Well-put. There’s no question that there are a lot of what ifs…
- What kind of jump will Dobson, Boyce, Thompkins make in year two?
- Can Dobson get healthy and make up any ground he lost?
- What will a healthy Amendola look like in year two with Brady?
- How quick can LaFell pick up the offense and contribute?
- Can Edelman build on his breakout 2013 (which really might just come down to staying healthy)?
- What will the interior of the offensive line look like? Will there be an immediate youth movement with Halapio and Stork or will they be brought along slowly?
- Can Ridley and Vereen put their issues (fumbles/injuries) behind them and turn in a consistent and healthy season? And if not, are any of the rookies, led by James White, legitimate weapons?
- When does Gronk come back and what do they do until then or if he goes down again? As of now it’s pretty scary to imagine Hooman being our #1 TE for another season.
But ultimately you’re right, no matter what happens and who improves, regresses or is lost to injury, the Pats have a history of making things work. Brady is still Brady as far as we know so that alone should make this a top-10 offense.
Of course, we all see the potential. If the receivers develop, if the running backs find their consistency, if the interior offensive line solidifies… this could be an explosive and versatile offense.
2013 was a reset year somewhat and they powered through it. No matter how things go this year, things should be better and we shouldn’t have the same kind of up-and-down start where they’re just not moving the ball.
It’s exciting to see how it will play out.