I don't think I've ever watched the Pats through rose-colored glasses--I just go by what I see. And going by that, I think this team could still go far in the playoffs this year. Look at the problems so far, and question whether they can be fixed:
1) The offensive line. If the line, including Vollmer and Neal, is healthy for the playoffs, it will make a tremendous difference for this offense. Watching Kaczur getting steamrolled is painful.
Q: Can the line get healthy?
A: Of course. And play at a high level.
2) Brady. Just about every game this year except the Saints could have been won if Brady played like pre-injury Brady. The numbers aren't bad, but he's obviously not himself. The guy's human, and he missed a year.
Q: Can Brady be himself by playoff time?
A: Of course. Would you bet against him?
3) Coaching. Belichick has set such a high standard, it's jarring to see the Pats make the kind of mistakes we're used to other teams making. The coordinators aren't impressing anyone, particularly the offensive playcalling. The Pats lost yet another second half yesterday, and another 4th quarter lead. The feeling at the end of the game isn't what it used to be.
Q: Is there another coaching staff (HC and staff) that you'd rather have coaching the team come playoff time?
A: Nope.
4) The pass rush sucks. Actually it's more like a pass stroll, or pass crawl. Be it personnel, or schemes, any QB will look good if they have all day to throw, and good QBs will destroy you.
Q: Can the Pats pass rush, through more innovative schemes and/or certain players (Thomas) finally stepping up, perform at a championship level come playoff time?
A: Um....well....gee....this post is getting kind of long.....
OK, I'm stuck. See, no rose-colored glasses. Far as I can see, the Pats are out of luck here this year. Maybe somebody else can supply a better answer to this one.
The problem with your analysis is it's all self fulfilling prophecies. In other words, all the problems will solve themselves just because they will.
If that were true, why would there be problems?
I would say
3. Yes, other coaching staffs have done better jobs recently. The first step to solving something is to look in the mirror and acknowledge. Belichick himself is as good as anyone, but he has been so afraid of getting coaches poached, he hasn't hired top coordinators since Crennel and Weis.
Can he micromanage the defense with Pees? Sure. Pees is the more experienced coordinator and BB the greatest defensive mind out there.
On offense? Is he the greatest offensive mind? Does he have a creative OC? Let's admit that's a problem. I would say, using his analytical mind, he should break down the offense and rebuild the play calling based on what worked inthe past. Yes, in the playoffs with more focus, he can do this.
2. Brady. i don't really see a physical problem with Brady. flinging Hail Mary's to triple covered receivers isn't supposed to be easy. Mix it up a lot, but keep the formations/plays simpler. Sounds stupid, I suppose, but it's about execution and hitting the open man. Basic team sports. We violate those principles constantly.
Attack defenses and punish them with touchdowns from other receivers, TEs and Faulk when they double and triple Moss and Welker. If they don't adjust, keep ramming it doen their throats. If they do, we might see Moss open for the first time in three years (exaggeration).
1. The line is fine. If healthy (obvious) as good as we've had. Now that Brady will be getting rid of the ballquick and using the entire width of the field and many different receivers and Maroney is running, and the play calling is keeping the defense off balance, they don't need to hold the line forever. Problem solved on the line.
4. Defense pass rush.
The defense is young and athletic. We have players capable at every position, the line still has two all pro level players and two good vets, Mayo and others are capable and we have 2-3 proven pass rushers. Our secondary is young, but potentially outstanding and Bodden is the best CB since Clayborn and Law (imo) unless I'm missing someone (I was always a Samuel fan, but i think bodden is more complete). We have the best defensive mind around and the more experienced of the two coordinators.
I think the defense will peak and be outstanding, though they need to wrapup tackles and get AD on the same page or ditch him.
Solution for problems 1-3 = spread the field, get the ball to different people, get rid of the ball, simplify and execute the offense.
