Andy Reid - architect of the 29th-best rushing attack in the NFL - is searching for answers.

Well, if Andy knew the answer, it wouldn't have gotten to this point.

The answer, of course, is to have the biggest, heaviest, strongest offensive line in football drive-block for Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter and pass only about one third of the time.

Then, when you do pass, get the tight end and the fullback involved, so you're not playing nine-on-11, and try to come up with a play or two for DeSean Jackson.

But Andy doesn't know how to coach the running game. He doesn't even seem to understand the concept - that running the ball protects the lead and reduces the time the opponent can have it. It's easier on your offensive linemen, it's easier on the quarterback, and it minimizes weaknesses at receiver.

Reid also doesn't understand that it's 2008. Donovan McNabb is not the same guy as in 2004. He can't take off and run to make up for offensive breakdowns. Now, when there's a breakdown, it's for a loss.

Reid's lack of comprehension of the running game is so vast that he doesn't even think fullback is a full-time position. He thinks you can plug in marginal running backs and defensive linemen as wide-bodied blockers.

Tony Hunt had never played fullback in his life till Reid decided to make him one the week before the opener when Hunt was unable to make the team at running back.

Dan Klecko is a defensive lineman who plays backup fullback like a defensive lineman.

Yet Hunt and Klecko were used in the critical goal-line series that failed in Chicago and Sunday against Washington.

It is this kind of soggy offensive thinking that led Morning Report to its prediction of an 8-8 season.

But right now, 8-8 may be an optimistic goal.

PhilaTrivia. The Phillies met the Dodgers in the NLCS in 1977, 1978 and 1983. Eight players - four on each team - appeared in all three series. Can you name them?

Misery loves company. It's not just the Eagles who are struggling this season. Such stalwarts as Indianapolis (2-2) and San Diego (2-3) also are in early trouble.

Seattle (1-3 with a win only over lowly St. Louis), Green Bay (2-3) and Minnesota (2-3) also are depressingly ineffective this season.

Yes, it's early.

But when you fall back on saying the Giants started 0-2 last season and came on to win the Super Bowl, you're already in trouble.

The next loss usually leads to "wait till next year."

Trivia answer. Phillies Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Ron Reed and Garry Maddox played in all three series against L.A. Dodgers Bill Russell, Steve Yeager, Dusty Baker and Rick Monday also played in all three.

Post a question or comment for staff writer Don McKee at http://go.philly.com/askmckee or by e-mail at dmckee@phillynews.com.