On offense just start with LaFell, Edelman and Gronk. Those are the three who they’ll rely on the most. But the final two weapon spots are really fascinating. Of course, the running backs are very much up in the air, especially who will be the passing back.
Then you have the next line of Amendola, Wright and Chandler. Obviously a big power set is very much in the mix, especially if Amendola proves to be better than Tim Wright, who is now getting a full offseason to develop with the playbook.
On defense I think what we’ve seen the last two years is skewing expectations because of the loss of Mayo and the lack of depth at defensive end. That forced them into six man fronts almost 75 percent of the time with Hightower and Collins just serving as the nickel linebackers.
Now, with Mayo back and a legit third option at DE in Sheard, and a few more talented young guys who could work in, the Pats have some options. Let’s remember early last year they were pulling Ninkovich off for Arrington in nickel, so that shows they might prefer to move Hightower to the edge with Mayo available.
What would I like to see?
Easley in a Wilfork-esque role where he’ll be placed over the worst pass block offensive linemen every week. By the same token, I’d use a combo of Siliga/Branch/Brown as the run-deterrent version of that.
I want to see Hightower on the line in passing situations where he has more chance to rush the passer while Mayo is more in coverage. Collins should be the all-over-the-place linebacker depending on the matchups.
Offensively I’d love to see the three tight end package with Gronk-Chandler-Wright, especially in the red zone. How many teams have the size to matchup with those three? Throw in LaFell (6′2″) and Cadet (6′1″) and that is a scary fivesome.