Sickening watching that especially since it was avoidable but I think there could be a silver lining for the Pats. IMO they weren't going far in the playoffs with that defense, that o-line and last year's baggage, despite the inexusably easy schedule the NFL awarded them. In the longer-term i think it better that they flounder now, consider it a rebuilding year and get better draft picks for next year than to fall just a little short as i expected them to. This year's team looks about on par with the team 2 years ago at best, in terms of where it would end up.
They need serious defensive youth and speed across most of the board in addition to help with pass protection and if possible an impact running back.
It was tough to watch, but I am confident he will be back next year ready to go.
Some thoughts on your critique of the pats:
Mayo, Wheatley, Wilhite, Slater, Gutton and Crable are all starting, and played great. The pats defensive backfield is very young this year. Wheatley and Wilhite are rookies, Meriweather is a second year player, Sanders is a third year player, and Hobbs is only in his fourth year. The only vets out there are Harrison and Delta. The new pats secondary has a ton of speed, thats their biggest asset. Harrison is the only "old" guy back there. I thought Wheatley and Wilhite played awesome yesterday. However, they do need to draft another db, and Rodneys replacement.
The oldest player on the pats defensive line is 28 years old. Bruchi and Vrabel are the only "old" players in the lb core. Thomas is not that old, Alexander is a third year pro, and Mayo and Crable are rookies. The pats defense as a whole is pretty young, imo.
The pats do need a blocking tight end to help with pass protection, but when Neal is in there the line is pretty much all-pro across the board. Neal is hurt, and Watson was out with an injury yesterday. The O-Line is the same line as last year. Three all pros (Mankins, Light and Koppen) and an above average starter in Yates. Since Yates has been hurt the right side of the line has been inconsistent, but that will improve. Nick K and Hochenstein are average at best, so the pats should draft another starter on the ride side of the line. But, as a whole the line is above average imo.
The NFL didn't award them an easy schedule. The schedule was made up in 2002. The NFL uses a formula to makes its schedules years in advance, and only divisional games are decided by your previous record. It looks like the AFC east will be pretty good this year.
Imo the pats need:
Another SS
Blocking tight end
O - line starter to replace Kasczer
4th wr
O-line depth
