Eagles Chat: Do you dread what's ahead?

Editor's note: A few early postings were rearranged for easier readability.

Ashley Fox:

Hi folks. Sorry for the delay. I'm ready to get started. Thanks for hanging in...

Mike (Eagles fan DC):

curious, tired of metro philadelphians calling for andy/donny's head....all these guys have ever done was win in this city

Ashley Fox:

... I agree that fans forget the success McNabb and Reid have brought to this team. And I think the majority of people are in their corner. But there clearly is a vocal sect that wants one or both of those guys to go. My warning is always be careful what you wish for. The proverbial grass isn't always greener...

Michael Nolan:

It comes as no surprise to me that the Eagles offensive head- scratching play calling comes mainly from an offensive coordinater whose last stint as a play-calling coach resulted in three wins over two seasons as a head coach in Detroit. Ironically, that Lions squad didn't have nearly the talent as the group he is working with now, yet the result seems to be the same. Coach Reid appears too stubborn to acknowledge his assistant's shortcomings. Does this indicate a deep character flaw in the Head Coach?

Ashley Fox:

Reid is fiercely loyal to his people. And while I'm certainly not defending Mornhinweg, I think people were pretty happy with his playcalling and coaching when the team was running off all those wins at the end of last season to get into the playoffs.

Ashley Fox:

My question to the populace is -- do you hold any hope that the Eagles, at 5-7, can make a run for that last wildcard spot?

Peter:

Is there some mystery about why McNabb didn't start Sunday? I thought it was simply that he wasn't healthy enough. Or was there more to it than that? Reid sure seemed to resent being questioned about it.

Ashley Fox:

Reid certainly didn't want to get into whose decision it was yesterday. It sounded to me like Donovan wanted to play, and Reid and the docs decided it would be prudent to keep him out.

Jim:

i have had season tickets since andy came here.. and this season is worse.. what do you think their biggest need is? and if mcnabb isnt coming back next year wouldnt you want to get kolb on the field these last few games after the giants

Ashley Fox:

I don't think it's a certainty that McNabb is gone after this year. To Eric Z's question, I don't know off the top of my head his salary structure. Nothing surprises me anymore, though. Reid is fiercely loyal to McNabb, and if everything stays the same with McNabb healthwise -- i.e., no new injuries -- his knee will be much better next year. These are 12-18 month injuries. So I don't think the decision has been made about Don, which is part of the reason why Kolb remains on the sideline. He's a rookie. He's not ready. And Don's not done.

Matt:

What do you make of the emotion – gasp! – Big Red actually showed in his press conferences this week? We always hear that players appreciate his level, calm demeanor come W or L, but it would seem that there are cracks in the armor.

Ashley Fox:

Sorry, having a few hiccups in posting things. I thought twice in two days we saw Reid act against character. One was when he made a snarky comment about hoping Feeley would throw the ball to his own team. The other was yesterday, when he bit off the heads of two reporters who dared challenge him on decisions. There's been some of that this season, which just goes with the territory. But clearly this isn't happy-go-lucky Andy, and for good reason. His team is 5-7.

Ryan:

Do you think because Andy Reid handpicked Westbrook when nobody else would is actually held against Westbrook?? What I mean by that is does Reid feel Westbrook should just be happy the Eagles took a chance on him instead of treating him like the elite back that he is??...In better words, do the Eagles Look down on Westbrooks accomplishments, so that is why he is not utilized more???

Ashley Fox:

That's certainly a possibility. If true, they need to open their eyes about Westbrook, because plenty of teams would love to have him. Mike Holmgren last week said Westbrook was the PERFECT fit for his offense. He's one of the most dangerous players in the league. Why he only got three fourth-quarter carries on Sunday is beyond me.

Eric Z:

So many years of poor clock management and suspect play-calling is frustrating to all Philly fans. Do you think Reid and Morningwieg have any idea or even care of the public sentiment? As fans, we don't have their coaching experience but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to call an effective play. Do you pose these questions to Reid at the press conferences with regard to his and coaching staffs poor, riduculous, incomprehensive play-calling? We are frustrated because we don't think he( they) will ever get it.

Ashley Fox:

There is a detachment from the coaches and the public. They feel strongly that their system and their style works best, and that they know better than anyone else in Philadelphia (or anywhere else for that matter). Yes, we question Reid about his decisions. It certainly doesn't change antyhing.

mike (eagles DC):

eric z.... can you name one coach for me in philly's NOT SO STORIED history...that did get it by METRO PHILADELPHIAN Eagles fans standards? wonder how those steeler fans feel after pittsburgh management stuck with cowher after all those years. i live in a city where they have championships and they are ENVIOUS of our 'bad' situation.

