The one thing that jumps out at me, outside of the points vs yard allowed discussion, is you don't need to be really good at both offense and defense to win the SB...... but you better be the best or very close to the best in one or the other. Since it is reasonable to believe the 2011 Patriot D will not be dominant (Middle of the road is reasonable), the Patriot offense better regain the form they had in the first month of the season.....else we will need to be statistical trailblazers.
Exactly why I fear that the ineffectiveness of the WR's will be much more of a faltering point than the popular fan and media choice of defense. There has GOT to be another wrinkle or positive attribute thrown in the mix on that side of the ball; whether it be stretching the field, finding more ways to get the usual guys open underneath (which seems to be have taken away via press man coverage by throwing timing routes off), or going back to the screens and RB flat passes of old. I just don't see taking what the defense will give us via Welker or Gronkowski carrying us to the SB this yr.
The offense, Brady in general, and the ability to put up points in bunches is obviously the strength of this team, and has been for many yrs. When you start messing with that/ having problems with that, you are going to be in a world of hurt come playoff time, at least that's what I fear.
Yes, it is absolutely wonderful that the defense is coming on, and that they are getting closer to becoming "middle of the pack." That is very promising, and allows us to always at least have a chance if we can get to the mid 20's on the offensive side of the ball. However, with the recent 5-6 game stretch of the offense having problems (Brady 4 games in a row with a fumble, sacks are up, INT's and poor choices are up, effectiveness of WR's is certainly down) also becoming closer to "middle of the pack" (certainly not saying that they are, just that they have become
closer to it), this takes away from our obvious strength.
I fear that by doubling Welker, the targeting of Gronkowski will eventually bite us in the ass if/when a team forces a couple of errant throws/picks, or is simply better suited to defend him in general. There is no outside game, and the running game usually does not perform up to par when faced with a tough run defense opponent.
Hopefully, we will see the continued emergence of a running game come into play down the stretch in the last 6 games, and be another effective weapon come playoff time. That, and the improvement of the defense would at least give us a reasonable shot. Otherwise, I am feeling a bit pessimistic regarding the offensive output from Brady and the WR's. I know that Gronk is incredible, but I don't know if we can ride his coat tails all the way to a SB?
Hopefully, I am just over reacting...