- Messages
- 976
- Likes
- 3,904
Maybe the team does win 9 games. Raiola lives up in some degree to the hype; the OL avoids injuries and is able to continue its positive trajectory; the defense doesn't take any steps backwards; that sort of thing. It could happen, and a lot of folks want to look on the bright side in the off-season. I get it.
That being said, I sure as hell am not going to come close to expecting it. I've had 25 years of almost every season being a disappointment relative to expectations. Even most of the seasons that now, in hindsight, we'd be thrilled with were failures in the moment. I've also seen people talk themselves into all kinds of ecstasy preceding the 2019 season, the 2017 season, and so on.
It could all be different this year. But it probably won't be.
The trajectory of the narrative is such that 7-5 will be disappointing for a lot of fans. Doesn't matter how the 5 look, the local and national media are both talking about us in a playoff context.
This team could easily drop 5 games and might still be the best team we've had since 2009. Every 9-3 team through the Bo years had a ton of warts. I think this team is more complete - good offense, great defense, probably subpar special teams. I don't see them getting blown out at all.
I'm not expecting any better with a freshman QB and I'll enjoy a bowl game if we can get there. I will never take a win for granted again