Opinion on Mayo on the #2 Defense

[xmarkd400x]

I think that BB has Mayo running with the second defense for a good reason. I think that he wants Mayo to have experience doing leadership type things as well as not having Bruschi correcting him constantly. I think that BB wants Mayo to get used to being the one in charge on the defense. I believe that once the season starts Mayo will be out with the first team.

 

[BradyManny]

I think that BB has Mayo running with the second defense for a good reason. I think that he wants Mayo to have experience doing leadership type things as well as not having Bruschi correcting him constantly. I think that BB wants Mayo to get used to being the one in charge on the defense. I believe that once the season starts Mayo will be out with the first team.

He did start with the first team last nite - and not only did he hold his own, he stood out. I focused on him on the majority of his plays on the first string last nite and will re-watch some more tonite - looked like he was reading plays right and physically more than held his own.

I know making any kind of evaluation off of one preseason game is dangerous, but I am optimistic and excited about Mayo after last nite.

 

[xmarkd400x]

He did start with the first team last nite - and not only did he hold his own, he stood out. I focused on him on the majority of his plays on the first string last nite and will re-watch some more tonite - looked like he was reading plays right and physically more than held his own.

I know making any kind of evaluation off of one preseason game is dangerous, but I am optimistic and excited about Mayo after last nite.

Agreed, but in many cases the starters were the 2nd team last night. When I say "second team" I refer to the practice/opening day lineup. I think Mayo is temporarily in the second team lineup, but will move to first team by the season opener.

 

[patchick]

Agreed, but in many cases the starters were the 2nd team last night. When I say "second team" I refer to the practice/opening day lineup. I think Mayo is temporarily in the second team lineup, but will move to first team by the season opener.

Well, he's been playing first team in practices and now in preseason. So what constitutes being in the second team lineup?

 

[Sting]

Mayo looked great, he will be in starting line up.

 

[BradyToMoss]

Mayo was the best LB on the field last night, pencil him in to start you can bank on it. We haven't seen this kind of interior explosion in a long time, I mean Junior had his moments but Mayo can change games. I can't wait to see him blow up Addai in Indy

 

[Rob0729]

I think Mayo will continue to stay in the starting line up. I think he started training camp at #2 because he needed to learn the system and Belichick likes to use the first week giving certain players time at different positions to gain versatility. Tank Williams was given the first ILB snaps the first week of camp.

 

[PonyExpress]

BB should manage the rookie's reps carefully early on so he doesn't wear down for the stretch run of the season.

 

[PatsFan37]

I think Mayo will continue to stay in the starting line up. I think he started training camp at #2 because he needed to learn the system and Belichick likes to use the first week giving certain players time at different positions to gain versatility. Tank Williams was given the first ILB snaps the first week of camp.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Tank and Mayo together at ILB in their big nickel. That would give them the combination of speed and power and coverage ability to shut down the short zone. Hopefully Tank is only a little banged up.

It's only one pre-season game, but there's also the evidence from TC. He seems to have both the measurables and the ability on the field and rivals Mankins for sheer nastiness.

 

[carolinatony]

You can tell he will be a very good player. Don't need to wait 2/3 year to see it like some players.
Loved the pick when we grabbed him!

 

[mgcolby]

I think that BB has Mayo running with the second defense for a good reason. I think that he wants Mayo to have experience doing leadership type things as well as not having Bruschi correcting him constantly. I think that BB wants Mayo to get used to being the one in charge on the defense. I believe that once the season starts Mayo will be out with the first team.

I agree with your leadership point. But why would BB not want Bruschi correcting a rookie, that makes no sense. Bruschi knows the ILB position better than any one on the team.

I agree Mayo was exciting last night. I realize it was one preseason game but he hit the holes hard and fast, dropped into coverage with ease. I hope last night was a glimpse into the future.

 

[bradmahn]

Agreed, but in many cases the starters were the 2nd team last night. When I say "second team" I refer to the practice/opening day lineup. I think Mayo is temporarily in the second team lineup, but will move to first team by the season opener.

7/10 of last night's starters not named Mayo are projected (or locked in) as starters for the upcoming season: Wilfork, Warren, Seymour, AD, Bru, Meriweather, and one of Bryant/Wheatley.

I'm pretty sure Mayo is already in the "starting line up."