If Winning is Contageous … so is Losing!

[Phoenix-Talon]

Since we're temporarily in Limbo (off-season/pre-season). Thought this might make some interesting chatter, and we could all have some fun with it.


Inspirational Comment: That’s 7, theCowboy’s fan here on this MB has a very interesting sig text … “If the enemy is in range...So are you.” (have I ever told you that …That’s 7?)


Caution: The Psychology of this Post may not be for Everyone.

Fun House Rules: As stated earlier, this post may not be for everyone.



1). Parking lot rules should be adhered to by leaving your fan affiliation at the door (you’ll be able to collect it once you leave). This post is focused toward only the classiest fans; the ones that can differentiate between topics that are unrelated to one specific franchise, yet applicable to multiple franchises; and give their perspective(s) without “covert” flammatory remarks – yet get their point across.



2). Violators of the Parking Lot could result in your post (or any portion thereof, being “TOWED,” for up to the remainder of the post).



3) Exceptions: Moderators. Also,if posters Announce departure from parking lot



Parking Lot Open



Some teams have a history of consistently winning (e.g., Dallas Cowboys). Other teams are currently have consistent winning records (e.g., Philadelphia Eagles). Some teams have a history of losing (e.g., Washington Commanders, and Phoenix Cardinals). While other teams remain mediocre (e.g., New York Giant).



NOTE: My focus if directed toward the NFC East.



Everyone’s heard the expression “winning is contagious.” When Dallas dominated the NFL, they produced talented winners – this principle has also been applied to various other unrelated sources (e.g., the Self-fulfilling prophecy, the Pigmallion concept, etc).



Retrospectively, losing is contageous. Losing can be traced to a state of mind. How often have you heard coaches say …”we’ve got to get into their heads.” That’s what they mean. If a team thinks their defeated – chances are they will be defeated.



I also believe there are levels of winning/losing. For example, the Eagles have had winning seasons in their respective “division” for the last 5-6 years, but have not been successful in their “conference” until last year. Retropectively, the Commanders have had losing records in their rival games, their division, and their conference; while the Giants have remained mediocre.



Some fans approach this dynamic from a superstitious point of view (e.g., the choke theory, or the “can’t take it the next level” because of a “curse.” Other fans believe the win/lose outcome depends on talented playmakers (but this concept was dispelled looking at the Washington Commanders – in the last 3-4 years the Skins had the talent, but couldn’t get the winning streak to last.). Finally, some fans use the “window” approach to explaining the win/lose concept. Eventually, the “window” will close/open and it will be our time to win, or take over the top.



The bottom line is that so many confounding variables go into the make-up of winning or losing that it is almost impossible to forecast (e.g., injuries, talent, team schedules, coaching, etc).



Parking Lot Closed



Regardless of how many statistics we have from last year, new draft picks, obtained playmakers, or any other determinants, we all have to wait until the whistle blows to end the game before we know who wins/loses.

Good winning/less losing to all of the NFC-East (especially the Eagles)! You know how it is.

Be careful!

 

[Scotman]

I'll pull into the parking lot and state that I agree with the premise, not necessarily the conclusions.

Winning does in fact breed winning and losing has a way of fostering losing. Why else would the Commanders have been the Cowboys whipping Boys since the Clinton administration?

But I think it goes even deeper. While there are times like the Eagles have had where they dominate the division, there is an albatross around their neck when it comes to the big dance. That spans generations. If the Giants, Commanders or Boys get there, there is a believe that they can win that game. While I'm sure the Eagles feel the same way, I don't believe they can feel it to the same degree until they've done so at least once.

What difference does this make? Well, Until the Commanders beat the Boys a couple of times in a row, we've got the upper hand. Until the Eagles win the Superbowl, well....they won't have won one. Until the Cowboys beat the Eagles with any consistency, or until someone else in the NFC East can win the division with any authority, it belongs to the Eagles.

Good post,
Scot

 

[Dough Boy]

Good post.

I think winning starts at the top. It starts with the owner. Owners like CEO's, have to surround themselves with talented people (GM and head coach).

The GM and head coach have to be on the same page. In my mind, this is where winning starts. If the checks and balances are there, a foundation is also there.

