FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Mayo’s role: When the Patriots took the unconventional step of announcing Jan. 12 that they had “begun contract extension discussions with Jerod Mayo that would keep him with the team long-term,” it sparked several questions.
Why would Mayo forgo head-coaching interviews with other teams? Was this owner Robert Kraft hinting that Mayo has been identified as Bill Belichick’s successor? Is there a new title and role for Mayo on Belichick’s staff this season?
Some concrete answers -- straight from Mayo himself -- came to the forefront over the past week.