The general weakening of the Patriots isn't the only factor to counter though as the Other teams in AFC east have made steps forward. Most noticeably the Jets with Revis back and the addition of Cromartie (who could be great or a massive error) the secondary could leave the patriots with only their flimsy running attack. The Jets have also brought in LT and although many of the pundits have passed over him largely as being a threat they seem to have forgotten that the Jets have the best run blocking OL in the league so he could have a massive season along with Green.

Although the Dolphin's and Bills probably don't threaten to win the division they could deffinitely upset the Patriots with Marshall giving Henne a target and drawing the secondaries attention and Spiller for the Bills being unpredictable with the possibility of having a very promising rookie year.

I would like to hear reasons why I'm wrong and I still think we can put up a good fight.

Sounds like a class act, great leader, and a hard worker.  Patriots need more players like him.

silkyj said:

I reckon get jimmy graham 3rd round TE x basketballer good hands and tall and strong cld be a good fit. You never want to go too high with TEs in the draft

Jimmy Graham probably has one of the highest ceilings of any tight end in this draft.  But he's a risk.  Never really put up big numbers, more of a basketball player than a football player.

But he has such high potential, he could be worth it at #53.  I guess it depends on who else is still around

silkyj said:

Alge Crumpler is an awsome addition to the line up really looking forward to seeing him contribute next year in both the passing and run game hell make a massive difference.

Yeah, the man might not be the receiver he once was, but he's not bad, and he is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league.  All the Pats need to do is pair him with a young receiving tight end, and the position is set.

Interestingly, this may be a reason for the Patriots to hang on to Thomas, at least until they get a trade partner for Thomas.  If Thomas is released, I think he will go to the Jets under Rex Ryan.  And I don't think any Patriots fan would want to see that.  If a team is willing to take his cap hit, there's no question Thomas can be a good player, although his time with the Patriots has likely come to an end.

I know for the CBA, final four teams can only sign free agents equal to value they lose to free agents (if that makes sense), OR they can sign any player that passes through the waiver system.

I know A.D. is a vet of more than four years, so he wouldn't technically go through the waiver system, so I don't think the Jests could sign him, but does anyone know for sure?

.... reason I'm so interested is because we know that Rex Ryan, A.D.'s old defensive coordinator, is fat and greedy and would savor the chance to bring Thomas back to his system.

Greg said:

Welcome to the forums, Erick.

And under the current CBA, a 2011 draft is guaranteed, although a 2011 season may not be.

As for your two points, I agree with the first.  I think the Pats are greatly jepoardizing the 2009 season by trading away one of their best defensive players, who I believe is still in his prime.  I guess the Patriots really are moving to a 4-3, and I think Jarvis Green will finally get his chance to shine.

Thanks for the help.

Guess Big Sey looked pretty good in that first game for the Raiders.  That trade could really open the door for them in the AFC west.

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Still at the top of his game when he wants to be, IMO.  He wouldn't make us a great pass rushing team, but he made Jarvis Green look like a joke last night.

And under the current CBA, a 2011 draft is guaranteed, although a 2011 season may not be.

As for your two points, I agree with the first.  I think the Pats are greatly jepoardizing the 2009 season by trading away one of their best defensive players, who I believe is still in his prime.  I guess the Patriots really are moving to a 4-3, and I think Jarvis Green will finally get his chance to shine.

I don't really know what is going on with the CBA, but I believe there's a chance there won't even be a 2011 draft?

So are the Pats really willing to risk not winning the super bowl for a pick we may not even get?

Sey may have been on the downside of his career, but at least he could still command the double team and get the occassional sack.

I don't like looking to the future with this team, but if Brandon Tate can recover from that knee injury, maybe he and Edelman can be a nice 1-2 punch down the road.