The New England Patriots have dominated the AFC East for more than a decade largely because of their superiority in two key areas: quarterback and head coach.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick may be the foundation for the Patriots' run of success, but a foundation is nothing unless you build on it.
The Patriots have assembled some of the best rosters in the conference for years, but after losing several key players this offseason, there's a little more uncertainty in some spots than usual. Belichick has MacGyver'd his way out of worse situations in the past, and the Patriots have still competed for conference titles and Super Bowls.