"The Patriots rotated their defensive personnel throughout Sunday's season opener against the Chiefs, but one player never retreated to the sideline. Surprisingly, it was rookie Jerod Mayo.

The 10th overall selection in the NFL draft went wire to wire at the weak-side inside linebacker spot in the 3-4 alignment while also staying on the field in sub packages.

He finished with six solo tackles and received positive reviews from coach Bill Belichick.

By unofficial count, he was the only defender to play every snap.

"He was out there for just about all of it," Belichick said. "Jerod has done a good job for us all the way through, and while there is always room for improvement, I thought he did a nice job against Kansas City.

"He was in all the different personnel groups - running situations, passing situations, two-minute, short-yardage, and so forth. I thought, all in all, he handled things pretty well."

Belichick credited coordinator Dean Pees and linebackers coach Matt Patricia for working with Mayo to prepare him for the transition from the University of Tennessee to the NFL. Mayo apparently has taken well to the coaching.

"He has worked hard to absorb a lot of information and preparation," Belichick said. "I thought that overall came together fairly well last weekend and I hope we can continue moving in the right direction."

Prize possession

The championship belt is making a comeback.

Two years ago, as a source of motivation, members of the Patriots' defensive line awarded a championship belt - similar to what is seen in professional wrestling - to the player who graded the highest in that week's game.

The belt was often displayed in the winner's locker for the week, and a tally at the end of the season crowned a champion.

Nose tackle Vince Wilfork earned the belt this week, according to end Ty Warren.

Wilfork finished with six tackles in the season opener, helping control the line of scrimmage against the Chiefs, who were held to 102 yards rushing on 27 carries (3.8-yard average).

Run support

With the loss of Tom Brady, one way the Patriots can take the offensive onus off Matt Cassel is to run the ball effectively. Against Kansas City, the offensive line paved the way for the Patriots to rush 28 times for 126 yards, a 4.5-yard average.

"If we're not putting the whole game on his shoulders, it will be a lot easier for him," said left guard Logan Mankins. "Plus, if you run the ball, it opens up play-action [passing], and that's where a lot of big plays come from is play-action. If you can run the ball, it makes it easier.""