The makeshift secondary survived, as O'Neal sealed the game with an interception, but now the question is, which cornerbacks can the Patriots count on this Sunday, when they travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts and Peyton Manning?
Even with a healthy defensive backfield, the Colts' passing attack can be painful for a defense to face, so having to defend Indianapolis with both starting cornerbacks (Hobbs and O'Neal) ailing, the health of the only other non-rookie corners (Sanders and Richardson) uncertain, and bellwether Rodney Harrison out for the year seems like adding insult to injury.
"Whoever is called upon to play, they got to be ready to play and ready to play at a high level," said safety James Sanders, the lone injury-free, regular starter left in the secondary. "Going down there in Indy, they're going to have the place rocking and Peyton is going to be amped like he always is to play us."
The Patriots have brought along rookie cornerbacks Wheatley and Wilhite slowly, but there might be no choice but to expedite their education. Are they ready to match up against Manning and receivers Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Anthony Gonzalez?
"I don't know if I am ready for them," said Belichick. "We will find out on Sunday night. All the players that are on the team we have confidence in and confidence to put them in the game or they wouldn't be here and wouldn't be activated. That answers that question.
"Are they ready? Every week you find out. Do we have confidence to put them in there? Absolutely, that's why they are here."
While the Patriots have confidence in Wheatley, a second-round pick, he was a game-day inactive as recently as the 41-7 win over Denver last Monday night; the team chose to go with Richardson, elevated from the practice squad, ahead of him.
When O'Neal went down Sunday, it was Richardson who got the first crack at replacing him at left corner. Wilhite's role has been primarily as the slot corner or "star."
