How bad was it? (Cue Johnny Carson, "It was so bad...")
I wasn't even going to write an article; that's how bad. At one point, I turned to my wife and said, "This isn't just a bad game, it's bad television."
The game was so boring I actually did ironing during the game. On the bright side, I have a shirt to wear to work tomorrow now.
I had a feeling the Eagles weren't going to win this game going in. I didn't write a preview for that very reason. Sure, easy to say that now, but still...
A tie??
This is not a playoff team. (Cue the famous Jim Mora line, "Playoffs?!?")
This is not a team that should even be in the same sentence as playoffs.
The Eagles have bigger issues than whether they'll make the playoffs this year. They have some serious, "which direction is this franchise heading" issues.
Orlando Morales made some great observations in his B/R game recap. With the amount of time the Eagles offensive line was giving Donovan McNabb, why did he not march the team up and down the field?
Even the best corners usually can only cover for four or five seconds. McNabb could have updated his Facebook status he had so much time back there.
As it was, McNabb was 28-for-58 for 339 yards, but the Eagles only scored one touchdown. And that was on a two-play, 61-yard drive.
Why was it not that easy all day long? How did the Eagles only get in the end zone once? Easy—McNabb turned the ball over four times. His average yards-per-completion was only 5.8 yards.
These are the Bengals, people. Not the Giants, not the Ravens, not any other highly-touted defense.
I've never been on the fire-Reid/trade-McNabb bandwagon before.
Are they accepting applications?
The truth is, the window of opportunity has closed on this bunch. They can deny it all they want, claim how they're "thisclose" to being 8-2, but the truth is: they aren't 8-2. Far from it.
Andy Reid is the most successful coach in this team's history. He should be commended, and once the fervor has died down, he should hold a place in this city's heart just like Dick Vermeil does.
However, that being said, it's time.
It was time here in Knoxville, as they just fired Phillip Fulmer after decades with the University. It's time in Philadelphia, too.
When Reid came to Philly with his big binder not quite a decade ago, the accepted belief was that his system took four years for the quarterback to learn.
Sure enough, McNabb led the Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2004.
But what nobody knew then was that it took the other teams' defenses five years to learn his system.
The magic is gone. The genie is back in bottle.
The NFL is on to Andy Reid. Just ask Tiki Barber, who "called" Reid running on back-to-back plays against the Giants.
The Eagles need Bill Cowher.
The Super Bowl winning coach, now an analyst in the studio, is just the man to turn this thing around.
His blue-collar work ethic is just what this fanbase needs. Can you imagine what he would do with a tandem of Westbrook and Buckhalter?
Everyone thought Reid would get a pass because the Phillies won. I think the World Series win is going to have the opposite effect. Here's why:
For 25 years, fans put up with the losing and the "wait until next year" attitude because, well, that's what happens in Philadelphia. But now, fans got a taste of victory. And we like it. A lot.
So instead of enjoying the glow of finally being the champs in something, Philly fans are wanting results. Call it getting greedy, but they aren't going to put up with mediocrity any longer. They don't have to. Not when the Fightin' Phils delivered the promised land right across the street.
Philadelphia has indeed become a baseball town. And if Jeff Lurie doesn't want to lose what few entertainment dollars fans have available these days—and let's not kid ourselves, that's all that really matters—he better think long and hard about the future of his franchise.
Because there are people out there that can turn this ship around. And none of them are currently tied to this franchise.
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about 1 month ago
Brilliant. Could not agree more. POTD. We are also "this close" to being 2-8.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks, Andrew. One of my dad's favorite expressions growing up was "Close is only good in horseshoes and hand grenades." :)
from about 1 month ago
Excellent article. Couldn't agree more. Loved your comment about how it would take the Eagles 4 years to learn the system, except it took the NFL only 5 years to learn and beat it.
about 1 month ago
I believe that Andy's time has expired. With the talent the Eagles have now, we need some new coaching methods. We are tired of the conservative and unproductive results that we have lived during the last few seasons with Reid. I think Cowher ( if willing and available) would be a fantastic fresh move.
from about 1 month ago
And Cowher wouldn't even have to change his driver's license!
about 1 month ago
You got it! Bring it on! How can we initiate this idea?
about 1 month ago
Call WIP? I'm sure Howard Eskin would have a ball with it. He hasn't run a coach out of town in a while. He must be getting twitchy.
from about 1 month ago
Hey man I would love to call Howard but I live overseas. Still a Birds fan even though no one else is.
about 1 month ago
I would LOVE it if we got Bill Cowher. Absolutely love it. He's omeone who's been successful (a Super Bowl ring). He shows emotion and excitement, and he wants to win as badly as we do. Sometimes I feel that Reid really just doesn't care about the outcome of the game.
