Fair reply. I actually agree with your main point, and that is that you can't just say 'these players are gone, so the Colts can't be better'. That's actually true. Just like when the Pats lost players/coaches and other fans said the team was sunk. Fair enough point, and I agree. However, I wasn't really saying the Colts couldn't be better than they were. The post was, who is better, the Colts or the Patriots? So, while I did point out the exodus of talent from the Colts, what I really did was compare and contrast it to the Patriots who arguably added the top defensive FA player (Thomas) to their team. They added one of the top slot receivers (Welker) to their team. They added two others speedy and talent receivers (Moss and Stallworth) to their team. Heck, our number one receiver (Caldwell) last year, couldn't even make the team. They now have a pro bowl caliber safetey (Harrison), who also was out injured. They've added a CB (Gay), who while not a household name, did start for one of their Super Bowl winning teams, and was out hurt last year. I didn't even take the time to mention that two key players for them last year (Bruschi and Seymour) were playing injured. One is back healthy, and one is due back soon.
So, your response is fair and balanced, but I had anything but blinders on. I laid out specifics in what most would consider a reasonable comparison. I think the Colts are a tremendous team. I'm confident that the Patriots are better, and that barring injury will continue to be so.