These are the games that must be won. The opening game of the final six, all at home, in front of an absolutely electric and rally-towel waving crowd against an Atlanta starting pitcher not named 'Hudson' or 'Smoltz'. Backed into a tie for the National League Wild Card lead after last night's San Diego loss, the Phills can, essentially, control their own destiny by continuing their winning ways. It should be simple, win and you're in. Lose and, as manager Charlie Manuel put it, you don't deserve to make it. But then the game began. The fans were ready, but, as has happened at so many inopportune times this season, the pitching staff was not. 44-year old lefty Jamie Moyer got off to a sluggish start, allowing three runs in the first. The offense, however, showed up. Rollins started the game with his ninth leadoff home run, his 30th of the season. Moyer seemingly settled down after the first, setting Atlanta down in the second and third innings, before giving up another run in the fourth inning. The Phillies offense bailed him out, courtesy of Ryan Howard's 43rd home run of the season, a 2-run shot, and Jayson Werth's solo home run, both in the bottom of the fourth, followed by Burrell's sacrifice fly in the fifth inning, giving the Phills a 5-4 lead heading into the sixth inning, where Moyer and Geoff Geary teamed up to give up four runs, and turn the lead back over to the Braves. Chase Utley hit a solo shot in the seventh, his 22nd, to reduce Atlanta's lead to 8-6 heading into the eighth inning. With the Phillies leading the league in come-from-behind victories, the Braves lead seemed surmountable, to say the least. That is, until Chipper Jones smashed a 2-run home run into right field, his 28th, off of Tom Gordon and iced the game at 10-6.
The way the pitching staff has been pulling rabbits out of hats recently, especially the much meligned bullpen, they had to come up small some time. But that type of thinking simply won't do. If the Phillies hadn't started 3-10, or hadn't lost 2-of-3 to the Kansas City Royalys, or hadn't lost 1-0 to the Padres in the Cole Hamels- Chris Young showdown, and were the wild card leaders, there would be room for "we'll get 'em tomorrow." But not now. The Phills have been chasing all season and don't have any more room for error. It has been a great season, but without a playoff appearance it will be yet another failure.
There are plenty of "shoulda had 'em games". The relief staff has more than 20 blown saves. But these are the games that will be looked back on as the games that made or broke a season. These games, beyond injuries and slumps and bad managing and roster moves, determine whether or not this team is "great" or "underachieving". Aaron Rowand said earlier this week that the "glass is half full." From that approach the Phillies will go 5-0 after tonight's loss and finish with 90 wins, their most since 1993 (97 wins). That is what has to happen, 90 wins and hope the Padres cave under the pressure. The Phills were depending on Houston to lose in 2005 and it didn't happen. The feeling about this team is that "it's different." The heart, the hustle, the clutch hitting, all different. Everything about this 2007 team needs to be different, because if they were the same they would fail. Luck will play a part, but business needs to be taken care of. These are the games that need to be won, because we have lost them too many times before.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Eagles Dominant, But Many Questions Still Unanswered
And just like that order has been restored in Philadelphia. . . As far as the Eagles are concerned, at least. Donovan McNabb, fresh off of his latest controversy-sparking comments regarding the treatment of black quarterbacks in the NFL, silenced critics and fans (many of whom booed upon hearing McNabb's name announced in the pre-game introductions) by completing 21 of his 26 pass attempts for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns, which netted him a perfect QB Rating of 158.3 (note: if anybody on this planet knows how to caculate the QB rating please let me know, for I am clueless). 3 of McNabb's TD throws went to Kevis Curtis, the "big-ticket" free agent receiver who, until today, had not put to rest the skepticism of his ability to be an outside receiver after playing in the slot and being the third or fourth option in St. Louis for the beginning of his career. Curtis put up single game career highs in receptions, with 11, and yards, with a gaudy 221. Brian Westbrook was a fantasy league all-star as well, today, complining 110 rushing yards on 14 carries, and 111 receiving yards on 5 catches, and racked up 3 touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving). Tony Hunt also scored his first career touchdown with a goal-line handoff, and Correll Buckhalter scored in the same fashion. Not to be outdone, and despite allowing Jon Kitna to pass for 446 yards, the defense played exceptionally well, especially considering the high-powered potential of Detriot's offense and missing Pro Bowl defensive backs Lito Sheppard and Brian Dawkins. Quinton Mikell stepped in for Dawkins and played like Weapon-X himself, recording a sack and roaming the secondary with the skill and confidence one would expect from number 20. William James had the un-enviable task of covering Roy Williams and didn't play great, but Williams is an all-star and the D-Line provided enough pressure to ensure missing Sheppard wouldn't doom the Eagles to an 0-3 start. Leading the defensive line was Trent Cole, who notched 3 of the defense's 9 sacks. Juqua Thomas and Brodrick Bunkley also dragged Kitna down two times a piece. Thomas and Cole also forced fumbles, Thomas recovered his own and Quinton Mikell recovered Cole's, and Sean Considine made a spectacular play, intercepting a Kitna pass in the back of the endzone and dragging both feet to stay in bounds, to win the turnover battle 3-2. So after the subpar efforts in Green Bay and at home, on Monday Night Football, against Washington, the Eagles seemed to have returned to an elite level, and it is not yet time to burn our McNabb jerseys or hang Coach Reid by the wires of his headset. Yes, I was a part of the euphoria today, sincerely shouting "14-2!" while walking out of the Linc and through the patking lot between chants of "E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!" but as the excitement of today's 56-21 victory subsides, and players, coaches and fans begin preparing for a showdown with the 1-2 Giants in the Meadowlands, a sense of reality must set in.