Mike Nolan:

I certaintly wasn't calling for Marty to replace Andy-that would be far worse than re-hiring Richie the K. But if Coach Reid really buys into the phrase "I've got to do a better job ...etc,etc,etc.., Doesn't that include hard-eyeing his own assistants as well as himself?

Ashley Fox:

Mike, yes it does. I'll have to go back and look to see the last time Reid replaced an assistant. I think it's been awhile. The replacements have come after someone -- like Brad Childress, for example -- left for a better job.

mike (eagles DC):

going to dallas and winning is going to be tough. 8-8 is our best case scenario and i don't think that will get us in.

Ashley Fox:

I agree. I don't think 8-8 does it, but given the inconsistent teams the Eagles are up against, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. I'll have to check out the potential tiebreaker scenarios to see...

Ryan:

This team has no shot at the playoffs if they decide to pass the ball....If you continually ignore the fact you have the best running back in the league...Then you are either stupid or incredibly arrogant....Westbrook is a wasted talent.

Ashley Fox:

My colleague Bob Ford wrote a wonderful column stating just this yesterday. Check it out on philly.com if you missed it. It's an outstanding point.

Rob (state college):

The eagles can certainly still make the playoffs, but a likely scenario requires them to run the table...something history tells us this eagles team can do, however this years version of the birds has been awfully inconsistent

Ashley Fox:

Yes, they've been hard pressed to win two in a row, much less four.

Michael Nolan:

I think it's very safe to say that in common realms, most definitely pro sports, it's all about "What have you done for me lately?" Ashley, are you telling me that #7 did a far better job with Marty's play calling than #5 MIGHT have done had he been healthy last year?

Ashley Fox:

I'm not saying that at all. I'm saying no one complained about Marty when the Eagles were making their run. I'm also not saying he's above reproach. Just pointing out, as you say, the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately mentality.

Rob (state college):

I think people need to get off Andy Reid's case. The reason for the eagles problems this year has been lack of execution on the field. He has been putting guys in position this year to move the football. Andy has nothing to do wth AJ tossing 4 picks or the defense dropping interceptions left and right. If the birds make some of those plays were talking about playoff seeding, not if we run the table.

mike (dc):

Rob(state college), exaclty. eagles fans are so quick to forget all those lean years. the only thing Mcnabb/ Andy ever did here was win. And the only mistake they ever made was turning this franchise into a consistent WINNER. these fans have no idea what that means and it shows asking for their heads after WHAT BOTH HAVE DONE FOR THIS FRANCHISE. SB or not, there are about 25 other franchises that wish their quarterback WAS AS BAD AS DONOVAN MCNABB...and had a coach AS BAD AS ANDY. it's pure lunacy listening to the philly media and fans always stirring sh*t up.

Tim:

Thank goodness that whole Feeley/McNabb debate was put to rest. I think you can look at this team two ways. The optimistic outlook is that this team is better than it's record and should've won the Green Bay, Chicago and possibly the New England and Seattle games. The reality is that they lost those games, and they're two inconsistent on BOTH sides of the ball. The difference between good and bad teams in the NFL is that good teams still wins when they play a bad game. The Eagles need to play good all around to win, and they haven't been doing that.

Ashley Fox:

Tim, very nice points.

Eric Z:

Heh Ashley, aren't YOU tired of Reid? YOu have to sit thru all those press conferences.LOL. Hasn't anyone in the press really confronted Reid about his flaws? Examples. no punt returner, 3rd and 0ne pass..etc.

Ashley Fox:

It's like trying to bust through a brick wall with a feather.

mario:

it just seems that andy reids playcalling is killing the birds,also the QB,coach if AJ.was making those awful picks why did not reid or another coach yank his tail.i think reid needs to leave and let a real coach step in

Derek:

Playoffs? Who cares. Reid needs to put players ina better position to win> huh Did he say that? Good job Sunday

Ashley Fox:

One reminder, let's please keep the insults to a minimum. mike (dc): #7 wasn't asked to do half of what Super5 HAS DONE for this organization. If #7 was asked to carry this organization AS #5 HAS DONE FOR YEARS...he'd be bagging groceries.

Ashley Fox:

I appreciate the banter, Mike, but you seem to be missing my point. I wasn't saying that Garcia is/was better than McNabb. I don't believe that. Just trying to make a point about Mornhinweg.

