I felt like those 8 wins would be enough to satisfy me. As long as we showed signs of improvement in the areas that needed it
I figured we’ll improve along the OL b/c we have two of the best in the biz. Even w/ the less than ideal fit along the OL, we’ve seen improvements.
I was concerned about TVD b/c of being in a new system & no longer having two, go-to receivers
I was concerned about the WR room, b/c the room was thin & outside of Rambo & occasionally Harley, it was less than ideal
I was concerned w/ the LB corps b/c it was an unmitigated disaster since Diaz/Patke took over
I was concerned along the DL b/c our hyper productive players: GR15, JP15, Rochè were gone, & we saw how the new line faired in 2021.
I had faith in the RB room, but was more cautiously optimistic due to injury histories we’ve had since Homer & Dallas left
I had zero faith in the CBs, like at all.
I figured coaching & a hard nose mentality would will us to 8 wins regular season & 9 with a bowl victory. Had us winning 10+ in 2023, & CFP contention in 2024.
That was my timeline, but it was met with some criticism by those who were pre-determined to say it’s 10 wins or nothing yr 1. Lol.
We’ve won 10 games once since 2004; but, in yr 1 of a new coach, who himself had an up & down yr 1 at UO w/ a future Top 10 pick, was going to win 10+ games in yr 1 here?? It didn’t add up.