I haven't heard the podcast yet, but I read a few of the reports and it mirrored a little of my own thinking.
I do think that pre-season, Rivera had looked at winning the division as a lost cause, prompting the development year talk. But the Eagles and the 'Boys have been very disappointing (where as, you could say Washington, despite the losses, has actually performed above expectation!) and now we're looking suddenly like contenders for the division by default of everyone else sinking down to our level.
It gives a very good motivational target to our young players, something to strive for other than just a work-in-progress!
I do think that pre-season, Rivera had looked at winning the division as a lost cause, prompting the development year talk. But the Eagles and the 'Boys have been very disappointing (where as, you could say Washington, despite the losses, has actually performed above expectation!) and now we're looking suddenly like contenders for the division by default of everyone else sinking down to our level.
It gives a very good motivational target to our young players, something to strive for other than just a work-in-progress!


