Quote:There was "improvement" this year and we went from 4 to 3 wins.  I'm thinking contracts are renewed for all if we have a break out year and go 5-11.

As I wrote in my original post, I tend to quantify improvement by the win/loss record. Football is traditionally viewed as a team sport with wins and losses attributed to the entire team. While individual statistics are of interest to statisticians and the individual player, they don't reflect the team as a whole the way the win/loss record does. So regardless of the hype from the senior sport writer of the team to the contrary, the 'team' regressed in 2014 from where they were in 2013. A large part of that seeming 'regression' had to do with injuries, but that not withstanding, they did regress in the area that matters... the win column.

 

It wasn't my intention to sound disingenuous when I suggested that a minimum record in 2015 of 6-10 would be the 'watermark' for the team. A record less than that by the end of the third year of the rebuild puts Gus Bradley in question. It would be great... and I hope it happens... if we achieved well beyond 6-10. But i think 6-10, with (hopefully) better coaching, with more experience, and with good draft and f/s selections, is a realistic and achievable goal. Sure, becoming S.B. contenders would be great in 2015, but is that realistic for this team at this point? No. It's possible... yes, but probable... no.

 

So speaking for myself, if this team can churn out a 6-10 season this year, then it indicates to me that they are moving in the right direction. It doesn't mean they've 'arrived', but it would be the best season we've seen here in some years. I also only view 6-10 as a 'way point'; they have to continue past middle of the pack. For now though, 'middle of the pack' would be encouraging.

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