Okay, that's done, let's talk football...

I agree that Meriwether should get a shot at free safety. With a season of Rodney's tutelage under his belt, maybe it's time to let him sink or swim out there.

A lot pf people are saying that the Patriots need to establish the run to set up the pass. But what the Pats have been doing is using the pass to set up the run--or to use the short passing game as a "running" game. The way I viewed the Super Bowl (it still hurts to talk about it) is that the Pats deviated from this philosophy and went to more traditional 2 and 3 receiver sets with a running back staying in for pass protection, rather than 4 or 5 wide. This was making me crazy. I kept shouting "go five wide" at the TV. I think this would have spead the Giants d-line and made it a little bit harder to get pressure, especially with Brady throwing quick outs.

So, I guess my point is that I'm not worried about the running game all that much. The Pats had pretty high yards per carry. I'm more worried about the O-line. I think this needs to be a pass blocking line first and foremost and they blew it in the SB. I'm still hoping the Pats make a move in that direction.

  It's most likely a combination of all the elements you listed.  I think the offense as a whole, from the coaches and their scheme to the 4th string running back, needs to focus more on running the ball and ensure that it never becomes an afterthought in any game.  I loved how Maroney was tearing it up in the AFC playoffs, yet it seemed to me like we abandoned that in the Super Bowl.  Big mistake! 

  It's really amazing to see all the fireworks on display when Brady and his new toys light up the scoreboard, yet we've lost sight of who we used to be.  I loved 2004 so much because we had the ability to pass the ball with the best of them, yet we mercilessly pounded the rock down other team's throats with Dillon.  Dude!  Remember when everyone hopped on Dillon's back and rode his ass to a victory against the Colts in the playoffs that year?  That was a perfect gameplan for the situation!  I just feel like we've lost some of our attitude on offense.  I miss the days when we just wanted to punch people in the mouth on both sides of the ball... EVERY GAME! 

This has been a GREAT thread everybody.  Many, many excellent points have been made.   I'm sorry I joined it late.

Here's what I would add.....

1.)  Competition.  The Pat's have done a great job adding depth and creating competition at almost every position (with the possible exception of RB and OL).  If Kevin Jones comes in - then even moreso.

2.)  Coaching.  Dom Capers as a Secondary Coach is going to be going to be a huge addition.  He will help the Pat's D in general, but will really help in the process of solidying this secondary.  Generally, he's going to bring a fresh added perspective to the team.  FYI, Fernando Bryant played for Capers years ago.

3.)  Special Teams.  Besides depth, this is the area of the team that I think the Pat's have really improved.  The speed that has been brought in from the draft is world class.  I love the fact that they should have the makings of a great KR in either Slater or Wheatley.  (It would have been great to have either in the SB).  In addition, Crable will be an animal on teams.   

4.)  Defense.  I really belive that with Victor Hobson and Jerod Mayo the Pat's have solidified the LB spot.  A rotation with Bruschi and hopefully Seau and we should be fine.  As for OLB, Thomas and Vrabel are better on the outside.  Crable adds depth, particularly for situational pass rushing or run stopping.  In the Secondary, I agree that Merriweather has to step up and play somewhere.  Hobbs, Sanders and Rodney are in.  The 2nd CB is open and will be hotly contested.  Wheatley and Wilhite will be situational nickel and dime.

5.)  Offense.  I think the Pat's need to get back to more ball control and sustained drives.  Getting the TE's and RB's more involved would be good.  I'd like to see shorter, more precise patterns out of the WR's (it's Chad Jackson's turn to step up).  This type of Offense becomes more valuable in the playoffs, when the big plays aren't always there, and you really have to pick you're spots in going for it.  The good news is that most of the Offense is back and they're coming off of a GREAT Year.

Bottom line, as we knew and as we've seen - it's all about winning that last one.  Here's to winning the SB and taking care of unfinished business this season!!!!!!!!!!

GO PAT'S