While I hate to be the snowball that pelts Santa Claus, there are still plenty of questions about this team moving forward. 1) Will the offense continue to set the tone by running early, and fueling the passing game with effective play-action? I sure hope so. Westbrook averaged almost 8 yards per carry against Detroit and has been the only sort of consistency this offense has seen, both this season and last. Buckhalter also made use of his carries today, and rookie Tony Hunt scored. It's also good to see Thomas Tapeh getting involved a little each week, the fullback is a dying breed, but can be an effective part of this offense. History says that if Reid is in charge of this offense, which seemed to be the case in weeks one and two, McNabb will be dropping back more than anyone else thinks he should be, whether hes 100%, 85% or 60% healthy. If "Big Red" hands over the play-caling duties as he did last season and seemed to do today, balance will be restored and every faze of the offense will be better. If Westbrook's knee injury from week two or this week's rib injury limit Westbrook's availabitlity in anyway, expect an askew pass-run ratio reminiscent of 2005. 2) Are the wide receivers any good? After watching Brown, Curtis and company do their best impressions on Todd Pinkston and James Thrah from the 2003 NFC Championship game in the first two weeks of the season, the coaches decided it was time to find ways to force the wide-outs to get opened. Against Detroit, there was finally motion among the receivers, allowing them cleaner breaks off the line ensuring McNabb would not have to hold on to the ball waiting for anybody to break free. Screen and swing passes were called, not only to Westbrook, but to Curtis as well, allowing both to use their superior speed to get to the second and third levels and busting big gains. Play-action was also a factor, thanks to the offense's re-commitment to the run. If this continues the receivers should continue to produce. 3) Where is Reggie Brown (really an extension of question 2)? While Curtis exploded for a T.O.-like performance against the Lions, and Avant has been a consistent slot receiver through three weeks, Reggie Brown seems to be digressing in his development as a "stud" receiver, catching 2 balls today for 23 yards, bring his season totals to an underwhelming 5 receptions for 64 yards and no touchdowns. After the entire receiving corps failed to beat tight, press coverage over the first two weeks, the Lions, inexplicably, ran zone coverages almost exclusively, allowing McNabb and the offense to roll them over. That is, except Reggie Brown, who still seemed to have trouble finding open space in the wide-open plain that was Lincoln Financial Field, today. Brown has good speed and excels at breaking tackles and gaining yards after catch, and after over-coming a mid-season case of the drops last season, was a key part to the Eagles late NFC East winning charge. After today's performance, Kevin Curtis should be drawing a lot of double coverage and Brian Westbrook always draws a lot of defensive attention.Andy Reid has been criticized for never developing any of his drafted receivers into stars, and it seems his latest project has stalled out as well. With LJ Smith out recovering from surgery for an undetermined amount of time, Brown NEEDS to step up in a big way. 4) Will LJ Smith return to the line-up any time soon? Despite the holes in his game, Smith is a big, fast, difference making tight end who takes a lot of heat off of the receivers and running backs by drawing a lot of the defense's attention. His unique size and abilities require corners and saftetis in coverage, which leaves the outside receivers in single coverage, and many times leaves a linebacker to try and cover the ever speedy and allusive Westbrook. Tight ends are intrical to the success of McNabb and the offense, and while Schobel is a strong second option, he lacks the pure athleticism of Smith. Brent Celek will, in all likelihood, replace Smith next season, but a rookie has never excelled under Andy Reid, and somebody with so little experience cannot be expected to help carry an offense. The passing game's success over the course of this season depends on Smith's return. 