Several ways of approaching this draft problem.
Historical parallel: Chuck Noll early 80s. Noll had been such a drafting genius throughout his tenure when he started to stumble it took onlookers about 5 years to realize the Steeler dynasty talent was not being replenished. He made blunder after blunder. He never regained his magic, with a few exceptions like Louis Lipps.
BB analysis: BB is recognizing his errors, not denying them like Noll did. That is a positive development, and indicates the potential for a drafting renaissance, supported by limited evidence from draftee performances in 2010.
As for the root reason for these draft errors, the problem may not be entirely related to the talent drafted, but the quality of coaching draftees are receiving. I do not mean they are deprived of information, I am speaking about the leadership ability of the extended coaching staff.
The principle decline for the Pats these past 5 years has been the coaching talent drain. Coaches such as Romeo, Charlie et al are invaluable leaders, and cannot be easily replaced. They are mentors, motivators, and tacticians, and influence every player with whom they come in contact. On a day to day basis they helped mold young men into mature, game ready warriors.
There is no shame in stating that their successors have not measured up from a talent development standpoint.
If we open our eyes and look closely at the debacle that occurred last playoffs, we will observe that our team was outcoached. If we match up the Jets current coaching staff with our coaching staff, man for man, an argument can be made the only position we dominate is Head coach. The Jets have Bill Callahan, Tom Moore, and Mike Westhoff on staff, 3 superior coaches. Ryan has to do is bluster to the media and motivate his defense, which is what he should be doing, that is his talent.
The principle area where we need improvement is in the coaching staff and player development. Hopefully the sting of last season was educational not just for our players but for the young bucks on the staff as well, who have matured as coaches. If so, the sky is the limit for this club this season, and championship predictions are justified.
