New England Patriots: After Loss To Jets, Five Things To Look Forward To in 2011

There's a lot of despondent sorrow in the hearts and minds of New England Patriots fans on Monday morning.

The laundry list of "what ifs" in their loss to the New York Jets is far too long, and as usual, Bill Belichick won't get into it.

I can't blame him; I wouldn't want to talk about it either. In fact, I don't want to talk about it.

So instead, I'll try to ignore the wound in hope that the pain will subside before I'm any wiser. It's a long shot, but here goes nothing.

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Improvement of The Rookies

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Devin McCourty #32, Brandon Spikes #55 and Vince Wilfork #75 of the New England Patriots celebrate after McCourty intercepted a pass in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 i

The New England Patriots made a lot of great picks in the 2010 draft.

Among those picks were first-round cornerback and Pro Bowl selection Devin McCourty, who reeled in seven interceptions and tied for second place in that category.

Rob Gronkowski, the second-round tight end out of Arizona, made a huge impact in his rookie year and became a favorite target for Tom Brady. His size, athleticism, and versatility should make him a big-time weapon for years to come.

Brandon Spikes and Jermaine Cunningham, two second-round linebackers out of Florida, both brought something special to the Patriots linebacking corps this year. They will only get better in their second year in the Belichick defense, a scheme which often takes some time to learn.

Aaron Hernandez was a big threat for the Patriots pass attack as well, with Tom Brady finding his guy free up the seam time and time again for big gains.

We always fear a sophomore slump, but with so many talented rookies, a few of them are bound to have breakout second years in 2011.

Improved Team Chemistry

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots celebrates with teammates Kyle Love #74 and James Sanders #36 after McCourty intercepted a pass from the Indianapolis Colts on November 21, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Ma

A transition team. A rebuilding year.

These were expressions often used to describe the 2010 New England Patriots.

In 2009, it was an apparent lack of chemistry that led to a disappointing finish to a 10-6 season. An improved locker room has helped the Patriots build a team that Robert Kraft is proud of.

After a 14-2 season, don't expect much turnover from the Patriots in the offseason. This group will be together next year, and with one full year together under their belts, expect the team to be on the same syllable, let alone the same page.

Injured Starters Make Their Return

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 22: Leigh Bodden #23 of the New England Patriots intercepts and scores a touchdwon during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 22, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The 2010 season was marred early by key injuries to several key players.

It's not exactly a "return from injury", but one has to believe that Wes Welker will be better with a year under his belt after reconstructive knee surgery, not to mention almost a full season to acclimate to the Moss-less offense.

Leigh Bodden and Ty Warren were both defensive veterans who were lost before the first snap of the season, and both will return to bolster the pass defense, the area that was weakest all season, and that was exploited on Sunday against the Jets.

Of course, their returns won't fix everything, and improvements are needed at a few other positions, which brings me to my next slide...

2011 NFL Draft

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 14: NFL commissionr Roger Goodell and team owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots stand on the sidelines before the start of the game against the Buffalo Bills on September 14, 2009 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachu

Six picks. Three rounds.

The 2010 Patriots were supposed to be a rebuilding team. With that many picks stockpiled for the upcoming draft, it appears the Patriots can do even more rebuilding and grab some important pieces.

If the Patriots can get nearly the amount of talent they got out of the 2010 draft, they'll be set for another decade.

Of course, it's early yet to make declarations of that magnitude, because ultimately, the Patriots still have to draft the players, and the players still have to fit well in the Patriots' system. But with six picks in the first three rounds, the chances appear likely that the Patriots will come away with something.

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks with head coach Bill Belichick before playing against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the g

The age old expression of the New England Patriots hasn't gotten the Patriots a win in their past two appearances in the postseason, but it's still hard to deny: "When you have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, you always have a chance."

With the two key ingredients of any franchise, and with many other pieces in place, the Patriots aren't looking at a long climb back to the top of the league.

I said it once, and I'll say it again: This was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Safe to say, the Patriots have rebuilt and now simply need to reload.

Looking on The Bright Side? Really?

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Braylon Edwards #17 and Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrate on their way to defeating the New England Patriots 28 to 21 victory over the New England Patriots during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillet

It's pretty difficult to look on the bright side after a humbling loss to a hated rival, especially in the playoffs.

Wallowing in pity, though, simply won't cut it. There is no crying in football.

It's sad to say this, but Patriots fans have gotten used to this over the past five years, spanning four playoff losses, each seemingly tougher to swallow than the last.

But what would New England fans be if they didn't stand by the old adage, "Wait until next year."