Throw in the injuries we had, which would have sunk any of the other 31 teams. I mean it. Would the Saints stand a chance with their 3rd string QB, no Will Smith, and many other key players gone from the lineup for 3 weeks or more at a time? I don't think so. Therefore, I think Kubiak's locker room standing with his guys is what got us the AFC South title and into round 2 of the playoffs.
I really think the Ravens game was the final straw for us. It was the ceiling that existed due to a long, long road of obstacles. What's terrible, IMO, is that had we beat the Ravens that day...and I don't think I'm being a homer here...I think we beat the Patriots and we're in the Super Bowl. But all in all, the ceiling was there and we couldn't bust through it. It gives all of them something to work for in 2012. They know this. They know it to their core.
Here's my take on that...
Injuries; Yes...We had plenty and we had them to key players BUT...the guys who stepped in and filled those roles didn't play like "rookies" or "third stringers"...
Much of that credit goes to the coaches, of course, but my point is that once you found out those guys could actually play a little bit the injury excuses kind of went out the window for me. Now, I think that we definitely would have been better if we had not had those key injuries....But once you're there, you're there...
Once you are in position to win the game, win it. Don't make the kind of mistakes that can cost your team the game...That goes for players and coaches...
It's fun to think....oh we'll be back next year...But nothing is guaranteed....I'd like to hope we can keep the train rolling....but look how many teams almost get to the top of the mountain one year and then struggle to get back there the next year...or the next few years....
I think Kubiak did a great job all year long with the offense. Sure he made some questionable calls at times but they were only questionable because they didn't work...He has his issues he needs to iron out...
So I'm with you. I'm on the fence about him as a head coach. Despite Wary doing a good job this year, we need Kubiak to actually be a good head coach if we want to win a super bowl.
Our schedule will be harder this up coming season. This will be a real test for Kubiak. Can he get us into the play-offs with a good record and can we at least get back to the divisional round and possible win it. I hope so.