Moss sparkles in Patriots debut

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Randy Moss caught a long pass and stepped into the end zone, flashing the dominant playmaking ability that made him one of NFL's most feared wide receivers.

Looks like it's time for opposing defenses to get scared again.

Moss caught 9 passes from Tom Brady for 183 yards and a touchdown in his New England debut, leading the Patriots to a 38-14 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday. Ellis Hobbs also set an NFL record by taking the second-half kickoff 108 yards for a score.

"I was nervous before the game," Moss said. "I didn't know how much I was going to play or what might happen. I settled down after the first catch and the first hit. I don't think I ever was more anxious or more nervous. I didn't know how I would play."

Neither did anyone else, including the Patriots.

Moss, acquired from Oakland in a draft-day deal, missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury and it was unclear how much of an impact he would have with his new team, or if he'd even play against the Jets.

In the end, Moss made all the difference.

"I've been playing long enough so that I've pretty much got down catching balls and making plays after I get them," Moss said. "I've got that covered, but I've got to get my mind ready."

Moss was prepared after two miserable years with the Raiders. A perennial Pro Bowl receiver with Minnesota, he appeared rejuvenated Sunday, showing no ill effects from the missed time in camp.

"He was a great player before he got to the Patriots," Brady said. "Obviously, he's still a great player."

Brady, who faced little pressure from the Jets, was 22 of 28 for 297 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 5-yarder to Benjamin Watson that was set up by catches of 22 and 33 yards by Moss.