What if we lose to Dallas and don't make the playoffs?

[hurrykaine]

Nice thread. As a doubter, I'd say if we lost and don't make it to the playoffs, my expectations for the season would've been vindicated. While it would be disappointing to not make the playoffs in 3 of Gibbs 4 seasons back with us, the adversity that this team had to face with all the injuries to starters and the death of its best player is a reasonable excuse.

I can't doubt Gibbs' contribution, which I failed to see until the last quarter of this season - he's a master motivator and has done an unbelievable job getting these guys fired up to play given we were left for dead at 5-7. That said, I still think his game management is questionable and isn't a source of advantage for us. With his experience, it should be a huge advantage for us.

Has been a positive season relative to last year - the development of Campbell, solid back up (short term starter) in Collins, Landry, improved and deep Linebacking corps, Heyer, Kendall and the depth we have built at O&D lines, Cooley established as one of the league's best tight ends, etc.

The expectation for this team next season can't be anything short of the second round of the playoffs, perhaps even the NFC Championship game. No more excuses for Campbell turning the ball over and failing to make game winning plays, no more excuses for injuries on the O&D lines, and no more in-game mismanagement.