Stop me if you’ve heard this before.
Andy Reid says he needs to do a better job.
And this time he means it.
At least that is what we are supposed to take from his day-after post-mortem after one of the most disappointing losses of his 14-year reign Sunday against the Lions.
Blowing a 10-point lead late in the fourth quarter left the Eagles at a thoroughly mediocre 3-3 and forced to stew for two weeks over the ‘bye’ week before they get back on the field against the NFL’s only unbeaten team, the Atlanta Falcons.
At first yesterday it appeared Reid was purposely avoiding his near constant refrain after a loss, that being “we have to do a better job.”
Eventually, he succumbed. In the process he did, however, offer something different. He put both the members of his coaching staff and his team that he will do “everything” needed to turn this thing around.
Left to our imagination in that scenario are possible shakeups among coaching assignments as well as playing time for those on the Eagles roster.
As usual, Reid wouldn’t talk about any specifics.
Some of his players were less tight-lipped, openly questioning some coaching decisions, in particular a defensive change in the 4th quarter Sunday that blew up in the Eagles’ faces and opened the door to the Lions’ comeback. Some veteran players also made it clear they believe the team as a whole is undisciplined.
It's the kind of talk that, in most big-league towns, costs somebody their job. But not here in Happy Valley East. You would think embattled defensive coordinator Juan Castillo should be nervous. And some players should be looking over their shoulder.
But I doubt it.
Reid challenged all of them to look in the mirror. In the meantime, he will hunker down in his offices at the NovaCare Center trying to figure out how to turn this thing around. The man with the mustache vows to “look at everything.”
Spare me. I’ve heard it all before.
The Eagles’ players will enjoy their bye. When they return, they will make the same mistakes. The coaching staff will remain intact. And game plans will continue to unravel. Castillo will lead the defense, including a line that suddenly cannot even sniff a sack, and a secondary that is now openly questioning their coach. Reid and Mornhinweg will direct the offense, and continue to throw the ball all over the lot, ignoring their best offensive weapon, running back LeSean McCoy. Michael Vick will continue to make poor decisions and turn the ball over.
Much is made of Reid’s prowess in getting his team ready after the bye. My guess is that they will play well and maybe even beat the Falcons.
If they don’t, if they lose again at home and fall to 3-4, expect Reid to tell us he needs to do a better job.
Again.
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