Today In Patriots History Feb 23: Jerod Mayo turns 39

[TheRainMaker]

Honestly feel Hightower was a better player....

It's not just a feeling on your part. Hightower was a better player! So was Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Andre Tippett, Mike Vrable, and Rob Ninkovich. And except for Hightower, the other guys weren't even 1st Round Draft Picks (and Hightower wasn't in the Top 10).

I started watching in the 90's when Parcells was around so here's my MLB rankings:

1. Ted Johnson. The league had so many elite MLB’s it was almost impossible for him to crack the Pro Bowl or All Pro. I've been watching old games and announcers were saying he was their best defensive player. Was an absolute violent hitter. My favorite Pats LB.
2. Teddy Bruschi. Sat behind Ted Johnson for good reason, but was a spark of energy for the 3rd down defense. He finally got his chance to start in 1999 when Todd Collins departed and Ted Johnson was injured. 2001 is when Bruschi started the transition to becoming the player we knew him to be, but 2003 is when he broke out.
3. Donta Hightower. I thought his transition to MLB was weird, but he pulled it off. He was an underrated outside rusher and I wish Bill would've used him like a Chris Slade. I'm guessing this couldn't be done since they were pretty weak at MLB. Had two game changing plays that helped his team win the Super Bowl.
4. Jerod Mayo. I've already had my rant in a previous post.
5. Andy Katezmoyer. This guy would be ranked higher had he not sustained a career ending neck injury. He was looking legit in his first season as a pro. He was initially drafted to take Todd Collins spot at OLB, but Ted Johnson's injury forced him to play inside. He finished his first season with 79 total tackles, 1 INT which he took to the house with ease, 15 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was going to be a star.
6. Brandon Spikes. I loved Spikes at Florida and thought he'd been perfect as a MLB with the early 2000's Pats when they switched to a 3-4. However, he was over drafted in the 2nd round. While he was limited athletically, he made up for it being known as a guy who could knock you out. More plays from Spikes stand out more than Mayo.
7. Ja'Whaun Bentley. Like Mayo, he's a stat collector with not much impact. He doesn't have any plays that make you go "wow" and stand out. He's extremely limited in space and gets exposed on crossers and competent players.
8. Elandon Roberts. Everyone's favorite whipping boy back in the day. Known best for picking the wrong gap. He was a gambler and when he guessed right, he was like a missile being fired. He's had a decent career finding starter jobs since leaving the Pats.
9. Gary Guyton. Hyped up for his speed, but he certainly didn't show it much.
10. Monty Biesel. Just checking to see if you're still reading. Best known for getting run over by a QB.

 

[turkeyneck]

I started watching in the 90's when Parcells was around so here's my MLB rankings:

1. Ted Johnson. The league had so many elite MLB’s it was almost impossible for him to crack the Pro Bowl or All Pro. I've been watching old games and announcers were saying he was their best defensive player. Was an absolute violent hitter. My favorite Pats LB.
2. Teddy Bruschi. Sat behind Ted Johnson for good reason, but was a spark of energy for the 3rd down defense. He finally got his chance to start in 1999 when Todd Collins departed and Ted Johnson was injured. 2001 is when Bruschi started the transition to becoming the player we knew him to be, but 2003 is when he broke out.
3. Donta Hightower. I thought his transition to MLB was weird, but he pulled it off. He was an underrated outside rusher and I wish Bill would've used him like a Chris Slade. I'm guessing this couldn't be done since they were pretty weak at MLB. Had two game changing plays that helped his team win the Super Bowl.
4. Jerod Mayo. I've already had my rant in a previous post.
5. Andy Katezmoyer. This guy would be ranked higher had he not sustained a career ending neck injury. He was looking legit in his first season as a pro. He was initially drafted to take Todd Collins spot at OLB, but Ted Johnson's injury forced him to play inside. He finished his first season with 79 total tackles, 1 INT which he took to the house with ease, 15 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was going to be a star.
6. Brandon Spikes. I loved Spikes at Florida and thought he'd been perfect as a MLB with the early 2000's Pats when they switched to a 3-4. However, he was over drafted in the 2nd round. While he was limited athletically, he made up for it being known as a guy who could knock you out. More plays from Spikes stand out more than Mayo.
7. Ja'Whaun Bentley. Like Mayo, he's a stat collector with not much impact. He doesn't have any plays that make you go "wow" and stand out. He's extremely limited in space and gets exposed on crossers and competent players.
8. Elandon Roberts. Everyone's favorite whipping boy back in the day. Known best for picking the wrong gap. He was a gambler and when he guessed right, he was like a missile being fired. He's had a decent career finding starter jobs since leaving the Pats.
9. Gary Guyton. Hyped up for his speed, but he certainly didn't show it much.
10. Monty Biesel. Just checking to see if you're still reading. Best known for getting run over by a QB.

