Issues with this team and fixes
This Pats team was very inconsistent this year, and just not very good at points.
1) Moss and Welker need some help. Moss had a great 07 season because he was single covered a lot, now he usually isn't. Welker does good because of Moss and vice versa, but after that there is no one who can do much. Edelman showed us he can replace Welker while he rehabilitates, but we don't have any other threat. While Donte Stallworth didn't do much while he was here, he was a respectable receiver who could make a play. Sam Aiken, Isiah Stanback aren't useful guys. I'm not saying get a guy like Boldin or Marshall, but someone who is a decent WR, not a srub.
2) No running game. This offense is so unbalanced, and the running game is not very good. We need to draft a good RB who can bang the ball like a Ray Rice or MJD. This team needs some balance so that they can pass out of more formations than just the shotgun and work the play action. Not sure how this could be addressed this offseason.
3) No pass rush. This team just couldn't pressure the QB and that has been the story of the past two seasons. For one reason or another, no one can make a play. Julius Peppers would be a huge addition to this pass rush.
4) No pass rush = bad secondary. Meriweather had a good season as did Leigh Bodden, but there is no real playmaker on the back end, like a Harrison or Law. Shutdown corners are hard to find, but we had one and let him go. Can't do that again. Also, with a lack off pass rush, the secondary is more exposed.
5) No playmakers on defense. This defense has no playmakers, and it shows. When teams have playmakers, even the guys who are scrubs can make a play because people around them are making plays, we don't have that.
6) Minor issue, but Chris Hanson is a terrible punter. When we need a big boot he comes up lame, would like to see a guy with a bigger leg, but he will probably stay because he's the holder.
7) The Oline needs a few tweaks. Neal can't stay healthy, Kazcur is not very good although he did sign an extension. Vollmer is the future at LT and Light could move over to the right side.
Overall, I really think this team is just a few players away from being an elite team again. They have a lot of picks, an uncapped year, and some money to throw around.
My moves personally would be....
Re-sign Faulk
Re-sign Wilfork
Re-sign Bodden
Re-sign Gostkowski
Sign Tony Scheffler as a pass catching/blocking TE
Sign LenDale White as a goalline bruiser back
Sign Lee Evans as a 2nd/3rd WR when Welker is back
Sign Jason Taylor as a OLB
Trade for Julius Peppers to play DE/OLB hybrid
Sign Keith Bulluck to play MLB with some veteran leadership
QB Brady
RB Morris/Taylor/White
TE Scheffler/Baker
WR Moss/Edelman/Evans/Welker
DL Wilfork/Warren/Peppers
LB Mayo/Taylor/Banta-Cain/Bulluck
DB Bodden, Springs, Meriweather, McGowan/Sanders
