The Patriots were left facing the blitz-happy, pressure-crazy Jets defense without one of their strongest antidotes, without quarterback Tom Brady's security blanket.

When time grew short and the play grew hectic, Welker wasn't there to ease Brady's nerves. With rookie Julian Edelman filling in as the slot receiver, it wasn't the same.

``We always miss Wes. He's one of the best players on our team, one of the best in the league,'' said Brady, who was 23-of-47 for 216 yards with one interception in the 16-9 loss. ``Whenever he's not playing, you have to make up for it in other ways. Julian stepped in there the last time, but there's only one Wes Welker out there.''

While Brady was not sacked, he was hit 21 times, often finding himself running for cover. Edelman stepped in with eight catches for 98 yards, and was targeted 16 times. The since-released Joey Galloway had five catches for 53 yards, and was targeted 12 times.

What Brady could not do is what he's done so productively before and since: Communicate telepathically with Welker for a sure completion.

This time, blitzing Brady may create more opportunities than it eliminates. Mentally, Welker gleans the pass protection, how much time Brady will have, and where the holes in the defense are.

``You have to understand who's blitzing and things like that,'' Welker said. ``You may have to quicken up your route knowing it's man coverage and they're blitzing. You have to make sure you're getting open quick, because the quarterback doesn't have as much time as he usually does.''

It's not just the hot route designed for a quick-hitting catch. Welker is also among the league leaders in yards after the catch, as well as one of its most sure-handed receivers.

Edelman was productive against the Jets, but had one key drop on the goal line. How many more yards would Welker have generated? Tough to say.

But Edelman is learning at Welker's hip.

``With a blitzing team, a receiver has to run a hot route,'' said Edelman, the ex-college quarterback who has recovered from a broken arm. ``But we don't know what they're going to do. We just have to prepare for everything.''

Jets coach Rex Ryan was asked how much Welker changes life for the Patriots .

``I hope it's not any different,'' he said. ``(Welker) is a tough dude. I think you can cover him outside, but, I don't want to say (it's) impossible, but the task is large when he's in the slot to try to cover him. Wes Welker is back healthy and catching 10 balls a game. Obviously Tom Brady has a great deal of confidence in him.''

Despite missing two games with a knee injury, Welker is third in the NFL with 64 receptions for 662 receiving yards, four touchdowns and an average of 10.3 yards per catch. Given that one game he missed was the Jets game, he's slightly amped for Sunday.

``I'm finally getting out there to play against a rival team like the Jets,'' Welker said. ``I'm definitely looking forward to it.''

Welker won't be the only difference for the Patriots in facing a secondary that boasts Pro Bowler Darrelle Revis, Pro Bowl wannabe Kerry Rhodes and Lito Sheppard. Gone is Galloway, replaced by Sam Aiken and former practice squad player Isaiah Stanback.

``I'm glad we have who we have going in there,'' Pats coach Bill Belichick said. ``Hopefully, we'll be able to be a little more productive than we were the last time.''

- irapoport@bostonherald.com