“I think we have great players on our defense. At the same time, we have to go out and prove it on Sundays. Up to this point we really haven’t done that,” he said. “The numbers are what they are. We have to go out and try to change those numbers.

“No matter how good you think you are, the numbers don’t lie.”

Neither do Darren McFadden’s.

The Oakland Raiders’ bruising running back leads the league with 393 yards and was the driving force in the Raiders’ 34-24 win over the New York Jets on Sunday. McFadden piled up 171 yards and scored twice, including a 70-yard jaunt in the second quarter, one of five runs totaling 20 yards or more this season, tied for tops in the NFL.

“He’s in a world of his own,” Patriots defensive end Andre Carter.

At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, McFadden poses yet another trying test this week for a surprisingly porous New England unit that ranks last in the league in defending the pass, allowing 377 yards per game.

So, the question is, stop the pass or slow the run? The Patriots (2-1) are prepared to do both.

“It could go either way,” Carter said. “A football game’s like a roller coaster, you’ll have highs and lows. If one thing doesn’t work they’ll try to air it out, or vice versa. If they’re trying to air it out and being unsuccessful, try and run the ball.

“It’s always important to stop the run.”

That’s one facet the Patriots have somewhat succeeded at this season.

Surrendering 91.7 yards a game, New England has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher, although Buffalo’s Fred Jackson amassed a combined 167 yards — 87 of that coming on five catches — in the Bills’ stunning 34-31 victory over the Patriots last week.

New England’s focus has now shifted to Oakland (2-1) and McFadden, the bullish fourth-year back out of Arkansas who has found the end zone four times already this season, three on runs, and anchors the league’s top-ranked rushing attack. He is averaging an incredible 6.4 yards per carry.

“He’s a guy that can kind of go anywhere on the field and he has the speed to always take it to the house,” Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty said. “You’ve seen him break long runs, you’ve seen him make runs where he has to run inside and get a first down. That will be challenge for the defense to just come prepared and most important, tackle.”

Mayo, who played collegiately at Tennessee, recalls facing McFadden twice during his tenure as a Volunteer and stressed the importance of bringing him down.

“Just everybody to the football,” he said of limiting McFadden’s home-run ability. “We want the backside corner to the ball, we want everyone there. It’s all about rallying to the football when a guy like McFadden has the ball. Like I said, he poses a great threat every time he touches the ball.”

The Patriots have allowed a league-high 23 passing plays of 20 yards or more, and the defense is well aware that the Raiders may try and exploit that.

“Big plays have been killing us and that’s one of the main priorities in practice this week,” Mayo said, “stopping the big play and getting off the field.”

A stronger pass rush from the Patriots’ veteran defensive line would go a long way toward aiding that effort.

“I know people have mentioned that we have to get to the quarterback, and that’s something that we do take pride in,” Carter said. “As far as just from a technical standpoint, every standpoint, we’re almost there. We just have to get there quicker.

“It’s as close as it can be. But like I said, you always get constantly closer.”

Oakland quarterback Jason Campbell may opt to air it out more than usual this week with New England safety Patrick Chung possibly sidelined for a second straight game after undergoing surgery on his injured right thumb.

Chung, who practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, said on Thursday he felt good, yet wasn’t in the position to declare himself active for Sunday.

“That’s coach’s decision, trainers’ decision. I don’t make those decisions. I’m just going to make sure I’m ready to go,” said Chung, sporting a cast. “Hurt, injured, you have to always prepare mentally, physically, whatever you have to do to make sure that you know what you’re doing so if coach needs you to go in there, you’re ready.”

If Chung does see any action in Oakland, he’s prepared for McFadden to burst into the secondary at any moment.

“He’s fast, he has a good stiff arm, he’s strong, he breaks tackles, he’s a good running back,” he said. “He can take it the distance. I’ve seen him run 80-yard runs like nothing.

“He’s definitely fast, he’s explosive, he’s a good player.”

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Rapid reaction after the New England Patriots topped the San Diego Chargers 35-21 Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium:

What it means: Tom Brady was great again, and while the defense gave up a bunch of yards, it forced four turnovers to lead the Patriots to a perfect 2-0 start. New England has scored 72 points and put up more than 1,100 yards off offense in its first two games.

Another big day for Brady: It might not have been another 500-yard performance, but Brady put together another monster effort. Brady completed 31 of 40 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns. It was the third 400-yard game of Brady’s career and tied a mark by Drew Bledsoe — honored at halftime after being inducted into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame on Saturday — for the third most single-game passing yards in Patriots history. Bledsoe also passed for 423 yards in a 1998 win over Miami.

Tight ends continue to thrive: Patriots second-year tight ends Aaron Hernandez (7 catches, 62 yards, TD) and Rob Gronkowski (4 catches, 86 yards, 2 TD) combined to catch all three passing touchdowns and were absolutely immense for the second straight week. Brady continues to look for those players at crucial moments, including inside the red zone.

Goal line stand; Pats march 99 yards: With the Patriots out front, 10-7, the Chargers seemed poised to score, boasting first-and-goal at the Patriots 5 midway through the second quarter. The Patriots stopped four straight rushing plays, culminating with Jerod Mayo — aided by Devin McCourty taking on the fullback — tackling Mike Tolbert for no gain on a fourth-and-goal from the 1. The Patriots’ offense turned around and marched 99 yards on 10 plays over 5:25 capped with Rob Gronkowski catching a 10-yard touchdown pass from Brady for a 17-7 advantage.

Giving it away: The Chargers gave away the ball three times on the Patriots’ side of the field (interceptions by Vince Wilfork and Sergio Brown). But none hurt more than when Tolbert fumbled the ball away at the Patriots 34 and Rob Ninkovich recovered for New England. The Chargers were on the move in a 20-14 game, but the Patriots made it hurt when Gronkowski hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass — his second of the game — and the two-point conversion rush by Danny Woodhead put New England up by two touchdowns.

Ochocinco gets involved: The center of much scrutiny this week, Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco didn’t have a loud performance, but he responded by catching two first-half passes for 45 yards. His first grab — a third-down catch on which he was interfered — drew a monster ovation from the crowd and set up New England’s first score of the game. Later in the half, he made a 30-yard catch in the center of the field to aid another touchdown drive.

