The fact the Patriots coach spoke fairly in depth about his former quarterback yesterday was significant. In doing so, he took some of the heat off his players.

The players were ready for an onslaught of questions about Bledsoe, whom they'll face Sunday at Orchard Park, N.Y. But if Belichick had said nothing?

''I think if he said nothing it would show us that he was uptight about playing against him,'' said one Patriots player.

There is motive and purpose in everything Belichick says and does. The coach understood he would be besieged with Bledsoe questions. He answered them.

''The Bills are on a three-game winning streak and it's no secret Drew's done a good job,'' Belichick said. ''He has a good group of receivers. Drew is the same now as he has been through his career. He's made big plays in the passing game, has thrown the ball well downfield. He's done a lot of things with a lot of skill throwing the football. Drew is a good football player. We traded him for a valuable pick [first round] and we hope he's a good player.''

Belichick said he made the deal for the ''good of the Patriots organization.'' He didn't elaborate. Bledsoe reiterated during his teleconference that his coming back would have been an untenable situation.