Let the Cowher & Kolb era begin.
about 1 month ago
Bring T.O back!!!!!...wait...on second thought....FIRE ANDY REID and someone SLAP McNabb AWAKE!!! too many Campells Soup or Beef Stew commericals got him slipping...grrrrr
about 1 month ago
I agree that Philly needs a new coach, but I highly doubt it's going to be Bill Cowher. He doesn't want Philly or Cleveland. I think for right now he is very happy in the studio. I also think if he wants another coaching opportunity, many will be laid at his feet and he will probably find something a little closer to home. As to what the opportunity he would take is, I have no idea. I think if I was hiring a coach today, the two guys I would be looking at are Jason Garrett and Lane Kiffin. Yes, some of you are snickering right now, but Kiffin was on the verge of a break through in Oakland, and I think Garrett probably should have been the coach in Dallas instead of Wade Phillips. Both are viable options with valuable experience.
about 1 month ago
I think we may have the pieces with a change at QB. I think it Cower comes in they have to overhaul the team completely.
For more on the end of the McNabb/Ried era:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/82565-philadelphia-eagles-go-for-tie-clip-wings-on-season
about 1 month ago
I am still amazed that in this day and time we still have ties in football. A tie what the heck is that? The NFL needs to relook this. They need to go to the college system. Maybe one of the teams could have at least hit a field goal. Oh wait maybe with the way both were playing yesterday maybe not. A tie come on NFL. At least if you are going to have a tie change it to a shootout. Or in this case a run out. Get the best running back with one blocker and go against the two best tacklers on the three yard line. Start running at the 15 with the ball; whoever is closest to the end zone wins. Andy Reid it is time you go. My son a Dallas fan wants you stay.
about 1 month ago
Everyone agrees, even people that arent philly fans know. Reid is retarted for making a DT into a full back. He cant block, catch, or run the ball WTF. HIRE A FREE Agent we did good when we had someone to block. "WE CANT EVEN RUN THE BALL". Look at the g men they can run thats why they are the best team now, you have to run to have success.
from about 1 month ago
Klecko actually can catch he has caught a TD in the 2006 AFC title game for the Colts... To me I just don't understand how Reid a former OL coach doesn't try and run the ball more often... but the Eagles should maybe go after Cowher- to me they have maxed out what they can possibly do, but I'm not sure if this means to go for a full rebuilding mode... Westbrook is in his prime but can he stay healthy for a season? McNabb is on the way down, I think we can all agree... But you shouldn't over react about this draw because the Giants had to take them to OT- a team that people call the best in the NFL
from about 1 month ago
Good point about the Bengals taking NYG to OT. If it weren't part of a disturbing pattern, though, I'd be more apt to agree with you.
about 1 month ago
I'm not an Eagles fan, but Reid is a terrible coach.
If I'm not mistaken, they threw 87% of the time and completed like 45% of those passes. Reid with decision making like that, wants to leave. POTD.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks, Isaac! I hadn't thought about him trying to get fired. He's too much of a professional to try the passive-aggressive thing, isn't he? Although with all the family stuff he's been through, I guess it's possible he's trying to get canned so he gets the pay out. More likely, though, my guess is that he's just burnt-out, Dick Vermeil style.
from about 1 month ago
I guess so. 87 percent pass is just ridiculous, especially if it's not really working.
about 1 month ago
Be careful what you ask for it took cowher 14 years in Pittsburgh to win a championship so is he truly what we need?
from about 1 month ago
If you told me he'd win a Super Bowl for the Eagles in 14 years, considering the Eagles haven't won since 1960, I'D TAKE IT!!
from about 1 month ago
I am not apoplogizing for Reid in any way I just do not think Cowher is the answer. I would rather go a different route. I knew a lot of steeler fans who wanted him gone from 2002-2005 looks too similar to reid in my eyes
about 1 month ago
Jim Mc - you nailed it. Great article. I actually mowed by lawn during the 3rd quarter and volunteer to wash the dishes. I appreciate everything Andy Reid has done for our beloved Eagles but it's time to go.
I thought the Phillies winning the World Series might take the heat off the Eagles but has actually put more pressure on them.
about 1 month ago
I don't know. I don't really buy the "blue collar" coaching Bill may bring if Jeff goes in that direction. But having said that, Bill is a great coach and pretty much everything else you said I agree with.
Andy is the NFL's worst coach when it comes to clock management and using timeouts too early. He may be good at challenges, but when you're 4th and 1, and you can't decide to "go for it" or tie the game with a field goal attempt, and wind up blowing away a timeout to avoid a penalty, that is just terrible. And remember, your kicker is the Bionic Man, a delay of game penalty is not going to hurt his attempt when the Eagles got that far into Bengals territory. Take the penalty while you make up your mind. Save the damn timeout for the final two minutes of the game.