Nick Buoniconti, then Steve Nelson, then your list.

 

[Brotherblues]

We need to have a "Happy Mayo Firing Day" post next January and every January thereafter. It'll be particularly sweet when we're in the midst of a playoff run.

 

[Real fan 02]

I started watching in the 90's when Parcells was around so here's my MLB rankings:

1. Ted Johnson. The league had so many elite MLB’s it was almost impossible for him to crack the Pro Bowl or All Pro. I've been watching old games and announcers were saying he was their best defensive player. Was an absolute violent hitter. My favorite Pats LB.
2. Teddy Bruschi. Sat behind Ted Johnson for good reason, but was a spark of energy for the 3rd down defense. He finally got his chance to start in 1999 when Todd Collins departed and Ted Johnson was injured. 2001 is when Bruschi started the transition to becoming the player we knew him to be, but 2003 is when he broke out.
3. Donta Hightower. I thought his transition to MLB was weird, but he pulled it off. He was an underrated outside rusher and I wish Bill would've used him like a Chris Slade. I'm guessing this couldn't be done since they were pretty weak at MLB. Had two game changing plays that helped his team win the Super Bowl.
4. Jerod Mayo. I've already had my rant in a previous post.
5. Andy Katezmoyer. This guy would be ranked higher had he not sustained a career ending neck injury. He was looking legit in his first season as a pro. He was initially drafted to take Todd Collins spot at OLB, but Ted Johnson's injury forced him to play inside. He finished his first season with 79 total tackles, 1 INT which he took to the house with ease, 15 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was going to be a star.
6. Brandon Spikes. I loved Spikes at Florida and thought he'd been perfect as a MLB with the early 2000's Pats when they switched to a 3-4. However, he was over drafted in the 2nd round. While he was limited athletically, he made up for it being known as a guy who could knock you out. More plays from Spikes stand out more than Mayo.
7. Ja'Whaun Bentley. Like Mayo, he's a stat collector with not much impact. He doesn't have any plays that make you go "wow" and stand out. He's extremely limited in space and gets exposed on crossers and competent players.
8. Elandon Roberts. Everyone's favorite whipping boy back in the day. Known best for picking the wrong gap. He was a gambler and when he guessed right, he was like a missile being fired. He's had a decent career finding starter jobs since leaving the Pats.
9. Gary Guyton. Hyped up for his speed, but he certainly didn't show it much.
10. Monty Biesel. Just checking to see if you're still reading. Best known for getting run over by a QB.

Good stuff RM,

I'd like to beg the question? With us Going to a one-gap defense under Williams.. wich I'm told allows for the LBs to be more play making efficient on the ball. Like Harold Landry for example was a beast at the LB position under Vrabel. In BBs defense the MIKE LB is tasked with so many duties. I believe if Bentley was allowed to rush up the gap each down he'd have a chance to be more impactful under Vrabel. What do you think?

 

[Real fan 02]

Who cares?

Boy we were busting out left and right at CB from 2008-2012.. when we finally a man CB.. but even he never played in nig games he was always hurt..

 

[TheRainMaker]

Good stuff RM,

I'd like to beg the question? With us Going to a one-gap defense under Williams.. wich I'm told allows for the LBs to be more play making efficient on the ball. Like Harold Landry for example was a beast at the LB position under Vrabel. In BBs defense the MIKE LB is tasked with so many duties. I believe if Bentley was allowed to rush up the gap each down he'd have a chance to be more impactful under Vrabel. What do you think?

Like Brandon Spikes, that seems to be more of his game shooting gaps rather than reading and reacting. Bentley is a fine run support guy, but gets in trouble when a RB/WR/TE starts going laterally. The Pats need more speed to complement him. Dre Greenlaw would be a great addition assuming his health is okay.

 

[TheRainMaker]

He's no longer here.

That's good enough for me.

Good player. Bad Coach. Not going to worry about it now.

