They have to continue to build on their press man defense and not be quite so reliant on Talib (assuming he returns). That means staying healthy mostly. Ryan should make some strides. Dennard and Arrington are scrappy and good pieces.
They also can’t remain so reliant on Ninkovich and Chandler or they’ll run them into the ground like they did to Wilfork.
A third defensive end, healthy/versatile defensive tackle rotation and Mayo back will do wonders.
I’m excited to see what Jamie Collins might blossom into. It’s possible Hightower could see a lot less playing time next year if he’s reduced to Mike-only snaps. That actually might not be a bad thing, it would allow the Pats to play more base because they have a middle linebacker in Hightower who’s got more quickness than Spikes had.
