Do you set a floor of expectations for your favorite team?

by John Kincade

Yesterday in the crossover at the end of the show Anthony and Bob offered their opinion on a way that I always view a sports season. It gave me reason to re-think how I look at a season. I’m not sure it will change my opinion, but it is certainly an interesting way to consume a season.

I was explaining to the guys that in a season like the Eagles are currently playing in with a (10-1) record I have in my mind a floor of expectation. It definitely shifts in the course of the year. Before the season, I predicted the Eagles to finish (12-5). My belief was that an improvement of three wins in the regular season (based on a very favorable schedule) and another playoff berth where they would win a game would be considered a success. After last years (9-8) record and a disappointing blowout loss in Tampa it seemed like a reasonable expectation. Now that they start the season (10-1) it might not be fair but I believe expectations should change.

My new minimal expectation is an NFC East crown. I’m not even going to say securing the top seed in the NFC. It’s fair to expect a team with an easy closing schedule to not lose the crown when they are firmly in control. If they do get that top seed, they should get at least one playoff win. This seems very reasonable considering how they have played this season. That would be my new floor of expectation going into the final 6 games.

Anthony and Bob both explained that they don’t view a season the way I do. They prefer to just let it all play out. They aren’t going to set any playoff win expectation until they see the opponent and situation. I completely understand their position, but believe that it gives too much wiggle room. I believe it is how the 76ers have managed to not win a second round playoff series in 21 seasons while still being applauded locally as a “winning product”. I don’t believe that mentality is correct. If there are no set expectations of accomplishment, how can you decide whether a team is achieving?

The standard that I set may seem too rigid to others. That wouldn’t shock me as I tend to see things in a very black and white manner. I ask you to look at this way. Would you be happy NOW if I told you that the (10-1) Eagles were going to end the regular season (12-5)? Of course you wouldn’t! It seems reasonable to set a floor of expectation. If the Eagles don’t win the NFC East it will be constituted as a collapse, deservedly. Teams show us who they are throughout the course of a season. When they prove to us that we underestimated their talent, our excitement and expectation levels change.

I honestly wish that I could be more like Anthony and Bob, just letting the season play out week to week. It’s just not how I’m wired. How are you consuming this Eagles season? Have your expectations changed? Do you just let it ride? I’d love to hear your opinions at John.Kincade@bbgi.com