The minor gripe I have and I poke fun at on occasion is how some threads get out of control and posters can't stop going back to that thread - like a bee hive. In fact, it has deterred some like myself from creating threads with new topics because people like to go where the action already is.
This place definitely needs a jump start but like others have pointed out it's a lull for most.
Just think it would be nice to leave the agendas at the door. We all know where everyone stands by now.
As of right now, there's no reason to think they couldn't be like they were during the Bledsoe years starting in 1996-1999 (serious playoff/possible Super Bowl contender). Contrary to popular belief, I think they a few draft hits away from being in serious contention (WR, pass rusher, LB, CB). They don't have a lot of weaknesses/question marks, but the one's they do have, are major and will hold the team back (WR, run stuffing DL, LB, CB). With that being said, we have a lot to be excited about with Mac Jones and should keep the Pats in at least playoff/division contention for years to come.
It really is all on Mac. Everything else is attainable or doable in terms of putting the other pieces in place. We'll know very soon bc he's in a great spot to succeed and he has the mental makeup of what you want.
I think when you look at the collective of where we are in our division, our conference. We're slightly above average until proven otherwise.
Like the Bills are very good most of the time. Few great games but they're in the very good, really Fn good category.
Us, slightly above average.
Miami, average.
jete, poor.
Again until we see different this year. This division is in a weird place. One that it hasnt been in for some time. Lots of new faces, players, coaches, other personnel.
Next few years are interesting for a few different reasons. Young division with young QB's. All four teams will be "all in" by 23/24. Bills & Fins are close rn depending on Tua. Pats have like the 2nd or 3rd most cap space next year. I've been saying this since last summer.
I see our plan as .. 21 - see what you have, what money got you. 22 - who's improving, worth keeping for the eventual run in 23 - where we have a ton of space. Hopefully have a solid nucleus with Mac and Barmore being top 10-15 at their respected positions, hopefully a little higher for Mac. And guys like Dugger, Stevenson, & others being right behind them.
It'll be interesting to watch the "fandom" though and what that looks like 2-3 years from now.
Never thought of that
I like Bacon better anyway was never a candy fan.
You can call me anything you want buddy
"For a time"? For a generation.
Yea I understated tf out of that, right? Again you know it if you lived through it. Teams like the colts, Ravens, Steelers were all very good and competitive for a SB at different points. We were in a constant state of either just coming up short - losing actual SB or AFCCG. Seemingly every year. Unbelievable and we'll never see it again bc there won't be another Brady in this lifetime.
I'm still hopeful Bill can jump a few lanes and get this Semi back on track and gets us in that "competitive SB" mode for another year or two.