FOXBORO — While Bill Belichick was quick to point Wednesday out that he thinks the difference between the 3-4 and 4-3 defense is overblown, one of the key players providing stability on the front spoke out.

Wright will be looking to get his hands on the Broncos again.

Nose tackle Mike Wright is having a breakout seasons of sorts, mainly because of what Belichick calls a great deal of “consistency” for the fifth-year player out of the University of Cincinnati.

“It’s great to be out there and be a constant guy out there, which I’ve always wanted to do here and hopefully I can keep doing it for the team,” Wright said on Wednesday as the Patriots get ready to take on the Broncos in the Mile High City.

“Mile High” could also describe Wright’s emotions once upon a time as he tried to make the most of his chances behind the likes of Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren and Jarvis Green. But with Seymour off to Oakland and Wilfork suffering a twisted ankle in Week 3 and the Patriots relying more on a 4-3 front this season, the 27-year-old Wright has made the most of his chances.

“I think I always hyped up the games too much, always got myself a little more worked up than I should have and I just kind of try to keep myself relaxed now and just focus on what I can do and let everything else fall into place,” Wright said. ”Being out there definitely helps you into a rhythm against your guy in pass rush and you know what they’re doing in terms of blocks are concerned. In terms of rotation, I think everyone has a chance to get out there and get a feel for the game.”

“Mike’s improved every year and his versatility has grown every year,” Belichick said. “We’ve used him and he’s a player that I think has value on all four downs since he’s played in the kicking game for us. He can run. He’s got good quickness. He’s strong. He’s an explosive guy. He uses his hands well. He can play the run. He can rush the passer. He’s good in pursuit. He can run games, can stunt, can play the point of attack, so he’s got a good skill set, works hard, tough kid.

“He’s out there, there’s days when I’m sure he doesn’t feel the greatest, but he’s out there on a consistent basis and works through a lot of stuff. He’s a tough kid.”

Wright has seemed to blossom this year with more support around him on the line. He already has three sacks, a half-sack higher his career best last season. He has two starts in four games this season, matching his total in 2008 and halfway to his career-high total of 2006.

“All the techniques are the same, 3-4, 4-3, we’re all playing the same techniques,” Wright said. “It’s a little easier for the line because you’ve got more guys, there’s not as many scheme blocks as far as up front. I like the 4-3 and it’s been working for us and hopefully we can keep it going.”

But Belichick again reminded everyone to keep things in perspective.

“I think that whole 4-3, 3-4 thing is way overrated and way overhyped.  Essentially, players that play in the position that [Elvis] Dumervil plays, or that our outside linebackers play, there are a lot of similarities to a 4-3 defensive end, whether the guy’s hands up or hands down. I’m not saying that doesn’t make any difference, but we’ve all seen that. We’ve seen Jason Taylor play on the edge in a 4-3, we’ve seen him play in a 3-4, we’ve seen him be Defensive Player of the Year in a 3-4.”

And deep down, Wright will tell you he’s just happy to be on the field — no matter the look or scheme.

“I think his consistency’s improved, which is great,” Belichick said. “But I think we’ve seen a lot of the plays he’s made.”