Apparently folks think that the talent has been so great in 2008 and 2009, that Belichick should done better than be 11-5 and tie for the division with Cassel under center and better than be a 10-6 division winner with Brady. Belichick did a fine COACHING job. If there are question, it is in his role of acquiring and trading players (especially on the offensive side of the ball).
There are media types out there that consider 2008 and 2009 Belichick's best coaching years. We are in the middle of a total rebuild of the defense, and the offense is starting its rebuilding at a slower rate. We are changing the OL, one starter at a time (although some folks would like this to happen faster). The 2012 season will also see a very different offense with lots of new running backs, and receivers (both wideouts and tight ends).
We have 15 returning free agents and draftees, with lots more coming before Training Camp.
There are those who prefer all-at-once rebuilding. There are those who prefer the high-risk, up-in-flames-one-last-hurrah approach. There are those who think that the 2007 team was the best ever and that Belichick failed in not maintaining the talent to win the Super Bowl every single year, or at least be in it. And then there are those who oh so grateful to be tying for divisions with our quarterback-centered team when our quarterback is out or injured, and all this in the middle of rebuilding the defense!!!!
Yes, mistakes have been made. Belichick is not infallible in his approach to player acquisition or in his choices. While the 2009 draft was a B+ or A- draft by all accounts but those on this board, Belichick could have hit on even more than 15 of 15. He could have drafted Laurinitis intead of Chung (counting on free agency for a backup safety). Belichick went in looking for a CB, LT, backup LB, a backup S, a backup NT, and a developmental WR. He got all that with three solid 2009 contributers, including Edelman (a bonus in the trade down that brought us Belichick's choice at 23 (Butler) plus Tate plus a 2nd this year plus Edleman). Belichick even replaced our all-world snapper with another who didn't have a bad snap all year.
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With the free agency money he had to spend, Belichick secured defensive players Bodden, Springs, Banta-Cain, McGowan and Burgess, while re-signing Woods and Sanders. All five new acquisitions contributed to the defense which was top 10 even with so many players gone.
Belichick also secured offensive [players Taylor, Baker, Galloway, Lewis and Smith, while re-signing Kaczur. Clearly the offensive additions were the failed acquisitions.
Yes, we overpaid for Burgess. it took him half a season to learn the defense. I would note that he will likely be back. Belichick judged his performance highly. And yes, we overpaid for Springs (our reasonable STARTER for a third of a season). But as far as acquisitions, Belichick did a fine job on defense.
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MY BOTTOM LINE
We have won or tied for the division for the last NINE seasons. This consistency masked just how good the rebuilding and re-tooling has been. As many have indicated that we are near the BOTTOM in terms of cuirrent contributing talent, compared to past few years.
It will definitely take a lot of key acquisitions and re-signings to be division winners in 2010 and compete for the Super Bowl.
However, I have no reason to believe that this will not be done. Belichick has NOT failed in this effort for the past NINE years in a row. However, I also recognize that Belichick's eyes are on 2011 and 2012 and 2013 as well as 2010. We've added 15. We have extra hig picks in 2010 and 2011. Of course, if we don't win the Super Bowl, we will be here again with thread (and the hundred others coming) again next year. Such is the whiney nature of some fans.
For the rest of Patriot Nation, life is good and getting better.
I think a better question is what's up with the Pats fans? When did they all start to think that Belichick has gone from being a genius to being Matt Millen 2.0?