Branch’s big day: Remember all that hubbub entering the regular season after Deion Branch didn’t make a single preseason catch. That looks foolish now after the veteran wide receiver caught a team-high eight passes for 129 yards Sunday, emerging as Brady’s favorite target.

Big man running with the ball: Wilfork made one of the game’s more spectacular plays, showing off his athleticism when he picked off a Rivers pass late in the second quarter and rumbled 28 yards the other way to set up a crucial field goal before the intermission. Wilfork brought back thoughts of offensive lineman Dan Connolly’s big kick return last season as he trudged down the field with two arms securing the ball after his first career interception.

Injuries in focus: The Patriots emerged with the win, but hardly unscathed. While most of those injured during the game returned to the field, there will still be maladies to monitor moving forward. During the game, Hernandez; safeties Patrick Chung and James Ihedigbo; cornerbacks Kyle Arrington and Ras-I Dowling; punter Zoltan Mesko; and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth all needed medical attention at one point during the game.

What’s next: The Patriots head to Buffalo against the also undefeated Bills. The Bills have actually scored more points than the Patriots, putting up 79 points in their first two games.

What’s going on in Foxboro, Mass.? For years, the home of the NFL’s New England Patriots was where fun went to die. The team, under coach Bill Belichick, perfected a brand of intense, win-at-all-costs football that never won the hearts and minds of casual fans as, say, the New Orleans Saints — a team that won the Super Bowl in 2010, inspired a beleaguered city and pulled off a catchy rallying cry (“Who dat?!”). While the Pats have had some electric offensive teams, they never earned an endearing nickname like, say, the Pittsburgh defense of the 1970s (the Steel Curtain) or the turn-of-the-century St. Louis Rams squads (the Greatest Show on Turf).

But now the two biggest (and by biggest, I mean most ridiculous) “controversies” of the first week of the NFL season are coming out of the Patriots’ locker room, and these kerfuffles, far from damning the behavior of New England players, speak instead to the team’s evolving spirit. This year’s New England Patriots have a chance to be — if you’re reading this, Belichick, don’t gasp — fun.
(See photos of being back on the field after the NFL lockout.)

The Patriots are usually entertaining on the field, and this year promises a bumper crop of points. New England’s offense exploded during the Patriots’ 38-24 win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, as quarterback Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes and became the 11th QB in history to throw for at least 500 yards in a game. Wide receiver Wes Welker galloped for a 99-yard touchdown catch, sending his fantasy owners into a state of ecstasy and their opponents into abject despair. The aerial assault compelled the Patriots’ newest acquisition at wide receiver, Chad Ochocinco, (who only had one catch for 14 yards) to tweet the next day: “Just waking up after a late arrival, I’ve never seen a machine operate like that n person, to see video game numbers put up n person was WOW.”

And somehow, for the crime of complimenting Brady on his virtuoso performance, Ochocinco got in trouble — at least with a couple of ex-Pats. Former New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi, now an ESPN analyst, ripped into Ochocinco on a Boston radio station; former safety Rodney Harrison later hit the airwaves to back up Bruschi’s comments. Some excerpts of Bruschi’s rambling rant:

“Drop the awe factor, O.K., Ocho, Chad, drop the awe factor. You’re not a fan, all right? You’re not someone who’s on another team or watching TV. You’re not an analyst. You’re a part of it. So get with the program, because obviously you’re not getting it and you’re tweeting because you’re saying, ‘It’s amazing to see’? It’s amazing to see because you don’t understand it! … Stop tweeting and get in your playbook. … Open your eyes and watch some film. That’s what you need to do. If you’re still in awe, that means you don’t get it because you don’t understand it.”
(See TIME’s video with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.)

Whoa. You won’t find a weirder, more illogical media overreaction than that one. Sure, Ochocinco didn’t produce, but his team did steamroll Miami, and all he did was say something nice about a teammate. Can’t a guy put up a few weeks’ worth of bad numbers before you rip him for a tweet that probably took five seconds for him to write?

Read about a world without Peyton Manning.

Andy Benoit is previewing all 32 N.F.L. teams. He completes the A.F.C. East with the Patriots today.
Earlier, he analyzed the Jets, the Dolphins and the Bills.

We’re always hearing about The Patriot Way. By now, we understand what it means. The Patriot Way is the embodiment of every cliché known in sports: no “I” in team; let your play do the talking; one step at a time; just trying to get better, doing whatever it takes to win. It’s pretty straightforward stuff that trickles down from the owner Robert Kraft to Coach Bill Belichick to everyone else.

Belichick’s Patriots are so business-oriented that they themselves rarely even talk about The Patriot Way. The phrase is mainly the outside world’s way of explaining the culture of this very successful organization.

When we see the Patriots take a flier on baggage-toting stars like Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco, we cite The Patriot Way. When this team dumped another one of those stars in the middle of last season and instantly remodeled much of its offense, we marveled at its league-best 14-2 record and again credited The Patriot Way. When classic underdog players – your Wes Welkers, your Danny Woodheads – become stars in New England, or when single drafts produce legions of core players overnight (like the ’10 class: Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes, Jermaine Cunningham, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski – starters all) we just shake our head and continue to laud The Patriot Way.

But focusing on The Patriot Way is like classifying a car by its color. Sure, it counts for something. And it’s nice that everyone can see and understand it. But it’s not the make or model. Locker room chemistry and teamwork and all those convenient Disney movie elements are great, but in the end, football is about the battle that takes place on that 100×53 piece of turf. And those battles often don’t come down to “wanting it more” or “overcoming adversity” – they come down to out-scheming and out-executing the enemy.

To the Patriots, this is The Real Patriot Way. Here’s how it works:

Offense

Unlike with most teams, the Patriot offense is built primarily on principles, rather than players. But the paradox is it’s only built this way because of one particular player. You can probably guess who.

Most N.F.L. offenses build a majority of their systems off their personnel. But having Tom Brady under center gives New England the enormous luxury of reversing that formula. Because Brady is Mensa quality when it comes to dissecting a defense at the line of scrimmage, and because he has arguably the best pocket mechanics in  football, the Patriots are able to first create a system and then find the players to run it. This is why they’re so good at surviving injuries, incorporating newcomers and, most overlooked, grooming young talent.

