FOXBORO -- The Patriots will tell you that the New York Jets defense looks no different.
But without cornerback Darrelle Revis, who has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season, Rex Ryan's defense clearly isn't the same.
Still, the Patriots believe it will pose a challenge on Sunday.
"It's a challenge every week," said Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch on Wednesday. "I think this is the next best challenge for us. Everything is based off of what we do. Our biggest thing is, we can't be focused on our opponents. We've got to worry about what the Patriots are doing.
"We all enjoy the competition, you know what I'm saying? It's sad that he's down," added Branch. "We never hope for bad for anyone, especially in this game that we're playing. But I'm pretty sure he'll bounce back. He'll be ok. But we always look forward to the competition."
Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd isn't as familiar with the Jets as some of his teammates who have more extensive experience in the AFC East. But he knows Revis is out so his attention this week is on other members of the Jets secondary.
"I don't know," Lloyd said. "I haven't got that far in film study yet. I think that right now, we're just focusing on the players that are playing this week."
New England Patriots
One of the Jets' most important cogs on defense is cornerback Antonio Cromartie. He leads New York with three interceptions, and will most likely be covering Lloyd.
"He's talented," said Lloyd. "He's got a lot of talent, a lot of speed, and he plays well."
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady acknowledged the difference in New York's personnel on defense, but also admitted that Cromartie's presence still makes the Jets dangerous.
"He's a great player, one of the best that I've ever gone against," said Brady of Revis on Wednesday. "At the same time I think they've moved on from that situation and played really well last week against Indianapolis without him. They still have a very good defense. It's built around their team and their scheme and they have very good players, big powerful guys that run well and are very distinctive.
"They have a lot of veteran players at safety and linebacker. Cromartie is a heck of a player in his own right, and he's had a great season, so he's really assumed the role of taking the matches to the opponent's number one receiver, or perceived number one receiver. They seem like they're still doing what they've always done and doing very well."