What does that even mean? Winning games and making the playoffs is contending. The Seahawks have done that for most of the last decade.
The fundamental dichotomy is that some Seahawks fans are happy with contending, and others aren't happy unless the team is perpetually among the elite.
Constructing teams to win games is competing.
Constructing teams to win championships is contending.contender
noun
con·tend·er kən-ˈten-dər
Synonyms of contender
: one that contends
especially : a competitor for a championship or high honor
This ends today's lesson on words having actual meanings.
p.s. As I have constantly debated on this board, PC has employed a high-floor, low-ceiling strategy for years. The Seahawks roster/trade/cap strategy has been designed to compete (be at least .500) at the cost of being able to contend (have a shot at a Lombardi) in future seasons.
Massive overpays for shoring up present weaknesses (the oft discussed band-aid approach) to ensure ~.500 seasons are good examples.
If you want more examples search my posts.