I may be only 90% with you about Bill Cowher, and I don't think we'd get him anyway-but Andy's time has come and go. Jeff needs to replace him after this season if he expects Eagles fans to believe he is serious about bringing a Superbowl Trophy to the Link.
about 1 month ago
I'm sick of watching the post game interviews after every loss. Reid and McNabb give the same nonchalant interview after every game (McNabb sometimes you win sometimes you lose etc Reid - we have to do this better, that better, it's my fault blah blah blah - then it's like nothing ever changes; we have struggled all year long on short yardage and continue to do so, haven't really beat any meaningful teams signifigantly - the Steelers game the Eagles Offense played terrible and the defence totally won that game, the Falcons game was ok but not outstanding), in the interview's Westbrook always seems to be giving subtle hints at his irritation of not getting the ball enough, and the only one who has anything that even resembles "fire" or anything like it is Dawkins - and he'll be retiring soon enough ffs.
The conservative coaching style has bothered me for years now. Someone mentioned TO - now I'm not in the Eagles lockeroom and never have been - but do you think with another coach that any of the TO stuff would have blown up to that point or even hit the media at all? To me that's part of a coaches job.
I'd still prefer to have McNabb at QB atm, but Reid has gotta go, and the 4 years/5 years thing really puts it into perspective. Plus the way that Tiki called the play's in the Giants game before they happened. I hope Lurie saw that.
I think Jason Garrett would make a great HC, Cowher too.
about 1 month ago
Great article. Actually I did some ironing during the game too. I think that they should get rid of Andy Reid or he should grow some balls. It's like he is scared to make a decsion or when he does make a decsion he makes the scared one. The teams that win in the league are the teams that take chances. The Bengals almost won yesterday, because they let it all hang out.
about 1 month ago
Brian Billick would be pretty good. He could develop Kolb.
about 1 month ago
It's definitely time for change in the Eagles organization. I'm a Panthers fan, and I've been following the Eagles for the past six years after moving to NJ, and for the past two/three years I've been saying Reid is way too comfortable, and when any employee of any job gets too comfortable, it is time to make a change. If Lurie can seperate himself from Reid this offseason, it would benefit the organization in the long run. I am totally disgusted with the Andy Reid post game interviews after a loss and hearing the same non-descript answers of I did a bad job getting the guys in the right place. OK, so you keep doing that same job every week? I really feel the Eagles fans deserve much better than this, and I think Cowher would in fact do a great job as the Eagles head coach. He would bring the leadership this franchise is in dire need of. Andy Reid is no leader. He has proven that too often, and it's time for a change.
To answer any questions about following the Eagles and being a Panthers fan, it works fine for me. When Philly plays the Panthers I root for my Panthers...Yes, I am aware we lost to you guys in preseason, but it was a great game!
Best of luck Eagles, getting a better coach than Reid; at this point, seemingly anyone is an improvement over him.
about 1 month ago
Yeah,billick would be good to develop kolb,just like he developed boller.Are you even eagles fans?I'm a eagles fan that lives in baltimore and became a fan after the colts left.Do you guys remember how good the eagles were before Reid and McNabb came to town?I don't like the play calls at the end of the games we lost either,but this talk of dismissing two people who made this team competative the last nine years is crazy.There are six games left,have the eagles '' FANS '' cashed the season in already??????
from about 1 month ago
Norm, I have been one of Reid's biggest supporters (see: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/66951-philadelphia-eagles-fans-the-grass-isnt-always-greener). But this is a what have you done for me lately league, and lately, the Eagles have not been competitive.
The biggest indicator is their record in games decided by 6 or fewer points. I think it's now 0-8-1 in their last nine (someone, please correct me if you have it).
about 1 month ago
The Eagles situation reminds me of the Denver Broncoes and John Elway. Elway was in the wrong system with Dan Reeves. Once Mike Shanahan took over Elway flourished winning two Super Bowls at the end of his career. Andy Reid's offense is not suited for McNabb. The Eagles need to establish a power running game and let McNabb do what he does best and throw the long ball. McNabb is much more accurate throwing the long ball than the short dink passes used in the West Coast offense. The Eagles have some of the offensive pieces in place with DeSaun Jackson who has great speed and can catch the deep ball. They should use Westbrook as a slot receiver. They should have drafted Matt Forte this season but should now look to add a power back via the draft.
about 1 month ago
Can't disagree with any of that! Good points.
about 1 month ago
Nice article, I felt the same level of indifference/boredom on Sunday, I didn't even want to watch the game....it's sad because I used to live for Sundays now it's like going to church when I was little....it feels like an obligation....I would love to see the tweaks Cowher would make to the defense because they really are close to being a great one. I can't imagine what Buckhalter and Westbrook would do...I have been saying ever since Buck recovered from knee surgery he should be getting the ball more....people forget he lead the team in rushing his rookie year when Duce was still very productive and his second year was very good too (the year of the three headed monster).....They could bring McNabb back and I guarantee under a Cowher-led team he would immensely improve....can you imagine if McNabb could actually use play-action and roll out plays 10-15 times a game that the defenses actually had to respect??? I agree McNabb has looked off especially in the first quarter of games but he's not done yet....However Andy Reid has been done for three years now....what's the excuse at the end of this season for not making the playoffs?? 05' was TO and the injuries, '06 we were saved by the Garcia, '07 McNabb was still recovering from his knee and looked great at the end of the year, what's the '08 excuse?
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