Tell the Truth Monday- The 2025 Crystal Ball Edition

[Knightingale]

I'm of two minds here.

On the one side, we artfully build from the 2024 season: plugging gaps, solving the run defense issue, etc. etc. all to culminate in an even better performance in 2025. Super Bowl? I don't know...but maybe.

On the other side, the pressure of increased expectations paralyzes the team and they are unable to fill the gaps they need and/or injuries just don't go the team's way and they don't make the playoffs.

It feels binary to me.

I think I see a 2025 with a slightly worse record, but that the quality of wins is better.

We had sooooo many close/last minute wins this year that was the difference between going like 7-8 and 12-5. The Hail Mary is an example. On the one hand, JD5 is amazing at these last minute heroics, but it really would be nice not to have to depend on them. So if we finished with a 10-7 record next year, but the wins were of a higher quality (more comfortable) and we can see an improvement in play, then I'd be happy (understanding that our schedule looks tougher on paper at the moment).

To be honest, I'm kind of expecting a little backslide. Mostly because the schedule is stronger. But also because teams will have a years tape on us, and the simple fact that this year's team felt a little like catching lightning in a bottle. We may look back on this in the future as being one of those magical years (I think we already are if I'm honest!)

 

[burgold]

The Hail Mary is an example.

I want to push back on this a little. I won't argue that completing a Hail Mary is lucky, but I do want to say we owned that game. We led it for all but forty seconds and it was Chicago who almost stole it. So while the play was a fluke, the win was very much deserved and earned.

 

[Single-Bar Facemask]

I think we'll be a better team next year, but maybe not quite the same record...and that's okay. Because I think even bigger things are still to come. I can be patient.

 

[The Brotherhood]

DQ set a good high bar standard that guys definitely bought into and I think he achieved the initial establishing of the winning culture that he was looking for & wanted to actually see in reality, the kind of thing that new guys coming in can see it & where you can say "this is what it means to be a Commander". I think he was saying he could see it as a real thing that solidified over the last few games. There's new levels still.

What I want to see is a continuing rise that shows this season wasn't just a flash in the pan, although there are numerous variables that can torpedo the best laid plans, especially injuries, as noted in previous posts.

I'm not patient enough to be in the camp that says maybe a couple more seasons & we make a SB, but I get it & sure it sounds more realistic. But we were right to say 'why not us' & need to hold the franchise to that standard always. A significant part of what makes a great franchise is the collective mentality & self belief.
I like JD5 letting that loss motivate & burn the competitor in him. He took it hard & took it personally, it looked like. Good signs.

Like others I feel like had we made the SB we could have given that game a decent shake.

So yeah, Burgandy tide keeps rising