It's really something different. Even losing other playoff games in heartbreaking fashion you knew that they still had another game or two to play before maybe winning it all. And anything might have happened. But this time, with the championship itself five bloody yards away? So many infernal diabolical ways the mind likes to punish you! And now all the little behind the scenes nuances about what people were thinking and expecting make the memories worse. And it wasn't even just a game with normal flow. It was one with historical extremes. The momentum on the last drive was so high. That confusion and timeout on the first play of the last series really killed it. Instead of continuity and confidence, suddenly there was a little doubt and time for over-thinking.

Oh well, life goes on, and eventually this will be filed away intellectually as another chapter of history. If they're the team we think they are then they should be in the playoffs next year. But even the greatest optimist will be challenged to think that it's a sure thing. As others here have mentioned, there will a lot of playoff quality teams. And who knows what injuries and unforseen events around the conference will change all the equations? Some always do. I bet the Saints felt pretty sure tbey'd avenge their playoff loss and look what happened to them! That was extraordinary, but you just never know what new obstacles will appear. It's not as straight forward as just mechanically replacing the parts of the machine.

And confidence? That's a real unknown. Usually you can gain when you overachieve up to a certain point. But when you screw up a chance to fulfill your dreams, who knows how it will subliminally affect coaches and players? This decade a lot of Superbowl losers have fallen on hard times very quickly. But it's up to the organization to try and regroup.

Just on a general feeling right now I see something like a 10 - 6 or even 9 - 7 type year, with the Niners being in the mix the last two weeks to earn a wildcard spot. I just think Seattle might be on more of an emotional upswing. And there is the sophomore jinx to worry about at qb. Opposition teams have a lot of time to study now. Kap should be a long time allstar, but even he will have growing pains.

The franchise has been in immensely worse situations heading to the draft, but it is a critical time. Not the mere stockpiling of future prospects but a chance to improve for the immediate present.

Last Edited By: Arnold49 02/09/13 04:10 PM. Edited 4 times.