Seau still `lucky' to be competing.

Byline: Rich Garven

COLUMN: Patriots Notes

FOXBORO - There were a dozen or so sticky notes with the word "lucky" on them posted all over Junior Seau's locker yesterday. So what gives?

"One of our D-linemen missed a call, which is a `lucky' call," the veteran linebacker said in reference to a play from Friday's loss to Tennessee. "I pasted lucky signs all over his locker so he would never forget it. I guess he got it because he put them back on mine."

Seau noted earlier this month how fortunate he was to be back for a return engagement with the Patriots. Nothing has changed to alter that view.

"Putting a helmet on and being allowed to be part of the team again is definitely something special," he said.

Seau spent the bulk of his 18-year career in San Diego before heading to the East Coast, first with Miami and last year with the Patriots. While every season presents a new challenge, this future Hall of Famer has found his time here to be particularly demanding.

"One of the things here is you have to know more than just your position, and if you don't you can be left behind," Seau said. "That's one of the infrastructures of this defense. You just can't play one position and think you're going to be OK. Everyone has to be utility men."

The demands are great, but Seau believes it helps the time at work go by faster.

"It's fun because it can be monotonous in terms of playing one position and hitting a guard in the chin every down," Seau said. "You can do a lot of different things and (coach Bill Belichick) is going to use you where your skills can help this team win."

As for the team itself, it was pointed out to Seau that he's no longer the elder statesman with Vinny Testaverde back on board. That resulted in a quick chuckle and a lot of praise from Seau.

"It does make me feel younger seeing Vinny out there," he said. "That's a great person to want to have on our squad, but more importantly it says a lot about him. To be able to still play the game and, again, being a player needed by an organization like this is such a key."

Sanders receives praise

The release of safety Artrell Hawkins was no doubt influenced by the continued progress of James Sanders.

After playing a limited role as a rookie, Sanders appeared in all 16 games last season. He bottomed out early, though, getting torched against Denver, before turning things around.

Sanders started five of the final seven games in the regular season, coming up with an 11-tackle effort against Detroit and his only interception against Houston. He then started all three playoff games, collecting 17 tackles and a sack.

Belichick lavished the praise on Sanders yesterday. Not only for his work ethic, but for the way he approached his work.

"Most players like to work on the strengths, work on the things that they're good at," Belichick said. "They're not as anxious to work on their weaknesses or things that need a lot of work. I think a really good player, and a real professional player, does that.

"He knows that's where he's going to be attacked, and that's what he has to shore up. James did a great job of that last year. It was really impressive for such a young kid."

Defense getting tested

Preseason schedules are typically drawn up with an idea toward limiting travel since no one wants to get burned out in August.

This year, that means relatively easy trips to Tampa Bay and Carolina for the Patriots with the Giants and Tennessee visiting Gillette Stadium. Still, Belichick thinks his squad - particularly the defense - is going to get a lot of mileage out of these exhibitions.

"We've seen a lot of different looks in preseason this year," he said. "I really thought that going against Tampa was a great experience for us defensively because all of the plays that they ran, they have such a variety in their offensive system that we really got a good look. We got tested in a lot of different areas and got to experience it in game conditions.

"Tennessee, of course, with a very mobile quarterback had a whole different style of offense, and now we see some really good backs here with Carolina (of Friday). They've got a big, physical offensive line with a very experienced quarterback."

Extra Points

The Panthers are 1-1 in the preseason, having beaten the Giants and lost to the Eagles. Both games were on the road. ... It's been 15 years since the Patriots lost three straight in the preseason. ... Carolina offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson spent eight seasons with the Patriots (1997-2004), working with the tight ends and the offensive line. His offensive line coach, Dave Magazu, is a 1980 graduate of Springfield College. ... Randy Moss still isn't practicing, but he looked pretty sharp while taking on fellow sidelined receiver Chad Jackson in a locker-room game of dominoes.

NAME: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS