I wish I could find the quote, but I know in one press conference Key expounded on his definition of 'toughness'. That it wasn't about physical toughness or fighting through pain (though, that's a part). It's about mental commitment to doing the right things especially when they're hard- excelling in class; being on time to practice, training, meetings, classes, meals; setting an example; playing hard every play no matter what; keeping focus and discipline when you're tired or discouraged, not drawing dumb penalties.
Which is why I believe Key will get us back to a good place. I have a belief that good football teams at any level do some basic things- protect the football, stick to assignments, play to the whistle, execute on special teams, push through adversity. Do those things and you'll win a lot of games. Some days the other team is just better. But plenty of times the other team will beat themselves, 0
.if you let them. If you never beat yourself, you start tipping that scale and creating your own 'luck'.
As Key put it: “It doesn’t change the toughness, the discipline, the commitment, the execution. Those are the four most critical things when it comes to building a successful football team.”