``It's all gotten me to where I'm at now,'' said Banta-Cain, a defensive end/linebacker.

Why have any regrets?

All the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder from California has done is take his role as a specialist and expand it to that of a full-time player. In the process, he's washed away disappointment from his trek west and re-established his career.

Banta-Cain may have outgrown the role of third-down pass-rusher. Against Tampa Bay, he missed just a few of the 61 snaps and played stand-up linebacker. Meanwhile, Adalius Thomas mostly watched.

``What a difference a year makes,'' Banta-Cain said. ``Look at me last year: I'm inactive the first four games. Then, all I did was play special teams. Now, I've been able to expand my responsibilities, and I'm grateful for it. I'm not looking back.''

A Patriot during his first four seasons, he signed a three-year, $12.2 million contract with the Niners after a career-high 5 1/2 sacks in 2006. The Pats had replaced him with Thomas, their own high-priced free agent.

The first year in San Francisco, Banta-Cain had a career-best 59 tackles. Yet an injury ruined his 2008 season, and the experience soured. When he returned to New England, the understanding was that he would concentrate on rushing the passer.

He accepted it, but thought to himself that he wanted more.

``My deal is, I pride myself on how I play and I want to definitely be somebody who doesn't come off the field,'' Banta-Cain said. ``But I've known what's worked for me in the past and that's situational responsibilities. If I can take advantage of those, that's only going to give me more chances to hopefully prove that I do deserve to be on the field more.''

It has worked out like that. He has three sacks, while receiving more chances to make plays.

``You get an inch, you try to take a mile,'' said Banta-Cain, who has 18 tackles. ``I was given a limited role, and I figured, `Hey, I can build off of that.' ''

He had a team-best five tackles against the Bucs, including one coach Bill Belichick said on WEEI was ``one of the best plays we've had all year.''

On third-and-15, quarterback Josh Johnson dumped a screen pass to Cadillac Williams. Banta-Cain rushed, got to Johnson, was cut by left tackle Donald Penn, then rose and sprinted to stop Williams after a 9-yard gain.

It not only led to a punt, but also - with a combination of effort, smarts, and feel - encapsulated his ascension.

``He was constantly in their backfield,'' Belichick said.

For teammates, the move is not completely shocking.

``Doesn't really surprise me,'' cornerback Leigh Bodden said. ``He's a great athlete. Yeah, he's a pass-rusher, but he can stand up and play the run. That's been showing up.''

From playing just 14 snaps against the Jets, according to ProFootballFocus.com, to 50 against the Bucs, the faith shown in him has been obvious.

In the past, when he's had the opportunities, he lacked experience. When he had experience there wasn't the opportunity. It has all come together now. The Patriots noticed, cutting and then re-signing Banta-Cain last week to renegotiate his contract.

Perfect for him.

``I definitely feel like this is home for me,'' he said. ``I've had a lot of success here, and I've had great relationships. I'm hoping that I do spend my career here, and I think hopefully we'll be able to work something out in the future.''

- irapoport@bostonherald.com