Reality Bites!

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Wow, I thought I was the site's official pessimist.

I think you're definately taking the "glass is half empty" approach. We're not far from contention as you claim.

We deserve to be 4-9 because that is what we are. That doesn't mean we're far from contention by any means. Until our loss yesterday, we still had a shot at the playoffs. Had we won (which we didn't), we'd have a damn good shot at the playoffs (if undeservedly so).

[SmootSmack]

There was a team in the NFL last year with a proven head coach, a conservative game plan, a young QB, an All-Pro RB, decent but not spectacular WRs and a suspect defense that finished 4-12.

But with essentially that same core of players look at the San Diego Chargers now.

So why can't that be us next year? We're essentially where they were in 2003 with the same type of team. Plus, we already have a good defense in place

[SmootSmack]

SC, I'm still not quite understanding why you want them to get blown out by the Vikings.

What would that accomplish?

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by smootsmack

SC, I'm still not quite understanding why you want them to get blown out by the Vikings.

What would that accomplish?

I think SC's fear - and it's valid - is that if we win four of our last five, we will stand pat, or worse; we will add three or four "superstars" to make the next step. The problem with that thinking is that we really aren't that close to being dominant, we are that close to being mediocre. There is one dominant team in the NFC right now - two pretty good ones and three mediocre ones will be playoff bound. Our goal for next year should not be to be one of the three mediocre teams that makes it to the playoffs. That turned into an admirable goal for this year, but we should be aiming higher than that for our future.

One thing I have to (shudder) admire about the Eagles is that they've been unafraid to jettison their mistakes. Even if the player stays on the team, no one is starting because of their draft position or salary. Freddie Mitchell's no good? He won't start, then. I wish we had the same fortitude and could sit Gardner, or Samuels, or Dockery. Maybe a wake-up call would help them be better players. I don't think it's Gardner's fault he hasn't improved. I think all Gardner's learned is that he can drop balls without fear of losing his job. Maybe that's because we haven't pushed him, or signed guys who will push him for us.

Guys, I really wanted to win out and show the naysayers how wrong they were. They're still wrong, I believe, but it has to be a matter of faith now. Going 7-9 isn't going to validate the return of Gibbs, but being a better team in year two will.

[illdefined]

Taylor is way overhyped. if it wasn't for him our defense would be no.1 instead of lowly no.2