reasons for optimism

[maralieus]

We may be 3-5, but we have lost to really good teams. We played the Patriots very tough, they played a good game, as did we. We just aren't quite there yet. The fact that we were able to nearly beat them in Foxboro when they are playing at thier best is a good sign.

 

[Imperium]

I can take some solace in the fact that we should have at least one win against the Colts, Saints and Patriots.. Quite possibly the 3 best teams in football, but that won’t get us into the payoffs or make us a better team.

The thing is the NFL is always in flux. Perhaps we get better next year but then again perhaps so do the Pat’s and Jets. You only get a limited amount of opportunities to beat the elite teams and just because we came close this year doesn’t mean we can beat them next year.

I’m hopeful but we have a lot of holes to fill, more than can be addressed solely through the draft. Next year will likely be uncapped so I’m not sure how that will play out for us.

 

[finnns2000]

No guarantees in this league. Everyone saying "we'll definitely get better" need to realize that you still have to rely on guys staying healthy and developing into championship caliber players.

The Colts, Pats, Steelers... Not going anywhere. When you have a big time QB, you can compete year in and year out. Until we have anything close to a solid QB (which we don't), can't expect to become elite.