National Football League

PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK;Post-Moss, nothing new;Opposing `D' should look same

Published Oct. 16, 2010 10:05 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

FOXBORO - If you put aside losing Randy Moss' immense talents, the biggest worry for the Patriots with trading the future Hall of Fame receiver is how it would make life easier for opposing defenses. Without a player to double-team consistently, the thinking went, opponents would be freer to attack.

Yet, according to coach Bill Belichick, Moss stopped commanding persistent double teams midway through 2009.

''I'd say there's probably been less of that as time has gone on,'' Belichick said. ''I think teams have been playing more of just what they play (and) less specific coverages for a particular player. Less (and) lower frequency.''

Belichick said defenses planning their coverage for Moss ''gradually declined'' in 2009. That would indicate that players such as Wes Welker would not face as big an adjustment as originally thought.

''There's always a new wrinkle here and there every year,'' Welker said. ''You've just got to be ready for everything and make the adjustments as you go.''

Asked how the offense will look without Moss but with new/old star Deion Branch, tight end Alge Crumpler said, ''We'll show you (tomorrow).''

Taylor out again

For the second straight game, the Patriots will play without veteran running back Fred Taylor because of a nagging toe injury.

Without Taylor, expect a heavy dose of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is leading the team in rushing.

''Well, you'd always like to have all your players out there,'' Belichick said. ''But BenJarvus has done well all camp, preseason, regular season. He's been a solid guy for us all the way around on offense and in the kicking game. With the opportunities he's had to play, he's done well. I don't think anything is new with him.''

Safety James Sanders (hamstring) is questionable.Welker happy

The Patriots and Branch reworked his contract with an eye toward another receiver's impending extension: Welker. The All-Pro slot receiver is next on the team's list of contracts to redo, though Welker isn't worried about it.

''Not really at all,'' said Welker, slated to make $2.5 million in 2011. ''All I know is I'm under contract and I'm just happy to be here, happy to be a Patriot and just look forward to winning some ballgames.''Strong practices

Coming off their bye week, the Patriots have practiced longer than planned leading up to tomorrow's game. Players described the workouts as ''intense,'' believing they are ready for one of the NFL's finest in the Ravens.

''We're having some very spirited practices, a lot of energy, uptempo, and the biggest thing is what we're doing has to translate to the game field (tomorrow),'' Crumpler said. ''I thought we had a really good start a couple weeks back in Miami, and it's got to continue to be the same way.

''The biggest thing about this team is we know we're in it together. That's the only message that I've been trying to drive home to the guys in this locker room. We're the ones that gotta believe in each other and then we go out and do it. Together.''

Lending a hand

Linebacker Tully Banta-Cain is hoping for a big sack total this year, and he's not the only one doing the wishing. For each sack in 2010, Banta-Cain will make a donation to the After-School All-Stars' Touchdown vs. Shutdown program. His donations of $1,000 per sack will enrich the nationwide after-school programming for at-risk youth.

''It means a great deal to be part of a national program like this and try to set a good example for kids to get caught up in the right things instead of the wrong things,'' said Banta-Cain, who has two sacks. ''Hopefully I can get plenty of sacks this year and really help some of them out.''

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League