How Would the New England Patriots Do NOW Without Tom Brady?

So here we sit in Indianapolis, without our franchise quarterback and grasping for positives to take from the first lousy game of the 2011 NFL season.   Right now, things don’t look too good for the Colts without Peyton Manning, but they’re not the first team to lose a legendary QB in recent seasons.    We all remember 2008, when the New England Patriots lost Tom Brady to injury in Week 1, only to see Matt Cassel step in and lead the team to a 10-6 record.   While the Pats didn’t quite make the playoffs that season, Cassel was a revelation and earned himself a trade to the Kansas City Chiefs, along with a fat contract.

These thoughts got me thinking some more, and wondering if the current Patriots team could be quite as resilient.  What tod you think?  How would New England fare in 2011 without Tom Brady?  Could backup Brian Hoyer carry the day?