Jets vs. Patriots: Did New England Miss Randy Moss vs. New York's Defense?

The New England Patriots got pounded by the New York Jets Sunday afternoon, and were dominated in every facet of the game.

The Patriots offense was especially bad, not being able to protect Tom Brady, or get any kind of rhythm until it was too little too late.

Patriots receivers were so well covered by the Jets linebackers and secondary that Tom Brady had so much time to throw the football, but no one was open, causing Brady to be sacked five times.

Without a legitimate deep threat, the Patriots could not create any big plays, and were forced to use short passes, something Rex Ryan and the Jets defense had a great game plan for.

This begs the question, would Randy Moss have made the difference in New England's favor?

I was one of the first people to praise Patriots mastermind Bill Belichick when he decided to trade Moss to the Minnesota Vikings, but now I realize it was a mistake.

The Patriots were a bit predictable with Moss, but the big-play factor he brought was huge.

Moss' size and speed helped stretch the field, and open up holes in the middle for Wes Welker to punish defenses. 

Yes, Moss had lost a step since his record-setting 2007, but he was still an elite receiver, and a touchdown threat on every down.

The Patriots did not have a go-to receiver vs. the Jets on Sunday, and Deion Branch who was supposed to be the clutch receiver was nowhere to be found.

Patriots fans were sad to see Randy Moss go, and now Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are also sad they made the decision to give up on him.