Every time I see Mayo's name, it triggers me.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Nick Buoniconti, then Steve Nelson, then your list.

You've been watching the Pats for a long time!

 

[Real fan 02]

Like Brandon Spikes, that seems to be more of his game shooting gaps rather than reading and reacting. Bentley is a fine run support guy, but gets in trouble when a RB/WR/TE starts going laterally. The Pats need more speed to complement him. Dre Greenlaw would be a great addition assuming his health is okay.

Big time.. Greenlaw is the guy was thinking about as well.. I also trust Vrabel to morph the LB position with the guys that can plug and play in a one gap system.. that read n reaction defense doesn't cut it anymore offensive players are just too good. Spikes was awesome a punisher in the middle.. that knee issue pretty much did his career in.

 

[turkeyneck]

You've been watching the Pats for a long time!

yessir

 

[imahobgoblin]

Who?

 

[Pape]

Every time I see Mayo's name, it triggers me.

Gotta admit, that's a pretty effin funny post lol

 

[Toofy]

What happened to Mayo. Looks like he completely vanished off the map.

 

[sb1]

What happened to Mayo. Looks like he completely vanished off the map.

Getting his lawsuit ready? Maybe grilled cheese sandwich has an update

 

[signbabybrady]

I started watching in the 90's when Parcells was around so here's my MLB rankings:

1. Ted Johnson. The league had so many elite MLB’s it was almost impossible for him to crack the Pro Bowl or All Pro. I've been watching old games and announcers were saying he was their best defensive player. Was an absolute violent hitter. My favorite Pats LB.
2. Teddy Bruschi. Sat behind Ted Johnson for good reason, but was a spark of energy for the 3rd down defense. He finally got his chance to start in 1999 when Todd Collins departed and Ted Johnson was injured. 2001 is when Bruschi started the transition to becoming the player we knew him to be, but 2003 is when he broke out.
3. Donta Hightower. I thought his transition to MLB was weird, but he pulled it off. He was an underrated outside rusher and I wish Bill would've used him like a Chris Slade. I'm guessing this couldn't be done since they were pretty weak at MLB. Had two game changing plays that helped his team win the Super Bowl.
4. Jerod Mayo. I've already had my rant in a previous post.
5. Andy Katezmoyer. This guy would be ranked higher had he not sustained a career ending neck injury. He was looking legit in his first season as a pro. He was initially drafted to take Todd Collins spot at OLB, but Ted Johnson's injury forced him to play inside. He finished his first season with 79 total tackles, 1 INT which he took to the house with ease, 15 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was going to be a star.
6. Brandon Spikes. I loved Spikes at Florida and thought he'd been perfect as a MLB with the early 2000's Pats when they switched to a 3-4. However, he was over drafted in the 2nd round. While he was limited athletically, he made up for it being known as a guy who could knock you out. More plays from Spikes stand out more than Mayo.
7. Ja'Whaun Bentley. Like Mayo, he's a stat collector with not much impact. He doesn't have any plays that make you go "wow" and stand out. He's extremely limited in space and gets exposed on crossers and competent players.
8. Elandon Roberts. Everyone's favorite whipping boy back in the day. Known best for picking the wrong gap. He was a gambler and when he guessed right, he was like a missile being fired. He's had a decent career finding starter jobs since leaving the Pats.
9. Gary Guyton. Hyped up for his speed, but he certainly didn't show it much.
10. Monty Biesel. Just checking to see if you're still reading. Best known for getting run over by a QB.

30 years of football and he's the 4th best MLB and you talk about him the way did in your other post. Your wife must love the compliments you give her.

Anyway I'm not getting into a debate over Mayo the juice is not worth that squeeze.

Instead I'll tell a story. I was walking into the stadium with my fresh new jersey being our top draft pick and I spotted a large group just ahead of us and every one of them had a Mayo jersey. Despite my looking a little pale I ran up and joined the group and for a moment I joked with them I was in the family.

 

[rkarp1]

Mayo the player-was the perfect player for Bill's system. filled the gaps, sure tackler, smart. perhaps he was over drafted, but given the defensive scheme, he was the perfect fit

Mayo the HC-clearly he was not ready and immediately over his head. RK was wrong to have put him into the spot. How did Mayo manage to rise with in the ranks? was that Bill or RK? seemingly Mayo was given additional responsibilities year over year. the defensive players raved about him. was he over his head coaching them?