By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff, 2/1/2002

EW ORLEANS - It's that blinders mentality that has helped the Patriots stay focused this season. But soon the blinders come off. A big issue to be settled is the future of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, whose contract is up.

''We'll deal with that next week,'' said Weis yesterday. ''I wouldn't even comment on that right now.''

Weis is said to be a candidate for the head coaching job in Tampa Bay, or could join John Fox, an old friend from his New York Giants days, in Carolina. The most plausible move is to stay in New England with Bill Belichick.

Weis has directed his agents not to pursue the matter until after the season.

The Patriots practiced for a second day at Tulane University in 80-degree temperatures and partly cloudy conditions. ''We had a chance to sweat out some of those vitamins and minerals our guys took in Sunday and Monday night, '' said Belichick The Patriots' curfews are stricter now - midnight tonight and 11 p.m. tomorrow... Three charter planes of family and Patriots employees arrived yesterday. Asked if that might be a distraction, Belichick said, ''No, I think it gives us more normalcy.'' ... Players are off-limits to media today. The team will have its final practice at 12:30 p.m. ... Anthony Pleasant said he was initially hesitant to join the Patriots because he didn't want to get beat up in practice this late in his career. He had played for Belichick previously and knew of the physical workouts. But he said he was relieved when he spoke to Scott Pioli, Johnson, and Eric Mangini of the Patriots staff, who assured him Belichick had lessened his demands.