Hugely Important Article

On a day when -- I kid you not -- someone is "guessing" that the Reid/McNabb relationship is "probably" frosty, Bob Brookover writes the single most important article you've read this season:

Eagles still confident in Reid
By Bob Brookover, Inquirer Staff Writer

Now that the public has weighed in so heavily against Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid, what is the talk within the inner sanctum of the Eagles?

Two sources close to the ultimate decision-makers on the Eagles seem much more inclined to blame the quarterback's support system - the offensive line and wide receivers - than the quarterback himself for the Eagles' woes.

Likewise, the Eagles' brain trust remains confident that Reid is a quality head coach and that there is a significant amount of talent in the locker room, the sources said yesterday.

Money quotes:

"I unalterably believe these two things: We have a significant amount of talent, and that Andy is a real good head coach," the source said, representing the feelings of the voices that count. "I know it's difficult to reconcile those beliefs with what's happening on the field, but you can't just forget about what has happened here over the last 10 years."

...

"I don't see a lack of effort on the field or anything else like that, but that's one of those things you do have to think about."

...

One source noted that the Eagles' wide receivers also have been disappointing in recent weeks.  "We're dropping way too many balls," the source said.

...

It sounds as if the Eagles are determined to get younger at both tackle positions next season, which means veterans Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan, both of whom will be eligible for free agency, likely will not be re-signed. The team also has concerns about center Jamaal Jackson.

One source said that left guard Todd Herremans has been the most consistent performer along the offensive line. A year ago, he was the offensive lineman most likely not to have a starting job when the 2008 season began.

One of the sources said the back injury to Shawn Andrews has been a big problem for the offensive line because he is so much better than Max Jean-Gilles.

...

"We tried to run it eight or nine straight times and never made it," the source said. "Andy always talks about running the ball effectively rather than running it a lot, and you can see why. When you throw a lot and can't run effectively, it creates a real problem."

Despite the fact that Brookover couldn't get these guys to go on the record, the Eagles' iron-fisted approach to media opportunities means it's not that hard to figure out who's talking here.

Andy's not going anywhere, guys.  And despite the fact that the source says the team has a "significant amount of talent," most of the article is a discussion of the positions where more talent is needed.

Big article.  Big.  Kudos to Brookover for this one.

Comments

[Ajay]

Does anyone else on the Inquirer staff seem to even like Ashley Fox? She writes an article about how the Reid era is over (after the Cincy game I believe) and the Eagletarian blog writes a quick post about how it's ignorant to suggest the Reid era is over.

That being said, very interesting article by Brookover. Derek I also got the sense that beyond Reid staying here, there was an intimation that McNabb would also be here. Did you also get that sense?

[Derek]

I didn't. I got the sense that they didn't blame McNabb for the problems, but the Kolb Replacement Project is still in effect.

Of course, a cynic would read that article and say they don't care at all about McNabb, they just want to preserve his trade value.

[Colin]

Great job by Brookover, this is what is on everyone's mind.

I lean the other way, because I don't see Reid turning this around for another couple seasons. That said, Andy deserves some benefit of the doubt for the job he did his first six years.

[Thorin]

That Ashley Fox article today was horrible. You'd fail a college journalism course for tripe that unfounded. There wasn't a single quote not taken wildly out of context. Sure, we can all infer Donovan may be feeling those things, but she made factual statements about his psyche with no legitimate evidence to back it up. And again I say she's just trying to take the opportunity to tear a figure down to build some cred. I thought it was really, really poor journalism.

Brookover article was excellent. He got new news from inside sources, even if it was off the record. He did a journalist's job like an oldschool professional.

[Sig]

I refuse to read Fox anymore - don't want to give her the page views, which I imagine is all she cares about. She seems to be well on her way to a prominent ESPN career: make noise and get noticed. As for the content of the noise? Doesn't matter...

[shlynch]

A lot of the article is what I would have guessed that the FO would say, though the anonymous vote of confidence for Reid is interesting. The biggest thing that was "new" was the concern over Jamaal Jackson. He has regressed from his 2006 form, as far as I can tell, and seems to be struggling this year.

Assuming AR remains head coach, I would guess that there will be a legitimate challenge for the center job next year. Is that challenger Nick Cole? I haven't seen anything in the preseason that suggests that it would be a good move. Mike McGlynn and Mike Gibson were given half-hearted looks at center in TC ... maybe one of them gets a real look during off-season workouts? McGlynn has the tools to be a good center, from what I remember of the pre-draft reports.

But all that would mean three new starters (at least) on the OL. That is staggering turnover. Time for Juan Castillo to finally live up to his reputation, I guess.

[Canadian Eagles Fan]

As frusterated as I've been with some of the play-calling, I do think Andy deserves more time. I also happen to think that McNabb does too though. I've seen this O-line failing this season, along with the receivers, and think it would be foolish to let the McNabb era end when clearly these are bigger reasons for the Eagles' failures.
With the "spread-it-around" philosophy on O it's even more imperative that the line play well. For the receivers to then lead the league in drops
(aside from the Braylon Browns) when there is some protection is just brutal.

