Jerod Mayo addresses the media on the state of the defense and the upcoming Raiders game on Sunday.
Well, I wouldn't really say [I feel pressure when the defense is struggling]. Sometimes you can be disappointed in some of the things that we do, but at the same time, you have to go back and watch the film and make corrections. It's a unit -we're a family on the defensive side of the ball. We just have to get better; we all know that. We're practicing hard.
I think we have great players on our defense. At the same time, we have to go out and prove it on Sundays. Up to this point, we really haven't done that. The numbers are what they are. We have to go out and try to change those numbers. No matter how good you think you are, the numbers don't lie.
I don't really pay attention to the media to be honest with you. I don't really watch television that often. But you feel it in the locker room, just that sense of urgency to get better now. I wouldn't say pressure - it's just, now is the time. We have to take it one game at a time and it starts this week.
Anytime you come off a loss, it's like ‘Hey, we have to bounce back.' Same thing happened with Cleveland last year. We continued to get better after that and we ran off a good number of games in row. Hopefully that trend continues.
Chris Forsberg notes Patriots DE Andre Carter thinks the pass rush is close to clicking.
"As far as from a technical standpoint, we’re almost there," said Carter. "It's as close as it can be, but we can always get closer. It's not an effort thing, as far as taking off the ball or being effective when it comes to power rushes or bull rushes or speed rushes. We watch film and and we’re like, ‘We’re almost there.’ It’s not necessarily a level of frustration, but it is to a certain extent. We just gotta say, 'OK, what can we do to get there maybe a second [earlier]?'"
"One thing about this group of guys, we constantly push ourselves to be the best," said Carter. "With the leadership we have here, we’re definitely more of a veteran defensive line. We're not necessarily pointing fingers at each other, we all just come together, talk to each other as men,and say, 'OK, let’s get this done.'"
TEAM TALK
- Erik Scalavino tells us what happened Thursday at Gillette.
- Patriots-Raiders Thursday Injury Report.
- Press Conference: Jerod Mayo (5.25 min. video plus Transcript).
- Patriots Today - Watch these two in Week 4. (1.41 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Seymour and Raiders are ready. (3.38 min. video)
- Locker Room Uncut - Words from Carter, McCourty (2.25 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Shalise Manza Young reports Devin McCourty, a standout as a rookie, has struggled thus far in a role that may not play to his strengths.
- Chris Forsberg says the Patriots are focused on slowing McFadden.
- Tom E. Curran offers his Patriots-Raiders preview.
- Troy Brown lists his keys for the Patriots' game against the Raiders. (1.42 min. video)
- Mark Farinella hears from Matt Light about renewing acquaintances with friend and former teammate Richard Seymour.
- Ian Rapoport notes Jerod Mayo didn't need the loss to know it's time for the 'D' to step up.
- Mike Reiss looks at the season breakdown for the Patriots defense.
- Bruschi's Breakdown: New England must stop the Raiders' power running game.
- Mark Farinella sees all eyes on Darren McFadden.
- Dan Duggan catches up with Stevan Ridley and talks about his punishing style of running.
- Mike Reiss shares the transcript of his weekly online chat.
- Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Patrick Chung has never played before with a cast on his hand but he feels good and is ready to play; Logan Mankins was back at practice on a limited basis after missing time with an illness; Albert Haynesworth was absent with a back injury; Devin McCourty is still confident even as he struggles; Pats will have to watch out for Jason Campbell too, not just Darren McFadden.
- Julian Benbow Patriots Notebook: Patrick Chung says he's ready to play if his number gets called; Stevan Ridley loved getting into the game and wanted to make of his opportunity; Focus for the D this week has been third downs, limiting big plays and tackling; Injury & practice update.
- Jim Lazar makes his Week 4 picks. Pats over Raiders 34-24.
- Michael Hurley makes his Week 4 picks. Pats to win.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Kevin Fishbain (Pro Football Weekly) Patriots-Raiders matchup of the day: RB Darren McFadden vs. Patriots run defense.
- Willie McGinest and Solomon Wilcotts (NFL.com) Instant Debate: Who will win the battle between the Patriots and Raiders? (4.52 min. video)
- Kevin Fishbain (Pro Football Weekly) Five questions with CBS color commentator Solomon Wilcots.
- James Walker (ESPN) AFC East Week 4 X factors.
- Billy Witz (Fox Sports) Has Bill Belichick lost his mojo?
- Patrick Imig (Cold Hard Football Facts) Pigskin detention: Quarterbacks gone wild!
- Mike Pereira (Fox Sports) Refs playing favorites? Check the facts.
- Leigh Steinberg (Nat'l Football Post) Television ratings show NFL dominance.
- Staff (Nat'l Football Post) NFP Friday Forecast.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Week Four picks. Florio picks Raiders 16, Pats 13. Gregg Rosenthal picks Patriots 34, Raiders 30.
- Peter King (SI) Weekend Pickoff. Pats over Raiders 23-20.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Congressmen invite Goodell, Smith for meeting on HGH testing.
VIEW FROM OAKLAND
- JT the Brick (Raiders.com) Raiders-Patriots preview (4.12 min. video).
- Jerry McDonald (Oakland Tribune) Oakland Raiders' Richard Seymour lies in wait for New England Patriots.
- Jerry McDonald (Oakland Tribune) Oakland Raiders game Sunday vs. New England Patriots is a sellout.