The Patriots also have had their own embarrassment that probably surpassed anything Moss has done. After all, Moss is just one knucklehead. But the Patriots as an organization were branded as cheaters after the Spygate scandal broke in early September. They’ve had to live with that stigma all season, and indeed they’ve used it as a fuel during their history-making sojourn. In a way, Moss might even be justified in looking down his nose at the anti-social behavior of the franchise for which he plays.

Whenever a team makes a run at a spotless record, the pressure increases along with the dumb questions. The Patriots have been in the crosshairs of media, fans and opposing teams all year long. They’re immune to distractions at this point.

Of course, there’s always the possibility that this situation could grow larger. The woman who is making the allegations against Moss might ratchet up the stakes by doing interviews or holding a press conference or filing a civil suit. As it stands now, a hearing to determine whether a permanent restraining order will be imposed is scheduled for Jan. 28, six days before the Super Bowl.

Moss could have been telling the truth when he claimed he “never put my hand on one woman, physically or in an angry manner.” Yet now he has to deal with a very public controversy when he would probably prefer to blend into the background, except on the field.

The Patriots will rally around Moss. But they also have a built-in defense mechanism: They’re the Patriots.

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They’re on an unprecedented roll. They have a head coach in Belichick who has been known to run up a score or two, and then offer a less-than-warm handshake to the opposing coach afterward. They have a matinee idol for a quarterback in Tom Brady. They have old defensive warhorses in Rodney Harrison and Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi who will attract attention in the twilight of their careers. They share a region that is enjoying a sports renaissance with help from the Celtics and Red Sox.

There is a lot to serve as a distraction from the distraction that is Randy Moss.

What will probably happen is that the Patriots will win their final two games, and Moss will have exceptional efforts in both. Then this latest incident will be lost amid the hubbub of the victory parade, assuming that everybody involved has the good sense to prevent Moss from driving a float.