National Football League

PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK;Defense is coordinated;No surprise, Bill's in charge

Published Oct. 14, 2010 10:10 p.m. ET

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FOXBORO - The last time Bill Belichick was officially a defensive coordinator, he was helping the Giants win two Super Bowls two decades ago. Now, the Patriots coach has gone back to his roots.

One of the worst kept secrets around crept out yesterday, as linebacker Tully Banta-Cain acknowledged that Belichick is serving as the defensive coordinator this season. The team has not listed one since Dean Pees left to be the Ravens linebackers coach.

''Bill, obviously, he's head of the defense right now, he's controlling the meetings,'' Banta-Cain said.

Belichick brushed off the topic, which is consistent with his stance that titles are meaningless. But he didn't deny it, either.

''I just try to coach the team the best we can,'' Belichick said.

Linebacker Jerod Mayo had indicated about Belichick's role, but never said so explicitly. Banta-Cain left no doubt, saying the message has been clearer for a young unit.

''The message was always pretty well conveyed from the D-coordinator who was here,'' Banta-Cain said. ''But now when you hear from Bill, there's no gray (area). If you had any questions (Belichick would) be able to answer them. Now you're getting it straight from him, there's no one else to ask.''

Mankins sets date

Guard Logan Mankins apparently has a reporting date. The unrestricted free agent, who has stayed away from Foxboro amid a contract dispute, plans to arrive in time to receive his accrued year toward free agency.

ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen reported that Mankins will arrive by Nov. 16, before the Patriots' home game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Recently, Mankins' agent Frank Bauer (who did not respond to a call for comment) was asked the same question.

''Who knows?'' Bauer told the Herald. ''Who knows? He may. He may not. You may see him tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens.''

Rice's run

It would be difficult to have a more indelible memory for the Patriots than watching Baltimore running back Ray Rice dart 83 yards for a touchdown. That's how the Patriots began their playoff stint last year, one that didn't last long.

Rice didn't hesitate to call up the long TD run in his memory bank.

''It was a great way to start the playoffs, especially against that kind of team,'' Rice said. ''The play was blocked perfectly. Those runs don't happen too often. Even though it was last year, that's still a good memory.''

As for the Patriots, the recollections were slightly different.

''We played that play 100 times before, and it's just a crease he hit, and then he was out of the gates,'' nose tackle Vince Wilfork said. ''We'll learn from the past.''

No Moss `a relief'

By yesterday, the Patriots were done addressing the Randy Moss trade. Moss has already played for the Vikings, and they've moved on.

''I really don't want to talk about it anymore,'' quarterback Tom Brady said.

Yet the Ravens were more than happy to wax poetic about a game that doesn't involve facing Moss. Linebacker Ray Lewis described it as ''a relief'' to not worry about scheming for him.

''I say that because that deep ball (he can catch),'' Lewis said. ''No matter if you have great coverage on them or not, he's going to make a play. You don't prepare differently for them, but you do prepare (knowing) you're not playing against Randy Moss. And that's always huge.''

On the flip side, the Pats have the luxury of playing the Ravens without perennial Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed, who is on the physically unable to perform list with a hip injury.

''Yeah, I'm happy about that,'' Brady said. ''I like those PUP rules for six weeks.''

Belichick wasn't too upset, either.

''We're never in a big rush to see Ed Reed on the other side of the field.'' he said.

Wheatley back

For the second consecutive day, defensive back Terrence Wheatley (foot) practiced, though running back Fred Taylor (toe) did not. Wheatley, who has been out since camp, is proceeding cautiously.

''There were some plays when I felt pretty normal, and there were other plays when I was not quite there yet,'' Wheatley said. ''But that's expected. So the key is just feeling confident in, not only my playing ability, but the injury itself.'' . . .

Safety Bret Lockett, who is on injured reserve, said his recent charge of ''disorderly conduct'' was dropped, while his ''failure to move'' charge will be dropped if he stays out of trouble for three weeks.

Lockett was in the Providence Municipal Court on Tuesday for an incident that occurred Sept. 25. He was upset that the public perception of him may have changed.

''I didn't feel I did anything wrong on my part,'' he said. ''Just wrong place, wrong time. A misunderstanding on both parts.''

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