Cornerback weighs in with a healthy perspective on job

Cornerback Randall Gay played in just three games last season before going on injured reserve with a hurt hamstring. He will equal that total for 2007 today.

After playing in just eight games over the last two seasons because of injuries, Gay decided that a change was in order. So he added about 15 pounds to his frame this offseason. He feels the change is paying off.

"My playing weight the last couple years was around 175," he said. "Being at home [in New England] this offseason, I was really looking forward to my workouts every day, and that has brought it into this season."

Gay started the first two games of the year, but Asante Samuel has replaced him after the first series in each game. Still, Gay's stayed on the field in the nickel package (five defensive backs) and feels his added bulk has helped him hold up when playing in the slot.

"When you're inside, you're playing the run and pass, everything, it's a little different and that's a lot more tackles," he said. "My body is more prepared for it.

"It feels good to be out there, I haven't played much the last couple of years. I was really missing it a lot. Now that I'm playing, it feels good to start and getting those reps."

Time for Meriweather?

With safety Eugene Wilson (ankle) questionable, it could mean more action for first-round draft choice Brandon Meriweather. In the first two games, Meriweather's contributions have come mostly on special teams. He's also played at times in the dime package (six defensive backs).

"I'm anxious to get my chance, and I know when my chance comes, you have to be ready for it," said the rookie. "Things are going well right now, the speed of the game is a little different, but nothing I didn't expect with all the veteran guys around here."

Taking long view

Kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who is 2 for 3 on field goals this season, got off to a slow start last season as a rookie, converting 3 of his first 6 attempts. This season, Gostkowski has yet to make a kick longer than 37 yards in 12 attempts, including preseason, but he said he is not the type to change his approach.

"It's too early in the season to start saying there is a trend or anything like that," said Gostkowski. "I'm two games into it. I'm not reading anything into it. Life goes on. You missed a kick, oh well. We won, 38-14. Of course I'd like to get into a rhythm. I'm at my best when I get into a rhythm and hopefully this game will get me going in the right direction."

Humbled fumbler

Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs leads the league in kickoff-return average (37.0) thanks in large part to his NFL-record 108-yarder in the opener against the Jets, but Hobbs is still focused on improvement. He was humbled last week when he fumbled a fourth-quarter kickoff. "I don't want to linger on something good," said Hobbs. "I always look at the weaknesses. I should have held on to that ball last week. We got to work on that." . . . With another 100-yard effort today, Randy Moss can become the first wide receiver in NFL history to turn in three 100-yard receiving games in his first three games with a new team . . . The Patriots are seeking the seventh 3-0 start in franchise history. The last one came in 2004.

Christopher L. Gasper can be reached at cgasper@globe.com