5) Will this defense hold up? After being beaten down repeatedly last season both by opposing offenses, who gained 2,182 rushing yards, and a quick strike offense that rarely held the ball long enough to give its own defense a rest, the D is back and looking even better than its 2004 version. While the offense stumbled through the first two weeks, the defense has held opponents to only 71.7 rush yards per game, good enough for third best in the league, and 19 points per game, which is the fifth best in the league. If pass-rushing ends Cole, Thomas and Jevon Kearse hold up, along with young tackles Bunkley and Mike Patterson, the yes, this defense will be a force. If the line continues to create the pressure it did against Detroit (who gave up the most sacks in the league in 2006) it will free up Takeo Spikes and the linebacking corps to shut down the run, as well as give less time for receivers to break away from the corners, which will ensure fewer big plays from opposing receivers, and more big plays from the likes of Sheppard, Dawkins and Co. If the line does get worn down (often a product of unbalanced time of possession) the defense will be susceptible to back-breaking drives, much like the drives displayed by New Orleans in their two victories over the Eagles last season. 6) Finally, was McNabb's performance against the Lions an epiphany or aberration? Through two weeks McNabb could not have looked worse. His timing was way off, he was hesitant, he pissed off an entire city by playing the race card and his receivers really weren't doing him any favors. He was booed heavily in the home-opener and again during his introduction today. Then, McNabb seemed to return to prime form by torching the Detroit defense for nearly 400 yards. If this is the return of the Donovan who can make any throw then the offense could very well continue to put up Cincinnati-like stats, especially if it remains balanced. A healthy McNabb, confident in his and his targets' abilities equals, at the very least, an appearance in the NFC Championship. That is what history says. If McNabb has truly declined, and the performances from weeks 1 and 2 were a reflection of his age and laundry-list of injuries and not simply rust from being off for the past nine months, this will be a long season, and McNabb's last in Philly.
As you read this, please, do not lose faith. However, please take the incredible performance by our beloved Birds in stride. They are not as good as the appeared to be against the Lions. Nor are they as inept as they appeared against the Packers and 'Skins. There are 13 games left. The schedule gets no easier. This is going to be a hard fought season. Trips to all division rivals still await, as well as to Foxborough and New Orleans. The Bears and their punishing defense will come in to the Linc, as do the find-any-way-to-win Seattle Seahawks. The momentum and confidence built off of today's victory have poised the Eagles to dig themselves out of the 0-2 hole they have dug for themselves, just as they did in 2004. While stringing together nine straight victories may not be a feasable expectation, this team showed a lot today both in the way it came out firing and the way it continued to apply the pressure and finish the game, a characteristic the Eagles lacked last season, and will go a long way in determining the fate of this team. Heart will play a big role in the outcome of this Eagles team, but the questions posed above need answering, on the field. The answers of these questions will determine just how far the 2007 Philadelphia Eagles can go, and also just how much tenure is left on the McNabb/Reid era.
