Load off Starks's shoulder

Patriots cornerback Duane Starks underwent surgery recently on his right shoulder in Miami. The procedure was performed by Dr. John Uribe, a noted orthopedic surgeon who performed major knee ligament surgery on Bills running back Willis McGahee.

According to Starks, Uribe told him that he had ''one of the most messed up shoulders he'd ever seen." Starks said he had multiple tears and damage, but that he should be ready to go by the time minicamps start next June.

''Now that it's over, I'm glad I had it done when I did," said Starks. ''Just listening to the doctor tell me how bad it was just confirms the type of injury I had and that I couldn't play with it any longer. I knew it was bad because it felt bad. I couldn't be physical out there or get my hands on anyone. The doctor was surprised the shoulder didn't pop out."

Starks was often criticized for being beaten on plays down the field, but it turned out that his fear about the injury's severity was well-grounded.

''The surgery took, like, 3 1/2 hours," Starks said. ''It was supposed to be around 2-2 1/2. I tore the muscle off the bone so he had to do a lot of repairing in there.

''I should be OK. I'm already feeling some range of motion and my strength is getting better. It's going to be a long rehab, but I should be ready to go next year."

Starks said he'll stay in the Miami area during his rehabilitation, making occasional trips to Foxborough.

He said he's watched only bits and pieces of games.

''Right now, it's just too hard for me to watch a game," he said. ''I just need to get myself right physically. Everything else is OK. I'm looking forward to the future again knowing my shoulder will come back and I can play football the way I know I can."

The return of running backs Kevin Faulk (broken foot) and Corey Dillon (calf) appears more plausible this week, which in part accounts for the Patriots releasing former Boston College running back Mike Cloud yesterday. Cloud's release brought the active roster down to 52, which leaves an opening for another player to be signed. Cloud appeared in four games, gaining 8 yards on nine carries. Wide receiver David Givens (knee) also may be closer to game action. Left tackle Matt Light (broken leg) appears to be inching closer as well.

A couple of statistics seem to amplify the Patriots' first-half woes. Ten of their 16 sacks and four of their five interceptions have come in the second half. Only five of their 16 sacks have come at Gillette Stadium . . . The Patriots' defense is allowing a whopping 13.75 yards per pass completion, worst in the NFL, and the 7.99 yards allowed per attempt is third-worst in the league. The league average is 10.77 yards per completion and 6.44 yards per attempt . . . The Patriots have allowed 21 points on opening drives, which is right at the league average. The Jets, this weekend's opponent, have allowed 28 points . . . The Patriots' defense has been on the field for 131 series and has produced 23 three-and-outs (17.56 percent). Only six teams are worse, as the league average is 23.44 percent . . . The Patriots' run defense is about the same as last season, allowing 3.83 yards per carry, which is slightly less than the 3.9 they allowed last season . . . The Patriots have only 10 takeaways -- five fumbles and five interceptions -- resulting in 32 points. They have 20 giveaways (11 interceptions, nine fumbles), accounting for 52 points for their opponents . . . Though they are 2-9, the Jets are one of the least-penalized teams, being whistled for 66, third-fewest in the league. In comparison, the Patriots have been called for 76 penalties, including 18 for holding and 17 for false starts. The Patriots have committed 35 penalties on offense, 29 on defense, and 12 on special teams.

While many fans have been leaving games at Gillette Stadium earlier this season (fourth-quarter crowds for Indianapolis and New Orleans were thinner than usual), two Waltham men proved their loyalty by driving 24 hours to and from Kansas City. Richard Gillaume and Justin Diseglio stuck it out at Arrowhead Stadium in the rain until the bitter end, then came back East after the game as severe weather moved into the area. They estimate that they spent almost $400 in gas each way . . . Monty Beisel was in for about a half-dozen plays subbing for Tedy Bruschi against the Chiefs. Remember that Bruschi is playing Ted Johnson's ''Mike" position, which is mostly a run-support position. Johnson, you'll recall, came out of the game in pass situations. Now Bruschi appears to be a better pass defender than Johnson, and probably stays in the game more often on third down. But the few plays Beisel got to play were more to give Bruschi a rest and to utilize his speed, mostly in passing situations.