After the Patriots beat the Bills last Sunday, Moss walked to the podium and made a short statement to thank those who came to his defense when analysts spent the week debating his effort. Before that day, Moss stayed silent throughout all the criticism. It was the most scrutiny he has faced in his three seasons in New England.

Moss caught five passes for 70 yards and one touchdown in the 17-10 victory against Buffalo. The performance seemed to cool the talk, but it didn’t provide many answers for the inconsistency of the Patriots offense, which was held to 3 points in the second half.

With two games left in the regular season, quarterback Tom Brady said earlier in the week that the offense is continuing to search for an identity.

Yesterday, Moss gave his opinion on the offense. He agreed to answer one question and said the expectations of the offense have yet to be met, but he doesn’t have a reason.

“I believe that,’’ Moss said. “I believe we’re looking for an identity. The fact [is] that we haven’t met our expectations as an offense and really been able to execute for four quarters. There’s a feeling-out period. It’s actually kind of late in the season for us to be trying to feel it out.

“We’re just going to keep fighting, and whatever happens, happens.’’

Yesterday, he was handed his first fine. While Brace took down Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, he grabbed the facemask and drew a penalty flag. The play led him to be docked $5,000.

He is the second Patriots rookie to be fined this season. Safety Pat Chung was fined $7,500 for roughing the passer against Miami in November.

Taylor didn’t give any hints about his chances to play Sunday but said he will be ready if called.

“You know, the team policy is first and foremost, but we’re going to keep playing by ear and see what goes,’’ Taylor said. “At the end of the day, ultimately, it’s coach [Bill] Belichick’s decision and we’re going to do what’s best for the team.’’

With two weeks to go in the season, Taylor said, he is thankful just to be able to talk about playing.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity not to be on IR and just to be here, even having that possibility of playing,’’ he said. “I had a pretty severe injury.

“At this point, it’s no holds barred with the season winding down. Right now, any type of playing time would be outstanding.’’

On Sunday, another member of that class will be in Gillette Stadium as Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew comes to town. Jones-Drew was taken by the Jaguars in the second round that year but has emerged as an elite back.

Jones-Drew is third in the league with 1,246 yards and is tied for the league lead for rushing touchdowns with 15. Maroney has a career-high nine rushing touchdowns and has collected 735 yards on 189 carries.

The 2006 class also includes Reggie Bush, DeAngelo Williams, and Joseph Addai.

“[Jones-Drew] is definitely up there with everybody,’’ Maroney said. “We all are trying to get up on his level. He’s definitely having an excellent year.

“As I think about it, everybody in our class is having a great year right now. It could always be better, but they’re definitely doing their thing right now, so I’m just trying to keep up with the competition.’’

Vince Wilfork (foot) and Ty Warren (ankle) were both limited but practiced for the second day in a row after being inactive against Buffalo. Others who were limited were Sam Aiken (shoulder), Tully Banta-Cain (shoulder), Jarvis Green (knee), Nick Kaczur (shoulder), and Stephen Neal (ankle).

Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com.