Wait 'til Next Year
The Eagles won't admit that they're done, but nobody who watched Sunday will be shocked to learn that in Eagletarian's humble opinion, they're done.
Wait 'til Next Year
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
You'll hear the Eagles declare in the coming days that they aren't done, at 5-4-1 going to Baltimore next Sunday.
They have to say that. You, obviously, don't have to believe it, and they probably would be shocked if you did.
Your Eagletarian has very few answers after the ugliest 13-13 tie ever recorded. The Eagles' offense has pretty much given up on trying to run the ball, and Donovan McNabb is doing bad things we've seen him do before (firing high and wide early), along with some we really haven't seen from him that often (forcing balls into coverage). Then there's the whole, "Oh, Gosh, you mean the game is over?" fiasco.
Andy Reid seems mystified by a great many things, including how to keep the opposition from knowing exactly what's coming next. Boy, the Bengals' D really got caught flatfooted on those three third-and-1 throws, didn't it? Not one was completed. Cincinnati was even all over the flea-flicker. Andy needs to do a better job of putting his playchart in a position to make plays.
Here's a shot at stating the obvious: Something is very, very wrong. The quarterback is part of it, more this week than ever before, perhaps, but there is more. Much more. This team has talent. It seems to lack leadership, playmaking ability, and bedrock confidence.
Maybe at this point, McNabb just assumes he's out of here at the end of the season, and isn't that invested in his performance. Hate to say that, or even think it, but does anybody have a better explanation?
Let me know.
Comments (81)
Not to state the obvious either, Les, but Andy has lost the locker room. The guys may say they believe in his schemes and abilities, but let's be honest, none of us do and we're a hell of a lot more removed from the situation than they are. I think you have a group of guys who don't believe in what they're doing and need a new captain. I'm not sure if Donovan is Andy's man or not, but I locate the problem here with the coach at least as much as the QB.— maximusud- One thing i noticed about McNabb is that he is a power passer but his endurance is questionable.....his accuracy wanes as his arm gets tired throughout a game. It would be great if they had a reliable run game to take so stress off his arm.... Just waiting for something new a new regime. Will it ever come....?— Cant Climb
Comment removed.- Use the rest of the season for Kevin Kolb to take the reins of this team. McNabb is just another worthless QB. Going back to draft day, all you Eagle fans who were in the gallery and booed the pick, looks like you're having the last laugh with the rest of us.— thomasg
- Use the rest of the season for Kevin Kolb to take the reins of this team. McNabb is just another worthless QB. Going back to draft day, all you Eagle fans who were in the gallery and booed the pick, looks like you're having the last laugh with the rest of us.— thomasg
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- McNabb another worthless QB...stfu.... Everything starts at the top.. AR and company. This was a poorly coached game.. and to a degree, a lack of execution... Is it time to hang it up...I will tell you after next week— komplex2005
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- Operation "Throw Donovan under the bus" is officially on. It's as predictable as Andy's playcalling.— Snake
- THAT'S THE PROBLEM BOWEN!!!!!!! Next yr will be the same as this yr and every other one... by the way, since the Super Bowl.. has Reid and McNabb led us to the playoffs? I'm sick to my stomach— AllDawk_AllTheTime
- This team has checked out.Pretty simple. On to Spring Training.There's a great library of Phillies highlights on their website.You can search them by month and day.Happy holidays.— red rock
- Next year would be too early. It's more like 3 years because next year we'll have a new coach, new qb and receivers. that performance was disgusting and the post game interview was even worse.— phillyking22
- Les, as the saying goes, Andy "needs to do a better job of doing a better job"...this team has no sense of urgency, and if Andy has no sense of urgency, then the players will follow suit. The futility of the play-calling, the redundancy of McNabb being inefficient, and the lack of desire to win speaks loudly that this team is not worthy of being in the playoffs.— sspn09
- This team is lost. The coach and QB have lost the clubhouse and all are waiting for a change at the top. Not sure if MCN can do better with better coaching, but he certainly couldn't do worse. FF AR has clearly lost any confidence from his players and when that happens, it is time to say goodbye. Goodbye Andy.— momzer
- the eagles are a half game out of the playoffs. let them lose next week before giving up.
