Much like the United States and Soviet Union building up their nuclear arsenals during the Cold War, the Patriots and Broncos are adding players as they both load up in an effort to capture the AFC title and the Super Bowl.
In the first day of free agency the Broncos struck first, signing Aqib Talib away from the Patriots as well as adding safety T.J. Ward. The Broncos then started day two by signing defensive end DeMarcus Ware.
For Patriots fans, these moves by the team that beat them in January's AFC Championship Game felt like a death blow. Watching John Elway add weapons that would make life easier on Peyton Manning was hard enough but the thought that Bill Belichick would not do the same for Tom Brady was even tougher for Patriots fans to come to terms with.
While this doubt was building throughout New England, news broke yesterday that, unable to make a trade, the Buccaneers were going to release All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis just one year after trading for him. Revis, as good as a lock down cornerback that exists in the NFL, imeediately caught the attention of the Patriots and last night the team came to terms with him on a 1-year deal for $12-million.
Adding Revis means the Patriots are going to match the Broncos in adding weapons this off-season.
The Patriots have more moves to make and seem to be aggressive in trying to fill their needs.
They hosted linebacker Wesley Woodyard, of the Broncos, on a free agent visit yesterday and will have in cornerback Brandon Browner today. A coverage linebacker like Woodyard and a physical corner like Browner would greatly improve the Patriots defense.
The team also needs to add more of a pass rush and with big names like Julius Peppers and Jared Allen available, Belichick could really strengthen his defense. Receiver is another area of need and even if they re-sign Julian Edelman, adding more targets for Brady will be critical.
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