Season End

The Patriots missed the playoffs because of one more loss to an AFC opponent than our rival, the Dolphins. That's the only thing that separated the Patriots from their sixth consecutive playoff birth. As painful as missing the playoffs are, you can't be disappointed with the season. Going 11-5 is very impressive for the conditions we were under; injuries, improved division, lack of experience. These things all would usually drag a team down under, and not even be in contention for the playoffs. That just goes to show how good the Patriots are, under Belichick, and the players that surround the franchise.
The Pats are now surrounded with many questions. How fast will Brady recover from his injury? What is Matt Cassel's future with Patriots? Who will retire, and who will stay? Who will be traded, and how will the Pats approach the draft? A lot of these questions will be answered in the coming months, but until then, Patriot fans will have to watch the playoffs without their home team in the mix. An unusual feeling to say the least.
But in all the confusion that is the off season, there are some definite things I think will happen that I would like to point out.
1-Randy Moss has at least another year left on his contract.
2-Wes Welker is signed with the Pats through 2011.
3-The Patriots will not allow snowmen to be built on the field next year, while in mid-game.
4.-The Patriots have a game in London next year against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, thus suggesting we play that whole division. (Tampa, New Orleans, Carolina, and Atlanta)
5-Brady will not be traded to another team for draft picks, as many fans have suggested.
6-The Patriot's coaching staff may look a bit different with Josh McDaniel's and Scott Pioli's contracts being up.

That said, I think the Patriots will be ready to storm back, and win the division crown next year. For now, we must all watch the playoffs Patriotless. But I find the off season a fun thing to watch and to be able to see how the team will look for next season.