Holes in the defense

Jerod Mayo is out six to eight weeks with an MCL injury. This causes a major hole for the defense. Mayo's loss highlights some poor drafting by the Patriots the past few years. They left themselves vulnerable by not addressing this problem the past few years. Jerod mayo was a great pick last year. Tyrone McKenzie was taken this past April in the draft and went out with a season ending injury in rookie camp. I thought in 2006 they should have grabbed Houston middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans instead of Moroney. You could see the linebacking core getting older every year and they weren't addressing it aggressively enough. The signing of Adalius Thomas hasn't worked out as planned. He has been ok. The Colvin signing in 2004 backfired when he was injured with a broken hip. He wasn't the same after that although he had some decent moments. But injuries happen, there is nothing you can do about that. Trading Vrabel backfired because now you basically traded him and Cassel for Patrick Chung who at this point isn't ready to contribute on a full time basis. Derrick Brook's name is being tossed around to come play here. But how much of a difference would he make? Not enough. Junior Seau is another name being tossed out there. He may be a better fit for the pats. He can play inside and add to pass coverage. But he is old too. The pats have a tough three game stretch coming up with the Jets, Falcons and Ravens. All three teams can run the ball. Gary Guyton needs to step up for this defense. I'm looking for him to make a solid impact. I don't think a trade would make sense. The Pats value their picks and the season is under way. It takes time to learn a play book. The offense better start putting up 35 points a game. A running game will be needed also to take time off the clock. What do you think the Patriots should do?