More on Brady’s specific impact momentarily. First, let’s examine what, exactly, is New England’s system. In short, it’s a precision-passing game based on horizontal option routes. Most offenses build their passing attack on timing and stretching the field. The Patriots – especially in this post-Randy Moss era – are the opposite. The patterns their receivers run are often determined by what the defense shows. It’s up to the receiver to correctly assess the coverage – often on the fly – and execute accordingly. Because of this, the Patriots don’t look for size and speed at wide receiver; they look for intelligence and precise route running. Thus, wideouts like Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and Deion Branch – guys who possess very average natural ability but have outstanding fundamentals – become stars in this system. (It’s no accident that Welker and Branch were far less effective players for the Dolphins and Seahawks.)

This is why the Patriots don’t have to worry about newcomer Chad Ochocinco being 33 and slowing down. Physically, Ochocinco still executes the breaks in his routes with superb quickness. He doesn’t have to stretch the field or win a jump ball on every down (the Pats can turn to to third-year pro Brandon Tate for those infrequent assignments); he just has to take what the defense allows him. Ocho drew criticism for not always running the right routes in Cincinnati. But the Bengals had a rudimentary system that afforded little to no freedom for their frequently double-teamed receivers. That won’t be the case here.

The approach is similar for New England’s sensational second-year tight ends, Rob Gronkowski (an improving route runner and firm blocker) and Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez is a tight end with true wide receiver skills. That’s nightmarish for defensive coordinators, who must always ask themselves, ‘With Hernandez on the field, do I use my base personnel and risk having him run routes against my safety or linebacker, or do I go to nickel and risk the Patriots putting two tight ends on the line of scrimmage and ramming the ball down our throats?’

New England’s style of option route running is uncommon because it requires the quarterback to see the route develop and react, rather than anticipate and throw to a window. Thus, the quarterback is forced to hold the ball a split second longer. Not many can survive this pressure. Tom Brady, however, has an uncanny ability to instantaneously reset his feet and gather his throwing mechanics while in a crowd. And you almost never see him throw off balance. These rare attributes form the foundation of New England’s passing attack.

They also deflate the theory that Brady lacks toughness. True, Brady gets a bit jittery after an accumulation of hits, but that’s only because he’s a.) human and b.) concerned with protecting possession. When your passing attack specifically emphasizes your being able to throw the ball right before taking a hit, you naturally become more aware of potential hits.

A slower-developing, horizontal aerial attack also demands a little more from the pass protectors. The Patriots acknowledged this when they drafted Nate Solder in the first round. This was a response to 33-year-old Matt Light no longer being a sure thing when it comes to handling elite edge-rushers one-on-one. If the lockout hadn’t prevented Solder from practicing, he’d most likely be starting opposite right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (a solid but unspectacular third-year pro – flawed second-team All-Pro accolades aside). Instead, Light – who, to be clear, has great chemistry with Brady and can certainly be more than adequate for one more year – is back.

So is All-Pro left guard Logan Mankins, fresh long-term contract and all (finally!). Mankins, who will line up next to rock-steady center Dan Koppen and smart but middling right guard Dan Connolly, is the key to New England’s power run game. No guard in football pulls with such consistent force.

Brady-centric as this offense might be, the Patriots are still willing to attack opponents on the ground. In BenJarvus Green-Ellis the Pats have a traditional runner who will gain whatever yardage the play has to offer. He’s not a creator, but the Pats don’t need him to be. That’s what Danny Woodhead is for. If not for having the physical appearance of a busboy, Woodhead’s name would come up in a lot of top 10 running back discussions. Truly. He has incredible lateral agility and quickness, and he’s marvelous in all phases of the passing game.

Despite Woodhead’s emergence and having a 36-year-old surgically repaired right knee, Kevin Faulk recently received a one-year contract for the veteran minimum ($910,000). His role in 2011 may simply be to tutor second-round rookie Shane Vereen and third-rounder Stevan Ridley. Vereen is an all-purpose back from California; Ridley is a workhorse out of L.S.U. If having five quality backs weren’t enough, the Patriots also have veteran Sammy Morris on the roster.

Defense

Everybody wants to know if the 2011 Patriots defense will be a 3-4 or a 4-3. The answer is it will be neither and both. It’s understandable that people would want to pigeonhole this defense and find a crystal clear image of the depth chart and gameplan. But the reason Bill Belichick has a reputation for directing versatile, ever-changing units is because he does not view defense in broad strokes of black and white.

Instead of seeing one defensive unit on the field, Belichick sees 11 defensive pieces. His mantra is to find the best role for each of those pieces on each play. While most coaches emphasize exotic blitzes and creative disguise, Belichick is more inclined to preach simple fundamentals and assignments. Often, the Patriots run a surprisingly basic defense, but they create complexity by mixing basic concepts. There are 11 guys executing assignments on each play. Some of those assignments might be 3-4-centric, while some could be 4-3-centric. Collectively, it doesn’t matter. All that matters to Belichick is that each guy is executing his specific assignment. When that happens, the defense naturally works.

The droves of Albert Haynesworth watchers can assume that Belichick will have the star defensive lineman often playing the one-gap concepts he grew to love in Tennessee’s 4-3. Belichick knows that’s the best way to use his Haynesworth piece. Nose tackle Vince Wilfork will likely play a majority of 3-4 technique simply because, being an explosive 350-plus-pounder, he’s going to command double-teams anyway. Along the rest of the defensive line, ex-Jet Shaun Ellis is experienced in all systems and plays with great power in the trenches. He should be more effective late in the season than he was a year ago now that his sharing the load with jack-of-all-trades Mike Wright. Rounding out the front, backups Kyle Love and Gerard Warren are spacious players who provide sound depth.

New England’s defensive alignments will usually be determined by whatever gives them the best pass-rush. Defensive end Andre Carter can turn the corner coming out of a two-or three-point stance. Speed-wise, he’s an upgrade over Tully Banta-Cain, but the Pats will need another edge player to step up. Jermaine Cunningham showed gradual improvement as a second-round rookie last season, but he’s more of a strongside 3-4 outside linebacker than true edge-rusher. Mark Anderson has startling speed around the corner but can’t seem to stay on anyone’s roster. Eric Moore is just a guy.

