...Ravens running back Willis McGahee (23) rushes with the ball ahead of New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010...

...Ravens running back Willis McGahee (23) rushes with the ball ahead of New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010...

...Patriots defeated the Chargers 21-12. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 2: Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots lines up against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium...

...MA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown (23) is tackled by New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during the forth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated Miami 27-17. Mandatory Credit...

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 2: Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots lines up against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium...

New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, in Foxborough...

First Quarter -- 10:19

New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo is attended to on the field after injuring his right knee during the first half of...

...SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 5: Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots tackles Frank Gore #21 the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick...

Watch for Jerod Mayo on the inside blitz this season

...Bill Belichick smiles during a news conference as he discusses the Patriots first round draft pick, Jerod Mayo, picked 10th overall, Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Foxboro, Mass

Jerod Mayo was a beast last year for the Pats. So is it really important what number you...

...Foxboro, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards (5) is tackled by New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium

...Jones #20 of the New York Jets is stood up at the Goal Line by Linebacker Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots on November 13, 2008 at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts. Jets...

New England Patriots v San Francisco 49ers SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 5: Linebacker Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots plays defense against the San Francisco 49ers during their game...

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 7: Linebacker Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots chases a ball carrier during a NFL football game against...