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- The clear problem is the refusal to run the ball- specifically with Buck. Westbrook is injured, and the defense always knows it will be a pass 80% of the time- so why bother stopping the run. They'll get a chuck of yards, then go back to pass, pass pass. So McNabb has nobody open. thmasg- no Kolb is just another worthless QB, unless he can prove he isn't. McNabb has. He isn't the problem- the coach is.— libertyof76
- Unless Reid leaves, next year will be the same as this year (which was the same as last year). ... The GM has stubbornly refused to add enough quality players. ... The head coach has stubbornly refused to learn from his playcalling mistakes. (see a pattern here?)— jman
- 58 passes and 18 runs, counting the end arounds and qb sneak and Andy says "just keep firing". The coach's offensive philosophy is the problem.— brs50
- until there's a fan revolt....not much will happen... Lurie won't budge or will ratiopnalize the Reid/McNabb ship. We're halfway between the Giants and the Lions!!!!— drron
- As long as fans fill the Linc, Laurie fills his pockets, and ignores the problems. New owner, new money, new player's. The Eagles are a team, that needs a smile from the booth.— FJG JR
- As long as fans fill the Linc, Laurie fills his pockets, and ignores the problems. New owner, new money, new player's. The Eagles are a team, that needs a smile from the booth.— FJG JR
- Has anyone else noticed that Dawk has lost a step (or 5) ? Also, this just in, Syracuse is looking for a Coach. DMac knows the area and would be a great fit. One way ticket to 'cuse works for me.— mick314
- I'd say the window has officially closed.— Grazman
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- What really would've impressed me was if Reid would have pulled McNabb out of the game after the first drive or two of the second half. It was obvious he was off and we desperately need to win this game. But as usual, Reid sticks with him despite the fact he had a horrendous game. Not pulling McNabb spoke volumes for me and showed me that this season is over and we will never be successful again with Reid and his philosophies.— blackknight
- This is a team with personal respect for Andy and Donovan but not football respect. They are going through the motions lacking in confidence in the offensive system and in the Coach. McNabb is a good man but doesn't have the make-up of a leader, no fire...he is not one to get in guys faces, to yell in the huddle...way to easy going to lead in the NFL. Andy is stubborn to a fault...his offensive system is broken and he refuses to acknowledge it. Tough for Lurie as he has great respect for Reid as a man as well he should. But Lurie needs to be a leader here and force Andy to face up to the facts and change or leave. Tough for Andy because he has great respect for Donovan as well he should. But Andy not doing right by him by sticking with a flawed offensive system. As Obama stated, "Change is needed"!— JBP
- I wish Andy would eat his stupid playchart! What does he need it for anyways? Just ask the opposing teams what you should run, they already kno what's coming. Speaking of his weight.....he should wear all white gear, I hear that it's quite "slimming." Granted, he'll look like GREENLAND, but at least I'll get a laugh out of it. I could use some laughs these days.— jearnha
- I moved to KY 5 years ago, but grew up in South Philly and live and die with the birds. I have been waiting to go to this game in Cincy long before I knew the actual date. We planned a big road trip for my dad, brother and cousin this weekend. The weekend was great to see my family but I think Jeffery Lurie owes me a refund for the quality of his product. I have seen better football during high school games. We could predict the play from the formation and if I can do it from the stands, imagine what a prfessional defensive coordinator can do. Its unfair to the 10,000 fans in CINCY wearing eagles green.— PhillysportsfaninKY
- If nothing else they got to run Kyle Eckel out there. He had something like 25 rushing TD's at Navy. And the Middies converted about 45% of their third down opportunities when he was there. And all most none of them were passes!— Dull
- Wow, I didn't think it would be this obvious and so fast in the blaming of McNabb. I wouldn't be surprised is McNabb's key card didn't work at Novacare today.— davekrieg
- I am still in the Eagles corner, all you band wagoners turn in your season tickets, I will take them for all the people I know that are still supporting the Birds. I cannot believe Don did not know the OT rule though. Did he get hit in the head? I still think we can make the playoffs, only ATL, DAL, and WAS ahead of us. Already beat ATL, we beat WAS and DAL and we have a shot at a wild card. I also think Andy is partly to blame.— albanykey
