Eagles players also sensing the end for Andy Reid
It isn't just the rest of the NFL world that is talking about the end of the Andy Reid era with the Eagles.
Eagles players also sensing the end for Andy Reid
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
LANDOVER, Md. – It isn’t just the rest of the NFL world that is talking about the end of the Andy Reid era with the Eagles.
The players are now starting to see the writing on the wall.
Three veteran Eagles said that Sunday’s 31-6 loss to the Redskins was likely the final nail in the coffin for their head coach.
“I know it. I know it,” said one defensive player that requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject. “And the only reason I’m here is because of Andy. Some vets have been talking about how the next [coach] may want his own guy.”
Of the many players sampled, all said that they remained fiercely loyal to Reid. Several, like tackle King Dunlap, said that they believed they still had a chance to turn the season around and save Reid’s job.
“In my opinion, he’s the best coach in the NFL,” Dunlap said. “I can’t imagine them getting anyone better to replace him.”
Reid was asked if he expected to be able to finish out the season as head coach.
“We need to get ready for the Monday night game,” was all he answered.
Jeffrey Lurie was not available for comment. A team spokesman said that the Eagles owner would not answer questions. Lurie said before the season that he would not talk about Reid or his team’s performance until after the season.
Still, with the Eagles 3-7 and Lurie’s preseason ultimatum that Reid needed to deliver a “substantial improvement” upon last season’s 8-8 finish hanging over the Eagles, it is clear that Reid is as close to be fired as he’s ever been.
Lurie has never fired a coach mid-season. During his first season as owner, the Eagles lost their final seven games of the season and finished 7-9, at which point Rich Kotite was fired. The Eagles went 3-13 in 1998 under Ray Rhodes, but Lurie waited again until after the season to dismiss his coach.
Tight end Brent Celek was asked what he thought the Eagles’ front office’s reaction was to the team’s six-game losing streak.
“I wouldn’t be happy if I was them,” Celek said. “I’m sure they’re not. This is a talented team and us players, we’re not making plays. I don’t get it.”
If Reid goes he won’t be the only one.
"This is a talented team and us players, we’re not making plays. I don’t get it." The sooner someone who matters tells these guys they aren't that talented, the sooner things will start getting better.— bill_atkin,s- Problem is, you need talent on the OL or else the rest doesn't matter. And you need to talent to call plays that work, or else the rest doesn't matter.— JBirks
- O Line sucks...pick your victim (QB)wont matter..Whatever people think of him, it is painful to watch Andy Reid slowly fall on his sword.— mlwmlw
- Reid shouldn't have been allowed to return to Philly with the rest of the team.Did he truly feel that they had any chance whatsoever to win the game with less than 2mins left that he left McCoy in the game to get injured?That is a total lack of good common sense judgement.— mackdad
- everything is cyclical - and this is the end of one— ikemcmichaels
- His amigo Romney cab get him a job as offensive coordinator at Bain.— NewMick314
- I don't care WHO the coach is, you can't win games with that abysmal OL.— mtnman
- I have finally had enough and my patience and understanding are both gone. There is something wrong with Reed that has gotten progressively worse all season and, who knows if his son's death has anything to do with it. He has terrible judgment and instincts these dys starting Scott and making that stupid comment about Mc Coy being out there trying to win a long lost game.
He has got to go and he sooner the better along with his bad coaching selections (/Washburn, Mudd and April) I don't are if Marty is interim coach and the survivors work massive overtime. Bench Babin and a few others and let's at least lose showing effort.— hankhammer2 - Reid is a hot mess. There was a time when his only weakness was game-day coaching (clock management, late game play-calls, etc). Now, his drafts have sucked and his FA signings have sucked. His choice of coaches since Jimmy Johnson died has been awful. His play-calling sucks. Other teams seem to know what we are going to do offensively. The wide-9 sucks. So, not surprisingly, the Eagles ... well, they suck.— Copper34
the eagles are SO FAR GONE. it's so many areas. Reid will be replaced if just out of pity. he should then take a year off.
good coaches have gone as have player personnel people, etc. so now we don't have the players either. the game plans are bad, the O line, etc. etc.
it's total rebuild time. somehow, many 'experts' picked them to win the division?— tfcino1- I agree with waterdog. Andy has been here a good 6 years too long, maybe more. I remember telling my father during the 2006 season (after McNabb was knocked out for the year) that both Reid and McNabb needed to go. AR's high water mark was the 2004 season and the subsequent SB, and it's been a gradual downhill slide ever since. He is leaving the team in pretty much the same condition it was in when he inherited it from RR: a few good players, but rudderless and drifting.— lehphillyfan
- I agree with waterdog. Andy has been here a good 6 years too long, maybe more. I remember telling my father during the 2006 season (after McNabb was knocked out for the year) that both Reid and McNabb needed to go. AR's high water mark was the 2004 season and the subsequent SB, and it's been a gradual downhill slide ever since. He is leaving the team in pretty much the same condition it was in when he inherited it from RR: a few good players, but rudderless and drifting.— lehphillyfan
- I agree with waterdog. Andy has been here a good 6 years too long, maybe more. I remember telling my father during the 2006 season (after McNabb was knocked out for the year) that both Reid and McNabb needed to go. AR's high water mark was the 2004 season and the subsequent SB, and it's been a gradual downhill slide ever since. He is leaving the team in pretty much the same condition it was in when he inherited it from RR: a few good players, but rudderless and drifting.— lehphillyfan
- Only about 3 years ago, the Eagles went through an entire draft and did not draft a single offensive lineman. I knew that bonehead decision would come back to haunt them and it has.— Dave in Wect Chester
- Andy, Marty...every single assistant coach.....and about 15 players that are dogging it should all be gone tomorrow. We are a defeated team...we are a weak team....we are a reflection of our coach and our QB.— RealizticFan
