I agree that in 2007, the FO helped the offense alot through free agency and trades. The result was awesome! In 2008, they got Jordan, period. In 2009, Vollmer, Edelman (lucky) and Baker were fine additions. And, yes, we signed a veteran running back almost every year, which is fine with me. HOWEVER, the needs on offense are great.
I also think that the offense HAS BEEN one of the best in the league. We won't be saying that in 2010 without significant help, much as in 2007.
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QB Are we set with Hoyer as the backup? Just a couple of years ago Belichick thought that the need was so great that he used a 3rd (and busted). I expect that we need better than Stanback as our #3, if Hoyer is #2.
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WR We have Moss for 2010 and we have Edelman. We HOPE that Welker will be somewhere close to where he was when comes back, likey to replace Moss on the active roster for the 2011 season. Tate coming back strong would be a bonus, but is unlikely.
It usually takes a year of part time play for a wide receiver to develop. Alsd, our staff seems to have trouble coaching up veterans to understand our offense.
The bottom line is as we look at 2010 or 2011, we have 2 receivers, and need at least two more.
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RB We have Maroney and three aged running backs for 2010. All are in their last year. Green-Ellis just gets splinters. We have no solid returner or playmaker. We need more.
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TE We have Baker who is a solid #2 TE. We need a #1 to replace Watson. We also could use a #3 blocking TE. I have no clue what Belichick thinks would have happened if Baker or Watson were injured during the 2009 season. We used to carry FOUR TE's, in case of injury, with one on the Practice Squad (or sometimes on speed dial)
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OL Koppen is signed through 2011, and is OK when there are solid healthy OG's next to him. Light will likely leave after the 2010 season, so we could bring in a developmental OT, but only if he also played guard. I am in the minority who who like to see Light extended to either play LT or LG in 2011.
I really hope that we give Mankins pretty much what he wants and extend him. He is the rock of the OL. If not, we have a need for three interior linemen. I expect one or two of the roster slots would be filled by Ohrnberger, Bussey, Connolly or Wendell. None of these players give me any confidence.
COACHING
We need to add an experienced coach on the offensive staff. The sataff needs help indeveloping the playbook, developing game schemes, in making in-game adjustments and in playcalling. At present we have no OC. Someone could be promoted to that position or we could bring in an OC. In any case, one more coach would help.
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The BOTTOM LINE is that the offense was a TOP FIVE offense in 2009 and needs signifcant help if we expect it to repeat. Since we all agree that there were needs and issues even in the performance of the 2009 offense, a major influx is what is needed, as in 2007.
Obviously I don't think it is fair to look at the Patriots' last few drafts and say that the offensive has been neglected in the off season. While it might be neglected in the draft, the Patriots have addressed most of their pressing needs via trade and slightly via free agency.
2009:
Chris Baker TE
Joey Galloway WR
Fred Taylor RB
***drafted Vollmer OT
2008:
Lamont Jordan RB
2007:
Kelley Washington WR
Donte' Stallworth WR
Sammy Morris RB
Wes Welker WR (via trade)
Randy Moss WR (via trade)
2006:
Jabar Gafney WR
Reche Caldwell WR
***drafted Maroney RB, Thomas TE, Chad Jackson WR (fail!)
I haven't given it too much thought, but I feel as if this might be the last year the Pats focus on defense. As it was said before, this defense is having to replace a lot of talent, such as Seymour, Bruschi, Vrabel, Harrison, (to an extent) Ty Law, Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson.
If Darius Butler, Terrance Wheatley, Patrick Chung, Brandon Merriweather and Jonathan Wilhite could replace Law, Samuel, Gay, Harrison and Wilson, the Pats wouldn't have to draft help at in the secondary. Unfortunately, it takes time and the time that has passed doesn't offer much "immediate" hope. I do think that the focus on the secondary and the talent acquired makes it less a priority (as long as Bodden re-ups).
And I think we can agree that Pryor can't replace Seymour in a year or two... as well as Mayo and Guyton replacing Vrabel and Bruschi in a matter of a year. Thomas and Burgess weren't immediate impacts on this defense and if they draft OLBs, it is evident that they are looking for more from that position (as I think we all are).
All said, the offensive line needs help after Vollmer, Koppen and Mankins. I can't speak for Nick Kazcur, as I haven't watched closely.
Tight end is not a need, as long as they have a veteran that can block and occasionally catch a pass in the red zone.
Running back is a committee of back ups, with no "Frank Gore" or "Adrian Peterson". I don't know if this offense allows or requires a #1 RB, but I would love to have one.