A week ago, heading into the legal tampering period of free agency, the Patriots were still considered close to a lock to take the AFC East in 2020, and stay among the conference's elite.

Today?

Minus Tom Brady and a handful of defensive starters, the view from the top has changed.

Not only are the Patriots vulnerable in the division, where the Bills have their best shot in years to dethrone the champs, but they're also being given little to no shot at being a Super Bowl contender.

One New York paper even had them finishing last in the division.

Ouch.

What happened to having faith in Bill Belichick, the GOAT of coaches? What happened to the much-used slogan "In Bill we trust?"

Obviously, given the events of the past week, Belichick finds himself with plenty of holes to fill and little cap space — NFLPA records have them at about $2.6 million — with which to maneuver. But there's no need to jump off the bandwagon. There's still time for him to rebuild, restock and reload.

"I know the teams in the AFC East are jumping for joy with Tom gone," said ESPN analyst Damien Woody. "But listen, they still have the best coach in NFL history. The organization isn't dead, but when you don't have the greatest quarterback of all time on your roster, you're going to take a hit. So they're going to take a step back, but I don't see them falling into the abyss.

"I think the Patriots want to retool; whether it's Jarrett Stidham or they acquire another veteran. Then they'll reallocate funds to some of the defections they had on defense."

The curiosity is how that might take shape, and just how much of a rebuild is needed. What might Belichick have up his sleeve? The way it's shaping up, it looks like the draft will be the chief avenue to plug holes.

The needs haven't really changed. They've merely intensified after what's transpired in free agency. The breakdown is as follows:

Linebacker: With three free agents in Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts, this figured to be a need. But it's escalated now, thanks to the Patriots losing all three. While the Pats still have Dont'a Hightower, Ja'Whaun Bentley and Terez Hall as off-the-ball linebackers, and John Simon, Chase Winovich as edge defenders/outside linebackers, their depth has gone from a strength to a weakness. Some mock drafts have the Patriots selecting Wisconsin's Zack Baun. He played almost exclusively as an edge defender in college, but has some versatility to move around. Bottom line: They need more bodies.

Tight end: The Patriots should have drafted one of the big guns last year in a tight end-rich draft. They strangely passed, even with Rob Gronkowski retiring. After having an offense that revolved around the position, it was non-existent last season. Benjamin Watson, now retired, played on a bad Achilles. Matt LaCosse had a bum ankle most of the year, and Ryan Izzo wasn't anything special.

With Hunter Henry receiving the franchise tag, and Austin Hooper signing for big money, the Pats can still land a veteran (Tyler Eifert, Delanie Walker) via free agency, or trade (Cleveland's David Njoku). But even if they nab a veteran, the draft remains key. Unlike last year, there are no first-round prospects. But Dayton's Adam Trautman, Notre Dame's Cole Kmet, Washington's Hunter Bryant or Missouri's Albert Okwuegbunam could help get the group back on the map.

Wide receiver: The Pats added Damiere Byrd in free agency. He should help stretch the field with his blazing speed, and is also a candidate to return kicks. He joins a primary cast that features Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu, N'Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers. Is it enough? It wasn't for Brady. It probably won't be for his replacement. They could use another top wideout.

Who's left in free agency? Breshad Perriman? He wants to re-sign with the Buccaneers and play with Brady. Robby Anderson? He looks like he might be going back to the Jets. As it is, the Pats are strapped for cash. But the good news is this is the best wide receiver draft in some time. The Patriots should be able to add an impact receiver. LSU's Justin Jefferson, Baylor's Denzel Mims, SMU's James Proche are just a few possibilities for Josh McDaniels' Brady-less offense.

Quarterback: After 20 years, the Patriots are on to someone new. Most signs are pointing to Stidham getting the job. He knows the offense, and given some of the fallout from the coronavirus, that will be handy if there's any kind a impact or reduction for training camp. It's still possible for them to add a veteran to the mix. That could be Andy Dalton. It also could be Brian Hoyer, who is back for his third go-round in Foxborough. It's also not out of the realm for them to draft a quarterback, especially if they're not sold on Stidham.

That quarterback would likely come in the first three rounds. One draft expert has Oregon's Justin Herbert falling to them at No. 23. It's doubtful Utah State's Jordan Love would fall that far. Oklahoma's Jalen Hurts is a third round possibility, as is Georgia's Jake Fromm.

Bill vs. Tom

Since Brady's left, the public discussion over who's most responsible for the Patriots' unprecedented success has intensified. Was it the quarterback, or the head coach, Belichick?

It's a needless discussion. They were both responsible. As were the other members of the Patriots over those 20 years.

This type of debate provides great talk show fodder, but it particularly irritates some players. It also excludes many key Patriots who helped found the dynasty from getting consideration. Somehow, the notion exists that the Patriots have been just a two-man band.

"Trying to figure out who's responsible, to me, that (discussion) just disrespects everybody," two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison told the Herald. "Right now, you can celebrate the 20 years (Brady) was there, and celebrate all the championships won and all the wonderful things he's done. But who cares (who's responsible)? Who cares?

"It's not about Bill vs. Tom. What we had was special, and something never accomplished before."

Hall of Famer Ty Law, who has been a champion of his teammates' Canton candidacies, understands the appeal of the discussion, but also believes the view is narrow-minded.

"Yeah, it's short-sighted," Law wrote in a text, "but it's a storyline. I agree with Rodney, but at the same time, I get it."

Law also weighed in on the debate.

"One is just as important as the other, as far as I'm concerned. They will always be viewed as the best HC and QB combo of all time, with all the records set and longevity together etc." wrote Law. "It's always gonna be better together than apart. That's already set in stone."

From dentist chair to Detroit

Bad enough to get the news of being traded, leaving a perennial contender, and uprooting the family. Duron Harmon was at the dentist, getting a wisdom tooth yanked when Belichick called — twice — to let him know he was shipping him to Detroit.

Harmon told the tale to the Lions media on a conference call last week. He said his phone kept vibrating during the procedure. Belichick was on the other end. When it was over, puffy jaw and all, Harmon returned the calls. After some small talk, Belichick dropped the bombshell.

"Yeah, it was a crazy day to say the least. ... but I am at peace because this should be a great opportunity for me," Harmon told the Herald via text on Saturday. "I loved my time (in New England). There's nothing to be upset over. ... Just gonna miss my teammates, coaches, the community and the fans."

During the conference call with the Detroit media, Harmon talked about going from the Pats to the Lions and what he's hoping to accomplish playing for Matt Patricia, his former defensive coordinator.

"I've been in a very unique situation at the Patriots," Harmon said. "Carved out a great role being the third safety behind two of the best safeties in the league. Those guys were great mentors for me. Great example of how to play the game, but eventually I wanted to go to a spot where I can play 90-95% of the plays.

"That's where I'm looking to expand my role at. Whether that happens is obviously determined on what I can show Matty P and the staff. I'm just looking forward to coming in, working hard and doing everything I can to show them that I'm a guy that can go out there and play those plays for you and do everything I can to lead by example and just help the team win football games."