INDIANAPOLIS—Although Jerod Mayo will be playing in his first Super Bowl this week, he doesn’t act like it. He has stepped up to become a true leader of the Patriots defense from his linebacker position, and his performance will be key to how New England matches up against the Giants on Sunday. Pro Player Insiders caught up with Mayo this week, discussing a range of topics including his thoughts on what gives New England an edge, Victor Cruz’s ability and more.
PPI: When you look at a player like Victor Cruz, what about his skill set is unique?
JM: Cruz, he possesses that downfield threat. He can stretch the field and he can run those irregular slot routes. He’s a dangerous player.
PPI: How would you assess the play of the Giants’ offensive line?
JM: They have a great line. They do a lot for the guys out front. And when they don’t protect Eli (Manning), you can count on him to make plays with his feet. You can count on him to do a great job running the ball.
PPI: How different are Eli and Peyton Manning as quarterbacks?
JM: That’s a tough question. They’re different. Eli is doing a better job in terms of running the ball. Especially on third downs, you can count on him to make those plays. Peyton has a different gift.
PPI: How did your college career prepare you for life in the NFL?
JM: My coaches just really paved the way for me. They’re extremely professional and they take football seriously. They’re constantly studying film, breaking down film. They … had a major influence on my life.
PPI: Can you break down the play of Eli Manning during these NFL playoffs? He’s been on quite a tear.
JM: He’s been amazing in the playoffs. He’s also very dangerous and he’s been making a lot of plays for them. We’re going to handle him the best we can. We’re going to have to attack him in different ways. But we have guys that can make those plays.
PPI: What is going to give your team an edge on Super Bowl Sunday?
JM: I think that it’s just having the same group of guys out there as the past couple of weeks. We’re finally coming together and getting guys healthy.
PPI: How have you approached the week heading into your first Super Bowl?
JM: I’m just taking it as a regular work week, and we’ll celebrate whatever we have to when it’s over. It’s easy to focus when you have a coach like Coach Belichick who keeps [everyone] isolated from everything. He just does a great job of keeping us in focus.
PPI: Does prior experience playing in the big game matter as to the outcome of this Super Bowl?
JM: I don’t think so. We have some veterans and we have some newer guys. But we have a great coach in Coach Belichick. He’s won multiple rings and he’s as good as there is. We’re just going to go out there and do our thing.
PPI: What have the veterans on this team told you this week as far as what to expect?
JM: To just go out there and do business like it’s a normal game. We’re in a hotel where it’s just us and we’re away from everyone to focus.
