I really think that Belichick saw the problems in his secondary over the past few years as the result of the lack of a pass rush and communication in the secondary and between units, and he has drafted a group of secondary players who are smart enough to be able to communicate really well and has upgraded the pass rush on the whole, although that can never be as good as anyone ever wants it. Defensively I think the talent on this Patriots team is as good as it has been in years and it is going to come down to their individual development as players as to how good they will become as a unit. I was watching the NFLN a week or so ago and they were discussing the most improved teams defensively and as usual their focus was on players acquired through the draft and free agency and they cited the Browns and Dolphins as the most improved teams, whereas I think the key is going to be development as units and defensive teams overall and think that the Patriots are actually going to be one of if not the most improved team in football this season, and that will be borne out by their points allowed, which i expect to be top five in the league. Obviously this will all depend upon the development of the young players but I have a great deal of confidence in most of these guys to really ramp up their games this year. Although i would love to see Collins have a good rookie season I'm not really counting on that much production from him, whereas I am counting on Chandler Jones, Donta Hightower, Brandon Spikes, Devin McCourty, and Alfonzo Dennard to really step it up and turn into high quality performers for the Patriots, and if they do and the veterans simply maintain the status quo then this is going to be a great defense. If Tavon Wilson and Ras I-Dowling join them then it just makes it that much better. I would love it if I-Dowling could beat out Dennard outside and allow them to move Dennard into the slot, but until I-Dowling shows he can stay on the field for a full season i will remain the skeptic on him. Like the player but he has to stay out there.