Linebackers Rob Ninkovich, Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes and Gary Guyton are all better read-and-react players than attackers. Of the bunch, Mayo is the star. He’s the NFL’s reigning tackle leader and, thanks to good instincts and anticipation, plays with excellent range against both run and pass. Spikes, an intriguing second-year pro, can be a good interior thumper, but in the short-term he’ll likely take a backseat to the speedier Guyton in nickel packages.

New England’s mixture of defensive techniques is most prevalent in the secondary. Belichick loves matchup zone concepts that require players to use man-techniques in defending an area. It’s not easy, which is part of the reason the Patriots have had a revolving door at the right cornerback position. They’re hoping that a healthy Leigh Bodden can stabilize this spot. They learned last season that Kyle Arrington lacks the necessary ball skills to survive in this role. Before that, similar conclusions had already been made about Darius Butler and Jonathan Wilhite.

No such worries on the left side. Devin McCourty is coming off one of the great rookie seasons for a cornerback. The lanky 5-11, 193-pounder from Rutgers has an almost eerie ability to backpedal with receivers screaming down the field. Also, he’s shrewder than most tenured veterans when it comes to using the sideline to his advantage. And by recording seven of New England’s league-high 25 interceptions last season, McCourty obviously has phenomenal ball skills.

There’s potentially a stellar long-term cornerbacking tandem in place with McCourty and this year’s 33rd overall pick, Ras-I Dowling. But if Bodden holds up outside, Dowling may not see much action if the coaches decide they can’t resist the physicality that safety Patrick Chung brings to the nickel slot. Chung, however, can be attacked in man coverage. He will line up at strong safety ahead of steady but mundane veteran James Sanders in base packages. (Sanders will assume the safety duties in nickel and dime.) At free safety will be dynamic playmaker Brandon Meriweather, assuming he doesn’t again drive coaches nuts with mental gaffes and freelancing.

Special Teams

Stephen Gostkowski was a top-five kicker before tearing his right quad last season. The sixth-year pro is back to kicking without reservations. Zoltan Mesko will be entrusted with the punting duties again. Wes Welker or Julian Edelman (or whoever can be counted on to make a fair catch, as Belichick’s goal with special teams is usually  just to break even) will field punts. Brandon Tate brings explosiveness to the kick return game.

Bottom Line

The system is outstanding. The talent stocking it is equally impressive. It’s just a matter of whether the Patriots can do something they surprisingly haven’t done well in recent years: hold serve in big games.

Predicted Finish: 1st A.F.C. East

Randy Moss and Corey Dillon were malcontents when they joined the New England Patriots. Rodney Harrison arrived with a reputation as a dirty, washed-up player.

All of them fit in very well with their new team.

Now Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco are coming and “The Patriot Way” will be tested once again.

After a season-long feud with Washington coach Mike Shanahan, the 335-pound Haynesworth was traded to the Patriots on Thursday for a fifth-round draft choice in 2013. Haynesworth will team with Vince Wilfork to give New England a formidable defensive line.

Later Thursday, the Patriots obtained Ochocinco from Cincinnati and gave the wide receiver a new three-year contract. It was not known what the Bengals received.

Each transaction was confirmed by a person familiar with the deals who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because none of the teams had announced the moves.

The outspoken Ochocinco and reticent Patriots coach Bill Belichick have opposite public images. But they have developed a friendship, in part from interacting at Pro Bowl practices.

“I like Chad,” Belichick said before last year’s season opener between the teams. “An odd couple, but in the end I think we have a lot of things in common.”

Ochocinco returned the compliment, “He became a friend of mine. He has a lot of respect for me in my game and I have a lot of respect for him in everything he’s done as a coach.”

Two defensive linemen who could be starting alongside Haynesworth in the 3-4 defense – the alignment that helped fuel Haynesworth’s discontent with Shanahan – think he’ll be adjust to the players’ unselfish approach.

“You can see that Albert wasn’t really happy in his situation,” end Ty Warren said Thursday after the Patriots’ first practice of training camp, but “all you see is what goes on (from) the outside and sometimes that’s only half of the truth. So I don’t think it’s going to be a problem, with the structure of this locker room, the guys that’s in this locker room.”

Wilfork, primarily a nose tackle, saw the most action at defensive end of his seven-year career last season. Playing next to Haynesworth, the 325-pounder could spend even more time on the outside.

“It’s always team first. That’s the Patriot Way. If you can’t put the team first you won’t be here,” said Wilfork, a three-time Pro Bowler.

Any new Patriots player with a checkered past, on or off the field, “will see how we do things around here, point blank,” he added. “We had guys come through here with a rap sheet and (people) say, ‘he can’t be handled. This guy can’t do this,’ and you know what, it worked out fine for us. So I don’t think it will be a big problem.”

Moss, eager to leave the Oakland Raiders, didn’t go all out in 2006 and was traded to the Patriots for the 2007 season. He caught 98 passes, including an NFL-record 23 touchdown receptions, that year and didn’t cause trouble until last season, when he was traded.

Dillon, who complained about being stuck with a consistently bad Bengals team, was acquired in March 2004 for a second-round pick and was a major contributor that year to the Patriots’ championship. He rushed for a team-record 1,635 yards and ran for 75 yards and a touchdown in a 24-21 Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

And Harrison became a hard-hitting leader, showing he was far from finished.

“Every case is different,” Warren said. “All the guys that I’ve seen make that transition, from the Rodneys, just right on down the line. Everybody’s had a smooth transition.”

Last year Haynesworth missed offseason workouts because he wanted a trade to avoid playing in Shanahan’s 3-4 defense. He didn’t practice until he passed the conditioning test on the 10th day of training camp. Then he was suspended for the final four games of the season for “conduct detrimental to the club.”

He’s also had several legal troubles. He is scheduled for trial on Aug. 23 on a misdemeanor sexual abuse charge, stemming from an accusation that he fondled a waitress at a hotel bar in Washington. He has pleaded not guilty.

“When we get on this field, regardless of what people say about you, it’s ‘Can you perform?’” Wilfork said. “It’s ‘Can you put it together?’”

Haynesworth has talent. He had 8 1-2 sacks in 2008, his last season with Tennessee, which selected him with the 15th draft pick in 2002.

