To all the "Kraft is cheap" "we need Vjax" "trade for Fitzgerald/Johnson" folks

[PScottman]

Meanwhile, while it wasn't bringing in a RB or WR, Belichick did play the part of the ant again, bringing in 2 linebackers to help that depleted group.

Today vs tomorrow. There remains the unknown of the future plans component as to what offers will be made to what players coming into free agency on this team, how much cap space they'll need to do so, etc. While VJax was 'available' it's also unknown what the cost was, what our teams' scouts say about him, and if they feel he's a fit. If he'd been on a rookie or low cost deal that garnered more flexibility in the future than just the 'rental' category that too COULD have made a difference. Add in an existing group of receivers that the team is comfortable with and maybe it was 'too crowded' already wherein the linebackers couldn't even field a foursome of the charity golf tourney they were so depleted.

Too many unknowns and assumptions to gauge, but interesting to speculate about.

 

[Oswlek]

Having a WR corp that can work those zones is necessary, though not sufficient, there are other factors at work.

Of course, that's precisely the point. Every area on the team is necessary.... until it isn't.

You need excellent coaching, unless you have a great Dallas roster. You need a strong defensive back seven, unless you have the Giants' DL. You need great quarterbacking, unless you have a historic Ravens defense. You need a competent OL, unless you have Big Ben and a playmaking defense.

Would having better deep threats have helped the Patriots the past few years? Of course, because then they would have been a better team. But given a choice between Randy Moss or Reggie White in 2010, I know who I would choose. In 2011, NE was a drop away from winning without a deep threat, Gronk or a competent defense!

Receiving threats in a specific area are no more necessary than any other unit on the field. Everything is helpful and anything can be overcome if you are strong enough elsewhere.