Mangini speaks, a bit defensively

Though he didn't look particularly comfortable under the lights, Mangini didn't crack and share any secrets during the 11-minute session.

How good his defense proves to be won't be known for some time, but one thing's for certain: Mangini will field a squad that knows the ins and outs of the schemes they are expected to execute.

''He's a good teacher," said linebacker Chad Brown, who at 35 happens to be a year older than his coach. ''The way he installs things, it makes sense, and he's very approachable.

''He's constantly asking us questions to, No. 1, see what the heck we know, and, No. 2, to see how we feel about certain things and how comfortable we are."

The Patriots say that their comfort level has been steadily improving throughout the offseason, which began with Mangini taking the position vacated by Romeo Crennel, who left to become head coach in Cleveland.

Mangini's 10 years working for Bill Belichick and seven with Crennel have eased the transition.

''You always want to go with a guy who's been around, who knows the system and knows the players, as opposed to some guy you just grab off the street," Davis said. ''Doesn't matter how good he is, but he comes in and he's not really familiar with the way you do things.

''It does make the transition a lot easier to have a guy in-house that steps up."

Patriots defenders are already weary of questions about any differences between Crennel and Mangini. Rosevelt Colvin joked that the only difference is that one is black, the other white.

''Even if I hated Eric's style, I'd still have to deal with it, so who cares about the difference between he and Romeo?" safety Rodney Harrison said.

Mangini seems to like where things are at this point. After a couple of so-so outings, the Patriots dominated Green Bay in an exhibition game last week.

''I think that we are making progress from where we were in minicamp and [the beginning of] training camp," Mangini said. ''These guys work really hard. They study, which helps, and we're getting a little bit better each week.