With Haynesworth and Wilfork on the field at the same time, teams might have to assign four blockers to them. That would be a big advantage for the Patriots’ pass rush, which was mediocre last season. So what would it mean to play with him?

“It’s huge. He’s got some freakish ability,” Warren said. “I’ve seen him on film and he’s the real deal.”

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP)—Randy Moss(notes) and Corey Dillon were malcontents when
they joined the New England Patriots. Rodney Harrison(notes) arrived with a reputation
as a dirty, washed-up player.

All of them fit in very well with their new team.

Now Albert Haynesworth(notes) and Chad Ochocinco(notes) are coming and “The Patriot Way”
will be tested once again.

After a season-long feud with Washington coach Mike Shanahan, the 335-pound
Haynesworth was traded to the Patriots on Thursday for a fifth-round draft
choice in 2013. Haynesworth will team with Vince Wilfork(notes) to give New England a
formidable defensive line.

Later Thursday, the Patriots obtained Ochocinco from Cincinnati and gave the
wide receiver a new three-year contract. It was not known what the Bengals
received.

Each transaction was confirmed by a person familiar with the deals who spoke
to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because none of the teams had
announced the moves.

The outspoken Ochocinco and reticent Patriots coach Bill Belichick have
opposite public images. But they have developed a friendship, in part from
interacting at Pro Bowl practices.

“I like Chad,” Belichick said before last year’s season opener between the
teams. “An odd couple, but in the end I think we have a lot of things in
common.”

Ochocinco returned the compliment: “He became a friend of mine. He has a
lot of respect for me in my game and I have a lot of respect for him in
everything he’s done as a coach.”

Two defensive linemen who could be starting alongside Haynesworth in the 3-4
defense—the alignment that helped fuel Haynesworth’s discontent with Shanahan
— think he’ll be adjust to the players’ unselfish approach.

“You can see that Albert wasn’t really happy in his situation,” end Ty
Warren(notes) said Thursday after the Patriots’ first practice of training camp, but
“all you see is what goes on (from) the outside and sometimes that’s only half
of the truth. So I don’t think it’s going to be a problem, with the structure of
this locker room, the guys that’s in this locker room.”

Wilfork, primarily a nose tackle, saw the most action at defensive end of
his seven-year career last season. Playing next to Haynesworth, the 325-pounder
could spend even more time on the outside.

“It’s always team first. That’s the Patriot Way. If you can’t put the team
first you won’t be here,” said Wilfork, a three-time Pro Bowler.

Any new Patriots player with a checkered past, on or off the field, “will
see how we do things around here, point blank,” he added. “We had guys come
through here with a rap sheet and (people) say, `he can’t be handled. This guy
can’t do this,’ and you know what, it worked out fine for us. So I don’t think
it will be a big problem.”

Moss, eager to leave the Oakland Raiders, didn’t go all out in 2006 and was
traded to the Patriots for the 2007 season. He caught 98 passes, including an
NFL-record 23 touchdown receptions, that year and didn’t cause trouble until
last season, when he was traded.

Dillon, who complained about being stuck with a consistently bad Bengals
team, was acquired in March 2004 for a second-round pick and was a major
contributor that year to the Patriots’ championship. He rushed for a team-record
1,635 yards and ran for 75 yards and a touchdown in a 24-21 Super Bowl win over
the Philadelphia Eagles.

And Harrison became a hard-hitting leader, showing he was far from finished.

“Every case is different,” Warren said. “All the guys that I’ve seen make
that transition, from the Rodneys, just right on down the line. Everybody’s had
a smooth transition.”

Last year Haynesworth missed offseason workouts because he wanted a trade to
avoid playing in Shanahan’s 3-4 defense. He didn’t practice until he passed the
conditioning test on the 10th day of training camp. Then he was suspended for
the final four games of the season for “conduct detrimental to the club.”

He’s also had several legal troubles. He is scheduled for trial on Aug. 23
on a misdemeanor sexual abuse charge, stemming from an accusation that he
fondled a waitress at a hotel bar in Washington. He has pleaded not guilty.

“When we get on this field, regardless of what people say about you, it’s
`Can you perform?”’ Wilfork said. “It’s `Can you put it together?’”

Haynesworth has talent. He had 8 1-2 sacks in 2008, his last season with
Tennessee, which selected him with the 15th draft pick in 2002.

With Haynesworth and Wilfork on the field at the same time, teams might have
to assign four blockers to them. That would be a big advantage for the Patriots’
pass rush, which was mediocre last season. So what would it mean to play with
him?

“It’s huge. He’s got some freakish ability,” Warren said. “I’ve seen him
on film and he’s the real deal.”

By Joel Thorman – NFL Editor, SBNation.com

Read More: Randy Moss (WR – TEN), New England Patriots

Follow , and Like SBNation.com on Facebook.

Mar 16, 2011 - Randy Moss will be a free agent once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached and, if he had his wish, he would return to New England. The Patriots traded Moss to Minnesota during the season and shortly thereafter the Vikings released him and he was claimed by the Tennessee Titans.

In an appearance on KFAN 1130-AM in Minneapolis this week, Moss made it known where his heart is.

“I think that just the success as a wide receiver and everything that the New England Patriots stand for, you know, I’m a big fan of Bill Belichick’s,” Moss said. “I really am, and not just on the field. I’m a fan of his off the field because, you know, the little grouchy man that you see on-camera is not what you see off-camera.”

Moss has made it known in the last few months how much he likes Bill Belichick. Following the Vikings loss to the Patriots last year (when Moss was on the Vikings), he spent his post-game press conference talking about how much he loved playing in New England. It was an odd situation to say the least but, then again, Moss is considered an odd duck at times.

While he strongly suggested he would like a return to New England, he said he wants to go someplace where he’ll be respected.

“Wherever it is, I just want somebody to respect what I do,” Moss said. “The loyalty that I believe in, man, I think that teams that I play for … I just like loyalty, and I want that around me. Whoever wants me, that’s where I’m going to play at.”    

So a Moss return to New England? How about Minnesota? We only need to get a new collective bargaining agreement to answer that question.

Randy Moss wants back in.

