Problem is that if Freeney does have a Lisfranc injury then he’s done for the year. You cannot replace him with a pick up like Rice. This will also negate Matthis a bit since you can chip him on the rush with a TE or RB and the QB has more time to throw. They pressured the Pats with the edge rush but without that the Tampa 2/press coverage doesn’t work. Receivers will get open after 4-5 seconds and especially so if you go with multiple receiver formations.
No disputing what you wrote here. That said, Rice having avoided the pounding, just might surprise some people.