I think it's definitely a good idea to taper expectations when you have someone who is leaving a HOF type talent. In NYC, I think Daboll's biggest issue is that he thought he could turn Jones into Allen. And they wasted a few years doing that.
The scheme Brady has come up with to hide the lack of any #1 or #2 type WR this year has been impressive, though. I know it's really frustrating to see the offensive numbers be so low this year, but there really isn't much outside of Allen and Cook to work with. I said last night that I was shocked that Buffalo was able to score on that Baltimore D with the limited offensive weapons they have. That's as much on the coordinator as it is Allen.
Still, I do have hesitation with Brady given that his best years have been with LSU Burrow and NFL Allen. But sometimes, you just have to take a chance. It really can't get much worse around here than it already is.