The vagabond wide receiver left the New England Patriots amid less-than-desirable circumstances last season, but seems to have discovered he never had it better.

[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/Winslow TownsonEven though his departure from New England was less than ideal, Randy Moss says he loved being coached by Bill Belichick.

“If you’re asking me where my heart and where I’m happy is, I love playing with Tom Brady. I love being coached by Bill Belichick,” Moss said Wednesday on KFAN 1130-AM in Minneapolis.

Moss joined guest host and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson to chat about a wild 2010 season. Moss started out in New England, passed quietly through Minnesota and concluded with the Tennessee Titans.

Moss’ combined stats were a lackluster 28 receptions for 393 yards and five touchdowns. He will be a free agent once a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated.

He also said he’d love to return to the Vikings and seemed to randomly add he would play for the Cleveland Browns or Seattle Seahawks if they wanted him.

“Wherever it is, I just want somebody to respect what I do,” Moss said. “The loyalty that I believe in, man, I think that teams that I play for … I just like loyalty, and I want that around me. Whoever wants me, that’s where I’m going to play at.”

But he stressed his affection for the Patriots in particular.

“I think that just the success as a wide receiver and everything that the New England Patriots stand for, you know, I’m a big fan of Bill Belichick’s,” Moss said. “I really am, and not just on the field. I’m a fan of his off the field because, you know, the little grouchy man that you see on-camera is not what you see off-camera.

“And people say ‘Well, Moss, you got traded to Minnesota from New England!’ Well, I just told y’all this is a business, man. People have to understand the nature of the business. It’s not just a sport. The sport comes along with the business. If you really don’t think it’s a business, then why they sitting there, fighting over $9 billion?”

Should the Patriots consider signing Moss?

They do need an outside threat who can stretch a defense. But Moss turned 34 last month, and the Patriots went 11-1 without him, winning another AFC East title.

Moss also might need to mend fences with New England’s coaching staff before anything can happen. ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss reported a verbal altercation between Moss and playcaller Bill O’Brien at halftime of their Week 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins marked Moss’ last game for the Patriots.

Tim Graham covers the AFC East for ESPN.com.

BOSTON (CBS) - Randy Moss joined KFAN-AM in Minnesota Wednesday, and said his heart was still with the New England Patriots.

“If you asked me where my heart is, I think that just the success as a wide receiver and everything that the New England Patriots stand for,” Moss said. ”I’m a big fan of Bill Belichick’s, I really am. Not just on the field but off the field. The little grouchy man that you see on camera is not the man you see off camera.”

Listen: Randy Moss On KFAN-AM (Patriots talk starts around the 9:08 mark)

“If you ask me where my heart and where I’m happy is, I love Tom Brady and I love being coached by coach Bill Belichick,” he said.

Moss, traded by the Patriots to the Minnesota Vikings during the season, would be open to a return to the Patriots this offseason.

Listen: Felger & Mazz Talk Randy Moss’ Love For Patriots

“This is a business and people need to understand the nature of the business and not just the sport.”

“I just like loyalty and I like good people around me and I want to get that back in return. Whoever wants me, I guess that’s where I’m going to play at.”

The vagabond wide receiver left the New England Patriots amid less-than-desirable circumstances last season, but seems to have discovered he never had it better.

[+] Enlarge

Greg M. Cooper/US PresswireFormer Pats WR Randy Moss said “I love playing with Tom Brady. I love being coached by Bill Belichick.”

“If you’re asking me where my heart and where I’m happy is, I love playing with Tom Brady. I love being coached by Bill Belichick,” Moss said Wednesday on KFAN 1130-AM in Minneapolis.

Moss joined guest host and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson to chat about a wild 2010 season. Moss started out in New England, passed quietly through Minnesota and concluded with the Tennessee Titans.

Moss’ combined stats were a lackluster 28 receptions for 393 yards and five touchdowns. He will be a free agent once a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated.

He also said he’d love to return to the Vikings and seemed to randomly add he would play for the Cleveland Browns or Seattle Seahawks if they wanted him.

“Wherever it is, I just want somebody to respect what I do,” Moss said. “The loyalty that I believe in, man, I think that teams that I play for … I just like loyalty, and I want that around me. Whoever wants me, that’s where I’m going to play at.”

But he stressed his affection for the Patriots in particular.

“I think that just the success as a wide receiver and everything that the New England Patriots stand for, you know, I’m a big fan of Bill Belichick’s,” Moss said. “I really am, and not just on the field. I’m a fan of his off the field because, you know, the little grouchy man that you see on-camera is not what you see off-camera.

“And people say ‘Well, Moss, you got traded to Minnesota from New England!’ Well, I just told y’all this is a business, man. People have to understand the nature of the business. It’s not just a sport. The sport comes along with the business. If you really don’t think it’s a business, then why they sitting there, fighting over $9 billion?”

Should the Patriots consider signing Moss?

They do need an outside threat who can stretch a defense. But Moss turned 34 last month, and the Patriots went 11-1 without him, winning another AFC East title.

Moss also might need to mend fences with New England’s coaching staff before anything can happen. ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss reported a verbal altercation between Moss and playcaller Bill O’Brien at halftime of their Week 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins marked Moss’ last game for the Patriots.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — As if this game needed more hype.

Rex Ryan, never afraid to say what’s on his mind, declared the New York Jets’ playoff game against the New England Patriots as a lot more than just another postseason matchup.

“I think it’ll be huge,” Ryan said Friday in his final news conference before Sunday’s AFC divisional playoff. “This one will probably be the second-biggest in the history of the franchise.”

Broadway Joe and the 1969 Super Bowl champions’ win over the Baltimore Colts is still at the top, of course. But this game between the Jets (12-5) and Patriots (14-2) isn’t far behind — at least in Ryan’s mind. Yep, even bigger than last year’s AFC Championship Game against Indianapolis.

“This year is huge because you’ve got your rival,” he said, “a team that’s won three Super Bowls right there in your own division, at their place, coming off the huge, embarrassing loss that we had in the Monday night game (on Dec. 6).”

After a ho-hum week of name-calling, accusations and challenges, Ryan’s chatty Jets are looking to get past the Patriots and reach the AFC Championship Game for the second straight season. But Bill Belichick and Tom Brady might have something to say about all of that. On the field, that is.

