Thomas happy with choice

He left the 49ers' offer on the table

FOXBOROUGH - With the Patriots not playing this weekend, the team is taking a step back from the daily grind and addressing the big picture. At the same time, with the San Francisco 49ers next on the schedule Oct. 5, it offers an opportunity for Adalius Thomas to reflect on an important choice he made in his career.

When Thomas was a free agent in March 2007, two teams jumped to the forefront as suitors - the Patriots and 49ers.

One of the draws to possibly playing for the 49ers was coach Mike Nolan, who had been Thomas's defensive coordinator in Baltimore. Thomas never traveled to San Francisco on a free agent visit, but he seriously entertained the possibility of signing there.

"I knew the defense and knew what I would get, and there was also Mike Singletary [as assistant head coach/defense]," Thomas said yesterday. "So, I had an idea of how I would be used and what the system is all about. That was one of the things for me, knowing familiar faces, because you often see players following coaches around the league because they know the system. That could have been the case there."

In the end, though, Thomas chose New England despite the 49ers' willingness to offer more money.

Staying on the East Coast was one factor in the decision. Another was that the Patriots were a bona fide contender, while there was still some uncertainty with the 49ers (they were 5-11 last season).

While he's happy with his choice, Thomas now views the 49ers a bit differently.

"They're definitely a better team now," he said. "You talk about a turnaround - they're scoring points, and look real good."

Preserve, protect

The Patriots surrendered just 21 sacks last season. Through three games this year, they have allowed 10.

Part of that is losing quarterback Tom Brady, who had a knack for sidestepping the rush and keeping plays alive. Still, offensive linemen say they must raise their level of performance.

"We just obviously have to do more to help give Matt [Cassel] some time back there and let him make his decisions, and just keep it a little bit cleaner in the pocket," said left tackle Matt Light.

Cohesion was a problem for the line during training camp - as injuries had different players shuffling in and out - but left guard Logan Mankins said that is no longer an issue.

"It's not as good as we want. We're trying to get more consistent and give Matt a little more time," he said. "I just don't think we're holding up quite as long as we need to. On certain plays, we're getting beat."

Bargain Price

Second-year receiver Maurice Price, who officially signed a two-year deal yesterday, takes pride in being the only player from Charleston Southern to play in the NFL. Part of the reason he signed with the Patriots is that "they always believe in putting the best players on the field regardless of who you are or where you come from."

The 6-foot-1-inch, 197-pound Price joins a receiver group that includes Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Sam Aiken, Kelley Washington, and Ray Ventrone.

Coach Bill Belichick described Price as a "bigger guy" who "catches the ball well." Price has also played some special teams, specifically as a gunner on punt coverage, which is a role that Washington - currently sidelined with a right ankle injury - often handles.

Injuries had stunted Price's progress with the Chiefs; he hurt his quadriceps during the preseason, which contributed to Kansas City's decision to release him. He also missed all of the 2007 season with a broken collarbone.

The 23-year-old Price, who has not caught a pass in the NFL, practiced with the team for the first time yesterday. He'll wear Chad Jackson's old number, 17.

Maroney practices

Running back Laurence Maroney, who missed last Sunday's loss to the Dolphins with a shoulder injury, participated in practice. It's the first time Maroney has worked in a full-pads session since injuring the shoulder Sept. 14 against the Jets . . . Belichick paused briefly yesterday to salute the Red Sox. "I congratulate the Red Sox on another playoff appearance," he said. "I wish them well. I hope the winning continues." . . . The Patriots signed center/guard Ryan Wendell to the practice squad, and released safety Mark Dillard from the practice squad . . . Through three games, the Patriots have been 2-1 or better in each of the last seven seasons. The Broncos are the only other team to better that feat over the past decade (eight seasons) . . . The Patriots haven't visited San Francisco for a regular-season game since 1995, and are 0-3 all time there. San Francisco and Washington (0-2) are the only NFL cities in which the Patriots have never won.

Michael Vega of the Globe staff contributed to this report.