For the first time since the 2007/2008 season, I really feel like next year is our year. 2009 was the end for a large amount of our roster, and these last four years were rebuilding years where we FAR exceeded expectations, winning the AFC east every year, going to the SB once and the AFCCG three times.
This defense going into next year really looks like it might have the pieces to be elite. A lot of young guys performed really well this year in the place of our injured defensive stars, which means we'll be going into next year with one of the deepest defensive rosters in the league. We'll finally see Mayo, Collins, CJ, Wilfork, Talib, Dennard, McCourty, Ninkovich, and a bunch of other guys finally playing together. I think they'll be as good of a bunch as any.
On offense, we'll have our two all-pro tackles coming back, paired with Mankins who continues to be great. With the stable of running backs we have and a healthy offense line, the running game will be as potent as we've seen it could be at times this year. In the passing game, we'll have Gronk back, still have Edelman, and Amendola will be healthier than he has been since the preseason (he's been playing with a completely torn groin ligament all season-it has noticeably slowed him down). If we can manage to add a legit outside receiver, the offense may get back to playing at historic levels. Plus with Dobson and KT, we'll have great depth at the receiver position, with two young guys who while may not be dominant, do have some size, speed, and most importantly, some trust from Brady.
Finally, our special teams will continue to be dominant with the Ghost, Allen, and Slater.
I think our roster will be more talented and deep than any in the league, and by mid-season will be the favorites to win the Super Bowl. You heard it here first (maybe).
