Why I'm not that Upset

You still have

a) Brady at the top of his game and a QB to groom for 2015/2016 (or to use as a trade asset in b/w)
b) Cap room
c) 2 1sts and 2 2nds

d) 1 “key” FA (I keep reading about all the multiple key FA’s the Patriots have … to me, Welker is the only “key” guy. Anderson/Carter would be next up, but whether they return may depend on Belichick’s decision on the ratio of odd and even fronts that he’d like to run next year, as both are better in the 3 point. Branch can be let go, Connolly is important enough to bring back … at the right price (as I imagine a young interior OL has to be drafted this year), Ihedigbo is replaceable, Warren/Ellis are replaceable. BGE is a guy they probably want back, but at the right price. He’s not an elite runner, but he’s steady. That said, did just draft Ridley, and while he fumbled down the stretch, he might be enough of a safety option that they wouldn’t over-spend to keep BGE around. Kevin Faulk’s had a nice run but is probably done. Heck, wouldn’t surprise me if the Pats decided Matt Slater was more important to bring back than a couple of the above guys)

e) A moveable asset in Brian Hoyer, I think the Pats could probably shop him as a cheaper alternative to Matt Flynn (I’m not all that sold Flynn is as … Schaub-ian as some think, and I think Hoyer isn’t that far behind him, if at all)). Seems clear that Mallett isn’t O’Connell as of now, so he’ll likely be around for another year or two.
f) A younger roster than many seem to realize. There’s age on it, of course, but there’s youth/guys in their prime in certain areas, particularly the tackle spots and at the key LB spots.

I’m not a Pats fan (although partial since I spent so much time up there), but that’s a franchise outlook that most teams would kill for. Add in that the AFC really lacks elite QB’s right now, and even if Peyton goes to Miami, this is still a team that should be a playoff contender for the next 3-5 years.

You need help at CB. McCourty should probably be kicked to FS full time, giving some range next to Chung. They have to determine the ratio of odd vs. even fronts they will run, but a young edge guy is needed (Cam Johnson seems ideal for Belichick in the 2nd/3rd … former prep DB, played rush backer under Groh, played DE under London and was disciplined and solid on the edges). DL depth would be nice, and interior linemen are needed. A deep threat should be sought. They have enough picks and money that the key needs can be addressed to make another deep run next year.

You seem fairly doom and gloom, but most fans would trade their team’s outlook for the Pats. That said, Belichick does have to stop whiffing on DB’s in the draft, though. Too many wasted picks on DB’s in recent years.