Improvements are very possible with this team. Matt Chatham's piece was relevant yesterday and is moreso today:
http://www.footballbyfootball.com/column/mnf-expect-the-patriots-to-change
My suggestions:
1) Simplify the offense and execute well what you do best. The running game was effective against KC when they let the maulers up front create some space for Vereen and Ridley. Take the four or five yards when it's there on first or second down, and stay committed to it. In the passing game, determine what each receiver does best to get separation and put them in those situations. This team has the most diverse group of receivers I can recall with big guys, little guys, two pass catching tight ends and an elite pass catching back. I would scrap anything exotic or cute and call plays that the receivers have successfully executed in the past. It will help Brady know who will be where, and remove confusion like we saw last night.
2) Take what the defense gives you. Everybody knew the Chiefs were weak against the run. McDaniels opened up as a contrarian and committed to the passing game. If a team sucks at something, attack that and make them prove they can stop you. These guys are the best in the world at scouting opponents. Find the weakness, and exploit it, even if they know what's coming.
3) Settle on five offensive linemen and stick with that. If Solder needs help on the edge, as he clearly did last night, provide it on passing downs with Hoomanawanoui and Gronkowski. Stork looked good in his first start, so keep him at Center and settle on who is on his left and right and show some confidence in them to become an effective unit. Enough with the revolving door that contributes uncertainty to a unit that needs to walk out there as five guys looking to kick ass and take names.
4) Initiate contact on defense. Throw the rule book out the window and use the speed and talent to punish the opponent. The corners played off the line a lot last night giving the Chiefs numerous opportunities underneath to get first downs or set up blocks for receivers and ball carriers. Initiate contact and be the aggressor. The defense got manhandled. Andy Reid's three-tight-end sets dominated the linebackers. Really? Those guys were no big deal coming into the game, but they sure looked tougher than the Patriots when they got rolling. I wonder if it looks different with Dennard and Browner on the line jamming people.