The 2008 New England Patriots displayed remarkable resilience, finishing with a strong 11-5 record despite losing star quarterback Tom Brady to a season-ending injury in Week 1. Led by backup Matt Cassel and a top-ten ranked offense and defense, the team remained highly competitive throughout the year, finishing on a four-game winning streak and setting an NFL record for the fewest penalties in a 16-game season. The 10th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Jerod Mayo was a standout linebacker and Super Bowl champion who earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and two Pro Bowl selections during his eight-season career with the New England Patriots.