- OK folks, I know this is coming early, but it is time. The Eagles will never in a Super Bowl with McNabb at the helm. His best years are past him, and those - if you look at the true facts - weren't that good. McNabb has a lot of yardage and a lot of completions and he has been to the Pro Bowl, etc., but his history is that of passes behind open receivers, over their heads, and missed opportunities. Simply put, McNabb isn't - and never has been - as good as he has been cracked up to be. People talk about dropped passes, and yes, there have been many. But more than a few were the result of bad passes - passes not being thrown in front of the receiver. Also, how about Mr. Reid moving on. Lurie is a big Reid fan, so this probably won't happen. The guy has guided the Eagles to a lot of wins, and kudos for that. But the West-Coast offense - at least this version - is antiquated and easily anticipated, thus bad karma on third down. Maybe a new approach - and a new QB - will get the ball rolling again. This won't happen, either, but it's time to take a serious look at Kevin Kolb. Let's find out if he really is of pro-football caliber before next year's draft.— Pendian
- The end of the line. Time for both Reid and McNabb to go. Reid is just clueless on the sidelines at this point. As far as McNabb goes he screams about "wanting the ball" "being the leader" and "captain of the ship". Well the results are in the ship has sunk, he is not a leader, and cannot carry anyone on his back. As for Reid, well what can you say at this point? Just leave already..— gthmbt
- The end of the line. Time for both Reid and McNabb to go. Reid is just clueless on the sidelines at this point. As far as McNabb goes he screams about "wanting the ball" "being the leader" and "captain of the ship". Well the results are in the ship has sunk, he is not a leader, and cannot carry anyone on his back. As for Reid, well what can you say at this point? Just leave already..— gthmbt
- Play out the string and it's over. Off season: blow it up and start over. Andy and McNabb had a nice run, but it's over.— craig123
- We can only wish we'll have a new coach, but I doubt that will happen due to the money Andy is still owed, and the fact that Lurie and Banner will somehow believe Andy's B/S.— jimbo712
- I guess the portion of this that I'd take issue with is the notion that this team has the talent to win. I don't understand what makes people say that? Where, exactly, is the talent? Outside of a healthy Brian Westbrook, who on this team strikes fear in the heart of the opposition? No one. They're mediocre across the board and that's why their record is mediocre. You can rip Andy Reid the Game Day Coach, but in my opinion the real fault lies with Andy Reid the stubborn and pig-headed general manager who refuses to bring in guys who can actually win games.— IanIJM
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- Thank God that Dan Fouts didn't play in Philly!— jonpoetical
- It's time to change the quarterback;if Reid can't make that move,then it's time to change the coach.Both of them have had a good run here; it's over and time to move ahead.— J.W. coach
- We have heard all this before....about 40 times since the Superbowl cameo! Andy needs to go, bring in Bellichek, Spagnola or someone who understands you need to run and pass. Send Donovan to Chicago - they need him we need him gone, a plus for both teams. Look at Kolb NOW! Don't wait until 5 games into next season and say "well he is no improvement!". Get a REAL FB. Kleko should be commended but he is not a FB. Fix the O-line....they are not getting younger. Create a two headed monster with Buckwalter and Westbrook - use some imagination!!!! Allthis will help but it can not happen with Andy thinking about a Banana Split and large Cheesesteak! Throw Andy under the bus - offer Spanola the job and get him out of NY. I still like our D if they didn't have to be on the field 75% of a game! Change is painful but not nearly as painful as watching this group!— jakster
- The coaches "you can't get to upset over losses, you can't get to high after wins" philosophy is being passed on to the team. The "oh well" attitude really sticks and flys in the face of the type of city Philly is. I wish they would just get p*issed just once after a game like Eagles fans do. This team needs REAL GM, not a bean counter that tries to be a GM and not a coach who wants to be a GM. Tom Modrak are you listening???— Scobie1
- As long as there's a waiting list for season ticket holders, nothing will change. Lorie is happy with a good bottom line as opposed to winning a championship. Andy Reid punts with a minute and 40 seconds left? McNabb continues to overthrow wide open receivers. Receivers who drop passes. Throwing the ball 58 times. Making Dhani Jones and Jumpy Gaithers look like All Pros. A Bengals defense one of the worst in the NFL. Someone needs to clean house, start over, and turn the page on this coach, coaching staff and quarterback. Time for a change and the start a new era in Eagles football.— FreeFalGuy
- Frankly, along with thousands of other Eagle fans, I am fed up with hearing Andy Reid's non-answers and Donovan McNabb's non-answers! Was that not the 10th game of the season. Why do the words that they say sound like things that should be said after two games? It's way too late for this year, and next year looks no better if the same non-leadership is involved. Looking at the games that remain now, after this debacle, who can pick a game that the Eaglets will win?— DonEck
- If Lurie and Banner (God help us with him) want to make a change that will actually help the Eagles, dump Reid and bring in Spagnola as the head coach and then let him pick his own coaches.— Alexander
