32 Teams in 32 Days: New England Patriots | ProFootballFocus.com

Great stuff as always from Steve Palazzolo…

For years, Belichick-led defenses were generally praised for strong play up front, particularly in the linebacking corps. This hasn’t been the case recently, though the pieces may finally be in place for Belichick to relive his glory days. At linebacker, veteran Jerod Mayo is surrounded by third-year starter Brandon Spikes and rookie Dont’a Hightower who is built in a similar mold. Mayo is a solid ever-down player who feeds off Spikes’ ability to blow up offensive lineman and create room to roam and make tackles. Hightower was drafted to be a mix of both as he’s been lining up at every linebacker position on the defense. Belichick may finally have the linebacking pieces in place to run his defense at a high level.