Reid: Feelings for Juan not 'new news'
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Reid: Feelings for Juan not 'new news'
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
There are still two games to play, and the Eagles still have what has increasingly become a legitimate shot at sneaking into the playoffs, so questions about the offseason aren't especially pertinent at this juncture.
But after the Eagles won their last two games, largely behind the effort of their defense, many want to know: Has Juan Castillo reversed his prospects and done enough to return next season as defensive coordinator?
Eagles coach Andy Reid, a day after the Eagles stomped on the New York Jets, 45-19, was asked if he believed Castillo, with a full offseason, would mature into the coordinator he originally envisioned.
"I think everybody is getting better every week, that's what I think. That's where I'm at," Reid said. "You guys all know how I feel about Juan. I don't think that's new news."
Still, there had been a report two weeks ago that Reid was going to have to fire Castillo if he wanted to save his job. So it may not matter how Reid feels if Castillo is to return for a do-over. But what if that report had been premature and pure speculation?
Because Castillo's defense has turned things around -- well, at least for two games it has. And he has two more games to prove that he really has his unit playing at consistently high level.
Last week, the Eagles held Miami to 10 points, 204 total yards and forced three turnovers. On Sunday, the Jets offense scored 19 points -- mostly off turnovers -- managed only 241 yards and turned the ball over four times.
"From the players' standpoint, I think you're seeing consistency," Reid said. He added that Castillo is "playing to their strengths and covering whatever weaknesses they have."
It should be noted that Miami and New York don't have lethal offenses, but the results have been eye-opening. The execution has been sounder, the tackling crisper and the defense has been opportunistic.
Two weeks ago, the Eagles were last in red zone defense, allowing around a 72 percent success rate inside the 20. The Dolphins and Jets, though, scored touchdowns on only three of eight possessions in the red zone.
INJURIES
-- Reid said that cornerback Asante Samuel's hamstring strain "doesn't look like it's too bad." Samuel left in the second quarter.
-- Wide receiver DeSean Jackson has an elbow contusion, was sore on Monday but should be OK, Reid said.
-- Quarterback Michael Vick (ribs), wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) and tackle Todd Herremans (ankle) all "did well through the game," according to Reid.
-- Defensive end Darryl Tapp (rib) and defensive tackle Trevor Laws were improving, Reid said. Neither played against the Jets.
Poll: Will the Eagles still be alive after next weekend?
Players seem to like him, and he was handed a short prep time, a new line coach and suspect LB's while trying to absorb new cb's etc. His work ethic is unchallenged.... Keep Andy and Juan and if it doesn't work after next year, bring in all new guys!! We need to see KAfka this year ... is he a legit backup?— seanpat50- So, they beat a .357 team (Miami) and a .571 team (Jets) and suddenly the defense is "on track"? Please! Beating two teams with mediocre offenses hardly makes the Eagles D Buddy Ryan's defense!— gdibig
- I loves the Eagles as much as anyone but If Juan comes back next year, I will have to find a new favorite team. He needs to go.— Jokerman
- If they punish the Cowboys this week, I'd say he deserves another season.— gho_matt
- It's always easy to look good against bad teams; we've made most look like world beaters this year.— JBinPA
- Hard to say Juan got them back on track when the D was so terrible against a one dimensional Seattle team.
But it doesn't matter what anyone says. I'm sure the report about Juan was bogus. Like it or not Andy will return with the same coaching crew next year.— TongueWagger - ...and Denver be in the Super Bowl if they played Miami, Oakland, KC, THE JETS and Minnesota every week. Miami and the Jets are not good evaluations of your defense. Even if you want to focus on the Jets game, the D started to give back the lead, again, at the end of the 1st half before the Jets just gave up.
Sorry Juan, bye.
-not bob levy— remyy - To collect a pay check from the Eagles, you do not have to be good at your job. Just loyal to Reid.— Kioto
- Or Maybe this is the start of something good on the D side of the ball.
— dmanphilly - Next two weeks will tell the story...— M60tanker
- Juan is the man....a defensive mind like a metal trap, a little rusty but, some wd 40, and a giants loss, a dallas loss, a bears loss, a partiots loss, a jets loss......— STEPHEN1988
- Just remember the Patriots game.— adipaolo
- it's a 16 week season. consistency isn't accomlished in 3 weeks; andfrom where they were a month ago, putting the right number of players on the field for more than half the plays in a game qualifies as an improvement. but hey. this is America. lowering expectations so that everyone gets an A is the way we roll today.
yawn— raoool - They beat two completely one dementional offenses. This was a bad win as it gives Lurie the justification to bring Reid back, which gives Reid the justification to bring Juan back. This would be a very regrettable move as we won't make the playoffs this year and probably won't next year with this duo as well
- We need a BIG veteran MLB to man the middle, and a safety with some skills.— Grazman
