The relationship between a city and its head football coach is an important one. If your city doesn't like its coach, then nothing on the field really matters. On Monday morning, no matter how the game turned out, the coach iscriticized in some way, shape or form. Philadelphia has never been in love with Andy Reid. With the Eagles most recent first round playoff departure, many are calling for Reid's 12-year tenure as Head Coach to come to an end.The naysayers will point to Reid's misdiagnosis of the talent he had at quarterback. What little faith he get by shipping Donovan McNabb's sorry behind to Washington, he quickly lost when he had no idea who would be taking snaps each week. He first named Kevin Kolb the starter. Then when Kolb got hurt he plugged in Mike Vick. But while Vick was starting in Kolb's stead, Kolb was still officially the starter. Just an injured starter. Then Vick played out of his mind
and won the job outright. Then his reckless play caught up to him and he injured his ribs, putting Kolb back in - but only temporarily.
As mismanaged as it was, it ultimately worked out pretty well as the Eagles won 10 games and the NFC East. But with an inexcusable loss to the Vikings on Tuesday Night Football, with a chance at a bye-week on the line, the team never recovered. Reid rested the starters against Dallas in week 17 and then waited until the 4th quarter to get it going against Green Bay.
It's easy to blame Reid for his teams lack of preparation and focus. And don't even get me started on his horrible time management. I can't remember the last time the Eagles actually won a challenge or had a timeout remaining under 10 minutes to go in the game. But let's look at what Reid did this year and evaluate it without the bias we all so vehemently hold against Big Red.
The Eagles turned parted ways with two of their most recognizable players of the last decade in the same off season. No more Donovan and no more Brian Westbrook. He couldn't have expected to truly compete this year and balked at spending money on the defensive side of the ball via free agency. Julius Peppers wanted to come to Philadelphia, but Reid wouldn't pony up the cash required to reel him in. Instead, he drafted two promising defenders, D-End Brandon Graham from Michigan and Safety Nate Allen from USF. Both had solid season that unfortunately ended on Injured Reserve. One of the league's best corner backs, Asante Samuel, was also plagued by a bum knee all season and inside linebacker Stewart Bradley played with his head in the clouds after a week one concussion before dislocating his elbow on a gruesome play later in the season.
And with all these injuries, Reid still managed to guide them to the playoffs. If there was a legitimate replacement to Reid out there, I would consider replacing him. But Bill Cowher isn't an option and either is Jon Gruden. I don't want to kick Reid to the curb only to replace him
with an Eric Mangini or some unknown defensive coordinator or college head coach. Now that Reid knows what he has in Michael Vick, give him an off season to put together a plan. Last season lacked consistency because of all the changes he had to make on the fly because of the unknown with his personnel. Now is not the time to make a change.
Nnamdi Asomugha is a free agent and would fit nicely opposite Samuel. Haloti Ngata is also a
free agent and could be a menace anchoring the defensive line. And there's always Albert Haynesworth. The Eagles have a reputation of being penny-pinchers, but when it comes to a need position they are always willing to spend. Unlike some teams just down I-95 who spend for the sake of spending, Philadelphia evaluates the cost of a free agent versus drafting a rookie at the same position and have generally had good success. The opened their wallets for Asante and Jason Peters when they needed them and I think they will do the same this year. If they move Kolb for a first round pick they can start to rebuild the offensive line as well. The skill position players are some of the most dynamic and dangerous in the league. DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin are nice weapons for Vick and another year of working together and developing a rapport will only help.
It sounds crazy to even suggest this to Philadelphia fans, but just be patient. Reid may not be the best coach in the league, but he's gotten to a handful of NFC championship games and one Super Bowl and knows his time is running out. That sense of urgency will work in his favor and his constructs a contender in 2011. He gets more blame when they lose and never enough credit when they win. I've turned a corner on Andy Reid this year. I see the fire and passion in his eyes. Big things are yet to come and Reid will be at the helm for all of it.
