"Jerod Mayo hails from Hampton, Va., but now considers himself a full-fledged New Englander. Why not? He could probably legally change his place of residence to Gillette Stadium.

Since the Patriots' season ended with a 13-0 victory over the Buffalo Bills Dec. 28, Mayo has been to Virginia just once. Not content to bask in the glow of a season in which he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, the Patriots inside linebacker has spent his offseason working out and watching film.

Just like the Patriots couldn't get Mayo, who started all 16 games last season, off the field during his rookie year, they can't get him out of Gillette, not unless they plan on changing the locks.

"I don't think I'll ever be satisfied," said Mayo, who led the Patriots and all rookies in tackles last season, credited by coaches with 139. "I'll always feel like I can get better. I play with a chip on my shoulders and that's how I live my life as well, wanting to prove the doubters wrong. You'll have to force me out of here. Lock the doors or something."

Taken with the 10th pick in the 2008 draft, Mayo made an instant impact, leading the team in tackles six times, including a 23-tackle effort against the Jets in November, and tying for the team lead one other time.

The scary thought for opponents is that the 23-year-old Mayo said he didn't fully grasp the Patriots' defensive scheme last season. He said he was thinking, not reacting, and using his athleticism to cover up mistakes.

"To be honest, I feel like I can get so much better," Mayo said. "Last year I felt like the season I had was OK, but I felt like I could have made so many more plays, big plays especially. I've just been watching the games from last year and [working] in the weight room, just trying to get better and learn from these vets."

Making more game-changing plays is something Mayo is intent on doing in 2009."