"For three years, Jerod Mayo has been a tackling machine. A run-stuffing, tone-setting physical linebacker who roams off the line of scrimmage and crunches ball carriers.

The high point of that identity culminated in Mayo leading the NFL with 193 tackles in 2010.

In his fourth season, it appears the role of the Patriots captain is changing. Thanks to a potentially new defensive scheme, and with increased "horses" up front, the former first-rounder is expanding his repertoire.

Thought he'd reached his potential after leading a young defense on and off the field in 2010? If his play in Thursday night's preseason win over the Buccaneers offered a glimpse of the future, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

In an oppressive first half, the new weakside (Will) linebacker in Bill Belichick's 4-3 scheme had two sacks, three quarterback hits and two passes defended to go with five tackles. It was as multi-dimensional as he's been."