Observation on the season so far - a big picture look (resident pessimists don't bother reading)

[JawnyBlaze]

I was just watching the Saints game a little to put me in more of a positive mood going into Sunday's game and I got to thinking about something. So far this season seems to have some parallels to last season, but with a slight improvement. I'm not talking about any particular stats or anything, just the big picture at the 3 games we've played so far. Here's the comparisons of our 3 games so far to 3 games last year, with an explanation on how this season shows a little growth over their counterpart games from last year.

Week 1: This game is similar to the Arizona game in that we started the season on the road against a presumably weak team and got a bit of a surprise. Disappointing start to the season. Positive outlook - I think the Bucs team that beat us is better than the Arizona team that beat us last year.

Week 2: This game is similar to our first game against the Saints last year in that it was a home game and our first game against the Saints. Both games were relatively high scoring. Last year's game was a little closer throughout the game. Positive outlook - Last year we were winning late in the game but couldn't stop Brees from completing the comeback win. This year we stopped the potentially game-tying final drive. That shows me an improvement in maturity.

Week 3: This game is similar to the Tennessee game last year in that we got blown the fug out and our offense looked nothing like we know it to be capable of being. Both were home game embarrassments. Positive outlook - At least this year we got embarrassed by the Super Bowl champs and not a mid tier team. Hopefully now that we got the tragedy game out of the way, we can hunker down and perform like we did in the last 1/3 of the season last year.

Yes, I know our defense so far has looked possibly even worse than last year, and in our small sample size so far our offense looks to have taken a nose dive but I'm looking at the big picture here, not the details.

If last year was any indication, this week's game is building up to be like last year's game against Detroit. The game after we get embarrassed, looks to be a high scoring game. Hopefully this time our defense doesn't melt down in the second half and we let the game get away from us.

[rayzor]

agreed with all that.

i've been looking at that NYG game as being like the titan's embarrassing game as well...same with the upcoming falcons game being like that lions game. better performance away against a team that really is supposed to beat us.

what i'm hoping is that the team needs(needed) an embarrassing loss to catalyst them to the next level in the season. i'm just glad it happened early this year if that's the case.

i think they are close to having things click for them.

[nosuchthingasapanther]

why has it become a trend every season that it takes half the season to click?

[rayzor]

why has it become a trend every season that it takes half the season to click?

if things click now...it's not half way through the season.

[nosuchthingasapanther]

if things click now...it's not half way through the season.

if things click now...it'll be a miracle.

[rayzor]

true.

[AceMan]

Do you believe we'll go around 8-8/9-7, OP?

[mwright350]

why has it become a trend every season that it takes half the season to click?

We haven't really had this team long enough to have a trend. You have to reset the clock when Rivera comes on board and we draft a proper QB.

I know tendency is to use the past to prove the future but in football, in the age of free agency and fluidity especially, that just isn't the case typically.

[nosuchthingasapanther]

We haven't really had this team long enough to have a trend. You have to reset the clock when Rivera comes on board and we draft a proper QB.

I know tendency is to use the past to prove the future but in football, in the age of free agency and fluidity especially, that just isn't the case typically.

why reset the clock when the present matches the past?

[JawnyBlaze]

Do you believe we'll go around 8-8/9-7, OP?

Depends, if they bounce back this week and at least play a competitive game then yea, I'd guess anywhere between 8-8 and 10-6. If they lay another stinker, I could see us being as bad as 4-12. If they actually manage to win, there's not a team left on our schedule I don't think we have a good chance of beating. There's no team left on our schedule that looks as good as Atlanta right now, so it'd all depend on how many games they decide to sleep through like last week. I'd guess anywhere from 8-8 (if they continue the trend if alternating off and on games) to 14-2 if they play to the fullest of their capabilities for 13 more games.

[R0CKnR0LLA]

so anywhere from 4-12 to 14-2 ?

[Proudiddy]

To me, what can change the entire season is riding on our first drives on each side of the ball respectively.

If we stop ATL, it could do wonders for our team.

If we score first - even 3 points, it sets us up with momentum... Something we've yet to have starting any of our games.

Our DEFENSE absolutely has to show up and show out. If they don't, the wind is out of the sails and it's business as usual. They need a stop for themselves.

[La Pantera]

6-10 to 9-7... I honestly think we can win against the dirtyturds. Think the biggest keys to the two losses,was letting the games get out of control early. That's on the D. The O also sputtered in those games. Anyone else think that with the injuries the NYGs had, the team thought they had an easy W and didn't play their hardest!?

[rayzor]

To me, what can change the entire season is riding on our first drives on each side of the ball respectively.

If we stop ATL, it could do wonders for our team.

If we score first - even 3 points, it sets us up with momentum... Something we've yet to have starting any of our games.

Our DEFENSE absolutely has to show up and show out. If they don't, the wind is out of the sails and it's business as usual. They need a stop for themselves.

agreed.

that first drive, set of possessions sets the tone for the game. if we can just stop the falcons from scoring at all on their first drive it will do a ton for morale.