What this team is not:
-Exceptionally tough or tough against other tough teams. More finesse and speed than power.
-Overly resilient. We don’t flat lay down, but we haven’t been a team that comes from behind or pulls off wins by being strong minded
-Consistent. We can be a dominant team one week and a lethargic mistake riddled team the next
-Smashmouth in the trenches (average running on offense and average at best defending it)
-Not an elite coaching staff, good but not elite
What this team is:
-Fast and aggressive when they smell blood. Whether it be lesser opponents or a two score lead, when it’s time to be the bully we play up to the part.
-Pass first with a plethora of guys who can beat you. We’ve put on tape the ability to throw the ball all over the field to various targets
-Great at home and when comfortable. 12 straight, ‘nuff said
-Explosive on both sides on the ball. Offense can push it and the Defense can get turnovers and score quick. Not to mention ST’s with blocks and Turpin’s speed
-Coached well enough to be a top 6-8 team and compete.
With this identity we have as a team who does it’s best as a front runner and at home/when comfortable, it’s hard to imagine us being the type of team to win multiple road playoff games especially against the elite rosters in conference. While anything is possible, I think the most realistic path to a SB is catching lightning in a bottle.
For us to make a run, we have to get hot at the right time while playing the right matchups. We need to play teams that don’t have a demonstrative toughness/trenches advantage or decided coaching advantage. And preferably play at home or in a dome.
While I do feel much better about playing Philly than SF. Getting the 5th seed and playing New Orleans then Detroit is the most ideal. Both teams that play indoors and don’t have a huge edge on us in the trenches or coaching. A 1-seed path works as well, especially if someone else takes care of Niners/Eagles.
Can we conceivably beat anyone? Sure. But recent history has shown us that San Fran anywhere and Philly on the road are not likely wins. To catch lightning in a bottle, the teams you play have to be favorable matchups.
While it is disheartening that we don’t have the upper hand against all of our opponents, this isn’t some referendum on Dak or even McCarthy. To win big consistently you need an elite QB and an elite coaching staff. That is extremely hard to do and only 1-3 teams at any given time have these features. With another 3-5 having either one or the other or very good at both but not elite (where we are).
It’s so tough to have all the components needed to be a juggernaut. But if you’re in that bubble of 4-5 teams with the talent to catch fire, you have at least an honest chance. Let’s hope we catch lightning in a bottle this year and make a run!
