I believe they could have gotten over that hump this year based on their play but it just did not happen. There is no doubt they will get over that next year. They have a couple holes, DE & LB mostly, but they also may need a Safety, O-Line (even though the depth has been impressive), and a fast change of pace back (Huggins?). Regardless, at the beginning of the year there were ALOT more holes, or at the very least question marks. They have answered alot of areas and done so impressively fast. Another year with the same system and personel in place, I see a this team in the playoffs.

They can compete against the best they just can't beat the best. In a few yrs even next year maybe they will will be a great team, they need to shore up some areas in the draft or free agency particularly DE.