"Last year, before the draft, the talk was about how the Patriots don't select linebackers in the first round because their defensive schemes are way too complex and it takes too long for a rookie to grasp.

Given the rapid ascension of Jerod Mayo, the above line of thinking sounds pretty silly.

With just a rookie season under his belt, it's looking very much like Mayo has been handed the keys to the defense.

Judging by the green dot on the back of his helmet, he's going to call the plays. And if the Patriots employ a 4-3 defense, which is looking at the very least like a part-time possibility, then he's in the driver's seat at middle linebacker.

That's where the stud of the defense typically lines up in a 4-3. That's where your best player, your big-time playmaker resides. Right smack dab in the middle. That's where greats like Dick Butkus, Nick Buoniconti and Jack Lambert set up shop. That's also where current Pro Bowler Ray Lewis makes a living.

Thursday night in the preaseason opener against Philadelphia, playing in the middle of a 4-3, as opposed to the weakside inside linebacker spot he typically plays in the 3-4, Mayo was more free to roam and make plays. He was very active, leading the team with five tackles and playing nearly a half of football.

He seemed to be everywhere, blowing up plays. If it's possible, he could be even more of a monster on defense than last season. Mayo, however, shrugged off the suggestion of any difference between his roles in a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment."