Though he may have made mistakes in the past, this article is right on. There's a frightening decline in talent at the edges of both the offense (WR) and the defense (DE/OLB). And the linebacker corps is THE WEAKEST IN THE DIVISION without Bruschi. Vrabel is going to have to go back inside, alas.
The OL is even better than what Borges characterizes them and, on a hunch, I think the rookie kicker will do just fine.
Another area that Borges unduly picks on is DB. There's deeper talent than he lets on. We have four decent NFL cornerbacks, which is often all one can have in this league.
Note to Scott Pioli: One lesson I've learned is the futility of raiding the Cheifs defense. How have Monty "Barely" Beisel and Eric "DUI" Warfield helped us? Has Warfield even made a play in camp? Is he still on the team? We're learning that that mediocre defense is so not because of the scheme but by the lack of talent on that side of the ball.
If Bruschi and Brady can stay healthy, we're going into the playoffs. But Deion Branch will have to be playing in order to go anywhere. We can be great if Chad Jackson can put it together. Reche Caldwell will look prime time one game, then do nothing for the next. Just like he played in San Diego.
I'm also looking for Steve Neal and Eugene Wilson to have good seasons after their mediocre play last year.
And, yes, this Minnesota RB is the real deal. Laurence Maroney'll have 1200-1300 yards this year, forcing defences to actually play run much more than they have in the past, opening up the underneath passes (TE, cowboy up.) and play-action pass. He's going to remind me of Tony Dorsett. Making some long gainers will be so sweet and take the pressure of Brady.
I do think the Dolphins are nearly as talented as the Pats, and they should win one of the two games. (And I also pick the Jets to take one of two, as well; but we'll sweep the Bills.)
And we'll destroy Denver the next time we play them. We were better than they were last year. The same holds true this year.
