David Stern last night announced the NBA was canceling the first two weeks of the NBA season to the labor impasse with the players.
He did not comment on Andy Reid. He might be the only one.
The head man of the Eagles might just be wishing that the NFL had not solved its own labor problems, ending the lockout, saving a season, and in the process putting into play a nightmare season so far for the Birds.
The Eagles are 1-4. They came from behind to beat the lowly Los Angeles Rams, in the process giving a glimpse of the ugliness of what was to come. They promptly lost four in a row. This team can’t stop anyone from running the ball, has a tendency to turn the ball over because they handle it like a piece of live dynamite, and don’t seem to exactly relish the physical nature of the game, especially on defense.
Much of this is rooted in Reid’s controvsial decision in the off-season to take Juan Castillo, his reliable offensive line coach, and install him as defensive coordinator. The move raised eyebrows seemingly everywhere but the Nova Care Center the Eagles call home.
Reid has always enjoyed a sterling national reputation, even as hid local detractors flooded talk radio to complain about his game-day decisions.
But in the ashes of a 1-4 start, even some of the national media are starting to turn on Reid.
On Sunday, Fox TV analyst Jimmy Johnson offered a blistering critique of the job Reid is doing, saying he is disappointed in the so-called “Dream Team” and openly questioning the team’s coaching.
He’s not the only one. Peter King zinged Reid in his popular Monday Morning Quarterback online column. He portrayed the Eagles’ play as sloppy and dumb.
A small band of disappointed Eagles fans protested across the street from the team’s practice facility Monday and unfurled a banner calling for Reid to go, even mocking his usual press conference opener, “Time’s yours.” They responded, “Andy the Times …. To Go.”
Our own columnist Jack McCaffery believes the time for Reid's exit has arrived. You can read it here.
We’re way past the point of must-win games. The Eagles have faced those the past three weeks and come up empty each time.
But this week, with a game against the NFC East-leading Washington Redskins on the agenda, Reid will be in the crosshairs. The 'Skins are only two games ahead of the Birds, atop a thoroughly mediocre division. A win over the Redskins would likely resuscitate the Eagles’ fading heartbeat.
Another loss could be fatal to the Eagles' season, as well as Reid and his staff. The Eagles have their bye week after the Redskins game. If there are going to be changes, that is when they will occur.
Reid it and weep, Andy. This just might actually be a “must” game.
Here’s a hint, take a page out of late Raiders’ owner Al Davis’ book. Just win, baby.
Another loss, or another horrendous defensive effort, might force the Eagles’ hand. A change would be in order. There already is talk of the team bringing in a consultant to go over the defense during the bye week.
That just might be the biggest indictment of Reid and his decision to install Castillo in the first place.
Winning covers up a lot of problems. It likely would secure some more time for Reid.
It might not do the same for Castillo.
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