I think it might be. We have a seemingly easy schedule next year and don't necessarily require alot of talent to win the division. Ofcourse we'll try to win the Superbowl but we've been successful in the playoffs before with lesser teams. I think we're gonna see alot of our older players go this offseason and it will probably be pretty depressing. I also think we may lose alot of the big names. This league is obsessed with parity so we couldn't expect to maintain a team this good for an extended period. Hopefully we'll retain Moss but I've got a feeling that some of our recievers will be gone.
This may be early but I predict we'll go a healthy 12-4, allowing we lose to the Colts, Broncos, and two others. That's more than a head start for Brady in the playoffs.
Whether the Pats will have a rebuilding season is in the eyes of the beholder.
When free agency begins, the following may be free agents: Alexander,
Britt, Ventrone, and Woods are ERFAs, Moore and Wright are RFAs, and
Brown, Bruschi, Gay, Gaffney, Mitchell, Moss, Paxton, Samuel, Scott, Seau,
Stallworth, Washington, and Wilson are UFAs. Only Izzo has re-signed.
Rumors abound that Moss and the Pats are far apart on
a contract, Bruschi may retire, and negotiations are ongoing between
the Pats and agents for Gaffney and Washington.
If the Pats lose Gay, Samuel, and Scott, the cornerback position has to be rebuilt. Same for wide receiver if Gaffney, Moss, Stallworth, and
Washington seek free agency. If both Bruschi and Seau retire, the
Pats are short one starting linebacker.
Chances are this is a worst case scenerio. I hope the Pats can re-sign
at least half of the above. If not, the person who started this thread
has a legitimate question.