SLOW-STARTING DEFENSE?
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
SLOW-STARTING DEFENSE?
Bob Brookover
If Andy Reid wanted to criticize the Eagles' defense after Sunday's debilitating 10-3 loss to the Washington Redskins, he could have pointed out that Asante Samuel and Quintin Mikell let interceptions slip through their hands.
Instead, he chose to talk about how his defense started slow.
"I thought the guys played hard," Reid said during his news conference today. "I just didn't think our execution was very good. I thought defensively we started out slow in the first half and weren't able to get off the field, but I thought the second half was a much better display of how we play on defense."
Started slow? Weren't able to get off the field?
The Redskins got one first down on their opening offensive series, which ended with a sack by defensive lineman Victor Abiamiri. They got one more first down on their second offensive series, which ended with a stop on a third-and-one play when Abiamiri got good penetration into the Redskins' backfield. Washington got two first downs on their third offensive series, which ended with a missed 54-yard field goal.
Washington's only sustained drive of the first half was a 16-play series that ended with a Shaun Suisham field goal late in the first half. An offsides penalty against Chris Clemons nullified a Darren Howard sack on a third-and-five play that would have pushed the Redskins out of field goal range. Later on that same series, Mikell let a potential interception slip through his hands that would have kept the Redskins off the board.
But it's still nitpicking to say anything negative about a defense that only allowed three first-half points, especially when Reid's offense managed to run just 21 plays for 66 yards and zero points. Reid was also critical of his offense, but he had every reason to be.
On the injury front, Reid said Abiamiri suffered a mild Lis Franc sprain against the Redskins and will have a difficult time getting back for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Stewart Bradley has fractured ribs, but Reid said he thought his middle linebacker would be able to play.
Reid said receiver Hank Baskett was feeling better after missing Sunday's game with a sprained knee ligament and receiver Kevin Curtis tested his strained calf muscle before the game against the Redskins but was unable to play. The coach said Todd Herremans was sore after playing with a sprained ankle.
F Andy Reid and F this Organization. I'm done until they prove that they actually care about winning and putting a complete and balanced team on the field. Until then....I will be bleeding Phillies Red and I'm giving my money to the Phillies. I've wasted enough of my hard earned money on Reid's version of the Eagles, while Lurie lines his pockets with the money he saves by staying so far under the cap. That $15-$20 million invested in talent along with an effort to run the ball and we are in the playoffs, its that simple!— cujat13
Comment removed.- Talk about being desperate here it is AR now blaming the D for his ineptness this is not entertainig anymore its SAD...— blkops2order
- get this cement head out of here. What freakin game was he watching? If Reid is back next year in any capacity I will renounce my support until he is terminated.— tsoprano
- The statements by Andy Reid are classic of what is wrong with this team. He benched McNabb in a winnable game, he refuses to run in this game until there is 3 minutes in the game then pulls a running play, Westy is hurt but he keeps him on the field rather than a health strong Buckhalter in a crucial drive. Andy is clueless and he and he alone is responsible for the destruction of the season. Same old story - 1 yard short. Andy's belt is longer than some of the first downs or touchdowns he has let get away. If I did my job like this I would be gone and so should he. Jeff grow a few there are good coaches out there and w3e fans deserve better!!! Poor clock management and play calling .....anyone heard that before since Andy has been here! Pitiful!— jakster
- Can someone please send this to the Eagles ownership.I hope then they can see he has lost his f*****g mind!! Are you serious?— hazer
- this comment reminds me of the time when saturday night live screwed up ashlee simpson's song and she freaked out and did the jig. come on Andy, dance for us, your running out of excuses— franknbeans
- Cant believe how many whiny punks we have in Philly. You'd think we were 5-11 or something. We had a hard time staying healthy at the RB position this year. Next year we upgrade the WR/TE spot and RB and we should be good for 10-11 wins. Stop whining and enjoy us beating the epic Cowboys.
- First step in an accurate diagnosis is a good patient history. Does he come from parents, or does he have children exhibiting self-destructive behavior. There is a very high probability Andy has a neurosis or psychosis, and he's crying out for help. He should not be allowed to operate a professional team, or handle an NFL draft. Get well, Andy.— ItalianSausage
- Agreed...imagine how the D feels about Andy on this one.He's gotta be kidding!They were men all day.Lost field position after field position battle.Bottled up and up against it several times.No points. To call them out,even if it's mild?? Back to El Cholo Andy...your plantains are getting cold.— red rock
- Playing defense for the sad sack Eagles must be one of the most frustrting endeavors ever. And now Reid tries to shift the focus from his inept, stupid play calling and limited skill postition players to a great defensive unit. What a clueless jerk.— J D
- I really believe if they keep McNabb and get rid of Reid, this team can be a serious contender next year. They need to bring in somebody who REALLY believes in ball control, balance, etc. This defense is going to be dominant next year. Please Jeff Lurie, we know you have a huge man crush with Reid, but its time to move on. We are wasting what lookes like a dominant defense and maybe the best running back in Eagles history, not to mention the biggest O-line in the league. Why couldn't Andy wake up years ago and realize he built a team to run but refuses to do it.— cmflem
- Andy Reid is the worst coach in the NFL, bar none. Period. He absolutely sucks. Hey Reid, go suck on a hamburger you waste.— eagles7777
- Reid, I never thought I would say this about a human being, but since I hate liars, I have to say--I actually despise you. This is because I hate liars and you are either delusional or a habitual liar. You suck as a coach, you lie like a rug, and you are the most arogant a-hole coach in football (even beyond the hoodie and that's saying a heck of a lot).— eagles7777
- how Lurie sits back and does nothing is more mind blowing then AR's play calling... them two are perfect for each other,, sadly we feel the pain.. they fill their pockets!— osi is hurt boohoo
