TAMPA, Fla. -- John Lynch is quickly adjusting to life as a New England Patriot. The nine-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro selection signed with the Patriots last week, had a practice with his new squad, and then was thrown into action Sunday night.

Lynch said that last week was crazy.

“It’s the preseason and I just got here two days ago,” Lynch said after Sunday’s game. “To be honest, I’m just trying to learn my plays. I was literally in New England early in the week, went home and talked about it with my family, then got on plane to meet with coaches and [I’m] trying to get up to speed. The plan was just to go in for 5-to-10 plays and [I] got that in. I was a little rusty, but it felt good.”

His teammates are glad to have him.

“I always think it’s a plus any time we can get a guy with his experience, his knowledge, his game play — he’s been in big-time situations,” Patriots defensive back Ellis Hobbs said. “I’ve seen him play against us and I welcome him with open arms just like I would anybody else.”

roblee@projo.com