I think this year's team is every bit as good, and maybe even better, than last year's team. On offense, the talent level is similar, but the OL, even with Solder's injury, looks very deep and solid. Most importantly, though, Brady has great familiarity with his skill players. And Dion is a better runner than Vereen, though no disrespect to Vereen, who was instrumental in getting us to the promised land.
I like this defense better than last year's. They're more fun to watch and I think they'll get much stronger as the year continues. The coverage has been good - obviously we lost a ton with Revis, no argument there - but the DL is really good. Teams were pounding us up the middle last couple of years, but no more.
Love Wilfork, but he wasn't very good last year, imo. This DL interior is stout and can get tons of push. Collins continues to just get better, and Hightower is a beast (and now we have Mayo in reserve).
Outside on the line, Nink and Jones played too many snaps last year. Won't be the case this year.
Statistically, this year's D will look better than last year's, but that's hugely due to this year's schedule compared to last year's.
The only thing I fear are the high-powered passing offenses (there aren't many this year), but I'd hate to play, say, Atlanta in the SB.