Bring Back the Band -- Dynasty 2.0?

[ctpatsfan77]

The above age is as of 12/31/2014. the 53 ages averages out to be 26.264.
If you change the date to 2/1/2015. The age increases as several Pats had birthdays in January and on 2/1.

The numbers are calculated, IIRC, at the beginning of the season, and are counted as years + days/365 (i.e., going from the day before the birthday to the day of the birthday doesn't add 365 days, it adds 1 day).

 

[Patriots1364life]

I just want our d line upgraded.I still think its our weakest spot on the team.Some of those guys dont collapse the pocket as much.

 

[Huckleberry1]

The Pats were lucky in how healthy they were this year. They lost Mayo and Ridley early, but after that the key players mostly avoided major injuries. Even the injuries that did happen weren't season-ending. Injuries are the great equalizer, and repeating will probably require staying relatively healthy. But who knows.

Agree, but that's always a big part of being the last team standing. This is one reason I think the predictions in pre and early season make little sense as things change as the season runs its course and it usually comes down to who is healthy and peaking for the playoffs, and put season " best team on paper" doesn't usually win. Belichick prices depth and season long improvement, and that's what ultimately pays off.

 

[KamikazeKnight]

I think the goal every year is to win the Super Bowl, so definitely a repeat is something the team should pursue. It's why I never understood people who choose to "go out on top." You're supposed to defend your title. Anything less than playing for the championship again has to be considered a disappointment.

 

[Miguel]

The numbers are calculated, IIRC, at the beginning of the season, and are counted as years + days/365 (i.e., going from the day before the birthday to the day of the birthday doesn't add 365 days, it adds 1 day).

At the beginning of the season the NFL right after week 1 puts out a press release with each team's average height, weight, age. The Patriots was listed as having an average of 25.79 week 1. They did not get younger during the year. They got older with Branch, Blount, + Casillas joining the team,

 

[VJCPatriot]

The key of course is Revis. But consider that we already paid him 12m last year ok. And the top corners are making 14m. If he really cares about winning I think a deal that makes him the top paid corner without busting the cap could work, say 14.25 or 14.5m AAV for 4-5 years?

 

[DefenseRules]

The key of course is Revis. But consider that we already paid him 12m last year ok. And the top corners are making 14m. If he really cares about winning I think a deal that makes him the top paid corner without busting the cap could work, say 14.25 or 14.5m AAV for 4-5 years?

I would go as high as 15m.

 

[SVN]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000468223/article/offseason-forecast-new-england-patriots

On the way out?

» CB Darrelle Revis: The Patriots haven't ruled out paying Revis his $20 million salary. They don't have to pay him his big option bonus until March 31, giving the team a ton of extra time to work out a deal. The timing of his contract makes it far more likely he stays in New England as the Patriots try to max out ring potential with Brady.






» DT Vince Wilfork: Don't be stunned if the Patriots cut Wilfork. It would be cold blooded, but releasing Wilfork could save over $8 million in cap room, and he was a so-so starter this season. It would be a very "on to 2015" Patriotsmove.

» WR Danny Amendola: He salvaged his Patriots career with 34 catches in the last five games of the season, including a strong playoff run. But the third receiver has a $5.7 million cap hit, and the Patriots might consider moving on. They could save more than $2 million in cap space.

» LB Jerod Mayo: With the veteran coming off two injury-marred seasons, look for the Patriots to approach Mayo about a restructured contract. He has a cap hit of $10.2 million, but look for the Pats to work something out.

What they need

New England's best two defensive backs and running backs have uncertain futures. That will be a focus. Brandon LaFell was a big hit in his first season, but the Patriots need more speed on the outside. On defense, the team is desperately in need of some beef for their interior defensive line. Look for draft picks there.

Offseason crystal ball

McCourty should be retained, via the franchise tag followed by a huge long-term extension. ThePatriots have leverage with Revis; look for him to stay at least one more season. Gostkowski could get more money elsewhere. The team can clear some room by cutting Wilfork, reminding everyone that Belichick is not sentimental. They can rebuild their running back position in the draft, letting Vereen walk.