FOXBOROUGH, Mass – All season, the New England Patriots have lived by the 'next man up' mentality. And one group that has taken that to heart are the safeties. 

Due to injuries and other off the field issues, the team has been without two of their key defenders: Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. 

But that allowed for Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Dell Pettus to step up. And that they did in the Patriots' win over the New York Jets last Sunday. 

So much so, that Jerod Mayo awarded the three with a game ball. 

That next man up mentality. pic.twitter.com/U6O0otOKxH

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 27, 2024

"It was a very humbling experience for me. Something that I was very proud to be a part of," Pettus told A to Z Sports. "Just like coach said, having a next man up mentality. I was just happy that I was able to be put in that position to come in and help my team.

"So being able to have a good team win like that and have a role in that, I take a it with a lot of pride."

Hawkins echoed his teammate's sentiments. 

"Huge blessing. It's dope," he said. "Just playing with these guys and us coming together and gelling together to get the win, that's really the most important thing, despite anything, and that we came out victorious." 

And Mapu agreed. 

"It's a privilege."

But the second year safety also wanted to give credit to the entire team. 

"I feel like everybody deserved that to be honest," Mapu expressed. 

The trio have spent a lot of time together this season, so what has it been like working with each other day in and day out?

"Both guys have been in the league longer than me so, I still learn a lot from both of them as we go," Pettus explained. "So I think those practice reps definitely matter and they definitely count because now when you get on the field, everybody's a lot more comfortable with each other and we have the chemistry."

Pettus is in his rookie season, while Mapu is in his second. And then there's Hawkins in his sixth year. But that difference in ages is something that is identified as an advantage for the trio. 

"It's kind of cool because we vary in age," Hawkins said. "Those guys are very mature and very smart. It's good working with them on the back end. We all communicate, make sure we're on the same page, and stuff like that. So it's fun. They want to get after it. They got good energy, and it's so dope. It's fun being out there with them."

And, despite their ages, they do have something in common. 

"I feel like, this is only my second year, but I feel like this is a pretty complicated defense to have a lot of playing time in your first year," Mapu noted. "So just that growth and overall comfort as the season has progressed, I feel like that's a good thing. As long as they continue that, and me, myself included, I feel like we'll be good."

For Dugger, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury, the captain is on the outside looking in right now. But he was nothing but happy to see his teammates have so much success. 

"I was really proud of them for what they are doing. It was really good to see them step up like that."