Can Mayo cut the mustard?
After a strong debut against the Ravens, rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo took a small step back last weekend in Tampa Bay, which is no cause for serious alarm since it was only the second game of his NFL career. What we want to see is how he bounces back with what we assume will be a heavier workload Friday night. Since the starters tend to play at least three quarters of the third preseason game, Mayo will be on the field a lot against Philadelphia, which means more chances to see how he adjusts on the fly if the Eagles switch things up at the line of scrimmage. Mayo’s performance Friday could go a long way in determining what the Patriots do regarding Junior Seau, who continues to enjoy the summer while waiting by the phone just in case Belichick decides to call. Victor Hobson hasn’t been a good fit at inside linebacker in training camp, but he’s only 28, so the Patriots might be willing to ride this one out if they’re comfortable enough with Mayo is a full-time starter. The same goes f
