BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New England Patriots were softened up the middle with the consecutive losses of defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and linebacker Jerod Mayo.
For at least a week, New England might be a bit softer on the outside, too.
The Patriots will likely be without star cornerback Aqib Talib when they travel across the division to face the New York Jets Sunday, according to ProFootballTalk. Talib suffered a hip flexor strain last week in New England's thrilling victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Talib was stellar in guarding Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, holding the basically-a-receiver to zero catches for zero yards before limping off the field in the third quarter. Graham finished the game without a reception despite being targeted six times (via ESPN stats).
Gang Green figured to make a push in the run game against a Wilfork/Mayo-less defensive front, but the absence of Talib would allow Jets quarterback Geno Smith to take a few more shots at Stephen Hill on the perimeter.
In a minor consolation to the Patriots, Jets receiver Santonio Holmes, who Talib would typically be tasked with covering, is expected to miss his third game in a row.
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