by By IAN R. RAPOPORT , The Boston Herald

``Darius has made good progress,'' Belichick said. ``He's a smart kid, he's worked hard. Some of our techniques and coverages are different than what he ran (in) college. He's adjusted well. He picks things up.''

Belichick even left open the possibility that Butler could play some offense as he did at UConn. It is not clear how his ankle injury will affect his ability to play in London against the Buccaneers.

Among the others who missed practice were receiver Julian Edelman, who broke his forearm during the game Sunday, and left tackle Matt Light (knee). Running backs Sammy Morris (knee) and Fred Taylor (ankle) were also out.

The decision coming into the season to keep five backs is looking like a good one.

``You'd like to get as many as you can get,'' Belichick said. ``We'll go with what you've got. The guys that are healthy will play and the guys that aren't we hope will get back as soon as they can. When they're ready we'll plug them back in there, but in the meantime, more opportunities for the guys that are active.''

No sugarcoating in

In his first year as Bucs coach, Raheem Morris is still searching for his first victory. The team is 0-6, with four losses coming by more than 10 points.

``We've been outplayed,'' he said. ``Teams have been more physical, more violent. We've got to learn how to finish. We've got to learn how to keep our consistency throughout the game, and until we do those things, we won't get a win.''

Morris reiterated Belichick's stance that the trip to London is about business.

``It's very easily recognized as a business trip when you're going to play a team that just won 59-0,'' Morris said.

Happy Father's Day

Pats cornerback Jonathan Wilhite became a first-time father on Tuesday when daughter Kamryn was born. The 5-pound, 13-ounce baby and her mother are doing fine, he said.

``You want some exclusive news?'' Wilhite said, proudly. ``I'm a new daddy. My daughter will be a princess.'' . . .

With two reconstructive knee surgeries over the last four years, Bucs running back Carnell ``Cadillac'' Williams is finally back to being productive. He has rushed for 276 yards on 64 carries, becoming a feel-good story in the NFL.

``I tell people I feel better than ever, man,'' Williams said. ``Both knees feel great. My body feels great. I think I'm more mentally strong now. I think I'm a more precise runner, a more patient runner. Being away from the game in that time has made me appreciate it.''

Cartoon cut-ups

Tom Brady has never played Football in England, but his cartoon self has. In a ``Family Guy'' episode titled ``Patriots Games,'' Brady and the Pats play a team called the Silly Nannies in London.

``I love that show,'' Brady said. ``Anyone that hasn't seen it, it's one that you have to buy the DVD set for. It's great.''

Added safety Brandon Meriweather: ``That was hilarious. We came in and gave Tom grief about it.'' . . .

Most of the Patriots appear to be excited to play overseas, yet the break in the routine isn't a favorite for all. Guard Logan Mankins does understand the larger picture.

``Well, I wasn't totally excited with it,'' he said. ``I'd rather stay in the states and do the normal routine that we do every week. You just have to deal with it and play the game.'' . . .

Because of what Belichick called a ``procedural'' situation, the Patriots cut linebackers Tully Banta-Cain and Eric Alexander two days ago, only to quickly re-sign them to new deals. By yesterday, both had inked one-year, $650,000 contracts.

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