Go back to DA's first training camp. Before his first game, he loses the locker room when they ship out Gardner-Johnson. Then, the losing and injuries start right away as Winston, supposedly recovered from the ACL tear, suffers back and leg injuries after a thrilling first game comeback in Atlanta. Poof, the QB plan flushes down to Andy Dalton. Herpa Derpa. They won 7 but did they beat anybody?
Other than Carr being brought in, what changed after Year 1? Lost the locker room at least 3 memorable times, tried but did not settle down the QB room, lots of herpa derpa losses, did not beat more than one winning team?, and the headline - massive injuries taking out can't-lose players, all season long. Roster depleted and old.
Over the three years, they had a handful of fun days and flashes of what they might be. Poof, it vanished every time. So, the autopsy for 2024, everyone's basically right. Chicken or egg.
And it's a glorious outcome. A culture change was needed. The owner acted in service to doing right. Mickey settled down nicely. Instead of being on year 20 or 21 of the Sean Payton era, we're now on year 1 of the Kellen Moore era. The spirit to build a new team is there, and yes, if the starters can heal, there's some baby foundational talent there. They'll be expected to be team leaders. I can already sense the upcoming competitiveness to win over the new coach. This is good.