Lastly, coaches have to draft and acquire players that fit into their organizations both athletically and mentally. The great teams find a way to marry up all the moving parts.

JMO

 

[jman]

Parking Lot Open



Some teams have a history of consistently winning (e.g., Dallas Cowboys). Other teams are currently have consistent winning records (e.g., Philadelphia Eagles). Some teams have a history of losing (e.g., Washington Commanders, and Phoenix Cardinals). While other teams remain mediocre (e.g., New York Giant).

Good post, but how old is this?

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

While there are times like the Eagles have had where they dominate the division, there is an albatross around their neck when it comes to the big dance. That spans generations. If the Giants, Commanders or Boys get there, there is a believe that they can win that game. While I'm sure the Eagles feel the same way, I don't believe they can feel it to the same degree until they've done so at least once.

That albtross is rather weighted! But the one of the main reasons the Cowboys, Giants or Commanders are believed to win it all if they get to the show, is because the NFC has a good reputation of winning (credti to all three teams) and you've won it before.

As far as losing is concerned, ...when you've been up o top for all those years, it's difficult to break those shackles and start winning again.

Good points Scotman

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Good post.

I think winning starts at the top. It starts with the owner. Owners like CEO's, have to surround themselves with talented people (GM and head coach).

Alright DB, I'll buy that one component of winning. But where does losing start/end?

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Good post, but how old is this?

Believe your question is geared toward the mention of Phoenix. Phoenix is part of the NFC-East history (partially why I Included then); also, they're back playing all of us this year -- could have an Impact on the win/loss ratio.

 

[jman]

Believe your question is geared toward the mention of Phoenix. Phoenix is part of the NFC-East history (partially why I Included then); also, they're back playing all of us this year -- could have an Impact on the win/loss ratio.

I was just wondering, because they are the Arizona Cardinals...Changed their name in 1994.

 

[Cbz40]

Winning or Losing can be a mind game.....The Cowboys were once tagged as the team that couldn't win the "Big One". Philly the team that could not get past the NFC Championship.always falling one win short of the Big Dance.

You constantly here coaches, GMs, Sportscasters making such comments as "this team needs to learn how to win"........."They must learn to play 4 quarters of football"..........."They must play to win.....not lose"

We always seem to see Winning teams w/less talent often over achieve as well as Losing teams with great talent will under achieving.

Yes it can be a mindset.......Good Coaching, talent, and team leadership can provide the confidence needed to get over the hump.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

I was just wondering, because they are the Arizona Cardinals...Changed their name in 1994.

My mistake, I meant the Arizona Cardinals.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Winning or Losing can be a mind game.....The Cowboys were once tagged as the team that couldn't win the "Big One". Philly the team that could not get past the NFC Championship.always falling one win short of the Big Dance.

You constantly here coaches, GMs, Sportscasters making such comments as "this team needs to learn how to win"........."They must learn to play 4 quarters of football"..........."They must play to win.....not lose"

We always seem to see Winning teams w/less talent often over achieve as well as Losing teams with great talent will under achieving.

Yes it can be a mindset.......Good Coaching, talent, and team leadership can provide the confidence needed to get over the hump.

Yes this is interesting. I wonder what would happen if for one year, the NFL decided to sramble the conferences/division to determine an outcome. I think "scheduling" has a lot to do with winning outcomes also.

 

[jman]

My mistake, I meant the Arizona Cardinals.

No problem, that why I thought it might be an old piece...never the less...good one...thanks!

 

[Zaxor]

Not sure how others think PT..but I do sorta know how I think...

I hate losing...I don't care what it is...Now that does not mean I call the winner a name or take a gun and shot them or anything like that...It just motivates me even more to not lose next time..Work twice as hard..study twice as hard and if it doesn't work and I should lose again... I would again redouble my efforts till I win...I don't give up because that is like losing and I already told you I can't stand to lose...

Now if you have a team full of people who can't stand to lose..I am not sure how it can breed it

just a thought

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

No problem, that why I thought it might be an old piece...never the less...good one...thanks!

Speaking of the Arizona Cardinals, how do you think they'll fair making a reappearance In the NFC-East this year ...especially during this coming week's preseason game with the Cowboys?