INDIANAPOLIS - When he was here in this city a year ago, Ryan Mallett was buffeted by hard questions about his lifestyle in college.His Saturday media session at the NFL Combine was uncomfortable to watch. Thursday morning, Mallett said the Combine "seems like two years ago."And while not much has transpired for Mallett in actual games - he has yet to step on the field - the Patriots' No. 3 quarterback is loving life in the NFL. "It's perfect," he said. "No classes. Class now is going to watch film, so I love it."Mallett,who turns 24 in June, hasreshaped his not-NFL-ready physique in the past six months. He's down from 253 pounds to "between 235 and 240" and has a "little more muscle and a lot less fat"thanks to time spent in the weight room. "I've learned so much this year," Mallett said. "I had good knowledge coming in but being around Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer has just elevated it that much more. I'm happy about it."Chances are almost nil Mallett will be on the field Sunday. And if he is, that's not a positive development for the Patriots, because the guy at the top of the QB depth chart is really good. But Mallett says his preparations can't reflect that. "I do the same thing every week and that's to prepare like I'm the starter," he explained. "That's the only way you can get better so you know what's going on. If something ever happens or it's my turn, I've been there, done that a million times in my head."
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