Maybe it wasn’t the best time to trade Randy Moss.
Over the next three weeks, the Patriots will play three of the top four defenses in the league: Baltimore, San Diego and Minnesota.
The Ravens rank second in the NFL in pass defense, giving up just 156 ypg. With Moss out of the picture, the Pats could be the next victim of Baltimore’s stingy ‘D.’
But Bill Belichick and the rest of the Patriots staff won’t say they’re going about their business any differently.
“We have guys that go in and out of the lineup from week to week based on injuries or whatever the circumstances are,” Belichick said. “It’s not that unusual to game plan with a player one week and then without him the next week — and then with them the following week.”
With Moss gone and Kevin Faulk out for the year, coaches and players must adjust and move on.
“Really, our approach won’t change offensively,” player personnel director Nick Caserio said. “We’re a game plan team, so we put in a game plan week to week based on the opponent. We’ll put the players in the positions that we feel are best and try to maximize what we do offensively relative to what the defense does.”
One reason the Pats were able to deal Moss for a draft pick is because other receiving options are turning up. Tight end Aaron Hernandez leads all rookies in receiving yards (240) through four games.
“He’s a good player,” Caserio said. “He’s athletic. He’s versatile. He’s got good toughness. He has good football instincts. … He understands concepts, what you’re trying to do in the passing game. He’s made some plays. Hopefully that will continue.”
