There are a few reasons I believe that things are starting to fall in place for the future. 1) this is a young roster. 2) they are hopefully about to Draft a FQB that should be around for 10+ years 3) the projected cap space (so i've read) for '19 is 111mil giving us the ability to sign FA+our own players 4) a lot of FA pass rushers in '19 hopefully we can grab one 5) all in all I think the timing for us to sustain a competitive team consistently in the future has begun 6) the Patriots are going to start loosing their grip in the division. It looks like it has begun with the loss of key players, DC, & Brady, we'll he's not getting any younger. 7) we were in almost every game last year and could have easily have won 3 more games. 8) 3 of our 5 wins were against playoff teams. 9) if we play our cards rite the future looks promising. At least the opportunities will be there, we have to take advantage of them. I am optimistic for the future. All the haters will say we aren't going anywhere with Mac & Bowles, but I believe Mac did a good job cleaning house last year & I feel he did a good job with FA this year , & made a good decision by moving up to #3 and beating out other QB needy teams and assuring at least a top 3 QB in the draft, true he has to do better with the draft. This year's #3 pick will determine his fate. Bowles has the team competing every week. His fate will also be determined by this year's progress.
I had lost all trust in Mac. His trade up to #3 and signing of Teddy restored some of that trust, but he could ruin it all again with the wrong pick. At least there's some hope that Mac might still be good enough to get the job done. Bowles is going to have to step up his game this season, start showing the ability to make in-game adjustments, stop being so cowardly/passive/conservative, and manage the game and clock better. The team also needs to show that it is progressing and the young players developing. If not, he needs to go.
Finally something Positive WTG The team will be strengthened with the right QB..by being bold MM can save his job..he will hand over a Mercedes of good picks and FAs to T Bowles.. I hope Bates does the driving lol
Even as a younger fan, I've been let down by this team lots of times. I'll take a wait and see approach, but I love the aggressive move up to the 3rd pick.