Doug Pederson is 4-0.
The intrepid rookie head coach watched his Eagles use two returns to overcome a stuttering offense and top the Jets, 14-6, in the Birds' preseason finale.
It's certainly better than being 0-4. That and a buck-54 will get you a great cup of Wawa coffee.
Pederson's job begins now, in making the final cuts to his roster, then getting his team ready for the season opener a week from Sunday vs. the Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
It will be hard for Pederson to cut Paul Turner, after the undrafted rookie wideout who has opened eyes with his pass-catching ability added punt returns to his repertoire last night. Turner took a punt back 71 yards for a TD to get the Birds on the board last night. Ed Reynolds scored the other TD on a 90-yard interception return.
Now what?
Well, for one, I always go back to something former Birds' head coach Dick Vermeil always used to preach. Unlike many of his peers, Vermeil put value on preseason wins, and noted the huge percentages of teams that compile winning records in August have when it comes to their chances of making the playoffs.
Do I think this is an undefeated team? Hardly.
A lot of things have to go right. But then a lot of things already have. Take a gander at the number of players who will not face the Eagles either because of injury or suspension. Tony Romo will miss the Birds, at least the first encounter. Teddy Bridgewater will not be at QB for the Vikings.
The NFC East is eminently winnable.
Look for Turner to make the team, and at some point the Eagles will have to make a decision on what to do with Lane Johnson, who continues to await word from the league on a possible suspension for using PEDs.
But I like this team, and what Pederson has done so far. Then again, I'm the guy who thought Chip Kelly was a genius. I'm sure Chip is enjoying the Colin Kaepernick Chronicles.
I can say I've enjoyed Doug Pederson so far.
And I expect that to continue, right into the playoffs.
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