Mayo: Wire to Wire

[JoePats]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

One aspect of the Patriots' season-opening victory that stood out was rookie Jerod Mayo never leaving the field. He was the only defender to go wire to wire.

From time to time, we'll break down the participation numbers of defensive players in games. Those numbers can sometimes provide a greater understanding of how certain players are being employed.

Here was how it looked against the Chiefs:


ILB Jerod Mayo -- 63 of 63 snaps
OLB Mike Vrabel -- 61 of 63
OLB Adalius Thomas -- 58 of 63
S Rodney Harrison -- 57 of 63
CB Ellis Hobbs -- 54 of 63
S James Sanders -- 53 of 63
DE Richard Seymour -- 51 of 63
NT Vince Wilfork -- 48 of 63
DE Ty Warren -- 46 of 63
CB Lewis Sanders -- 42 of 63
ILB Tedy Bruschi -- 41 of 63
S Brandon Meriweather -- 36 of 63
CB Deltha O'Neal -- 34 of 63
DE Jarvis Green -- 29 of 63
NT Mike Wright -- 11 of 63
OLB Pierre Woods -- 7 of 63
ILB Gary Guyton -- 3 of 63
(snaps include one Chiefs holding penalty)

ANALYSIS: For all the chatter about how difficult it is for a rookie to learn the Bill Belichick scheme, Mayo topped the play-time charts, as he was part of every package. ... The Patriots utilized a few different sub packages, but most often ILB Tedy Bruschi/DE Ty Warren would come off, with S Brandon Meriweather/DE Jarvis Green coming on. ... Notable was that rookie cornerbacks Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite did not play, with more experienced players Ellis Hobbs/Lewis Sanders/Deltha O'Neal rotating as the top three options.

 

[Pats726]

Just read that...was a bit surprised that the rook was in on ALL of the defensive snaps...Just as surprising was that Wheatley and Wilhite were not in on any..Would that change this week? I think so..

 

[K-Ro 25]

Just read that...was a bit surprised that the rook was in on ALL of the defensive snaps...Just as surprising was that Wheatley and Wilhite were not in on any..Would that change this week? I think so..

we didnt go to 4 wide at any point opening week so possibly their time could be limited again.

 

[patchick]

ust as surprising was that Wheatley and Wilhite were not in on any

How funny is it that after all the hand-wringing about the Patriots "relying on so many rookies," in fact only one rookie saw any significant playing time at all...and he's the highest Patriots pick since Richard Seymour.

 

[Gwedd]

Don't forget, also, that this package will change from week-to-week, in some subtle ways based upon the team we are playing and the approach that coach wants to use against them.

 

[SVN]

reading felgers report card its even more surprising BB played a lot of rookies during the game and at times during the same time.

 

[upstater1]

When I look down that list, one name glares out at me:

Brandon Meriweather

I'd really like to see Brandon come on and become a force.

With Rodney slowing down back there, and Sanders' forte being tackling and the run game, we need a ballhwaking, field covering, fast, hard hitting safety out there.

Oh Brandon, opportunity knocks.

 

[ScottieC]

Nice post, Thanks.

I think this speaks volumes about what Bill wants from Mayo and how he wants him to evolve. This is how Mayo becomes the first round sensation that we all want - Lots and Lots of playing time and seeing every possible situation.

I thought I saw him in on a few Special Teams plays as well.

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

Who was wearing the headset? I know it is off topic.

 

[sebman2112]

When I look down that list, one name glares out at me:

Brandon Meriweather

I'd really like to see Brandon come on and become a force.

With Rodney slowing down back there, and Sanders' forte being tackling and the run game, we need a ballhwaking, field covering, fast, hard hitting safety out there.

Oh Brandon, opportunity knocks.

You do remember that Brandon was coming off an injury, right? Also, the Chiefs strength on offense is the run game, and Rodney's still a force against the run.

Something else worth noting is that Brandon recorded 5 total tackles, and some of those tackles came close to the LOS, so he more than contributed.

 

[Patsmaniac]

Was Guyton's playing time all special teams or did he see time on defense?

Anyone know?

 

[Eugene Chung]

Well, this is a positive sign.

 

[TheBaronPatriot]

Was Guyton's playing time all special teams or did he see time on defense?

Anyone know?

I recall seeing him on a few plays inside next to Mayo

 

[JoePats]

Who was wearing the headset? I know it is off topic.

Not sure but Bruschi and Vrabel wore it during the preseason game they tried it.

 

[lostjumper]

I'm very impressed. So many veterans have come in (hobson/beisel/etc) and have not been able to pick up the system. Mayo has come in as a rookie and has earned the trust of BB to take every defensive snap in his first game. With his speed and athleticism, I have to believe he will continue to improve as he becomes more comfortable with the system.

I know this may be too soon and I might be overly optimistic(hey, we need something right now to be optimistic about ) but I'm envisioning this kid being a rock for the pats in the middle for the next 10 years.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Not sure but Bruschi and Vrabel wore it during the preseason game they tried it.

IIRC, two defensive players are allowed to have headsets, but only one headset can be on the field at any time.

I know that Vrabel had a green dot on his helmet.

 

[Richter]

Who was on the field when Hobbs went out, if it wasn't Wheatley? I thought it was him, but obviously not.

 

[blackglass3]

You do remember that Brandon was coming off an injury, right? Also, the Chiefs strength on offense is the run game, and Rodney's still a force against the run.

Something else worth noting is that Brandon recorded 5 total tackles, and some of those tackles came close to the LOS, so he more than contributed.

You beat me to it. He'll be starting pretty soon. They're bringing him along slowly based on the time he missed in camp. Similar to Asante last year.