Why It's Not as Simple as Ws vs Ls

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Lately on the site, we've all seen plenty of discussion that goes something like this:

- We almost won that game, if we had just done X, we could have won.

- And if a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his ass when he hops. We didn't get it done, that's the bottom line. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, etc. etc.

The latter point is totally true, but only true when reviewing the game in RETROSPECT. Bottom line, we didn't get it done against the Giants. That's fine, I have no problem with that statement.

But the What-If game (what if we handed to Sellers instead of Betts) still plays an important role. The What-If game is not intended to look at the games that have been played already; it is intended to assess our chances at winning the games YET TO BE PLAYED.

I ask you this: if we lost 24-3 to the Giants, with an offense that looked like noodle-arm Brunell were running the show, and a defense that looked like we had 11 Adam Archuletas on the field, how would you feel about our chances against the Lions?

You can't stop the discussion surrounding the what-ifs from the Giants game. You can't say "we didn't get it done, that's all that matters." The point is we were in the game, we were making plays, we were getting turnovers, we got into the end zone, we showed life in a 2-minute drill. Those positive signs are all indications that we have a chance against the Lions.

I'd be willing to bet that the reason we have so many damn panicky fans around these parts is because they're only looking at the result of the game, and not deeply enough at the way it was played. The way you lose is indicative of your chances at winning the NEXT game. If you played well, and just a few things here and there could have made the difference between a W and a L, then all you need NEXT TIME is a few things here and there.

You don't need to overhaul the team, you don't need to fire the coach, you don't need to change the playcalling. We're not doomed because we lost a real close one. We were VERY MUCH in the game, and while that may not count for a W, believe it or not, that counts for something as we move on to next week.

Rant over.

I think it's important to understand the purpose of the post. In another thread, I was basically trying to relax Skinsfan69 who was legitimately upset with the clock management. Now, was I trying to tell him not to analyze the game? Not at all! I was just trying to point out that just because the playcalling didn't work, and the clock management didn't run smoothly doesn't mean we would have won with different coaches. In this case, the loss is the loss, and complaining isn't going to change it.

At any rate, you are 100% correct. There will be games on the schedule this year (namely: New England) where making a good showing offensively and defensively is more important than winning the game.

Let's give the Giants credit. They threw and ran the ball very well all day, and they really covered our receivers tight in the second half. Our team can't control that. They can try to overcome it, but it was close. At 2-1, the loss doesn't hurt that much, once you come to the realization that the Giants aren't who we thought they were.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Not only that, we also have to remember only one team in modern history has gone undefeated.

[Schneed10]

In fact, I'm changing my signature up in here.

[JWsleep]

The main issue is how well does the TEAM learn from this? Do the coaches adjust, the players develop, does the playcalling and execution improve. That's key. Often, failure is what brings a team together and propels them to better things. Good teams, that is. We'll find out what kind of a team we are.

[SBXVII]

I have been thinking along these same lines. I heard a comment made by one of the radio announcers on Sun. prior to the game that Gibbs knows how to win the games he's supposed to win. I sat there stunned. I remember Gibbs I and I simply don't recall this side of Gibbs. Gibbs is not the type of coach who likes to run up the score and piss off the other team or coach for the second go around. All of Gibbs games were close for the most part and I can remeber getting mad because the games he was supposed to win he would lose. It never seemed to amaze me how we would play down to a bad Cardinals team or a bad Lions team. What I mean is either teams were really pumped to play us or we simply played to the other teams abilities. scores were always close making the games exciting. Even the SB with Miami was close. Gibbs was always touted for his ability to make adjustments during the half, However during Gibb's II, I have seen the lack of adjustments during the half. Gibbs 1 was a noticable difference. It was like looking at a totally different team. Something other coaches talked about all the time. Gibbs 2 I have not seen the half time adjustments. It's like they have a game plan and they are sticking to it. Win or lose. We have seen a noticable half-time Defense adjustment sometimes not for the best but there is an adjustment. As for all who are upset about our 2min drills.....well I have nothing. This was a problem with Gibbs 1. We could move the ball but there was always a stupid mistake. Either not paying attention to the clock or false start (which was few in Gibbs1 because he dispises penalties) or simply bad play calling ie not getting out of bounds to stop the clock. Gibbs is a get ahead from the start and keep the lead. Run the clock out. There is no lets just keep scoring because they might just surmount a come back and come close to beating us. I can remember countless times screaming at the TV wondering why we were not marching down the field and trying to score. I know it gives the Defense a break but get a couple first downs and get down the field. Having said this I would take Gibbs over any of the coaches we have had in the past. He does offer us our best opportunity to win.

[SBXVII]

Also please keep in mind the high percentage of teams that go to the pay offs if they start out 2-0 vs 0-2. When I heard the percentage I was stunned. We are going to lose games. It's difficult to win all the games. The team has to learn from this loss and keep finding ways to win games. As Gibbs said all games should be worry some because anyone can pull out a win on any given Sunday. Take a look at the Titans...they almost beat the Colts. They looked to be the better team the whole game. No one expected Houston to look so good this year. I belive everyone is upset mostly because of the many years we went nowhere then make the play offs and everyone had huge expectations. Last year was dipressing. We start off 2-0 and excitement fills the air. SB baby.lol. be patient. good things come to those who wait.