Like an injured player, the status of the offense requires frequent updates.
“Well, we’re continuing to work at it,’’ said Brady. “I think every day in practice, we’re trying to improve our execution. We’ve had a lot of moving parts, everybody is trying to learn each other and understand each other. Sometimes it shows up in a game, sometimes it doesn’t show up so well.
“It’s a long season for us. Being 2-1, I wish we were 3-0. We haven’t played well enough to be 3-0. I think really what we’re focusing on this week is playing this team that can do everything and do everything very well. So we’ve got to go out there and have a great week.’’
Veteran receiver Joey Galloway, who is in his first season with the Patriots, dropped a pass against the Falcons, and Sam Aiken, who is the special teams captain, stopped short on a route in the red zone. Both things seemed to frustrate Brady. When a player reacts to such moments, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, there isn’t much to be gained from the outburst.
“I mean, guys show their emotions and show their personalities and they are competitive guys,’’ Harbaugh said. “We want our guys to show their personalities. So there are going to be times when guys are frustrated, so you’re frustrated. You’re going to be exhilarated, so you’re exhilarated.
“You try to get past the idea that it’s sending a message to somebody. It’s just a man being a man in a situation where he is trying to do his best. I don’t think it impacted the fact that you have a frustrating series here or there. You come and score a touchdown the very next series, which is pretty much what happened for the Patriots last week.’’
The Patriots offense is a work in progress that will have to improve against a Baltimore defense not likely to give them time to figure it all out.
Safety Ed Reed and linebacker Ray Lewis lead a unit that is holding teams to an average of 18 points a game. The Ravens have six interceptions, second in the league, and have allowed the fewest rushing yards (51 per game).
