Defensive Live or Defensive Backfield?

The immediate moves of acquiring some CFL pass rushing talent indicates to me what Belichick's offseason priorities are. The Defense needs to be better, but which is a higher priority the Line or the Backs? We went into The Ravens game with 3 DTs, and we lost one of them on the first series.  Likewise, when Talib went down we were stuck with the smaller Cole and the enigma known as Arrington. The trickle down effect of these injuries was immense, so the goal is clear. The team needs to be deeper, more talented, and more physical along the Line and in the Backfield

Hopefully Armstead lives up to the hype

Armond Armstead is projecting as a starter or major contributor, and Jason Vega looks to compete for a roster spot. Nevertheless, Belichick isn't done scouring the scrap heaps for second chance veterans and overlooked big men. With Armstead in place, the Line should get an influx of talent, but we also need reliable depth options. I think the back end of the draft will be a good place to snag some big men on the cheap. Hopefully, we can hit on a few of the under the radar guys, so we can allot more money to the Defensive Backfield.


The Defensive Backfield is just the opposite, we have had good depth here. However, when faced with big physical WRs, depth doesn't get the job done. At Safety, Gregory and McCourty are a finesse combination, and they might be able to get it done against the average #3 WR, but they have trouble with TEs. It is possible that Tavon Wilson will take a larger role next season, but I am still not convinced he is an every down player.

At CB, we have a lot of flexibility. Talib and Arrington become Free Agents. I would welcome them back, but I at least want Belichick to make an attempt to bring in some new blood. And not just any DB from the draft or free agency. We need a difference-maker that is over 6 feet tall, and faster than everyone else. Those kind of guys don't grow on trees, but we need to try to find one. A lockdown CB that can win the physical battles is a championship necessity.

Defense wins championships, Offense sells tickets

Put it this way, I would rather overpay Darrell Revis than give Wes Welker $10 Million. Overall, it is about what's best for the team, and this team needs Defense. Being the #1 Offense by a mile didn't work this year, or in 2007, and it won't be the answer next year unless The Patriots can avoid all the physical Defenses in the playoffs. Defense wins championships, and our Defense is almost there. We just need to get deeper along the interior DL, and we need to get bigger and more physical at the CB spot. The way that we achieve these ends is anyone's guess, but I think it spells the end for Welker.