- All I ask of Donovan is to stop begging for pass interference when the ball is so poorly thrown to begin with. After every incompletion it's the same thing, he starts with the wild throwing of the flag motion jumping up and down. It's over Donny.— kse
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- Next year? Much worse. The O-Line is no longer aging, it's old and done, and the players to take over are not yet on the roster. I have been a Reid and McNabb supporter for a long time, but Any Reid has completely lost his coaching mind. The game plans these days are the worst I have ever seen. It's not all McNabb's fault. This team can't run at all, and if you can't run at all....how the heck is the defense not going to be able to stop the pass. That points straight to the coach. Replace the coach and start to rebuild the O-Line.— IgglesGreen
- Um yeh we need to do a better job at that. I need to put them in a better postion to suceed. Again this is on me and I need to do a better job and we are going to figure this out. I think we are just a hair off and I need to do a better job at putting these guys in position to suceed.....Andy— deldog64
- The front office has historically been ruthless when letting veteran players walk when they are past their prime (Trotter, Hugh, Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor, etc.). So when is management going to use that same ruthlessness on Reid and send him on his way?— buckley
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- I agree with IanIJM. The expectations of this team based on its talent level are way out of proportion. This team doesn't possess a very high level of talent. Take Westbrook away, and this is a solid second or even third tier team. Andy Reid's pigheaded belief that his system is so good that any player can be plugged in and be successful has been proven wrong on so many occasions it's nauseating. This is the NFL, and talent matters!— nipseysdad
- The window of opportunity of Reid and McNabb is closed. Andy has lost his touch from everything to playcalling to motivation to challenges. He has no urgency, nor answers. Please put us out of our misery and send the fat man packing!— bgratch
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- why didnt Mcnabb know that the game could end in a tie,where's his head at?— elbe2k
- I would rather struggle thru erbuilding process than stomach another year or two of Andy's clueless gameplan and empty promises of responsiblity for another loss. While McNabb isn't what he was, I fully blame that lack of 1st quarter offense on Reid. Scripting 15 plays to your strength based on scouting of other team. Obviously there's a disconnect on what they are preparing for as the offense can't get something going til halftime. Sad days at the Linc. Hope the Flyers and Sixers wake up!— bgratch
- Cant Climb , I don't know how often I've stated that. It's so apparent that I am utterly amazed at the failure of Reid to notice this so blatantly obvious factor with McNabb's accuracy. The failure to pay attention to this detail alone should be enough to terminate his relationship with this team AND town. The running game has ALWAYS been an important factor in the Eagles inability to be competetive in the NFL East as it effects so many other aspects of the game: Ball control. The quarterbacks accuracy and arm strength. Resting our defense. Creating fatigue amongst the opposing defense. Reid is an idiot.— essell
- They are who we thought they were. The new Mike Tyson of sports are THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES!!!! WHERE YOU ONLY TUNE IN JUST TO SEE WHAT STUPID THING THEY CAN DO NEXT. WHO CARES IF THEY WIN, IT'S GOOD COMEDY AND DRAMA. THERE SHOULD BE A REALITY SHOW ABOUT MCNABB AND REID.— haans
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- The Birds need to go to the college ranks with another Vermeil type. Carroll is out because he makes more at USC. But, someone like Urban Meyer might want to do it, if he wins the BCS. They need much better clock management and playmaking. A new guy will have to do it. Fire Marty too. Get rid of Donnie too. And for Lurie's sake, draft a bit better than Andy did. They need a younger coach with risky play calling that takes into account a drafted running back. You remember that one, like VanBuren?? LOL— KGKoons
- Ha ha, is there any doubt the loss was deserved to the Giants? Any doubt that the win over the Steelers was a complete fluke? Maybe now that McChoke knows there's such thing as a tie, they can go for another one next week.— Jake_Golden
- Posted by Talking point detective 09:45 PM, 11/16/2008 At least donovan didn't puke, that is a good start. And cowher is a fraud, 1-4 at home in AFC championship game, only has a ring due to referees. --------------------------------------------------------- I'd take the Chin over Double Chin in a heartbeat. By the way, did you catch Pittsburgh's game yesterday? Something like 13 calls against them to one, a lot worse than in that Super Bowl. And yet they still won the game. Only losers hide behind the ref excuse.— Jake_Golden
