So......

 

I think a lot of us 1st saw a problem in Week 3 of the preseason.  

 

The Jags came out flat, got owned, and couldn't do ANYTHING.  

 

 

After a offseason of hype (pretty justified, really, considering the individual improvements)......once the team is faced with a high-level team, a measuring stick type game (3rd preseason game or not....it certainly looked like the Bengals were there to play).  Not only that, but it FELT like there was a flatness, a lack of momentum, and everything being out of sync.  From the attitudes to the penalties, to everything being just off.

 

What changed?  Where did the offseason of optimism, expectations, and improvement go?  Where was the focus, the overall attitude of being on the cusp, the "we're ready to break through" mantra go... from the top of the organization to the bottom?  Why is the team right now in a near revolt, talking about the game plan, to the play calling, etc..?

 

Here's my thought- I think that SOMETHING big changed in the approach.  I think that Gus has spent 3 1/2 years being the, "We just need to get better every day...forget the score....etc.."  Being positive at all costs, imparting an underlying message (echoed by the organization, from owner to GM) that we weren't going to win a lot of games, so it is relatively pressure free, like playing with house money.

 

Now, Gus, I think, has reacted to REAL expectations.  Real pressure to win, and win NOW.  I think he has attempted a shift, from Good Guy coach, to Tough (Tougher) Leader, and there is a backlash, whether it is conscious or not.  Suddenly, from the Head Coach down, it isn't just about getting better, it is about results.  And the pressure builds, and builds, and so on.

 

I find it hard to believe that it is just a talent issue, and there is something far deeper going on here.

 

So, in sum, I think what we MAY BE SEEING is a failure to shift from Nice Guy to Tough Guy, which rarely works anyway.  

 

Any thoughts on this?

 

 

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