PATSNUTme

I have looked at the past 2 years as rebuilding years for the Patriots. The fact that they went 14-2 last year and 13-3 and in the Super bowl is remarkable, IMO.

Think about the Patriots roster in 2007. The only defensive player that played on the 18-1 team is Big Vince. all other players are new to the team. Think about about the players that were on the D in the 2007 season, Rodney, Tedy, Seymour, Warren, Zant, Vrable, and several more that have either retired or are now with other teams,or just out of football.

Yet here they are in The Super Bowl with a 50-50 chance to win going in. This is why I have really enjoyed the past 2 years. Yes, I will be very disappointed if they lose in the SB, and elated if they win.

This next off season I expect the rebuilding on D to be finished with the signing of solid FA's on the D, don't have to be the big names, and getting one or 2 younger players in the draft. With TFB having 3 more years of playing at high level and all the good young players now on the roster on offense, we have noting but good times to look forward to for the foreseeable future.

Agree? Disagree?

reflexblue

Their Always rebuilding, its a continual process with BB IMO

Rob0729

Belichick is never stopping to retool this team. Look in 2003 and 2004. Belichick added Corey Dillon in 2004 after he felt his team wasn't balanced enough in 2003 even though the Pats went 14-2 and won the Super Bowl.

Some years he doesn't put as much effort to fix things as other because of cap considerations or other factors, but this team is in a constant state of retooling and rebuilding. That is why they are going to their fifth Super Bowl in the 12 years of the Belichick era. Other teams stand pat when they have a good team, but Belichick is constantly trying to improve this team (sometimes he fails though).

Bella*chick

Yep, always.

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RelocatedPatFan

BB will look at this team every week and ask what he can do to make it better. There is no complacency and the players, regardless of round selected or UDFA, with the best chance of allowing the team to win will be starting.

Veterans can't coast and those special teams players know they can be a starter if they continue to contribute and hone their skills. Who wouldn't want to play for BB if it means you get a chance to play. Only thise guys who thinks their skills and name are bigger than the team (and yes Albert , we're talking about you and a host of other players)

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Fencer

Put me in the "always" camp.

BB wasn't a college coach, but his father was. He's not afraid of coaching new guys.

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PATSNUTme

There is a big difference between making a few annual roster changes and rebuilding.

I think that with all the losses of players since 2008-2009 to the core players, any team would be a rebuilding team, including the Patriots, even with the records they have been able to achieve.

BelichickFan

As others have said, we always are, but I have always looked at the next couple of seasons where we should really get good. This season has been almost an accident for me - a little like 2001 ahead of 2003, 2004. We have the TEs, Welker, young OL, young RB and Brady should be good for about 5 more. Things didn't really click personnel wise defensively in the secondary but Bill has the picks and the salary cap to fix that. Defensively I still think it's basically a tryout camp and Bill will re-visit the personnel in the offseason and move out the ones we won in spite of - which will be quite a few.

I think we're close to being REALLY good again and I expect an interesting offseason, I could see another Colvin type signing if someone is willing to take a little less for some hate and T-Shirts. Of course Mario Williams would be the perfect guy but 31 other teams probably feel the same way.

Anyway, yes, I think this was more of a rebuilding year than average and 2012-2014 are the target years for greatness; offense shouldn't be an issue, we just need the younger defenders to gradually improve with experience and hit a few times on defense in the draft and FA (1 CB, 1 S at an absolute minimum).

Rob0729

The Pats went to the AFC Championship in 2006 and then added Moss, Welker, Thomas, Stallworth, etc. the following year. There are plenty cases of where the Pats were great and still retooled. He is always doing it.

This upcoming offseason is going to be different. The lockout didn't allow Belichick to make many of the changes he wanted to do. This offseason, about 25% of the players in the league are going to be free agents. Belichick will likely make more moves than usual because the last few years the free agent market has been devoid of good young players and this offseason will be flushed with them.

Nunchucks

The Patriots defensive backfield and OLB position is still a disaster, they have made it to the superbowl because of an excellent offense headed by a HOF QB and great coaching. Do not be fooled, the Patriots defense is not that good and the Patriots offense still is in need of a physical WR that can get down the field.

If you remove Brady and BB and replace them with mediocrity or even "good" the Patriots are probably a little better than the 2011 Colts.