Last year the Detroit Lions went defeated. That means they lost every game they played. In fact they had lost 19 straight games going back to 2007. That all changed when they defeated the Washington Redskins on Sunday. For the Lions it was like winning a playoff game. For the Redskins it probably means their coach is going to be fired.
I can’t prove this but from my perspective winning and losing is a mindset. There are certain teams that have a winning mindset and they win. Think Yankees, Lakers, and Steelers. There are other teams that seem to have a losing mindset. Think Cubs, Clippers, and Lions. For one losing isn’t an option. Even when they have a few off seasons you know it just a matter of time before they are competing again. For the other it’s a huge win if they make the playoffs. Sure hard work, money, and a few lucky breaks make a difference but some teams just have a winning mindset. They won’t settle for anything less then the best.
I wonder if a winning mindset factors in life outside of sports. Are some people great because they don’t settle for anything less? Do some people assume the role of the lovable loser continually missing out on greatness? Are people destined to greatness because they refuse to lose at work, at marriage, and at life? Just a thought I had this morning as I watched the highlights of the Lions snapping their 19 game losing streak.
Of course the teams that you mention happen to have a bit more money than the others and can afford the better talent. Oftentimes this is because they are in a bigger market. It also depends on the purpose that the owner has in owning the team. Sometimes it is for love of the game, other times it is a tax shelter and they make their decisions based on this. The mindset thing is kind of an intangible and is hard to quantify. However, there is something about it.
i think a lot of it is a head game…if you are determined you will lose, you will…it becomes harder with each loss to change the perspective. it will be interesting to see what they do now that they have tasted winning.
Yea I'd think the Steelers if they didn't lose to CINCINNATI yesterday
Yeah rob… Jim zorn(redskins coach) will be fired if he loses one more game that was a horrible game by him. but rob you put the clippers in the loseing section… that hurts lol, that is a touchy subject with a lot of people me not being one of them i can give a rats butt. But there is people that can not even think because they cant belive they losted. the band for sure…
Anonymous, I'm not sure what you are talking about. Thanks for leaving a comment though. I was talking about the LA Clippers. They are lovable losers. They never seem to win.