There. It’s not so hard to say, even if it comes with ramifications and goes against the primary way this season’s success will be judged.
That manner isn’t making the playoffs. Let’s be clear on that. That’s secondary considering what’s at work here. The development of the kids was always the first demand of this rebuild.
This season’s success always depended on accelerating the learning curve by starting three rookie offensive linemen, upgrading the demands on a couple defensive players and - yes, first in line - of test-driving quarterback quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
It’s making them ready for Year 2 when they can make actual progressive steps forward - just like Christian Wilkins, Nik Needham, Zach Sieler and Andrew Van Ginkel have done this year.