On Youtube, a replay of the highlights of the 2010 Pats-Lions Thanksgiving game popped up. That year, here were the Pats' skill position players:
WR Brady - at his peak - MVP season, 65% completion, 36 td, 4 int, 111 rating...just sick
RB BJGE - 1,008 yds rushing, 4.4 avg, 13 touchdowns...just a solid player
RB Woodhead - 547 yds rushing, 5.6 avg, 34 rec, 379 yds, 11.1 avg, 6 total td
WR Welker - 86 rec, 848 yds, 7 td
WR Branch - 48 rec, 706 yds, 5 td
WR Edelman - didn't do much as a receiver, but was an excellent punt returner and obviously was a very good player already
TE Gronk - 42 rec, 546 yds, 10 td
TE Hernandez - 45 rec, 563 yds, 6 td
I know that Gronk and Hernandez were rookies, but already they were excellent players. Welker was returning from injury but clearly was very good. Branch was a really solid veteran receiver. The top two RBs were really good that year.
Just a ton of offensive talent.