’s all about fundamentals, running, tackling all those things. That’s the most important thing.”

However, his basics did not come without a subtle jab toward the Panthers, who they’ll meet on August 9 for their first pre-season matchup. “We’re not going to game plan against our first preseason game. We just won’t do it. If they want to game plan against us, that’s fine,” said Mayo. This no-frills approach stands in stark contrast to the Carolina Panthers’ recent moves.

After a dismal 2-15 season – their second-worst in franchise history after 2001 (1-15)- owner David Tepper is betting big on a comeback. He’s committed $150 million to stadium renovations as part of an $800 million deal to keep the Panthers in Charlotte through 2045. The Panthers’ 2023 season was a train wreck of epic proportions. They scored just 236 points all year, averaging a measly 13.9 points per game. Their offense was about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. It’s no wonder Tepper’s reaching for his wallet.

Meanwhile, Mayo doubled down on his strategy last week, telling Kay Adams on “Up & Adams,” “We’re going to have plays off running the ball, but I think with our backs and our offensive line getting better every day, I think we’re going to have a chance to really go out there and control the game with the run game.”

This straightforward style has already won over his players. “He’s a really great leader,” defensive lineman Davon Godchaux told WBZ-TV back in January when Mayo took over the helms from Belichick. “Couldn’t ask for a better guy to have in front of us and talk to us in the defensive room.”

Patriots’ playbook vs. Panthers’ pandemonium

While Mayo’s busy teaching tackling 101, the Panthers are in full-blown crisis mode. They’ve churned through six head coaches in six years, a carousel that would make even the most hardened amusement park enthusiast dizzy.

Tepper’s tenure has been about as smooth as a gravel road. He’s made headlines for all the wrong reasons, including a $300,000 fine for throwing a drink at opposing fans. It’s not exactly the kind of stability one would expect.

The Panthers’ woes run deep. Their recent first-overall draft pick, Bryce Young, was sacked a staggering 62 times in his rookie season. Meanwhile, they traded away what became the 2024 first-overall pick to draft him.

In contrast, the Patriots are doubling down on what works. Mayo’s emphasizes the run game and solid defense. “We’re going to lean on our defense this year,” he told reporters. It’s not flashy, but neither was Tom Brady in Uggs, and that seemed to work out more than alright. Not only this, they solidified their roster as they extended TE Hunter Henry, WR Jalen Reagor, LB Josh Uche, and re-signed CB Alex Austin.

Moreover, the addition of Drake Maye will prove to be a crucial factor in the legendary Patriots camp. Now, as the dust settles on another NFL offseason, one thing’s clear: whether you’re running the ball or running up the renovation bill, there’s no guarantee of success in this league. Only the way, the season unfolds will reveal the depth of these two teams as they try to find their footing again in the NFL arena.