Are we really that far off from the top….

Yes, we are. The problem with the DC analogy is that they have been bad for years, which means they have been acquiring a bunch of high-draft picks for years. Chase Young was the third pick in the draft, and they have multiple first-round draft picks on their D line. The same could be said for the Niners and Falcons, losing bad before a good coach allowed them to acquire top draft picks. That's the downside of these 9-9 type seasons.
The main question now is, are we capable of winning on a couple of draft classes like 2017? Do you trust Mick to do that?
Young didn't play for them this yr. Only 2 of those 1st rd picks on the DL were their own picks. COACHING MATTERS , HEALTH MATTERS