(06-25-2019, 09:13 AM)hb1148 Wrote:

(06-24-2019, 01:42 PM)Jags02 Wrote: For anyone who says the goal is merely to make the Playoffs, imagine what Coughlin would say if you told him as much. Coughlin would ring you a new one. You see, Coughlin is not about rebuilding or just making the Playoffs. Coughlin plays to win it all, and you see this in his offseason moves. I noticed this back in the 90s when he was coaching the team, and it was even more apparent with the Giants.

The question isn't, "How are we going to make the Playoffs?" Again, that's Bengals thinking and what good has that done them over the past couple decades? The question is, "How are we going to win a Lombardi."

The Jaguars are in a tough spot to win the division because we're in a division with four contenders. Sure we might win the AFC South, but more than likely it's coming down to that sixth WC and Coughlin surely knows this might be our route this year. Coughlin is the guy deciding what direction this team takes. Caldwell is the guy who makes it happen, and Marrone stays out of it and just coaches. From all accounts, Marrone is on the same page with Coughlin as far as what this team needs to become in order to win it all. They're not thinking Playoffs. They're looking at what it's going to take to win in the Playoffs on the road in places like Cleveland and New England. They're looking at what it's going to take to win the Super Bowl when they get there by installing a guy who they know has the poise, tenacity and talent to do just that. 

Don't get me wrong. The fans, the coaches and the players should have the goal of winning every game and ultimately the title. The franchise however, to maintain a healthy fan base over the long term has to be competitive year in and year out. That means you don't mortgage the future with a go-for-broke mentality if you're the owner or front office. You want your fan base excited each season that there's the *potential* to win a superbowl every year. That's what cements a fan base and leads to ticket sales, etc.  That doesn't work as well if you go for broke and maybe get to the big game and even win it but then average 5 wins over the next 10 seasons.  In an optimal scenario, you can do both (see Patriots) but that's unusual.