Actually the Patriots had the number one defense. They allowed just 15.6 points per game. The 2nd place team gave up 17.8. That's just insane.   <-- link to facts

Sorry, I made you look bad, again.

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I have to give you something. New England was better on points but were so far down in the defensive rankings at NFL.com that I didn't notice.

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Trust your scouting and development.

There were a lot of people ripping on Sam Shields after a trying 2011 season. It didn’t stop him from becoming a Pro Bowl cornerback.

Most here could not have realized the effect losing Shields the 1st week was going to have.

Sam would always take away the other teams #1 receiver with little help.

As the injuries mounted(Randall, Rollins, Banjo, Goodson...did I miss anyone?)
The problems grew with the defense.

Guys did step up, a big part of The Packers running the table was The defense creating turnovers.

Playing 8 straight MUST WIN games finally took it's toll, throw in losing Kentrall Brice and Micah Hyde with a less than 100% Randall, Rollings and Burnette along with a front 7 who did not get the pressure needed and you get the results of The Atlanta game.

The young players on defense are only going to get better with all the experience they received this year.

There is always that chance there is a Free Agent Ted feels could contribute at a position of need.

The price is right then Ted will make the move for example: in 2014 with Julius Peppers and Letroy Guion or:

Last year with Jared Cook.

Every off season, you have to take a hard look at your roster and make the best decision for the future of the team.

Teds plan hasn't fizzled!

Bob McGuin and anyone who takes his writing serious is an idot!!!!!

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You just said most here could not have realized the impact of Sam's loss? The one guy who should've... Didn't. Thanks. Ted.

Your Atlanta theory makes no sense in light of losing by one earlier in the season with a more depleted roster.

Gotta take a look at your roster each off season and make best decisions for the future? That is Ted's downfall. The future includes the upcoming season, too not just years down the road. No question 12s all in comment was about putting the focus on the season in front of you. I've said that for years. Favre and Woodson before him have said similar things.

Ted has a flatline management approach. Let's just stipulate the number is 20℅. Ted shoots for a 20℅ chance for the next 3 years. When a guy like Sam goes down Ted will sit by while that seasons odds fall to 10℅. He won't attempt to bump up the 10 back to 20 because it might affect the 20% chance over the next few seasons. It is that flatline approach that is maddening. It ensures we have a smaller chance long term vs. a bigger chance for any current season. His approach has been proven to work when we get the fortune of closing out a 3rd string QB but at no other time. Going all in is shunning the flatline approach that drives 12 and people who think like I do crazy. How about all in and raise the odds for this season? Oh, sure, it may backfire. Winners go for it. Guys like Ted are content with not being the best. I honestly think it's more important to him that someone say he was consistently good opposed to great once in awhile.

Meanwhile, Ted's approach is perfect for some. Good but not great. We can brag of playoff appearances and streaks and come to justify failure. Ted is an awesome GM if you want a good football team. He's a terrible GM if you want a great one. Good is the enemy of great. It will keep playing out unless we get another Caleb Hanie along the way.

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