FOXBOROUGH - Back in a full-pads practice yesterday for the first time since July 31, Tedy Bruschi explained that his absence was due in part to age. It takes a 36-year-old linebacker a little longer to recuperate than a 26-year-old linebacker.
“You get a little bit older and you have to mend some aches and some pains,’’ said Bruschi. “That’s just why it took a little bit longer for me to get out here, but I’m feeling better now and hopefully I can get back to work.’’
Bruschi’s absence from training camp is a reminder that he won’t be the heart and soul of the Patriots defense much longer. Entering his 14th season and the final year of a two-year deal he signed after the 2007 season, Bruschi is the embodiment of the Patriots Way, but his body is nearing the end of its NFL run.
Perhaps that’s why when Bruschi, a seven-time defensive captain, was asked about the locker room void created by the departure of comrades and contemporaries Rodney Harrison and Mike Vrabel, he offered his imprimatur to second-year linebacker Jerod Mayo.
“I think the first and most obvious choice is evident when you look at Jerod,’’ said Bruschi. “He’s in the middle of the defense. He’s sort of establishing himself as a leader on the defense because it is his second year now and he’s made that progression into really being a good player. He’s one that is absolutely ready for that. Defensively, I think a lot of guys are ready here. I’m really fired up about a lot of things that Jerod is going to do.’’
Mayo has soaked up all he can from Bruschi, attaching himself to the veteran’s hip from the moment he arrived in Foxborough. Mayo has spoken often of his admiration for Bruschi and the feeling is mutual.
Mayo was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last season after he led all rookies and the Patriots in tackles with 139, according to coaches’ calculations. It was the first time since 2005, when Bruschi remarkably returned to football after suffering a stroke, that someone other than Bruschi was the team’s top tackler.
“I think even if you talk to Jerod he’ll want more on his shoulders,’’ said Bruschi. “He’s that type of player. He wants to be good. He wants to be really good. His work ethic and any aspect of his game you can really see that he desires to be a good player. That comes with being a second-year player, a third-year player. He’s going to have a lot more on his shoulders than last year. It’s different. You look at him as a rookie last year, but now you look at him as a starter and a leader on this team and a leader on this defense. That’s something that I’m sure he’ll do fine with.’’
