By ROBERT LEE
Journal Sports Writer

FOXBORO -- Patriots rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo had another phenomenal game last night, this time in a losing effort against the New York Jets.

He recorded a game-high 20 tackles, including 16 solo tackles and two tackles for a loss. He also had a pass deflection.

"I expect a lot out of Jerod, but he expects more out of himself," Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "The way he works and the way he tries to prepare himself, tonight he was making plays in coverage and on short yardage. It was a good night for him."

Mayo, who the Patriots selected in the first round (10th overall) of this year's NFL Draft, now leads the NFL in tackles with 91.

"He is one of the better linebackers that we have seen in a while," Belichick said of Mayo on Draft Day.

Mayo starred at Tennessee, leading the SEC with 140 tackles last year.