... wouldn't end up yet another lost core member of their defense 

Guys like Asante Samuel, Mike Vrabel, Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi, and Richard Seymour—stalwarts of the Patriots' championship teams—have all either left as free agents, retired, or been traded in the last two years.

As a result, New England has dropped from fourth in total defense in 2007 to 10th in 2008, and 11th in 2009. The issues go beyond the numbers and into the locker room, though.

Those names above were leaders, veterans, and champions. They meant more to the Patriots than statistics demonstrate, and it showed last season as the Patriots began resembling an average team rather than the immortal beast that won three titles.

With the franchise a...

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