For the first time in years, our nucleus looks hazy.
Superbowl year, you could put your finger on exactly what it is the team needed for the future to remain one of the premier teams in the NFL.
What hurts me is the unknown, because taking impending FA into consideration, we as fans have no idea of the scope required to rebuild the defense. It isn't a big rebuilding job offensively, as a personal opinion probably shared by the majority of fans i'd like an elite tight end, and a center.
Defensively however, looking at the roster top to bottom, It's clear improvement is needed on all three levels. A Nose tackle, a linebacker and a safety in my opinion. I would be VERY surprised if Ted goes for the quick fix (Orapko, Byrd), cost implications/philosophy considered.
Sometimes, just a fresh start is enough to improve top to bottom. Who knows, maybe a change in defensive coaching staff could be the catalyst for an improvement.
Right now though, I am worried about the defense going forward.
Zero2Cool is my captain.