Ryan:

I think Kevin Curtis was a great signing...I know many people are down on him this year, but he runs incredible routes and gets good YAC....If their is a positive out of this year for the offense he is certainly it.

Ashley Fox:

I agree. Curtis is a good YAC guy (love the term YAC). He's had a good year. They just need more from him and everyone else.

Eric Z:

\Mike from DC. Envious? Hmmm, I wouldn't mind a championship. What is this "METRO" term mean? Where are you? in the sticks of DC? Many of us are diehards from the days of Bill Bergey n Jaws. Mike YOu have to admit, THESE many years and still poor clock management and play calling. Do you not think that McNabb feet and abilities saved alot of those "suspect" play-calling?

mike (dc):

by metro i mean...metro philadelphia and all the negative chatter. i'm tired of hearing it. i live in the dc burbs (redskins country) and these folks have been garbage for over 15 years and know what its like to win a championship. all my buddies just mock the heck out of eagles fans because they think it is absolutely hilarious that anyone (especially eagle fans) would mock two guys that have turned a consistent loser into AN ANNUAL WINNER.

Ashley Fox:

That is a good point. It falls into the category of be careful what you wish for. The Redskins have been looking for the answer to Joe Gibbs ever since he left the team following the glory days. And guess what, even JOE GIBBS can't bring the team back. At least not yet.

MIchael Nolan:

Ash, I did read Bob's column, and he was dead on ko-honies accurate. However, when it comes to players executing on the field, it all starts with the play being called into the huddle. The Birds offensive line is one of the biggest in the NFL, yet the coaching staff wants these guys to pass block instead of open up holes for one of the most dangerous backs in the league. Again, stratch-your-head play calling...

Ashley Fox:

I agree, Mike. Westbrook can't do damage if he's not on the field or his number isn't called. Three runs for him in the fourth quarter of a game played in the rain on a nasty, slipper field doesn't make much sense to me. But Reid didn't want to hear those questions yesterday. He said he was trying to win by passing the ball. I don't have an explanation for that.

SS:

Is there any chance Kolb comes in this year? I would at least like him to get his feet wet. McNabb is done in this town. His decision making is/was horrid this year. We will be lucky to get ONE first rounder for him. Just make sure they trade him to the AFC.

Ashley Fox:

As I've said, I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that 5 is gone. And I also don't think we'll see Kolb this year, I really don't.

Eric Z:

But Mike from DC, steeler fans, skin fans,niner fans, they have something to remember, to cling to, winning it all. Until Reid does it, he will be under this scrutiny.

Ashley Fox:

Therein lies the rub.

mike (dc):

It is, eric z...OK. I hear what you are saying...scrutiny and asking him to leave are VERY DIFFERENT. That's my point...This guy win the winningest coach in the history of the franchise and had put us in a position several times....Again, SB or not...i need a better solution before I call for the head of a guy who made my Sunday afternoons the past 7 years better than the previous 30.

Ashley Fox:

Your perspectives, mike and Eric Z, are terrific.

Tom, Miami:

It could be worse. You could live here.

Ashley Fox:

Yes, can't imagine 0-for the season is too much fun.

Tim:

I think that blaming everything on the playcalling is a bit exaggerrated. Remember, Andy and Co. have been regarded and coming up with some of the more imaginative offensive schemes of the past few years. Teams are just starting to catch up. I also think L.J. being hurt this year has been bigger than people have been talking about. Getting him involved and opening up the field with the TE is a vital part to this offense that has been seriously lacking this year. For whatever reason Brent Celek hasn't shown, or at least been given the opportunity to show the flashes that he showed in the preseason.

Ashley Fox:

I agree that the Eagles have missed L.J.

Eric Z:

Exactly Mike Nolan! Inquirer should run a poll on if they would prefer Andy Reid or someone else and also run a poll on what has lost games these last how many years. Choices should be Poor execution by players or poor play-calling

Ashley Fox:

I'll take it under advisement

SS:

Well, that's a mistake. By letting him play a couple games now, it saves some growing pains when he does play. I say one more loss and put in the youngster. Seriously, would you rather watch McNabb play meaningless games at the end of the year just to hurt himself again?

Ashley Fox:

Well, if they lose to the Giants it's over, so I guess we'll see. Can't imagine Reid would put the rookie in against Dallas, though.

Eric Z:

SS, you wanna get rid of McNabb but your still worried about him in the NFC? Kinda doesn't make sense. Look at the numbers. His numbers are still good even on a 80% knee.

Ashley Fox:

All right, guys, thanks for the discussion. Sorry I was a little late to the party. We'll do it again next Tuesday at 11 a.m. Have a good week.