While I hate to be the snowball that pelts Santa Claus, there are still plenty of questions about this team moving forward. 1) Will the offense continue to set the tone by running early, and fueling the passing game with effective play-action? I sure hope so. Westbrook averaged almost 8 yards per carry against Detroit and has been the only sort of consistency this offense has seen, both this season and last. Buckhalter also made use of his carries today, and rookie Tony Hunt scored. It's also good to see Thomas Tapeh getting involved a little each week, the fullback is a dying breed, but can be an effective part of this offense. History says that if Reid is in charge of this offense, which seemed to be the case in weeks one and two, McNabb will be dropping back more than anyone else thinks he should be, whether hes 100%, 85% or 60% healthy. If "Big Red" hands over the play-caling duties as he did last season and seemed to do today, balance will be restored and every faze of the offense will be better. If Westbrook's knee injury from week two or this week's rib injury limit Westbrook's availabitlity in anyway, expect an askew pass-run ratio reminiscent of 2005. 2) Are the wide receivers any good? After watching Brown, Curtis and company do their best impressions on Todd Pinkston and James Thrah from the 2003 NFC Championship game in the first two weeks of the season, the coaches decided it was time to find ways to force the wide-outs to get opened. Against Detroit, there was finally motion among the receivers, allowing them cleaner breaks off the line ensuring McNabb would not have to hold on to the ball waiting for anybody to break free. Screen and swing passes were called, not only to Westbrook, but to Curtis as well, allowing both to use their superior speed to get to the second and third levels and busting big gains. Play-action was also a factor, thanks to the offense's re-commitment to the run. If this continues the receivers should continue to produce. 3) Where is Reggie Brown (really an extension of question 2)? While Curtis exploded for a T.O.-like performance against the Lions, and Avant has been a consistent slot receiver through three weeks, Reggie Brown seems to be digressing in his development as a "stud" receiver, catching 2 balls today for 23 yards, bring his season totals to an underwhelming 5 receptions for 64 yards and no touchdowns. After the entire receiving corps failed to beat tight, press coverage over the first two weeks, the Lions, inexplicably, ran zone coverages almost exclusively, allowing McNabb and the offense to roll them over. That is, except Reggie Brown, who still seemed to have trouble finding open space in the wide-open plain that was Lincoln Financial Field, today. Brown has good speed and excels at breaking tackles and gaining yards after catch, and after over-coming a mid-season case of the drops last season, was a key part to the Eagles late NFC East winning charge. After today's performance, Kevin Curtis should be drawing a lot of double coverage and Brian Westbrook always draws a lot of defensive attention.Andy Reid has been criticized for never developing any of his drafted receivers into stars, and it seems his latest project has stalled out as well. With LJ Smith out recovering from surgery for an undetermined amount of time, Brown NEEDS to step up in a big way. 4) Will LJ Smith return to the line-up any time soon? Despite the holes in his game, Smith is a big, fast, difference making tight end who takes a lot of heat off of the receivers and running backs by drawing a lot of the defense's attention. His unique size and abilities require corners and saftetis in coverage, which leaves the outside receivers in single coverage, and many times leaves a linebacker to try and cover the ever speedy and allusive Westbrook. Tight ends are intrical to the success of McNabb and the offense, and while Schobel is a strong second option, he lacks the pure athleticism of Smith. Brent Celek will, in all likelihood, replace Smith next season, but a rookie has never excelled under Andy Reid, and somebody with so little experience cannot be expected to help carry an offense. The passing game's success over the course of this season depends on Smith's return. 5) Will this defense hold up? After being beaten down repeatedly last season both by opposing offenses, who gained 2,182 rushing yards, and a quick strike offense that rarely held the ball long enough to give its own defense a rest, the D is back and looking even better than its 2004 version. While the offense stumbled through the first two weeks, the defense has held opponents to only 71.7 rush yards per game, good enough for third best in the league, and 19 points per game, which is the fifth best in the league. If pass-rushing ends Cole, Thomas and Jevon Kearse hold up, along with young tackles Bunkley and Mike Patterson, the yes, this defense will be a force. If the line continues to create the pressure it did against Detroit (who gave up the most sacks in the league in 2006) it will free up Takeo Spikes and the linebacking corps to shut down the run, as well as give less time for receivers to break away from the corners, which will ensure fewer big plays from opposing receivers, and more big plays from the likes of Sheppard, Dawkins and Co. If the line does get worn down (often a product of unbalanced time of possession) the defense will be susceptible to back-breaking drives, much like the drives displayed by New Orleans in their two victories over the Eagles last season. 6) Finally, was McNabb's performance against the Lions an epiphany or aberration? Through two weeks McNabb could not have looked worse. His timing was way off, he was hesitant, he pissed off an entire city by playing the race card and his receivers really weren't doing him any favors. He was booed heavily in the home-opener and again during his introduction today. Then, McNabb seemed to return to prime form by torching the Detroit defense for nearly 400 yards. If this is the return of the Donovan who can make any throw then the offense could very well continue to put up Cincinnati-like stats, especially if it remains balanced. A healthy McNabb, confident in his and his targets' abilities equals, at the very least, an appearance in the NFC Championship. That is what history says. If McNabb has truly declined, and the performances from weeks 1 and 2 were a reflection of his age and laundry-list of injuries and not simply rust from being off for the past nine months, this will be a long season, and McNabb's last in Philly.