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- Andy's philosophy of how to plan a game is dated.... One would think over 10 years he could see it coming.... I've pulled for McNabb since day one but after the Cincy game I'm letting loose the rope.....— Suren
- Donovan has not brought us to the playoffs since 04, period. Andy, it is sad but true, but it's time to regroup. Holmgren stinks too. Time for a new young coach and a new system. It worked for us before, it can work again. Spagnolo would work if the gints will let him, it would be a good story. They also need a GM, AR will probably not want to stay if he can't coach. I'd look a great scouting director or an assistant GM from a successful team like the Pats. Cowher seems like a nice guy, but I don't know. He doesn't seem like he's ready to move back into the NFL any time soon and he may not be as good a fit as you'd think.— bbohannon
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- I remember back in 2002 or 2003 that many folks were worrtied about not winning a super bowl before the "window closed" on Donovan. I didn't understand it then, and am not sure I understand it now, but it appears the window closed a couple of years ago. Maybe it's that theo other coaches learn how to defend a player's tendencies or something. But what ever it is, the window is shut.— dlscholt
- Bring in Vick and Cowher next year. Surely they can turn this thing around!— CB4
- Yall need to knock it off, cuz he resurrected the Dead Philly Eagles that was the door mat of the NFC East....He was the one that had the Eagles even close to the Super Bowl and the Playoffs...Remember Ty and Koy Detmer?? Remember those years???? Just like all other Philly athletes, McNabb will go somewhere else turn them into contenders and and become a winner....Remembe Charles Barkley? Allen Iverson? Steve Spagnuolo??? He never had a true #1 wide receiver only 1 year, and we all know the result of that(#1QB in the League 31TD's and the Super Bowl)...So I think yall need to re think getting rid of Mcnabb and fire Andy Reid... So Philly Fans, me included, need to stop placing the blame on someone who single handedly ressurection the Eagles Franchise from the dead...It can go back there, real sooon..— Mr Big Shot
- >>>Blackacre 09:48 PM, 11/16/2008 I only have one thing to say: BILL COWHER<<< If not Spagnuolo, or Cowher, how about Iron Mike Ditka? Maybe he'd kick some a_s and take some names.— essell
- Reid has lost the locker room - these guys know his play calling is pathetic - they feel like they have lost before they even run the play - you can see it in there eyes. Fire Reid - ship McNabb and his 25% 8-41 first quarter completion percentage to Minnesota and draft a huge DT who can stop the run.— gb2007
- Heckert and Mornhinweg must get the boot, and Reid should be stripped of his general manager hat. We need a real GM who can bring some order and common sense to what is rapidly devolving into chaos. Without these actions next year will be more of the same.— Tom.Mack
- THIS BULLSH** ABOUT BILL COWHER, WHAT DOES IT MEAN. IF YOUR STARTING OVER START NEW. DON'T HIRE FROM THE PAST. IN ORDER TO HAVE A RUNNING GAME YOU GOT TO DRAFT RUNNERS. AT LEAST ONE OR TWO WILL DO. BRIAN WESTBROOK, BRIAN DAWKINS, DONAVAN MCNABB, THESE PLAYERS ARE OLD AND TIRED SORT OF LIKE THE COACHING STAFF. IT STARTS WITH THE HEAD COACH BUT THE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND SPECIAL TEAMS COACH ARE TRULY AMONG THE WORST IN THE LEAGUE. I THANK ANDY REID FOR SEVEN REALLY GOOD YEARS WHICH ENDED IN 2005.— JACK V
I think we're looking at 6-9-1 this year, which would be bad enough for any NFL team to catapault its coach over the ramparts with flaming Sterno pots taped to his ankles. Except the Eagles. Reid will trade down those two first-rounders next spring (saving a cool $20 mil) in return for a 437-pound Division II lineman he really likes, and Jeff Lurie will go "pedal-to-the-metal" once again with another gold-standard lineup. I can't wait!- Comment removed.
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- We can't compete for a title as long as Reid is the coach because we are the Phoenix Suns of the NFL - will always look good and be competitive and are sometimes the best team in the league during the regular season but aren't built right for the playoffs. The last thing I want to see is Reid and Kolb going 4-12 next year while McNabb lights it up in Chicago or Minnesota or wherever. I'd love to see Cowher but I'd really like to see us bring Steve Spagnuolo come back. He knows our team and I think he'd be committed to basing our offense on a solid running game like they have in New York— Josh47
Oh, don't worry guys. The team is "just a hair off", like last year. They'll put it together and squeak out the last 2-3 games, maybe even beat the hated Cowboys, and tell everyone they are back on track for 2009. And they don't even need to take a first round pick again, because they are so back on track. Yes fans, just keep buying your Eagles tix and merchandise and we'll be in good shape for next year. Again.
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Eagletarian is your home for comprehensive coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Les Bowen
Daily News Staff Writer
Paul Domowitch
Daily News NFL Columnist
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