“Certainly the stakes are much higher than they were the last time,” Brady said, referring to the Patriots’ 45-3 rout last month. “Each can execute, certainly, at a very high level against great competition, and that’s going to be part of the reason why there is going to be millions of people tuned in for the game on Sunday.”

The fact these teams clearly don’t like each other — at all — would be another.

“One thing I can tell you right now, we have plenty of respect for them up there, but we don’t fear them,” Ryan said. “I can promise you that. We do not fear them. We respect them, and we’re going to win the game. That’s our message.”

There have been plenty of other messages sent from New York to Boston.

Ryan kicked things off last week when he praised Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning, saying no one studies like him, even though Brady thinks he does. Then, Ryan said Monday that this game against the Patriots was “personal” between him and Belichick. Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie took things to another level of nastiness when he called Brady an expletive, while he and his coach accused the Patriots quarterback of showboating and pointing at their sideline after a late touchdown.

Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery said the Patriots spread their arms out like planes — the touchdown celebration some New York players use — after an interception in the last meeting.

“When you have a rivalry like this, things are going to come out,” Cotchery said. “People shouldn’t be surprised by any of this. This is a contact sport, though, and it’s going to be settled out there on the field in the end.”

To their credit, the Patriots stayed mostly quiet — under orders from Belichick, of course, who rarely gets into verbal confrontations with other teams through the media.

Notes

• Jets backup cornerback Drew Coleman (knee) and wide receiver Brad Smith (groin) are listed as questionable because of injuries before the playoff game at New England.

• New San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh hired three coaches from his former Stanford staff to join him in the NFL. The 49ers named Greg Roman offensive coordinator, Vic Fangio defensive coordinator and Tim Drevno offensive-line coach.

• The San Diego Chargers hired Greg Manusky as defensive coordinator.

• Former Jaguars tight end Ernest Wilford was charged in Jacksonville with resisting arrest and trespassing after a disturbance at a bar. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Wilford refused police advice to leave the bar early Friday, pushed one officer and was subdued by another using a Taser.

Tom Brady just wants to talk about football. The New York Jets won’t let him.

Day after noisy day, the mouths to the south keep moving. The quarterback tries to evade their onslaughts as if they were 300-pound pass rushers.

The latest blitz: Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie called the mop-topped leader of the New England Patriots an expletive.

“I’ve been called worse,” Brady said, brushing it off like the heavy snow that fell on Foxborough. “I’m sure there’s a long list of people who feel that way.”

Cromartie made his comment Tuesday to the New York Daily News and didn’t back off on Wednesday, although he said he’s never met Brady.

“Why should I regret it? That’s how I feel,” he said. “As long as I’m in the NFL and he’s in the NFL, there’s going to be a hatred.”

Brady just keeps plowing forward.

The Patriots most valuable motorist, who was involved in a car collision three days before the season opener but made it to practice, traveled treacherous roads and arrived at work on time Wednesday.

“It was tough conditions for everyone,” Brady said. “But everyone’s here, ready to work and get ready for the biggest game of the year.”

Does anything faze this guy?

New York’s Rex Ryan hopes to be as successful outwitting New England’s Bill Belichick on the field as he is off it when the coaches lead their teams in Sunday’s divisional playoff game.

Ryan already has opened wide his bulging playbook of colorful remarks by throwing verbal jabs at Brady, who simply shrugs them off _ but may not forget.

Last Thursday, the Jets boss said “nobody” studies like Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning. Brady, Ryan said, “thinks he does” but gets more help from Belichick than there is with Manning. Brady acknowledged that he gets “a ton” of help from his coach.

On Saturday night during the Patriots’ bye week, Brady attended the Broadway play “Lombardi” about Green Bay’s legendary coach Vince Lombardi and missed part of the Jets’ 17-16 playoff win over the Colts on television. Ryan said on Monday, with a grin, that “Manning would have been watching our game.”

He also said that day that Brady “took a shot at me by his antics on the field.” Did he mean Brady pointed at the Jets’ sideline or looked at them after scoring? “I don’t like seeing that; nobody does. No Jet fan likes to see that. And I know he can’t wait to do it. He’s not going to say anything publicly,” Ryan said.

He’s right about that.

“It’s certainly not my intent. I’m sure there’s 50,000 cameras on the game. If I did that I’m sure they’d show it,” Brady said, sounding innocent. “I don’t think I’ve ever pointed at anybody. That’s not my style.”

Even if he did rub it in by gesturing to the New York sideline after scoring during a 45-3 win Dec. 6, it could have been prevented _ by the Jets themselves.

“He was pretty demonstrative when we played him up there last time,” Jets linebacker Jason Taylor said. “I come from the school of thought where if you don’t want someone to celebrate or be excited or say something to you or do something that you might perceive as offensive, then don’t let them score.”

Cromartie said he hopes Brady tries to pick on him Sunday for his remark.

But is there a line that can be crossed that goes beyond trash talking?

“I’m sure there is,” Belichick said calmly.

And what is that?

“I don’t know,” he said. “In my mind right now it’s the New York Jets Sunday at 4:30.”

Might all the jabbering have an effect on the Patriots performance then?

“We’ll see on Sunday night at 7:30,” Brady said. “That’s when everybody will be able to tell whether it played a role or not.”

It will be Brady’s first postseason game since the worst one in a career in which he is 14-4 in the playoffs with three Super Bowl championships. He lost in the first round last season to Baltimore, 33-14. In the first quarter alone, he threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and was sacked twice as Baltimore took a 24-0 lead. Even his home fans booed him.

He hasn’t talked much about whether that loss motivates him but he appears more driven this season. He’s thrown 36 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, just one more than the Ravens picked off in that rout.

“That’s kind of hard to do in this league,” Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis said, “and he’s doing it like a piece of cake.”

Ryan keeps saying he respects Brady as a player but won’t punish Cromartie for using a nasty word.

“We don’t have to be all lovey-dovey and say he’s the greatest thing since sliced bread,” Ryan said. “We have a right to our opinion and a comment like that, it’s no big deal.”

Belichick says his team is focused on preparing for the game. His players say that Cromartie’s characterization doesn’t motivate them and that he’s entitled to his opinion.

