I think out of pragmatism and hope that Peters placed a bet in 2025 that he could squeeze one more year out of Wagner, Ertz and other 1 year gray beards. It was a bet that made sense because of continuity, chemistry, leadership, and frankly because we didn't have the draft resources or time to build the team up if the mission was suddenly about competing now.
Now, Peters didn't roll snake eyes with this bet, but the House is winning.
Wagner has lost another step and teams know how to exploit what he can't do well anymore. More importantly, Whitt doesn't scheme to protect him. Wagner probably needs to be playing close to the line of scrimage and playing downhill. Asking him to go into space and cover is just not working. I'd rather see him blitzing. I'd rather see him on the bench. His anticipation is still great. He's still a great coach on the field, but even that only takes you so far. Likewise, Ertz is a little less effective than last year. Harris got hurt. Lattimore has lost a bit and is also a victim of an anemic pass rush and poor safety help. Ekeler was way overused and his body couldn't take it. So, Peters' bets on one year guys and that guys coming off injury would return to form has worked out badly this go around. Deebo has worked out. McNichols was a good re-signing. Tunsil has been getting the job done. So, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but like I said... the House is winning. Peters is underwater at the table this year and while it's too early to say he can't turn it around it's feeling more and more that way. I'm starting to redefine what success means this year.
At the start of 2024, I kept preaching "This year is about next year" until it suddenly became about "this year." Right now, I'm starting to think that 2025 may be about developing for the future. I can't see a deep playoff run with this defense or with this personell or with these injuries. So, maybe this year is about developing and identifying the core and beginning to phase in pups to see if they can take the reins when the gray beards finally can't do it at all. At .500, we're not at that stage yet, but we're close to me wanting to see much more of Lane and McCaffrey, much more of Magee and Sinnott. I mean, really, how much does a Christopher Moore catch help us if we are not in a playoff chase. I'd rather see Lane work on his route running and develop confidence with Daniels. Same with McCaffrey. How much does Wagner being in the area but unable to make the play help us compared to seeing what Kain Madrano or Magee can do?
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