I don't think the problem is 7-9. The Pats continue to exceed year over year in spite of the hugely positive winning record each year. The issue has been that we are a very poor organization from talent evaluation to coaching to finances. Whaley by himself set us back nearly a decade.
2013 Draft: E.J. Manuel, Robert Woods, Kiko Alonso, Marquise Goodwin, Duke Williams, Jonathan Meeks, Dustin Hopkins, Chris Gragg - Grade: F
2014 Draft: Sammy Watkins, Cyrus Kouandjio, Preston Brown, Ross Cockrell, Cyril Richardson, Randell Johnson, Seantrel Henderson - Grade: F
Doug Whaley gave up 3 picks to move up to No. 4 in 2014 to draft Sammy Watkins.
5 receivers from that draft have more TDs than he does!
2015 Draft: Ronald Darby, John Miller, Karlos Williams, Tony Steward, Nick O'Leary, Dezmin Lewis - Grade: C+
2016 Draft: Shaq Lawson, Reggie Ragland, Adolphus Washington, Cardale Jones, Jonathan Williams, Kolby Listenbee, Kevon Seymour - Grade: C (TBD could only move lower)
Rex made the hole deeper and squandered the talent he had at the time. The new guys offer a breath of fresh air that I welcome. Time will tell as to whether they are the real deal and help us become successful.