"Fourteen years with the same franchise. An invitation to the Pro Bowl. A few Super Bowl rings.

Yeah, that sounds pretty good to Jerod Mayo.

The Patriots second-year inside linebacker is in position to replace veteran Tedy Bruschi not only in the starting lineup but also as the playmaker on the team's vaunted defense. For inspiration to do so, Mayo need only to glance two lockers over to Bruschi, whose resume is highlighted by the aforementioned longevity as well as individual and team success.

Mayo is learning from a leader. The goal is to do more than that. The former University of Tennessee star wants to model his career after Bruschi's, too.

"Who wouldn't want to be like that?" Mayo said. "The longevity that he's had, especially here in New England, it's just amazing. Who wouldn't want to have a career like that?"

Bruschi may not be finished just yet. He has spoken of fighting for a complementary role on the team, and coach Bill Belichick said yesterday that after more than two weeks of being out, Bruschi has been helped by practicing again.

"He's gotten a lot more opportunity to do more," Belichick said. "I think that's something that he needed. Every player needs it."

Mayo is just getting started. They are two ships passing in the night, and the expectation from some is that Mayo will keep on sailing, perhaps to more than Bruschi's one Pro Bowl.

He's taking over for Mike Vrabel as the defender wearing the play-calling communication device, but Mayo is receiving advice from Bruschi. He has yet to act as the outspoken leader because he still defers to his elders.

"Those (older) guys are pretty much handling it," Mayo said. "So, hopefully I'll get to that point one day. I've picked up a lot from Tedy. Just how to be a professional."

Teammates may see an earlier timetable, as Mayo was named a preseason captain.

Belichick has asked him to expand his on-field role, too.

On the heels of a star-studded career with the Vols, the 10th pick of the 2008 draft burst into the NFL with 139 tackles while being named Defensive Rookie of the Year. But no sacks, no interceptions.

That figures to change. The coaches placed an emphasis on rushing the passer for 2009, as shown by the trade for Derrick Burgess and the signing of pass-rush specialist Tully Banta-Cain.

"We have a good offense, we'll be able to score a lot of points," Banta-Cain said. "And teams will need to throw it. So we'll definitely have a chance to get after the quarterback. We'll definitely take pride in that."

The team's success was evident in last Thursday's preseason game against the Bengals, when the unit created four sacks in the first half. Mayo had the first one."