The playoffs run through New England and will for the foreseeable future. Not only do they have great players today, but Belichik, in trading various players has stockpiled numerous high level draft choices. Its like trying to win a marathon when the lead runner was given a 5 mile head start. I believe our coaches and management were trying to stockpile draft choices as well. Unfortunately we did not have anyone to trade worth a bean. Marshawn just got us a 4th from Seattle.
We do need to build from the draft. We can not afford any picks that do not immediately produce. Look at Hardy, et all. Even Spiller has been a disappointment. I will cut him a break because it is his first year and our offensive line is less than stellar, but seriously, based upon the hype didn't you expect more?
We need to seriously look at free agents next year to be competitive. None that require a trade. We need to draft way smarter than we have been and honestly I don't know if we can do that. Those two things will only get us respectable next year. If every thing goes well two years in a row we might be in place to get to the playoffs in by 2012 if we are extremely lucky and we win a wild card berth. The Jets and Dolphins will not be twiddling their thumbs during that time either so I think 2012 is probably wishful thinking.