Really, I just want the team to play to its potential. It's not even about what the exact record is. We've had games we've won, like the Tampa and Cleveland games last year, where I was disgusted because we made so many mistakes and played so badly. Of course we won those games because we had much superior talent, but we still put a poor product on the field. Then we've had some losses where I was satisfied because I thought we played well and just lost to a better team. I remember telling friends of mine about halfway through the Steelers game last year that even if we lose this game, at least we're playing like we can play.
So if we go 8-8 and win the division only because our competition got worse, no, I don't consider that successful. Why, because we're capable of a lot better.
If you mean should the coach be replaced in that scenario, then no, that won't happen even with a 9-7 and first round playoff loss. But not because we can't do better, because that's all Jerry needs to sell his team. And that's his first concern.
But back to playing to our potential: It's funny, the last few years there have been preseason polls on here about what our record should be, and IIRC about 10-6 is what usually gets the most votes. There are probably even more 11-5 than 9-7 votes. Yet when we go 8-8, so many people convince themselves that 8-8 was all we were capable of.
Of course I'm sure a lot of people know better than that, but they want to support Garrett so that's the spin.
