The Patriots Defense to listen to you Cassandras, was just TERRIBLE.
Sorry you are wrong. It finished as the Top Ten rated Defense, and 8th in points allowed. No matter how you search for the damning statistics, those are the ones that count. We don't need or want a Blitzing Defense. Belichick has proven over a decade, and four SB appearances, that sound fundamental, Defense strangles opponents,crushing the life out of them like a Boa Constrictor.
"Bend don't Break" is the anti-thesis of wild blitzing. And it works. The Pats only allowed a near league low 40 penetrations into their Red Zone. True they then surrendered a large percentage, (of a low number) of TDs when opponents finally managed to get there, but that will improve with experience.
Pass Rush and coverage count for little in Red Zone Defense. Correct execution, and no mistakes, count for a lot more. Rookie and newcomers made mistakes. The experience the newcomers got, will automatically improve the RZ Defense.
Why? In the RZ, DBs can't be out-run; there is no room. Short passes, (that's all that there are!), negate any Pass Rush. There is no time to get to the QB. This Defense is now big, young and fast; not just big.
In addition, the Defense played 9 new comers to the Defense, and still finished in the Top Ten in the League. And did this despite season ending injuries to 5 starters.
This Defense, when it matures next season, will join the Offense as a Top Five squad. Even the mighty 2007 Patriots edition, didn't have that kind of balance on both sides of the Ball. It is now also very young and fast. There are only four players over thirty, and one of them the oldest, is already a reserve. The others are still in their early thirties, and still in their Prime. Adequate replacements for all, are on the roster and even better newcomers are in prospect from the upcoming draft.
It will be augmented by a double draft. The Offense, so powerful and record setting in 2007, actually got stronger in 2008. The Patriots developed an awesome rushing game. There is more good proven depth at QB, RB, WR and in the Offensive Line than in 2007. The Offense actually needs little to no attention; so all efforts can be focused on further improving that already Top Ten Defense.
The Juggernaut is building, and you can't talk it down, no matter how hard you try.