Patriots Go From Undefeated to Rebuilding in Four Short Weeks

The cynical observer might think the Patriots are at the end of their salary-cap-era dynasty, a run that started with their improbable 2001 Super Bowl victory over the Rams. With Asante Samuel now in Philly, Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi at the end of their careers (even though both might be back in '08), Rosie Colvin released, Randy Moss's future with the organization up in the air, and the circus that has become Patriotgate, it's only natural to conclude that next season will be very different than last.

In theory, maybe, but Bill Belichick has an annoying habit of fielding competitive teams, even if the talent might suggest otherwise. Whatever, 2008 could be his biggest challenge. While we wait for the Moss situation to resolve itself, the Boston Globe is reporting that New England is going about the business of replacing Samuel.

The obvious choice is backup Randall Gay, but he too could sign elsewhere. Gay isn't a game-changer like Samuel, but he's been a solid contributor during his four-year career. And if the Pats don't re-sign him, their secondary goes from not bad to very, very bad in the span of a few weeks.

Enter candidate No. 1, Jason Webster.

The 30-year-old Webster signed with the Bills last year as a free agent, but broke his forearm in the opener against Denver Sept. 9 and was lost for the season. In eight NFL seasons, Webster has started 74 of 87 games and has 11 interceptions.

Not exactly someone you build a secondary around. But the Pats could also look into trading for the Eagles' Lito Sheppard. You know, the new odd guy out now that Samuel's on the team.

Obviously, Sheppard would be an upgrade, although he struggles to stay healthy. There's also the draft, and ideally, New England would trade down and stock up on linebackers and defensive backs. The tough part, of course, is to find some team willing to trade up and take on the huge financial commitment that goes along with a top-10 pick.

No worries, though; as soon as Belichick finishes building that time machine, he can go back and re-sign Samuel when he was much more affordable. And then he can get rid of Matt Walsh before he has an opportunity to rat him out.