Seems to me, Mr. Anderson
that Bellichick just cost himself a chance to win this year. Some will argue, perhaps fairly, that they weren't going to win anyway, so maybe that's why Bill cut his losses. That's possible of course, but you never know in the NFL. They went from having a puncher's chance to virtually no chance at all.
And why? To gain ANOTHER draft pick? What are the odds of a third rounder stepping in and contributing right away? Furthermore, what are the odds of that player stepping in and contributing enough to replace the defensive attention Moss drew, plus his production? I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say minuscule at best. So he cost himself a chance this year to get a player that may possibly significantly contribute in 3 years (and that's if the player isn't a bust, or even mediocre), and we think this is good?
Seems like a terrible move to me. At the risk of inciting a riot, draft picks aren't everything they're cracked up to be, imo. Sure, the more of them you have, the more likely you are, just playing the odds, to find one that works out, I'll grant you that. But imagine instead if Bill had more faith in his defensive scheme this year. Let's imagine that he felt confident the players were going to gel late in the season and start to really play cohesively late. As an aside, if he doesn't have that confidence in his scheme, why is he running it? And if he doesn't have that confidence in his players, well, he drafted them. Which sort of makes my point.
Anyway, let's say he thought his D would be playing better. Why not hang onto Moss, maybe even add another player. Marshawn Lynch would help their running game. Or would have. Vincent Jackson would be a terrific complement to Welker and Moss (though I do think AJ's asking price is wayyyyy too high). Their offense has looked pretty good, I think they need a little help at running back, or commit to throwing the ball 40 times a game and go get VJax. Why not do what Minny did and put all your chips in and commit to winning now?
Instead, Bill hoards his draft picks. Here's his dirty little secret: he ALWAYS trades down. Always. One draft, he is going to own the entire 7th round. At some point, he is too clever for his own good. Hasn't won the big one in 6 years now, right? Sure they are always in the playoffs, but he is too busy thinking about how to improve the team 3-5 years down the road to go balls out trying to win today. And by the way, his draft record over the past 4-5 years ain't great. If it was, with all their draft picks, they would be on top of the league now, right?
And don't tell anyone, but Tom Brady is 33. I know. Almost as old as our ancient starting QB. You know, the one that has MAYBE 2 good years left. Food for thought.
Anyway, back to the Skins. Obviously Cerrato was a nightmare, one that if I could forget I would. But I disagree with people who hold up the Patriots as an example of how to do things. If they win it all this year, I will gladly eat my crow. I think the answer is a smart blend of draft picks (with a first rate scouting department) and free agents. Those who say we need to blow it all up and start with draft picks only? Do you have that much confidence in our front office to nail every pick? Do you have that much confidence in any FO to nail even 75% of their picks?
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