ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills rookie safety Jairus Byrd can't imagine New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss moping around Ralph Wilson Stadium.

"We're ready for it to be a game," said Byrd, who leads the NFL with nine interceptions. "I'm excited. I can't wait."

Moss has been under fire the past week from some critics for a perceived lack of effort. Others have defended him, but the story has been a hot one. Although Moss dodged reporters all week, Byrd expects Moss will be eager to make a statement Sunday.

"He's going to come in here with a chip on his shoulder," Byrd said. "Everything that's in the media and what happened last week with Carolina. We know he's going to have a chip, try to prove something. That's the game of football."

The Bills rank fifth in pass defense and lead the NFL with 25 interceptions.

Moss had a superb game against the Bills on opening night. He caught 12 passes for 141 yards. But the Bills' secondary has been revamped since then. Byrd didn't start that game. He made only three tackles.

"We think we're a good secondary," Byrd said. "I'm excited for the challenge. You play this game to compete, and that's what it's going to be on Sunday.

"We've got to stay mentally tough. They're not going to go away, no matter what you do. They might be down, but they're a veteran team. They got Tom Brady leading them. They're never out of the game. We've got to keep the foot on the pedal."