After finishing season 6, it reminds you of how much of a nutter Negan was back then. As for ~Rick and his group, for me they'd got over confident and cocky. They thought they'd take the saviors out easily, not knowing what they were up against.
Am halfway through season 7. Darryl is being held hostage from the saviors, Tara found the all girls group but escaped and Carl killed 2 of Negans men and spent a day at their complex.
You also see Negans numerous wives , Carroll is at the Kingdom and Maggie is staying at the Hill Top.