FOXBORO – There was a new twist on a familiar theme Tuesday when the Patriots opened minicamp at Gillette Stadium.



Inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, who has only been on the job for a few months, spent much of the practice calling the defensive plays. It’s a significant sign of the trust Bill Belichick has in his former player, who spent seven of his eight seasons as a captain and called plays in the huddle for much of his career.



“The same stuff (Mayo) carried when he was a player, he’s definitely still got it,” linebacker Dont’a Hightower said. “He’s a hell of a coach. Honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything less. He’s got so much knowledge and so much wisdom that he brings – not just as a football player. He’s definitely done it. He’s seen it. He’s played it. The reputation that he has, he’s an all-pro, so it’s great to have a linebacker coach who has been through so...