New day, same answers from Reid
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
New day, same answers from Reid
Jonathan Tamari
Facing a 1-4 record and a firestorm of criticism from local and national media, fans and -- most damagingly -- opposing players, Andy Reid had little new to offer today in the way of explaining how he plans to turn around a season nearly over after just five games.
Reid said Juan Castillo would remain the team's defensive coordinator, saying the defense improved in the second half Sunday. He said the "wide-nine" front that has been gashed all season will remain in place (even after the Bills boasted about how they knew they could exploit the system with runs and shovel passes). The system puts tremendous pressure on linebackers and safeties, the weakest part of this roster, but Reid again cited second half improvements Sunday, declining to say what changes were made other than to say that the defense tackled better.
He was asked about the defense, about correcting the team's turnovers and penalties, and answered all with the normal coach speak: fundamentals, hard work, keep plugging away.
"We’ve gotta keep working is what we need to do and make sure we're putting guys in the right position," Reid said.
"The players are listening. We've just got to continue to work our fundamentals and do the right things in practice," he said at another point.
"It’s my football team. I've got to get it right and we'll do this thing as a football team," he said later.
At one point Reid was asked about a criticism from Sports Illustrated NFL writer Peter King, who called the Eagles sloppy and dumb in his Monday Morning Quarterback column today. King has often praised Reid, so his analysis shows just how much standing the coach has lost in just the past four weeks.
"Everybody will have their opinion," Reid said. "Listen, it's America, everybody can do that."
Reid said he did not have any lineup changes to announce today -- but he specified "today," signaling that some shake up is likely on the way when the team gets back together Wednesday.
It doesn't sound like he will be getting help from either Trent Cole or Jason Peters this week. Reid said it would be "a stretch" for either of them to play Sunday against the Redskins.
Bring in Ike Reese to coach tackling.— rubicon24- This team needs Anthony Gargano's heart and Glen Macnow's brain.— rubicon24
- Yawn.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO- The arrogance and contempt that Reid shows the Birds fans comes directly from the top of the organization who sets the dreamy gold standard.........— Earl J
Comment removed.- S.S.D.D!— ChangeISNeeded
- Who will be held accountable? (Besides the fans.)— rubicon24
- The Redskins were smiling upon hearing that no defensive changes will be made. The way the db's and linebackers tackle, expect another 150 yds running against the Birds.— farley
- I'm no totally opposed to the "Wide 9" formation. But maybe mroe so on passing downs instead of all the time. The sign of a good coach is one that can adapt and change his team to correct issues. I am not seeing much of that this season. It's disheartening.— PhillyFanSouth
- "The players are listening. We've just got to continue to work our fundamentals and do the right things in practice," he said at another point.
I guess that's better than a strident "I have NOT lost this team."— ekw555 - Andy Reid obviously has no respect for the defensive side of the ball if he thinks he can just plug in a guy that's never coached defense and actually win games. I guess Reid has the same opinion of defensive coordinators that he has of linebackers, and he's been proven wrong on both.— bc3030
- If that second round pick from Temple can't beat out these safeties he will never make it in the NFL. Give him a shot and cut Page now. Also send a message and bench Asante until he agrees to get tough and participate in the tackling (and wrap up).— connorjr
- They need to bring in Drew Rosenhaus to give a motivational speech and maybe karate chop some bricks...— RockStar
- Did Mike Missinelli of 97.5 FM ask Andy Reid tough questions again?...Missinelli is the only sports reporter in Philly who has the guts to dare to ask king Andy Reid any tough questions.— frank105
