McGinnest was only a part time player at OLB, moving Vrabel inside was only temporary, the plan all along was to move Vrabel back outside and get an inside linebacker in the offseason. He'll be missed, but not as much as you'd think.
The Pats were not in good shape at inside linebacker to start the year, Ted Johnson and Roman Phifer both retired unexpectedly. The two guys they signed were primarily outside linebackers and didn't adjust well, they were really in a bind until Bruschi came back and Vrabel made the move inside. This is one of the big reasons why they were bad against the run for a while. The other reason is the loss of Rodney Harrison, he was a huge part of the run defense.
You want to point out how the Pats were bad against the pass? Look at the sheer number of DB's the Pats lost to injury last year. Rodney Harrison, Randall Gay, Tyrone Poole, Chad Scott, Guss Scott, Duane Starks... How many teams could lose 3 out of 4 starters in the secondary for most of the year and still even make the playoffs? They've made some depth signings already, Tebucky Jones, Eric Warfield, Mel Mitchell, and Chad Scott re-signed. They'll almost certainly draft a DB in the first 4 rounds, this is a DB heavy draft. They've got a bunch of younger guys on the roster anyway, many of them got playing time last year due to the injuries. They'll certainly have depth at the position (they need it), but they could use another starter.
Corey Dillon was hurt most of the year with an ankle injury, a pretty bad one. He should be better to start the season but I don't know if he'll run for 1600 yards again, they'll probably add some insurance before training camp. Probably a younger guy that they'll groom to replace Dillon. I don't see them drafting one in the first two rounds though, its not their philosophy. However, they've done unexpected things before, and if they could get DeAngelo Williams at 21, it would be great value, with the additional bonus of keeping him away from the Colts, who are expected to take a RB early in the draft.
Seymour is not going anywhere, they're close to an extension. Thats the reason why they're keeping so much cap room free. They can't make anything official until August, since they restructured his deal last August and you can't restructure or sign an extension twice within 12 months.
The O-line is pretty solid, with Matt Light, Dan Koppen, Nick Kaczur, Stephen Neal, and Logan Mankins. On the defensive line, Jarvis Green has really stepped up and would be a starter on a lot of teams, but they're pretty much set with Seymour, Wilfork, and Warren.
They legitimately need a #2 WR, thats their biggest need. Next on the list is an inside linebacker. After that, a kicker, a DB, and a RB. They're actively scouting young kickers, I'm sure they'll find someone. If not, Gramatica is there as insurance. Not much going on at WR or LB yet. They almost signed Deshea Townsend. The Pats have 11 draft picks to address these needs anyway, and going out and signing expensive free agents isn't what they do.
How exactly have the other contenders made themselves better? The Colts got worse when they let Edgerrin James go, Denver and Pittsburgh haven't done much. I'll admit, its a little premature to talk about how many wins anyone will get, but you have to admit, this is a cupcake schedule. I'll give you those first 4 as possible losses (though I don't think they'll lose all 4), but Chicago? They were the biggest pretender last year.
out there but remember the game at home we were Ken "Pussy Arm" Dorsey away from beating the Seahawks.