As you read this, please, do not lose faith. However, please take the incredible performance by our beloved Birds in stride. They are not as good as the appeared to be against the Lions. Nor are they as inept as they appeared against the Packers and 'Skins. There are 13 games left. The schedule gets no easier. This is going to be a hard fought season. Trips to all division rivals still await, as well as to Foxborough and New Orleans. The Bears and their punishing defense will come in to the Linc, as do the find-any-way-to-win Seattle Seahawks. The momentum and confidence built off of today's victory have poised the Eagles to dig themselves out of the 0-2 hole they have dug for themselves, just as they did in 2004. While stringing together nine straight victories may not be a feasable expectation, this team showed a lot today both in the way it came out firing and the way it continued to apply the pressure and finish the game, a characteristic the Eagles lacked last season, and will go a long way in determining the fate of this team. Heart will play a big role in the outcome of this Eagles team, but the questions posed above need answering, on the field. The answers of these questions will determine just how far the 2007 Philadelphia Eagles can go, and also just how much tenure is left on the McNabb/Reid era.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
No Fairytales, No Excuses
Four games in Washington. Six games in Philadelphia, three against Atlanta and then three more against Washington. That's it. Ten games in eleven days to determine whether the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies bring playoff baseball to this city for the first time since 1993, or if this team will end its season like the past 13 versions of the Phillies have ended their seasons- by packing their lockers while frustrated and disappointed fans look forward to an active winter from the front office, which will no doubt bring a fruitful 2008. Of course this team is different. While in years past the Fightin' Phills have all but folded in times of diversity and hardship, this team thrived. This team survived an 11-14 April, including a start of 3-10. The Phills survived losing Freddy Garcia and Jon Lieber for the season. They survived DL stints from Ryan Howard, Tom Gordon, Chase Utley for a month, Shane Victorino, Brett Myers, Michael Bourn, Adam Eaton and Cole Hamels. Ryan Madson still has not returned from the DL. They have survived poor seasons from last season's key reliever Geoff Geary. The entire bullpen has had a terrible season: Antonio Alfonseca, Jose Mesa, Tom Gordon, Clay Condrey, Mike Zagurski, Francisco Rosario and JD Durbin's ERAs average out to 5.57. The starting pitching hasn't been much better as Moyer, Hamels, Lohse, Kendrick and Eaton's ERA are a collective 4.70. Pat Burrell's batting average in May and June was .154. Ryan Howard, despite his 40 home runs and 120 RBIs hasn't seemed right all season. Hell, Pat Gillick made 5 "big" acquisitions this past winter: Freddy Garcia, had a luckluster start to the season before being lost for the year with a shoulder injury. Adam Eaton, who boasts the league's worst ERA. Antonio Alfonseca, 5.11 ERA and 4 blown saves. Wes Helms, 5 home runs and 39 RBIs in 64 starts after being slated as this team's starting third baseman and right-handed bat in light of Burrell's past struggles. Rob Barajas, enough said. Yet this team finds a way to keep winning. Making the playoffs should only be the icing on the cake in a season where our Phillies have finally showed the heart and desire we've always demanded. The key word is "should".
The truth is the Phillies have put us through so much sine 2001 that it doesn't matter how close they get, or how much they've overcome, they need to make the playoffs. If this were another team that has a history of winning (and yes, in this city what the Eagles and Flyers have done over the past decade constitutes "winning", for the purposes of this writing), getting close may be acceptable, when all circumstances are taken into account. Yet for this team, which has been marred by injuries and bad pitching, anything but making the playoffs will be a failure. Excuses will not be accepted this season. The Phillies have been too close too many other seasons to cop-out behind injuries. Making the playoffs is no longer just a hope or a far off goal, making the playoffs is the bench-mark for success. This is a pass-or-fail exam that will not be graded on a curve. Make the playoffs and pass, miss out, yet again, and fail. The only way this "fairytale" season doesn't have a Grimm ending is if the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies succeed where everyone else has failed before them and make the playoffs.
