It is not the same thing, the difference between 6 and 9 wins is likely a trip to the playoffs.
Last season it took 11 and 12 wins to get a wildcard berth. The Chargers were the only team to finish 9-7 and they didn't win their division, there for missing the playoffs, and ended up picking 18th...roughly the middle of the draft.
In 2009 two teams did earn a wildcard spot in the playoffs by finishing 9-7. That being said, the Texans, Steelers, and Falcons all missed the playoffs with that same record. Those 3 teams ended up picking 18-20 in the draft...roughly the middle or just above middle of the draft.
In 2008 only a single team made the playoffs with a 9-7 record, but they made it by winning the division. Its worth noting that the Chargers made it with an 8-8 record but they won the division. The Eagles also made it with a 9 win season, but they tied a game. The Jets, Bears and Bucs all missed the playoffs while still having 9-7 seasons. As draft rules were different then, based on regular season records, the Chargers ended up picking like they had missed the playoffs. The Chargers, Jets, Bears, and Bucs ended up picking 16-19 in the draft. Exactly at the middle or slightly above.
In 2007 the only team to make the playoffs with a 9-7 record was the Bucs, who did so by winning their division. Every other team had to have double digit wins to enter the playoffs, and even then it wasn't enough as Cleveland missed them despite having a 10-6 record. Bucs ended up picking 20th that year.
So, do tell, how does 9 wins "likely" earn you a playoff berth? In the last 4 years only two teams have earned wildcard berths with a 9-7 record, unless you count on us tieing a game like the Eagles. The majority of the teams that finish with 9 wins do not make it into the playoffs. It will take double digit wins to get there, especially in our division.
Personally, i feel finishing at or around .500 and picking roughly in the middle of the draft to be mediocre. If thats what our coaching staff is aiming for, then they need to go.