Everything you just described is exactly what we felt about the Niners of last season.
Imagine the raiders performing well for the rest of the season, winning games and giving hope.. Then coming back next season and looking like a bag of shit. It can happen, look at the Niners. We got better talent-wise and looked like we'd be pushing for the playoffs this year, and instead we're one of the worst teams in the damn league.
I guess all I'm saying is don't ride the "we're headed in the right direction while you're getting worse" line too hard. You might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Believe me, I know.