Help Wanted: Leaders
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Help Wanted: Leaders
Paul Domowitch, Daily News NFL Columnist
Everybody has an opinion on what the Eagles need to become a playoff contender again.
So does Jason Kelce.
"I think we’re in desperate need of leadership on both sides of the ball," the Eagles center said Monday as the players cleaned out their lockers at the NovaCare complex just before owner Jeff Lurie made Andy Reid’s firing official.
"I think (quarterback) Nick Foles did a great job. But it’s always tough to lead as a rookie. I experienced that my rookie year. You haven’t developed enough respect from you teammates yet to earn that.
"We’re a young football team. Somebody said we’re the second youngest team in the NFL right now age-wise. There’s got to be a lot of guys that grow up, and we’ve got to come together. And there’s got to be guys that assert themselves as those leaders and people that are role models on the right way to go about your business.
"I think we have a lot of those (leadership) guys here. I’m sure the general manager and everybody will make sure that we have those in place for next season."
Kelce started 16 games as a rookie last year, but tore his ACL in the second game of the season this year. He was one of three starters on the offensive line to miss most or all of the season.
All Pro left tackle Jason Peters missed the entire season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Right tackle Todd Herremans missed the final eight games with a broken foot.
Asked if he can be one of the team’s leaders next season, Kelce said, "Absolutely."
Kelce said being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean being a yeller and screamer.
"Sometimes, vocal guys can spark some enthusiasm and stuff like that," he said. "But that’s not really enthusiasm. It’s more like an adrenaline rush. And an adrenaline rush only lasts so long.
"The enthusiasm, the natural passion for the game, that’s how you lead. A guy doing everything right all the time. And you set the bar so that everybody sees it and replicates it.
"I’m much more of a lead by example (player). Lead by the way you go about your business every day, than how you look and talk before a game on Sunday."
Kelce said teams that have good leaders generally are able to persevere through adverse situations.
"There’s always a sense that you’re still in the game," he said. "If you look at all of the good quarterbacks, you never see them on the sideline at any point in the game where they’re flustered, where they think they’re out of it.
"That goes from the quarterback to the offensive line to any position. When you have that leadership, you have that sense that you control your own destiny at all times.
"Overcoming adverse situations is important to winning football games. Because every single week you’re put in a position where you’re going to fail or where a bad play happens. It’s the teams that are able to come together and overcome those (things) that are successful."
Guard Evan Mathis echoed Kelce’s sentiments.
"We need a lot more leadership," he said. "Guys like myself and other guys who have been around for a while, we need to step up and take the reins and lead it.
"Guys lead in different ways. A lot lead by example. A lot lead by talking to guys and being more rah-rah. We just need more (leaders). Guys who are doing the right things. Playing well.
"The best leader is someone who sets the example of always preparing in the best way possible, and then performing when it comes game time. That’s the best leader. The best way to lead is by setting an example for someone."
Players with no or limitied talent are never leaders.....and this team is filled with no NFL talent...maybe 5 guys on offense and 4 guys on defense belong on an NFL roster...the rest are the dregs of the league and are 2nd stringers on the special teams.....Why would anyone follow the no talent bums on this team...— nuggett- Seems to me that the running narrative about this team is that not only are there not many leaders, but maybe even worse, there aren't many willing to follow the leader either. This roster has so many dogs it was starting to resemble a kennel. Let us hope whoever is the new coach cleans house.— MBFlyerfan
- The team does have some leaders -- Cole, Ryans, Kelce, Herremans... The coaching just wasn't good enough, even aside from injuries. Reid did a good job. Time to move on. If you'd given him Seattle's roster, I think the Birds would be 7-9 and out of the playoffs.— armchairGM
- First it was Jackson saying the team lacked leadership, now Kelce, maybe one of these idiots can step up a provide that leadership instead of just talking about it.— djw26
- Many of the fans who post on theses boards knew leadership was a problem, and has been a problem. Once the players of the Rhodes team started to disappear, culminating with the departure of Dawkins, there was no leaders left. I don't believe Andy ever drafted a player who was considered leadership quality, maybe McCoy. Even McNabb for a supposed elite QB, was not a leader. The fans who are objective in following this team, on what is right and what is wrong, and not believe everything that cam out of the front office knew that lack of leadership would play a big part in the Eagles demise— watsonmr
