I'm a big fan of Puj so seeing the team like this sucks. The original optic core is what really got me into pro Valorant with their rivalries against DRX and LOUD.
I don't know what the plan was for Split 2. This NRG team looks arguably more flat than the previous iteration. FNS really really set himself up for failure and I don't know why. He was doing fine streaming. Why not close out the year and return in the offseason when you have the chance to build your team and have time? There's no way he thought that he could just return mid-season, especially in split 2 when teams really start picking up steam for Champs.
I don't think it has anything to do with his aim or performance. It's not like he was fragging out with Optic or last year anyways. I think this whole year is chalked for NRG. Not qualifying for Madrid is fine but the mental was gone for every person on that team once they missed Shanghai.
The roster they kept is also very very braindead. I had slight copium for s0m and FNS to return but come on, what are we doing? Victor and Crashies just aren't it anymore and they are holding the team back, by A LOT. Let Chet leave, give FNS full coaching, Bring back Demon1, put Ethan on perma initiator and try to poach some good T2 players in the offseason for Sentinel and flex. This "Optic Core" just wont cut it and I'm sick of people continuing to trust in them.
TL;DR: FNS set himself up for failure.
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