At the time I (and I'm sure others) thought 2012 was going to be a rebuilding year.
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Wow, I'd be VERY surprised if most people felt that way.
After all, the Pats were coming off a Super Bowl appearance.
So immediately that draws high expectations.
Then take in the fact that the Pats had arguably the BEST quarterback in the league (Brady, obviously) to go with a supporting cast that established itself as possibly the best in the league. Welker was the best slot receiver, and Gronk/Hernandez established themselves as bonafide studs in 2011 and absolute matchup nightmares for defenses, but we were supposed to be concerned about hte loss of Benjarvis? Oh, and they added Lloyd who was to be a signfiicant upgrade over Branch (who was merely our fourth receiving option at best anyway).
As for the defense, the 2011 defense wasn't bad enough to keep them out of the Super Bowl, and it was only supposed to get better in 2012. Edelman wouldn't be playing corner. Two first rounders and a second rounder were spent on defense. RAS I Dowling was coming back from injury (essentially the addition of another first round, trust me, we all know how this one worked out). Gregory was an upgrade over Chung. So no, I don't think the loss of Andre Carter scared too many people. Losses happen every year. It's about who's left.
I don't know why anyone would have thought the 2012 would be a rebuidling year. After all, not many thought 2015 was a rebuilding year and we lost way more in that offseason (Revis, Browner, Ridley, Vereen, Arrington, Connolly).