NFL Lockout's Impact On The New England Patriots

Despite being one of the NFL's elite teams, the Patriots is the team that could have benefitted the most from off season workouts. Bill Belichick has built his defense with young, fast players, but they're not a solid unit yet. Another off season together would have helped them grow and mature as a defensive unit. I still think the Pats will make great strides on defense in 2011, but it will come with more growing pains. As for the offense, all they need is one dynamic wide receiver for quarterback Tom Brady to throw to and they will be fine. The Patriots adjust to adversity as well as any team and I expect them to be AFC front runners in 2011.