BradyManny

While I'm not happy about the prospect of losing Mayo for two months, I think in the long run, it could make the team stronger.

For one, Mayo took a beating last season and was - according to Jackie McMullan's article on Sunday - banged up towards the end of the year. He will be fresher when he returns in 6-8 weeks for the stretch run. Fortunately, this team is good enough that we can win without him in the meanwhile.

Perhaps more importantly, it will force other players on this defense to step up and get reps they otherwise wouldn't get. Gary Guyton, specifically, will now have to add 4-3 MLB to his repertoire, and Woods/Ninkovich will have to play some 4-3 OLB. Adalius Thomas could be playing SILB in the 3-4, and likewise, TBC/Burgess/Woods will get more reps at 3-4 OLB.

Ultimately, it could help our depth and versatility. And by the time Mayo gets back, this defense could've improved at a much more rapid pace than it would have if he were in it.

Don't get me wrong, it sucks that he's gone for a length of time, but its not season ending, and it should not derail our season.

mgteich

If sitting out Mayo for half a season will help the defense better for the playoffs and SB, then we should have had him play less of a role early even when healthy. Young NFL players should be ready and able to be in top form for 19 games.

BradyManny

I'm not trying to argue this is a good thing that he's gone - only that there is some positive to be gained amidst the very obvious negative. The truth is, they'd never take reps away from a healthy Mayo, so the fact that Guyton has been thrust into this role - it could very well help him and the team in the long run.

BelichickFan

Dude, get a grip.

At the end of the day this likely will make the defense better, others will have to step up or be exposed and eventually replaced. That DOES NOT mean it's good, we're at further risk of losing multiple games because of it.

BradyManny

Right, losing Mayo may cost us the #1 seed (I still doubt that), but I do think we could be a stronger team in January/February for it.

mgteich

I don't care about multiple games. I care about having the strongest team possible for the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

It is worth the loss of 2 or 3 games if our backups will truly improve to a level to make us a stronger team in the winter.

And, yes I understand that we all would greatly prefer to have Mayo back healthy now, or as soon as possible.

mayoclinic

1. We all would prefer to have Mayo back healthy now, or as soon as possible.

2. Having Mayo out may force others to raise their game a notch and step up in his absence. That could result in a better overall defense once he comes back. However, that is a best case scenario. It could also be the case that some players don't develop as quickly in his absence because of the lack of his leadership and because they are called on to play stopgap roles.

3. Getting a healthy Mayo back, whenever it occurs will give the defense a big shot in the arm.

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sebman2112

The experience gained in the system by younger players, and recent FA additions could help make the defense a stronger unit later in the season, but having Guyton and others playing more snaps could also add more wear to their bodies, and make them less effective down the stretch. Basically, there's multiple positives and negatives to most situations, and NE's losing Mayo isn't any different.

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TruthSeeker

I was with you until you talked about the loss of 2 or 3 games. It's not worth that. It's probably not even worth the loss of 1 game.

tajapandu

lets get back to the playoffs before we start talking #1 seed.