Bedard: Defense proved thin on depth

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Mike Felger, Tony Massarotti, and Greg Bedard chat a bit about the Patriots, and more specifically the defensive side of things.

Felger notes that losing their starting cornerback and best pass rusher was huge in the AFC Championship Game. He also says that with those two back next season the Pats have a real chance at the Super Bowl again, and Mazz agrees.

"Losing both Chandler Jones and Aqib Talib given where they were a year ago, was fatal for them ultimately for that game against the Ravens," Massarotti said. "If those guys are still here and you can make an upgrade or two at a couple spots, I think you're talking."

Greg Bedard says that while those injuries hurt the Pats, they didn't have suitable backups to fill the void.

"They were too thin in those spots," Bedard said. "I mean, you lose Chandelr Jones, what do you have left. Jermaine Cunningham did nothing for you afetr his suspension, which raises eyebrows. I mean, Justin Francis is out there, an undrafted guy out of Rutgers is starting for you in the AFC Championship Game? They should be better than that.

"Talib, injury problems, it's been a constant in his care, they have a lot to think about. But I agree with your overall premise, I don't think that they're too far away."

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