Pats players yesterday said they have moved on, instead choosing to stare at oncoming traffic instead of in their rear-view mirrors.

``The mourning period is over,'' quarterback Tom Brady said.

Yet the defeat comes with more baggage than just the extra number in the loss column. There is the reality that the Patriots left New Orleans without a signature road win and without the status that comes with being considered an elite team.

Players faced countless questions about a nation writing them off, all while the Saints, Colts and Vikings get to sit at the cool table of the NFL's cafeteria.

``I'm not surprised at all, not the way we've been playing,'' receiver Wes Welker said. ``We've got a lot of things we need to take care of. We realize that.''

Winning a Super Bowl still is the main goal. One high-profile loss doesn't rule it out, but the immediate goal is moving on.

``We've had big wins, we've had tough losses,'' coach Bill Belichick said. ``We haven't had any ties, but it would be the same. We move past that game.''

Welker harped on how the team ``can't have a hangover,'' a common ailment after bad nights on Bourbon Street. But he also was clear the team can't lean on its past December success.

``Not with the way we've been playing lately,'' Welker said. ``We need to make sure we're coming out (doing) the things that take place with good Football teams.''

The message: Look ahead to the Dolphins Sunday, but don't forget.

``(In) our locker room,'' linebacker Junior Seau said, ``we don't rehash the negatives.''

Added linebacker Adalius Thomas: ``Try not to make the same mistake twice.''

There were lessons.

For a secondary that allowed eight passing plays of 15 or more yards.

For an offense that appeared disjointed by a scheme that took Welker and Randy Moss away.

For a psyche rattled as another explosive offense stole the Patriots' earmarks.

When the eventual result became clear, it wasn't a calm sideline. Players voiced frustration loud and clear.

Is that commonplace on 31 other sidelines during desperate times? Of course. But it only turns positive if the yelling becomes educational by Sunday.

How well has the team responded?

``(Yesterday) is not the day to determine that,'' running back Kevin Faulk said. ``That day is Sunday.''

The team sage also took issue with national analysts dismissing the Patriots as Super Bowl contenders because of one loss. He reminded reporters that the team only has four defeats.

``We're still in the running for something,'' Faulk said. ``Are we written off because we lost four games? That's people's opinion. We got good players, we just got to be able to execute when it's time to execute in critical situations. But it all depends on how you handle (defeat). If you stick your head between your legs, stay inside for four or five days, you're not handling it. It's about taking it on head-first.''

The quarterback is on Faulk's side. Brady admitted he was disgruntled with the way his team played, describing his teammates as ``frustrated and disappointed.'' But he also offered a quick stock report.

``We're 7-4, we're ahead two games in the division,'' Brady said. ``The season's not lost by any stretch. When you don't play good Football, you lose games. That's not a new revelation for any of us. The season isn't decided. There's a lot of Football to be played. A win this week would do a lot for us.''