Interesting read. I remember when this whole 'gut and rebuild' idea (along with the notion of rebuilding primarily via the draft) came forth that it was obvious that it would probably require at least several years before we would start to see the fruits of it. The few wins we have this season at this point however aren't really an indicator of having 'turned the corner' just yet I think. We're glad for the wins, but face it; they were against teams who are/were down on their luck at the time... and we only just won. I happen to be an advocate of the 'you are what your record says you are' mind set; a coach with a lot more 'football smarts' and experience than I or anyone I know personally said that. What Parcell said not withstanding, I do think that there is more to consider when evaluating a teams growth than just the season record, (albeit the record is without doubt the 'heavy hitter' in this matter).

 

When I look at the Jags now, I see a team that has some overachieving players (the Allens, Bortles, Poz, T. Smith, for example) with a sprinkling of other players who are holding the team back at this point from achieving more sooner (M. Lewis, Joeckel, Beadles, Gerhart, Branch, Alualu, for example). I see this team as being only a few players away from achieving genuine legitimacy as perennial play off contenders! As I recall, that was the long term goal, and as it so happens, we appear to be much closer to it much sooner than anticipated.

 

Having said all this, I have to give the lions share of the credit for us being this close this soon to Dave Caldwell. In the final analysis, this is his plan. I see the only value Gus Bradley has as a guy who is/was able to keep the players from getting absolutely discouraged and 'abandoning ship' through this process (aka-a cheerleader)... but that's a different topic for elsewhere.

 

The Jags 'culture' is what it is... the only way it's going to 'survive' is by tangible proof of growth... winning football. Until then, the 'culture' is just a 'feel good' place for football players to play a kid's game... and get paid millions for it.  

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