The truth is the Phillies have put us through so much sine 2001 that it doesn't matter how close they get, or how much they've overcome, they need to make the playoffs. If this were another team that has a history of winning (and yes, in this city what the Eagles and Flyers have done over the past decade constitutes "winning", for the purposes of this writing), getting close may be acceptable, when all circumstances are taken into account. Yet for this team, which has been marred by injuries and bad pitching, anything but making the playoffs will be a failure. Excuses will not be accepted this season. The Phillies have been too close too many other seasons to cop-out behind injuries. Making the playoffs is no longer just a hope or a far off goal, making the playoffs is the bench-mark for success. This is a pass-or-fail exam that will not be graded on a curve. Make the playoffs and pass, miss out, yet again, and fail. The only way this "fairytale" season doesn't have a Grimm ending is if the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies succeed where everyone else has failed before them and make the playoffs.
Reid Between The Lines: It's Andy's Fault
Unlike so many of the die-hards out there I've never said it. From slow starts to poor play calling to sub-par performances in big games and even a terrible track record at the draft, I've never once even thought that Andy Reid should not be the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. I am saying it now. Andy Reid Head Coach and Executive VP of Football Operations of our Philadelphia Eagles needs to be served his walking papers. Please hear me out, all you 'Big-Red' faithful. This is not a knee-jerk reaction to an 0-2 start. I weighed all my opinions and all the facts about this team, and then 24 hours after the debacle that was Monday Night Football vs. division rival Washington, I came to my conclusion that this team needs a new front man.
I know what many are thinking, "0-2? That's not a big deal, we've done that before." Yes, we have done it before, but remember the circumstances surrounding the 2003 season were much different from the 2007 slow-starting Eagles. In 2003 the Eagles opened up the brand new Lincoln Financial Field on Monday Night Football in grand fashion, losing 17-0 to the previous season's Superbowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The next week the birds managed to get on the scoreboard, but were still embarrassed by the eventual Superbowl Champion New England Patriots, 31-0. Then came the early bye week, followed by a dramatic 23-13 victory in Buffalo, which featured the first of many late-game heroics by Brian Westbrook with a 62-yard touchdown run to finish off the Bills. Then a nail-biting victory over Washington followed by a "woulda, coulda, shoulda" loss to Dallas and the good guys record stood at 2-3. Then came "Miracle at the Meadowlands II" which featured a 14-10 victory in which Westbrook posted 233 total yards, none more important than his game-wining, 84-yard punt return for a score. that was the first of a 9-game winning streak, and 10 wins in the next 11 games (OT loss st the 49ers which also featured a return TD for Westbrook). Then came the playoffs and the 4th and 26 miracle against Green Bay followed by a stinging 14-3 loss to Carolina which featured McNabb being cheap-shooted while on the ground (no flag) and playing the majority of the game injured before eventually being pulled for Koy Detmer in the 4th quarter. Also absecent was Westbrook, who missed the entire playoffs after old friend Jeremiah Trotter injured him in the week 17 victory over Washington.
Fast forward to now. The Eagles start 0-2 again. But this is a different 0-2. Washington and Green Bay are not winning a Superbowl anytime in the near future. our QB is not 100%, and while there were grumblings of injury in '03 this is Donovan's leg. The leg injury directly effects his scrambeling, which he did a lot of in 2003 when his receivers were unable to get opened early in McNabb's progression. Now the receivers can't get open down the field which forces McNabb to check down to shorter, less effective routes (Westbrook and Smith for 4 yards on 3rd & 7 is not effective). "But Coach Reid can't MAKE his receivers get opened, what are you getting at?" While the Eagles' receivers are a problem, they are only a portion of this team's troubles. But since you asked, my point is Reid hand-picked each one of these receivers. Brown and Avant were 2nd & 4th round draft picks, respectively. Kevin Curtis signed as a big-ticket free agent this past off-season, and the Birds signed him to play a position he never has, outside receiver. His entire career until now he has been a slot receiver that featured Isaac Bruce and Tory Holt to his left and right and Steven Jackson coming out of the backfield, who is quite possibly a more dangerous receiver than Brian Westbrook. Reid traded Billy McMullen (another Reid-era draft bust) for rookie free-agent Hank Baskett shortly after last year's draft, and yes Greg Lewis is still on this team. 5 guys that Andy chose himself who simply are't getting the job done.
Furthermore, after McNabb went down last season the offense proved it was a running team. There are 5 behemoths on this offensive line that were made to run-block. Westbrook was averaging over 5 yards per carry last season, and on Monday averaged about 5.5 yards per carry. With all of these factors one would think there was plenty of reason for Coach Reid to realize our best chance of winning is on the ground. Ha! Simple facts aren't enough to deter our hard-headed, soft-bellied coach away from making our injured and aging quarterback drop back to pass over 45 times.
