June 3, 2008

Mission accomplished: The most important offseason transaction had nothing to do with adding or disposing of a player. Priority No. 1 for the Patriots was re-signing WR Randy Moss after he redefined WR greatness in 2007. An old and tired LB corps received injections of youth with the drafting of Jerod Mayo and the free-agent signing of Victor Hobson, both of whom could comprise the Pats’ ILB tandem for the foreseeable future.

Unfinished business: A flawed secondary doesn’t get better by watching Asante Samuel, arguably one of the five best corners in the game, flee to Philly. In his place, the Pats reeled in a host of undistinguished stopgap types who will be considered successes if they are merely average. An offensive line that was terrific in the regular season but exposed as glacially slow in the Super Bowl looks no different. The fact that ORT Nick Kaczur is still responsible for ensuring Tom Brady’s health is a reality that should make all Patriot fans squirm.