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I believe the moves for Ochocinco and Haynesworth were just another logical step in building perhaps the most versatile team in NFL history. In my opinion, this offense, when healthy, truly has zero weaknesses. Just to review some of the areas where the Pats struggled last year:
Short Yardage: BJGE and Danny Woodhead were not exactly pounders. By re-signing Morris and drafting Ridley, the Pats are now a team to be reckoned with on goal-line situations, and you won't see them out of shotgun on 3rd and 2. Lee Smith will fill in just fine for Crumpler when it's his time, and the Pats offensive line will be quite a force.
Spread Offense: Typically, you need at least three above average receivers for this formation to really be effective. Ochocinco does not upgrade the Pats "#1 receiver", but the upgrade of Ochocinco/Branch rather than Tate/Price vs. a team's nickelback is monumental. If the Pats spread out four, they have a choice of Edelman/Tate/Price against a team's dime cornerback; for the opposition, that is a lot of versatility to ask from your fourth best corner.
Defensive Line: In bringing in Haynesworth, the Patriots get a new wildcard for their defense. Haynesworth can create interior pressure on the QB and is nasty against the run. The Pats had too many specialists who were good against the run of pass, but not against both. In addition, while running a 4-3, which they ran a lot last year, there were too many 3-4 players out of position. Haynesworth certainly has the upside to make a gigantic impact.
In addition to these three areas, the Pats already have the personnel to create tons of formations and mismatches for any type of defense, which is why they were so dominating last season. With players like Hernandez, Gronkowski, and Woodhead, it's getting virtually impossible to predict likely matchups and schemes. These recent moves, in addition to the draft, are going to make this team a 50-headed monster.
I would say the 2011 Patriots may subjectively have the most "above average" players in NFL history, and while their cream of the crop players may not be as strong as, say, the Jets, their depth and versatility will be astounding this season.
Short Yardage: BJGE and Danny Woodhead were not exactly pounders. By re-signing Morris and drafting Ridley, the Pats are now a team to be reckoned with on goal-line situations, and you won't see them out of shotgun on 3rd and 2. Lee Smith will fill in just fine for Crumpler when it's his time, and the Pats offensive line will be quite a force.
Spread Offense: Typically, you need at least three above average receivers for this formation to really be effective. Ochocinco does not upgrade the Pats "#1 receiver", but the upgrade of Ochocinco/Branch rather than Tate/Price vs. a team's nickelback is monumental. If the Pats spread out four, they have a choice of Edelman/Tate/Price against a team's dime cornerback; for the opposition, that is a lot of versatility to ask from your fourth best corner.
Defensive Line: In bringing in Haynesworth, the Patriots get a new wildcard for their defense. Haynesworth can create interior pressure on the QB and is nasty against the run. The Pats had too many specialists who were good against the run of pass, but not against both. In addition, while running a 4-3, which they ran a lot last year, there were too many 3-4 players out of position. Haynesworth certainly has the upside to make a gigantic impact.
In addition to these three areas, the Pats already have the personnel to create tons of formations and mismatches for any type of defense, which is why they were so dominating last season. With players like Hernandez, Gronkowski, and Woodhead, it's getting virtually impossible to predict likely matchups and schemes. These recent moves, in addition to the draft, are going to make this team a 50-headed monster.
I would say the 2011 Patriots may subjectively have the most "above average" players in NFL history, and while their cream of the crop players may not be as strong as, say, the Jets, their depth and versatility will be astounding this season.