After this frustrating loss, the most frustrated of the Eagles seemed to be Brian Westbrook. He commented on how he doesn't call the plays but he would like to run more, no big deal, we've heard it before. The "news" that came out of this press conference was that Westbrook didn't feel the team played with enough emotion, that they lacked a sense of urgency. While this is a team of professionals, it is in part Reid's responsibility to nstill the "NEED TO WIN" attitude in his players. Or, at the very least, keep roster spots open for leaders, namely Jeremiah Trotter, this team's emotional leader and defensive captain. While it is true Trotter has lost a step, and his play alone does not warrant the $2.5 million he was slated to make this season, leadership is priceless. With veterans like McNabb and Dawkins playing below their normal level and battling lingering injuries, it is Trotter who would rally the troops and force someone, anyone, to take charge and put the team back on the road to victory. Sadly, Trotter was cut in training camp and is now dropping his axe for Jon Gruden's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This team needs a kick in the ass, and firing the coach, in my opinion, will open the eyes of veterans and rookies alike who share in this "we know what we're doing, don't worry about an 0-2 start" attitude. Reid's arrogance and stubbornness to refuse to run the ball, refuse to acknowledge the importance of leadership and chemistry, refusal to acknowledge Donovan McNabb is a different player than he was in 2003 is more than enough reason to send him packing. Add in his terrible drafts (1st rounders Corey Simon, Freddie Mitchell, Jerome McDougle; 2nd rounders: Barry Gardner, Todd Pinkston, Quinton Caver, Matt McCoy, and countless other first day busts), as well as his 1-4 record in Championship games (Superbowl & NFC title games) and the result is the termination of Andy Reid's employment status.
Don't take this the wrong way, Eagles & Reid fans. I do not hate Andy Reid. This has nothing to do with his boring press conferences or his family problems. This is about winning. Andy Reid was a great coach, but he has taken this team as far as he can, much the same as Dan Reeves was a great coach, but it took a change in the ranks before Elway and the Broncos could ever wear their championship rings. Andy Reid brought this town Donovan McNabb when everyone wanted Ricky Williams. Andy Reid brought this team to 4-straight Conference championship games and its first Superbowl appearance in two-and-a-half decades. But this is the end of the road. The NFC, particularly the East is better than it was. Dave Campo no longer coaches in this division. The surprise on-side kicks don't work anymore. Unless you have Brady-to-Moss or Manning-to-Harrison connections the key to winning is ball control, not chucking it up 45 times per game. The Reid-era has passed, and it was a fun, road with a lot of bumps and a lot of fun, it should now be left up to someone else to coach this team to its first Super Bowl Championship.
I know what many are thinking, "0-2? That's not a big deal, we've done that before." Yes, we have done it before, but remember the circumstances surrounding the 2003 season were much different from the 2007 slow-starting Eagles. In 2003 the Eagles opened up the brand new Lincoln Financial Field on Monday Night Football in grand fashion, losing 17-0 to the previous season's Superbowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The next week the birds managed to get on the scoreboard, but were still embarrassed by the eventual Superbowl Champion New England Patriots, 31-0. Then came the early bye week, followed by a dramatic 23-13 victory in Buffalo, which featured the first of many late-game heroics by Brian Westbrook with a 62-yard touchdown run to finish off the Bills. Then a nail-biting victory over Washington followed by a "woulda, coulda, shoulda" loss to Dallas and the good guys record stood at 2-3. Then came "Miracle at the Meadowlands II" which featured a 14-10 victory in which Westbrook posted 233 total yards, none more important than his game-wining, 84-yard punt return for a score. that was the first of a 9-game winning streak, and 10 wins in the next 11 games (OT loss st the 49ers which also featured a return TD for Westbrook). Then came the playoffs and the 4th and 26 miracle against Green Bay followed by a stinging 14-3 loss to Carolina which featured McNabb being cheap-shooted while on the ground (no flag) and playing the majority of the game injured before eventually being pulled for Koy Detmer in the 4th quarter. Also absecent was Westbrook, who missed the entire playoffs after old friend Jeremiah Trotter injured him in the week 17 victory over Washington.
