Thu., June 27 Did the Patriots do enough this offseason to remain on top of the AFC? This team believed it didn't have to do all that much to remain on top. While many franchises leaguewide attempted to emulate the New England formula this spring, it's not easy to do. Coach Bill Belichick and personnel director Scott Pioli arguably work better together than any other such NFL tandem. They identify players they know, guys who have something left on the field and are solid in the locker room, and then bring them aboard. Part of the success is importing players familiar with Belichick and his coaching methodologies. Maybe the best thing the Patriots did this offseason was keep the core group intact and remove the possible distraction Drew Bledsoe's presence might have meant for Tom Brady. That isn't to say the Patriots didn't make their share of quiet and subtle additions, in players such as wide receiver Donald Hayes, guard Rich Tylski and cornerback Tom Knight. Plus the team upgraded its most questionable position, tight end, by moving up in the draft to grab Daniel Graham of Colorado in the first round. In short, it never seems the Pats are particularly active, but this is a bunch always in pursuit of excellence.

The Patriots entered this offseason in a position that no one thought they'd be in. Super Bowl champions. The Pats then went about conducting their offseason in much the same way they did prior to last year's Super Bowl campaign.

New England remained on the fringes of the free-agent market, opting for cheaper, bargain-type players and working out contract extensions to hold on to a number of their own players. New England was able to redo deals with defensive end Willie McGinest and linebacker Ted Johnson, both of whom would have been released without re-worked contracts.

The biggest move of the offseason was the trade of former franchise quarterback Drew Bledsoe. The identity of the Patriots since he was drafted No. 1 overall prior to the 1993 season, Bledsoe was dealt to the Bills for a first-round pick in next year's draft. The move certainly has risks. This past season was a perfect example of the value in having a capable backup quarterback. However, Bledsoe made it clear he wasn't going to quietly accept being Tom Brady's backup. One of the keys to last season's Super Bowl run was the Patriots' tremendous chemistry -- in large part due to Bledsoe's acceptance of the backup role after being injured. New England couldn't afford to let Bledsoe's displeasure destroy the team's chemistry.

Another interesting aspect of the trade was the Patriots' willingness to trade Bledsoe to a division rival, a team they face twice a year. One thing that could explain this is coach Bill Belichick's prior success in stopping Bledsoe while Belichick was with the Jets. Belichick obviously isn't worried about having to face his former franchise home and away each year.

Offensively, the Patriots acted quickly in re-signing free-agent running back Antowain Smith. One of the best bargains of last year's free-agent class, Smith was a huge part of the Patriots' Super Bowl run, rushing for 1,157 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. In terms of new roster additions, wide receiver Donald Hayes (Panthers) was signed as a free agent. Hayes, who has averaged 59 receptions per season the past two years, gives the Patriots a big target (6-foot-4) and could be one of the bargains of this year's free-agent market.

The Patriots also made another move at wide receiver, taking the addition-by-subtraction route in sending perennial headache Terry Glenn to the Packers. The Patriots received a fourth-round pick in this year's draft and a pick next year, which can become a second-round pick depending on Glenn's performance. While Glenn seems poised for a big season in Green Bay, he'd worn out his welcome in New England.

The Patriots had mixed results in efforts to upgrade their defensive line. Tackle Steve Martin (Jets) was signed as a free agent and should be an upgrade. He will likely start alongside second-year player Richard Seymour in the middle of the line. However, the Patriots were unsuccessful in their attempts to lure former Ravens defensive end Rob Burnett, who opted to sign with the Dolphins. As of this writing, Martin is the only new starter on the Patriots defense.

	PATRIOTS AT A GLANCE
	Brady threw 18 TDs in his      first season as a starter.
	2001 record: 11-5 Team rank: Defense (24th); offense (19th) Patriots team news

In a key move, the Patriots were able to re-sign linebacker Roman Phifer. The 11-year veteran was one of the keys last season. Phifer appeared close to leaving for Oakland, but that never came about and he and the Patriots eventually agreed to a new deal. A tireless worker, Phifer was second on the team with 92 tackles last season and emerged as one of the team's defensive leaders.

Another move the Pats made was into posh new CMGI Field. Gone is arguably the worst stadium in the NFL, replaced by arguably the nicest stadium in the NFL. Not only is CMGI a huge improvement for the fans, it's also a big upgrade for the players, who will enjoy a locker room that is roughly three times as big as the one at Foxboro Stadium.