As the Patriots prepare for Sunday’s season-opener in Tennessee against the Titans, it makes most sense that all eyes will be focused on a revamped unit that could finally put the “D” back in New England. There have been encouraging signs that this year won’t be filled with some of the problems that have recently dogged the unit – namely third-down struggles (28th last year, 32nd two years ago), inconsistent pass-rushing, leaky coverage and, most painfully for the club’s followers, the inability to close out Super Bowls when the opportunities were there for a playmaker to rise up to do so.