Don't get it twisted
WE should see the season more like a series of fun scrimmages, looking for growth and signs of breakout players, new systems, OC, etc. The w/l record is not the end all be all it normally is. The players should not see it the way.
THE PLAYERS should try to win every play, every second that it's possible to do so.
THE COACHES should focus on a mix of those things, play the long game, put them in a good position to learn new systems and do what they can to get better. And win, if possible.