I'm usually better at editing myself ahead of time. It's an effort to not be too negative about this team these days.
ST, I specifically quoted your bit about optimism in the organization and noted that happens every time there's a new coach ... or something. Not really important.
I am going to make more of an effort to shut up and hope for the best.
I get it, but what more do we have to hope for? We want it done differently than it was before. The first step of doing it different.... understanding that what we have been doing has not been working. We have taken that first step. We have taken that first step in the past as well, and the events that happened after that.... well that ultimately brought us back to where we are now, well where we were.
Now there is a building level of excitement, if for no other reasons, we have a chance to take those steps once again. Dan has acknowledged that Bruce was not the right guy. Something we all questioned was even possible. Does that mean we will turn a corner? Not directly no. It simply means that Dan understands what we had in the building... wasnt working. That itself is worth excitement and optimism, likely a cautious level... which I think most of the folks on this board who are excited are feeling.... cautious optimism.
This franchise is at an intersection.... if it stays straight, it will continue along the same plane of years past, minor deviations. If it finally takes a turn... there is an opportunity here to be something really special. No. 2 pick. No (current) QB controversy. Rookie WR that may be the best offensive weapon we have drafted since we won the SB. We ended the season with 5 starting caliber O-lineman under our control. No 'need' at RB.
A new starter at TE and this team could contend for the division next season, simply with an 'upgraded' defensive philosophy, and a new offensive scheme. 3 years from now, we COULD be in a very enviable situation.
We could also remain down that same path... because we ultimately have the same 'person' driving the car... .but if... just IF that guy finally understands that this road were on takes us nowhere good, and he decides to turn.... there is a lot to be excited about. I keep my hope in the idea that everyone has a limit before they look back and see how wrong they've been.