The New York Giants were a surprise team last season, going 9-7-1 to earn a wild-card berth and beating the Minnesota Vikings in a playoff game.
In an ideal world, the Giants would progress from there. They would win more game in 2023, maybe win two playoff games and move closer to becoming a true perennial title contender. Maybe that will happen.
SB Nation’s Mark Schofield made me realize a long time ago, though, that progress isn’t always linear. Sometimes it can be made even when the results on the field aren’t indicative of that.