Reid: It needed to happen sooner
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Reid: It needed to happen sooner
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
The Eagles have won three in a row for the first time all season, but the hole they dug for themselves earlier in the year was too deep, and they won't be going to the postseason.
It's the fourth time in Andy Reid's 13 seasons as the team's head coach that the Eagles won't be in the playoffs.
"You can’t do that," Reid said. "You’ve got to take care of business early. We’re coming together as a team now. ...We’re healthy obviously, and guys are playing good, aggressive football. As a head coach, I’ve got to make sure I get that part done sooner than later. The things I told you as we were going through this needed to happen sooner than the last three games there, from my standpoint."
Reid said he was proud of his team's effort in the 20-7 victory, but he knows the Eagles put themselves in a bad spot.
"That’s a tough situation," Reid said. "A couple lessons that can be learned. Number one, don’t put it in somebody else’s hands to get yourself into the playoffs. But number two, they focused in on the Dallas Cowboys, and that was the most important thing today, so I appreciate the effort."
One of the biggest offseason questions will be about Juan Castillo's future as the team's defensive coordinator. The Eagles held the Cowboys to 7 points, allowing only one touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Tony Romo was injured early in the first quarter, making way for Stephen McGee.
"They're playing well as a unit," Reid said. "Juan's done a good with them, bringing them together. They're playing their hearts out. You saw that today. They wanted the goose egg. We didn't get it, but they were really shooting for that. They didn't want them to get in the end zone."
Would the Eagles have been a dangerous team if they snuck into the playoffs?
"We’re playing good football right now," Reid said. "I’m not sure we’re a team that people necessarily wanted to see get into the playoffs. We’re playing that type of football, but we’re not in the playoffs so we’re going to finish the season off strong. That’s what we’re going to do."
The Eagles are 4-1 against NFC East opponents, but the division will be decided next week when the Giants host the Cowboys. The winner goes to the playoffs. The loser will be at home with the Eagles.
"I’m happy for Jason Garrett for having an opportunity to possibly take his football team to the playoffs," Reid said. "And Tom Coughlin. I wish we were there."
For my earlier post-game observations, click here.
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Poll: After missing the playoffs, what changes need to be made?
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I like it Garmin. AR has a job in football next year no matter what. The only guys that could do anything with this team are Gruden/Dungy. Not sure if they want to take the heat here. Tampa and Indianapolis not quite Philly in the AM when you lose a few, Gruden already has been there done that. We have a major issue with finding a back up QB not named Kafka or Young. A MLB. A WR if DeSean goes. An easier schedule, flashy new uniforms may be the excuse Uncle Joe and Jeff need to wax AR but on the other side of the coin, as Charlie Garner would say, the Eagles will NEVER/EVER pay two head coaches at the same time. Go EAGLES 2012.— oldBird- Garmin and oldBird are so short sighted! They are the reason this city blindly roots for under achieving teams. Reid isn't the ONLY coach capable of coaching this team. Tomlin, McCarthy bet you never heard of those guys prior to their hiring. Here is a name RUSS GRIMM can come in and do a great job coaching this team! Eagles fans need to let go of their fear that if Redi is fired (like he should have been 3 years ago) that this organization won't be able to move forward.
— The Dream - I agree 100% with that thought (see my response above). It's truly amazing that there are actually people here who seem to think Reid can't be replaced. As for Gruden, he's not exactly stupid enough to sign a contract with ESPN WITHOUT a clause releasing him should a Head Coaching position become available. And I think Russ Grimm would also be an excellent selection. People, you are going to have to let go. Reid is NOT the answer. It's ALWAYS NEXT YEAR with Reid. When will you learn? What happens after "next year" when (NOT IF ) the Eagles fail to advance past (if they get that far) round? What then? Another NEXT YEAR? And another and another? When does this insanity end? Jeez!! — essell
- If it needed to happen sooner, than obviously Reid as the coach must take responsibility for the Eagles not making the playoffs. This was supposed to be a team built to win and it didn't. No matter what the last 3 games say, they still have holes. The obvious is the linebacker position. Also, how about getting a kick returner that can get the ball past the 20. With all the issues this year, that position has been kind of overlooked. And if your going to go all in with Vick, you better have a better than average backup at QB, because count on him missing about 3 games a season, games that could be the difference in making the playoffs.— watsonmr
- Juan did a good job!!! When? I must have been sleeping. Juan doing a good job is only in Juan and Reid's imagination. All smoke and mirrors.— oneway
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