When asked about the unflattering description, Brady smoothly shifted the direction to praising Cromartie’s skills.

“He’s a good player,” Brady said. “Revis is a great player. They have a great secondary and they are one of the best defenses we face. We’re going to spend a lot of time preparing for them. … The way they shut down the Colts offense is pretty impressive because we know how good that offense is.”

Cromartie has one of the four interceptions Brady threw. Revis held AFC receptions leader Reggie Wayne to one catch for a yard in the playoff win over Indianapolis.

For the Patriots, the goal is to beat Cromartie and his defensive mates on the field. The talk can wait.

“I don’t think we’re spending our time figuring out what we can do to combat what people say about us,” Brady said. “Not everybody has great things to say about our team or organization or certain players and that’s the way it’s always been.”

He’s even been criticized by his own coaches. Some, he said, have used the same word Cromartie used.

“Belichick’s called me that and my offensive coordinator calls me that,” Brady said. “I know they like me so maybe he really likes me.”

___

AP Sports Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. in Florham Park, N.J., contributed to this report.

Tom Brady just wants to talk about football. The New York Jets won’t let him.

Day after noisy day, the mouths to the south keep moving. The quarterback tries to evade their onslaughts as if they were 300-pound pass rushers.

The latest blitz: Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie called the mop-topped leader of the New England Patriots an expletive.

“I’ve been called worse,” Brady said, brushing it off like the heavy snow that fell on Foxborough. “I’m sure there’s a long list of people who feel that way.”

Cromartie made his comment Tuesday to the New York Daily News and didn’t back off on Wednesday, although he said he’s never met Brady.

“Why should I regret it? That’s how I feel,” he said. “As long as I’m in the NFL and he’s in the NFL, there’s going to be a hatred.”

Brady just keeps plowing forward.

The Patriots most valuable motorist, who was involved in a car collision three days before the season opener but made it to practice, traveled treacherous roads and arrived at work on time Wednesday.

“It was tough conditions for everyone,” Brady said. “But everyone’s here, ready to work and get ready for the biggest game of the year.”

Does anything faze this guy?

New York’s Rex Ryan hopes to be as successful outwitting New England’s Bill Belichick on the field as he is off it when the coaches lead their teams in Sunday’s divisional playoff game.

Ryan already has opened wide his bulging playbook of colorful remarks by throwing verbal jabs at Brady, who simply shrugs them off _ but may not forget.

Last Thursday, the Jets boss said “nobody” studies like Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning. Brady, Ryan said, “thinks he does” but gets more help from Belichick than there is with Manning. Brady acknowledged that he gets “a ton” of help from his coach.

On Saturday night during the Patriots’ bye week, Brady attended the Broadway play “Lombardi” about Green Bay’s legendary coach Vince Lombardi and missed part of the Jets’ 17-16 playoff win over the Colts on television. Ryan said on Monday, with a grin, that “Manning would have been watching our game.”

He also said that day that Brady “took a shot at me by his antics on the field.” Did he mean Brady pointed at the Jets’ sideline or looked at them after scoring? “I don’t like seeing that; nobody does. No Jet fan likes to see that. And I know he can’t wait to do it. He’s not going to say anything publicly,” Ryan said.

He’s right about that.

“It’s certainly not my intent. I’m sure there’s 50,000 cameras on the game. If I did that I’m sure they’d show it,” Brady said, sounding innocent. “I don’t think I’ve ever pointed at anybody. That’s not my style.”

Even if he did rub it in by gesturing to the New York sideline after scoring during a 45-3 win Dec. 6, it could have been prevented _ by the Jets themselves.

“He was pretty demonstrative when we played him up there last time,” Jets linebacker Jason Taylor said. “I come from the school of thought where if you don’t want someone to celebrate or be excited or say something to you or do something that you might perceive as offensive, then don’t let them score.”

Cromartie said he hopes Brady tries to pick on him Sunday for his remark.

But is there a line that can be crossed that goes beyond trash talking?

“I’m sure there is,” Belichick said calmly.

And what is that?

“I don’t know,” he said. “In my mind right now it’s the New York Jets Sunday at 4:30.”

Might all the jabbering have an effect on the Patriots performance then?

“We’ll see on Sunday night at 7:30,” Brady said. “That’s when everybody will be able to tell whether it played a role or not.”

It will be Brady’s first postseason game since the worst one in a career in which he is 14-4 in the playoffs with three Super Bowl championships. He lost in the first round last season to Baltimore, 33-14. In the first quarter alone, he threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and was sacked twice as Baltimore took a 24-0 lead. Even his home fans booed him.

He hasn’t talked much about whether that loss motivates him but he appears more driven this season. He’s thrown 36 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, just one more than the Ravens picked off in that rout.

“That’s kind of hard to do in this league,” Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis said, “and he’s doing it like a piece of cake.”

Ryan keeps saying he respects Brady as a player but won’t punish Cromartie for using a nasty word.

“We don’t have to be all lovey-dovey and say he’s the greatest thing since sliced bread,” Ryan said. “We have a right to our opinion and a comment like that, it’s no big deal.”

Belichick says his team is focused on preparing for the game. His players say that Cromartie’s characterization doesn’t motivate them and that he’s entitled to his opinion.

When asked about the unflattering description, Brady smoothly shifted the direction to praising Cromartie’s skills.

“He’s a good player,” Brady said. “Revis is a great player. They have a great secondary and they are one of the best defenses we face. We’re going to spend a lot of time preparing for them. … The way they shut down the Colts offense is pretty impressive because we know how good that offense is.”

Cromartie has one of the four interceptions Brady threw. Revis held AFC receptions leader Reggie Wayne to one catch for a yard in the playoff win over Indianapolis.

For the Patriots, the goal is to beat Cromartie and his defensive mates on the field. The talk can wait.

“I don’t think we’re spending our time figuring out what we can do to combat what people say about us,” Brady said. “Not everybody has great things to say about our team or organization or certain players and that’s the way it’s always been.”

He’s even been criticized by his own coaches. Some, he said, have used the same word Cromartie used.

“Belichick’s called me that and my offensive coordinator calls me that,” Brady said. “I know they like me so maybe he really likes me.”

___

AP Sports Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. in Florham Park, N.J., contributed to this report.