I disagree.
This is a front seven designed to stop the run.
Wilfork is primarily a two-gap NT.
Love and Pryor are lesser versions of run-stuffing two-gap DT's.
Ninkovich is a versatile edge-setting DE/OLB, but not a premier pass-rusher.
The three primary LB's are all Mike-types.
Mayo is a former ILB, tackling machine.
Spikes is a pure MLB with very limited coverage abilities and lack of speed, but big hitter.
Hightower is a hybrid OLB/ILB.
Jones looks like he could be a good pass rusher. But that's one guy in the starting line-up.
The back-ups are similar.
Fletcher is another MLB type.
Tarpinian, White, Koutovides are pure ST linebackers.
Jermaine Cunningham is a big edge-setting LDE or inside rusher, but not an edge rusher. Scott and Bequette are average back-ups.
This is a front seven designed to block the A & B gaps and set the edge. It's designed to prevent the inside run and force the runner outside. There is only one guy who is a pass-rush first player.
This is a passing league.
Forget the statistics for sacks, which Belichick says are over-rated. They are not great. But look at the amount of pressure the Patriots generate on passers. Look at the records of passers, especially below-average passers, against the Patriots over the past two seasons.
In years past, there were at least designated pass rushers, like Jarvis Green, Rosevelt Colvin, Tully Banta-Cain. There were also designated coverage players, like Roman Phifer and Don Davis.
I don't think the Patriots can significantly improve their defensive pressure with the same cast. They need to generate more pressure. They need to improve coverage over the middle.
I struggle with a starting LB trio of Hightower, Spikes, and Mayo against the pass. I struggle with a starting DL of Ninkovich, Pryor/Love/Deaderick, Wilfork, and Jones against the pass. Individually that's a lot of talent. As a unit, I think it is above average against the run, but consistently beaten against the pass. And that's a weakness a lot of teams can very consisently exploit.
I think this team needs a significant upgrade at third down front seven.
There needs to be a bookend passrusher at LDE.
There needs to be an effective inside rusher - maybe Cunningham or Armstead can develop into this. Or hopefully both.
There needs to be an effective coverage LB in the role of Phifer.
With two significant upgrades, this could be a more effective pass defense.