- so klece sticks up and fights for his coach - bad thing. this year guys give up on there coach - good thing. you eagles fans sure know how to support your team... you despicable ingrates.— ChampAnderson
- Everyone talks about a change in philosphy? Want a total change? Fire Roseman. I doubt Lurie has a clear perspective about the state of the Eagles. How can he say that the " mistakes of 2011 had little or nothing to do with Roseman? " Someone tell me why? Wasn't Roseman the GM? Mistakes were made thru free agency AND the draft. Drafting of the safeties...Allen and Jarret. Watkins. Brandon Graham has improved but still..does his total amount of play warrent that number 1 pick status. It's Roseman's job to evaluate talent too.. so how can he avoid responsibility....no matter if Reid was VP of player personnel? Roseman is some 37 year old " wizz kid " who dosen't have the experience a GM should. He's a Banner " salery-cap " manager, which is another reason why he should go. I wonder if the Eagles might not get the best available head coach out there 'cause guys will be hesitant to work with a young " know-nothing " who's learning on the job.— tony b
- Please draft Manti Te'o. He is a leader on and off of the field. He will be a leader of thedefense and the quarterback of the defense for years. Kelce's quote is important. The Eagles do need leadership and Te'o would provide that as well as great linebacking play. We passed up on Ray Lewis 15 years ago and selected Jermane Mayberry. Lets not make the same mistake again . Go Eagles!!!— Eaglehaslanded
- Talk about leadership is a sure sign you have none. It's not something you talk about. McNabb was great for that, "I've gotto be a leader", which he never was because he didn't have it in his gut. Bring some in, we'll know them when we see them. Cox looks like one, so does Curry, other than that I don't know. B Dawk was the last, before that Vincent, Joyner, Brown, White and the list goes on, that's why you can't just draft by numbers.— EagleEye61
- The eagles draft.....usually let the player ride the bench; almost until his rookie contract expired, negotiated contracts in the press, always felt the west coast play book was too hard to comprehend, any player over 30 was considered obsolete (a few exceptions) did exist....master of the release wire on players.....master of turning over rocks to find average, at best talent....2 years ago 34 players on the roster were 4th-7th round or free agents not drafted.......finished 2012 with 20 million under the salary cap (4th largest NFK market in the country)......where do we start????- lets hope Mrs Lawrie gets controlling interest after the divorce.....can we sign a 3rd 120 million dollar QB???— ox
- What is wrong with yelling at fans who are holding a sign. At least he shows some passion...showed it on the field too. I'll take a whole O-line of Kelce's.— nasjo
- Hey Kelce, weren't you the guy kicking fans out across the street last year for holding a sign? Why don't you try shooting your mouth off to your teammates instead of the fans then?— alwaysphil1
- Totally disagree with oldBird. THIS oldbird watche Kelce last year and thru camp this past season. He is a solid player, aggressive and involved. Big time hustle and very involved. Reynolds was simply a blowout patch. Return of Peters and Herremnns will solidify things. Draft of the Texas A & M tackle will be a big plus. Need to hire an outstanding OLine Coach. Castillo would be an easy choice.— NewMick314
Secondary coach? BRIAN DAWKINS!!!- Reid never drafted leaders. He wanted everyone to follow him. THe team really went downhill after the Rhodes' guys, like Dawkins, Trotter, Vincent, etc. left. Especially Dawk. After Dawkins' Day, they won, what, one game the rest of the season? At least he gave them a lift coming back. Too bad theu couldn't keep around in some capacity.— mike l
- Kelce is one of the examples of what is wrong. All talk. One year playing in the league. Do the right things over a period of 16 games. Realize that you and Dallas Reynolds nearly got Vick killed with weak A gap blocking. This team has more excuses and it is always someone else who is the problem. Hopefully a the new coach will sort this all out whether that results in a roster of 5 or 15.— oldBird
- Kelce is one of the examples of what is wrong. All talk. One year playing in the league. Do the right things over a period of 16 games. Realize that you and Dallas Reynolds nearly got Vick killed with weak A gap blocking. This team has more excuses and it is always someone else who is the problem. Hopefully a the new coach will sort this all out whether that results in a roster of 5 or 15.— oldBird
- Sir or Madam, With all due respect, you have no clue. Kelce played like a Pro-Bowler as a rookie and has earned the right to comment on the locker room. You should wish that everyone on that roster had the focus, drive and determination as Jason Kelce. — JoeyMax
- You had your chance— Friend to All
