Wow, This Is Biting

In Andy Reid's world, this counts as some seriously strong language:

On McNabb's comments that the team could use an impact free agent: "I haven't heard Donovan talk about that, so I'm not answering it. I know, as players, you have to be careful about saying that because those are your teammates that are being replaced. Most players don't get into that who really care about their teammates on the other side."

And if you want to know how Reid sees things, here's a good start:

On whether McNabb needs more weapons around him in the red zone: "I guess if you look at things statistically, here's a guy who had his second-highest completion percentage, a 1,000-yard receiver and a running back who broke a lot of records. We need to get a little more production out of the tight end spot. With (TE) L.J. (Smith) being banged up, we didn't get quite as much out of utilizing a rookie, who will improve, who has the ability to do that. But, we could use a little more production there. I think he has some good weapons. (WR) Reggie (Brown) stepped it up and had a career year, which was a positive. Really, that happened more in the latter half of the season than it did in the first half. He needs to continue on and have a good season and pick up where he left off."

Comments

[BFH]

I've said it before, but these three guys played the biggest role, in my mind, in this team missing the playoffs.

Reid: For putting Greg Lewis out there to return punts in Week 1. Just an awful decision and there's no way around it. And for running a pass-heavy offense on a QB with a bad knee.

McNabb: For inaccuracy and timing to start the season, and for failing to make plays that were there in the Bears game (open LJ in the end zone, among others).

Brown: Dropping what turned out to be a very important TD catch in the Bears game, and for generally being "off" with Donovan for the first half of the year.

[slackerjoe]

The problem with the Eagles this year was not the offense. It's way down on the list of reasons why this team didn't make the playoffs.

#1) Horrible special teams play (coverages and returns)

#2) Lack of turnovers and big plays (i.e. zero TDs) from the defense

For an offense that had to go 70-80 yards for a TD every time they had the ball, I think they put up very good numbers this season. Imagine what they could have done with a short field once or twice a game? I don't think I can remember a scoring drive that was less than 50 yards this season.

That being said, it's not *easy* to fix either of the things above. I think the lack of defensive big plays is somewhat of a fluke and that if they regress to the mean a little bit, they'll be in much better shape. Acquiring an impact playmaker (defensive end to start opposite of Trent Cole is #1 in my book) will also improve things greatly. Fixing the special teams coverages and returns will require a lot more work and Reid really needs to emphasize this when looking at FA's and draft picks. The coaching (Rory Segrest)also needs to be evaluated.

[BenZ]

Well, Javon Walker is out there...