In the 3-4 alignment, Tully Banta-Cain was inserted at outside linebacker. That moved Mike Vrabel from outside linebacker to inside linebacker, where he replaced Don Davis.
The team also worked in a 4-3 set at various times, taking Banta-Cain off the field and adding defensive lineman Jarvis Green.
``You know how Coach is as far as changing stuff up," said Green, who saw his most extensive practice action since the opening weekend of camp. ``Whatever he puts up, we have to be ready for it."
Yesterday was a chance for Banta-Cain and Green to prove they can be part of a winning combination on run defense, which has been part of the Patriots' winning formula over the last three seasons. The team limited opponents to 3.6 yards per carry in 2003, then 3.9 in 2004, and 3.6 last season, all top-eight NFL rankings.
The 6-foot-2-inch, 250-pound Banta-Cain, who enters his fourth season and is perhaps best known for temporarily losing his 2003 Super Bowl ring, hasn't been a regular part of those defenses. He has played in 38 regular-season games, but hasn't registered a start while contributing mostly on special teams.
Belichick said Banta-Cain has made strides over the last two weeks, potentially expanding his role.
``I think this has been Tully's best camp. It's also the one where he's probably gotten the most opportunity in a couple of years," said Belichick, noting that Banta-Cain was working behind established outside linebackers Willie McGinest, Rosevelt Colvin, and Vrabel for much of the last three years. ``I think he can help us. He's got a number of things that he does well."
Banta-Cain, who turns 26 Aug. 28, flashed a few of those things Friday night. He overpowered Falcons backup left tackle Frank Omiyale for a second-quarter sack, and earlier in the game he protected the perimeter of the field on a T.J. Duckett run, fighting off a block from tight end Dwayne Blakley to slow Duckett's progress on a 2-yard gain.
In a nutshell, those are the two elements the Patriots are looking for from their outside linebackers: creating havoc in the pass rush and setting the edge on running plays.
