Symbol of a Dynasty: As Tedy Bruschi Retires, Who Will Step Up for Patriots?

Tedy Bruschi was a constant symbol of hard work, grit, and determination on the Patriots.

He was a great locker room leader and was consistently a defensive captain. He was an inspiration to every player on the defense, especially following his comeback from a career-threatening stroke.

For all of his value as a motivational leader and as a symbol of the Patriots organization over the course of the decade, his retirement isn’t the end of the world from a football perspective.

Look on the bright side: At least Bill Belichick won’t have to consider embarrassingly cutting Bruschi during the brutal 27-man roster chop over the next two weeks.

What’s sad is that the last image we have of Bruschi is in the preseason game versus the Washington Redskins, where he busted coverage against Chris Cooley and gave up a 73-yard reception to the tight end.

But we must remember him for his many accomplishments, his big plays, and the big games in which they occurred.

A sack and an interception helped the Patriots win by three points in Super Bowl XXXIX, the last championship team Bruschi played on.

The 2004 AFC Championship Game versus the Colts comes to mind, where Bruschi recovered two fumbles by the Colts offense.

I couldn’t have loved any man other than my father more than Bruschi on that day.

As the “glory days” of New England’s defense began to wane, so did Bruschi’s career.

He was never the same player after his stroke.

The intensity was still there, but the speed definitely was not.

Still, he was a crucial part of New England’s defense and was always serviceable as a sure tackler even in the latter stages of his career. But even this began to wane over time, as the sheer strength and athleticism of younger players would sometimes overwhelm the much older man.

It will certainly be interesting to see how the defense performs without their staple at middle linebacker.

Who will the Patriots turn to for his replacement?

They could continue the development of undrafted free agent Gary Guyton, who started a couple of games for New England last season. He already has knowledge of New England’s system and could be aided by the presence of so much talent and experience around him.

The Pats could also turn to veteran linebacker Paris Lenon, a free agent pickup from Detroit.

Fortunately for the Patriots, 2008 first-round draft pick Jerod Mayo figures to pick up a lot of the slack left behind by Bruschi. It’s safe to say last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year learned a thing or two from his elder. Mayo’s career could parallel Tedy’s, leading the team in tackles numerous times and leading a stingy defense all the way to a Super Bowl.

If he can find his penchant for the big play, as Bruschi did, Mayo could go down in Patriots lore, just like Bruschi will.

Now with Bruschi's retirement, most of the major components of the Patriots dynasty on defense have either retired or been sent away.

Bruschi, along with Mike Vrabel, Willie McGinest, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy, and Rodney Harrison, have all moved on from their “glory days” as leaders of one of the top defenses in the league.

The time has come for a new era of New England defense. It’s time for the Patriots' youngsters to step in and make a name for themselves.