The NEXT: Questions About the Patriots

A few things to consider before next season.

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What now?

So seriously, what's going to happen with the New England Patriots next year?

(1) The Coordinator Issue: This shouldn't be a huge deal, right? Bill Belichick lost Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis and rang together a perfect regular season, so losing Josh McDaniels shouldn't flush the dynastic element of the team. According to this Boston Herald article, it seems Pete Mangurian (current tight ends coach) or Bill O'Brien (current wide receivers coach) will step in as offensive coordinator. Belichick might become the coordinator himself as he breaks one of 'em in.

(2) The Pioli Issue: If Scott Pioli leaves, that could be a semi-big issue, mostly because the guy who will likely replace him, Nick Caserio, was thrown about for jobs this season. Although the Pats' top personnel slot is a coveted one, a Pioli-to-Caserio "one and done" situation could be awkward.

(3) The Brady/Cassel Issue: This shouldn't be a big one, right? You start Tom Brady if Tom Brady can go, no?

(4) The Girlfriends Issue: No one can seem to figure out if Brady and Gisele are engaged, and people don't seem to completely trust Linda Holliday (Belichick's girlfriend), but for serious, Belichick and Brady are two of the most focused dudes in the NFL. This shouldn't be an issue.

(5) The Age Issue: Here's the depth chart. Some GMs would sell their first-born for this squad, but it's doubtful any would call it "young" per se.

(6) The Rest of the AFC East Issue: The Dolphins obviously had a good season, and since Tony Sparano seems pretty intense, we think they'll be good again. (The team is aged too, though.) The Jets depend mainly on two things: (a) the Brett Favre situation and (b) the new coach, which are oddly probably linked issues. The cupboard definitely isn't bare there, though. (Good defense.) The Bills started strong last year and have talent, so if they put it together, they could be in the mix too. It's not the hardest division in football, but it's not the easiest either.

Overall: If the Pats won 11 games with no Tom Brady, including absolutely blasting a team hosting the NFC Championship Game this Sunday—and had a perfect regular season after losing two noted coordinators—they'll probably have enough pieces and focus to win the AFC East next season, no matter what happens. But hey, that's why ya play the games, naw?

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