Critics questioned how the Patriots would fill a mammoth void in the middle with the free agent loss of Ted Washington. The Patriots had a plan. They were able to ease Vince Wilfork into the unfamiliar two-gap system in parttime duty, and the rookie showed steady improvement throughout the season, making six starts. The nose tackle showed a nose for the ball with a pair of sacks and fumble recoveries, and was lauded during the postseason for his ability to lock up centers and free up his linebackers to make plays.