Fast forward to now. The Eagles start 0-2 again. But this is a different 0-2. Washington and Green Bay are not winning a Superbowl anytime in the near future. our QB is not 100%, and while there were grumblings of injury in '03 this is Donovan's leg. The leg injury directly effects his scrambeling, which he did a lot of in 2003 when his receivers were unable to get opened early in McNabb's progression. Now the receivers can't get open down the field which forces McNabb to check down to shorter, less effective routes (Westbrook and Smith for 4 yards on 3rd & 7 is not effective). "But Coach Reid can't MAKE his receivers get opened, what are you getting at?" While the Eagles' receivers are a problem, they are only a portion of this team's troubles. But since you asked, my point is Reid hand-picked each one of these receivers. Brown and Avant were 2nd & 4th round draft picks, respectively. Kevin Curtis signed as a big-ticket free agent this past off-season, and the Birds signed him to play a position he never has, outside receiver. His entire career until now he has been a slot receiver that featured Isaac Bruce and Tory Holt to his left and right and Steven Jackson coming out of the backfield, who is quite possibly a more dangerous receiver than Brian Westbrook. Reid traded Billy McMullen (another Reid-era draft bust) for rookie free-agent Hank Baskett shortly after last year's draft, and yes Greg Lewis is still on this team. 5 guys that Andy chose himself who simply are't getting the job done.
Furthermore, after McNabb went down last season the offense proved it was a running team. There are 5 behemoths on this offensive line that were made to run-block. Westbrook was averaging over 5 yards per carry last season, and on Monday averaged about 5.5 yards per carry. With all of these factors one would think there was plenty of reason for Coach Reid to realize our best chance of winning is on the ground. Ha! Simple facts aren't enough to deter our hard-headed, soft-bellied coach away from making our injured and aging quarterback drop back to pass over 45 times.
After this frustrating loss, the most frustrated of the Eagles seemed to be Brian Westbrook. He commented on how he doesn't call the plays but he would like to run more, no big deal, we've heard it before. The "news" that came out of this press conference was that Westbrook didn't feel the team played with enough emotion, that they lacked a sense of urgency. While this is a team of professionals, it is in part Reid's responsibility to nstill the "NEED TO WIN" attitude in his players. Or, at the very least, keep roster spots open for leaders, namely Jeremiah Trotter, this team's emotional leader and defensive captain. While it is true Trotter has lost a step, and his play alone does not warrant the $2.5 million he was slated to make this season, leadership is priceless. With veterans like McNabb and Dawkins playing below their normal level and battling lingering injuries, it is Trotter who would rally the troops and force someone, anyone, to take charge and put the team back on the road to victory. Sadly, Trotter was cut in training camp and is now dropping his axe for Jon Gruden's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This team needs a kick in the ass, and firing the coach, in my opinion, will open the eyes of veterans and rookies alike who share in this "we know what we're doing, don't worry about an 0-2 start" attitude. Reid's arrogance and stubbornness to refuse to run the ball, refuse to acknowledge the importance of leadership and chemistry, refusal to acknowledge Donovan McNabb is a different player than he was in 2003 is more than enough reason to send him packing. Add in his terrible drafts (1st rounders Corey Simon, Freddie Mitchell, Jerome McDougle; 2nd rounders: Barry Gardner, Todd Pinkston, Quinton Caver, Matt McCoy, and countless other first day busts), as well as his 1-4 record in Championship games (Superbowl & NFC title games) and the result is the termination of Andy Reid's employment status.
Don't take this the wrong way, Eagles & Reid fans. I do not hate Andy Reid. This has nothing to do with his boring press conferences or his family problems. This is about winning. Andy Reid was a great coach, but he has taken this team as far as he can, much the same as Dan Reeves was a great coach, but it took a change in the ranks before Elway and the Broncos could ever wear their championship rings. Andy Reid brought this town Donovan McNabb when everyone wanted Ricky Williams. Andy Reid brought this team to 4-straight Conference championship games and its first Superbowl appearance in two-and-a-half decades. But this is the end of the road. The NFC, particularly the East is better than it was. Dave Campo no longer coaches in this division. The surprise on-side kicks don't work anymore. Unless you have Brady-to-Moss or Manning-to-Harrison connections the key to winning is ball control, not chucking it up 45 times per game. The Reid-era has passed, and it was a fun, road with a lot of bumps and a lot of fun, it should now be left up to someone else to coach this team to its first Super Bowl Championship.
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