"During the week, linebacker Jerod Mayo insisted members of the defense were not the least bit miffed with Patriots coach Bill Belichick after last week's controversial fourth-and-2 call against the Colts.

While former teammate Tedy Bruschi suggested Belichick's apparent lack of faith in the defense to make a late fourth-quarter stop would have made his blood boil for weeks, Mayo respectfully disagreed with his mentor. Given Bruschi was no longer a resident in the locker room, he didn't have a proper read on the pulse of what the players truly felt, Mayo said.

The team's new defensive captain, who isn't fond of speaking during the week, took a stand in support of his coach.

"He doesn't know the feelings that this defense or that this team has," Mayo said of Bruschi. "We still have our confidence. We still have our swagger. We're going to go out Sunday and show the media, I guess."

How did it play out yesterday? Did they still have their swagger intact?

If they didn't, Mark Sanchez (four interceptions, fumble) sure gave them reason to pump their chests during yesterday's 31-14 dismantling of Gang Green. Sanchez' favorite receiver was Pats corner Leigh Bodden, who picked him off three times.

Let's just say if the Pats were fourth-and-2 on their 28, with Sanchez on the other side instead of Peyton Manning, they would have punted and taken their chances with the rookie. But it wasn't as simple as the Jets quarterback looking completely overmatched.

The Pats stuffed the NFL's top running game, forcing the jittery Sanchez to pass. They clogged up the running lanes, primarily with nose tackle Vince Wilfork dominating the middle and setting the tone. Wilfork also made a few cameos at left end.

Thomas Jones, who wound up with 104 yards, was held to 62 yards on 16 carries through three quarters, when the Jets still were theoretically in the game. He got the rest of his yardage during garbage time.

So, if there was some leftover resentment or rebellion against the coach, it did not play out here. The Pats defense allowed just one touchdown. The other score was the result of a blocked punt."