[George]

Eagles need to look at their structure for evaluating talent. I looked at websites of G-man, Steelers, & Titans and they all have extensive scouting networks identified. This is how they can continually stock the shelves with talent. Reid is doing pretty well in his evaluations but have to think that a more structured approach to identifying talent would help him and birds more. Caveat: birds may have this structure but just not publicize it. I think not, however.

[shlynch]

George, the Eagles have one of the larger scouting budgets in the league, as I understand it. They have 14 people in the scouting department alone (see here: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/FrontOffice.html ) and that is not counting the football operations department, which includes Heckert and Roseman. I think you will find that compares favorably to other teams in the league.

[Thorin]

I think the O-Line has done a fine job on pass protection. I know, Derek you've said that it's Mcnabb throwing sooner. But he seems to have above average time back there on most passing plays. On that swat-fumble last week, for example, he had time to stop dropping back, sit there, think about pumping, and then the rusher makes it to McNabb when he finally uncorks the throw; that's enough protection time.

The problem is the run blocking, which is going nowhere right now.

[MSE69]

"Despite the fact that Brookover couldn't get these guys to go on the record, the Eagles' iron-fisted approach to media opportunities means it's not that hard to figure out who's talking here."

I'll take Andrew B.(anner)'s uncle Joe for $100.00, Alex.

By all means continue the 2 Minute Hate for Ashley Fox.

[Soups]

And kudos to you Derek because the "inner sanctum" seems to be on the same page as you. (Maybe they read this blog, haha.)

However, I did think this piece was interesting as far as my "motivation theory":

"I don't see a lack of effort on the field or anything else like that, but that's one of those things you do have to think about."

I look at the Mannings, Garcia, Favre, Warner, Brady, etc. They are fiery and competitive. McNabb, for all his skill and athleticism, has been too laid back and easy going. He needs to step it up. Get angry. Get fired-up. Show some passion.

I'm anxious to see who shows up on Thursday.

[Snowballs At Santa]

It seems Lurie will be the last one to figure out that Reid has to go.

www.reidmustgo.com

[quest4fire85]

I am very wary of reporters quoting unnamed sources. I see this all the time at ESPN and other media outlets . Most of the time they are wrong. Its a free pass for reporters to make up stuff.

Think about it. If I was on the Eagles staff and a reporters asks me to speak, if allowed--I would convey 100% positive information because if I didnt I would be fired/reprimanded. Now if I decide to be an un-named source then what is my agenda to spew negative information?. How would I benefit from that? Thats why I am leery.

If Brookover really talked to someone, it would've either been a propaganda mouthpiece like Spadaro or someone sent on a mission from the FO to send out a message that all is well on the homefront.

[Sundar]

It's amazing how everyone seems to overlook Westbrook and how banged up he is. I honestly believe McNabb has been on the hot seat mainly due to Westy's ineffectiveness. Yes, we should have better depth and the Booker thing is a bust. But, Westbrook and Andrews turns this team from 5-5-1 to probably 7-4. Whoever had SB hopes before this season was way off base. Playoff team at best, which is fine. The top players on this team are just too injury prone. Even on Madden they know this. I read somewhere how the game creators included team identities that have been inherent in the NFL. They made the Eagles injury prone. Do we all have amnesia? This is what always happens!

[Farnack]

Talent! What Talent? This is it, it's do or die time for Donavon and Andy. If they don't win on Thanksgiving their not gong to get another chance. Being a homer it's hard for me to root for a loss, but I think it's the only way things will change. I know I'm not getting what I want for Christmas (a play-off spot) but maybe my new years wish (a new Coach & Quarterback) will come true. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this wish.

[d]

It was said on sunday by my man BOOM. "be careful what you wish for". I think we're in pretty good hands, the coaching staff has a lot to think about and some important moves to make, the playcalling has been very questionable, infact consistently bad. they need to build around DJax. Get a deep threat and let Jax tear up the middle of the field. Keep playboy Hank, there's great potential there. Kevin Curtis is not a number 1 guy. He's a go to guy, he'll be great on third downs and such. Get a big back who compliments Bwest, someone who can lead block and pick up short yards. Its time for the offense to go shopping this offseason. Make some power moves and FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T SEND DONAVAN MCNABB AWAY, you people are nuts. the scapegoat fanaticism is out of control. chill with mob mentality witch hunt shit and realize that a successful football team is the sum of many parts working efficiently in unison. We will win with McNabb so shut your shit.

[Nick]

Nice find... I took that article to say that these front office types are looking for reasons to defend Andy Reid... But this isn't the same Andy Reid as 5-10 years ago.

http://nicks2cents.blogspot.com/2008/11/mcnabb-not-without-blame-but-he-still.html

[middyfeek]

You had better hope this article is inaccurate because, if it is accurate, it means that management is flawed too.

You can make a case for McNabb, but Andy Reid is NOT a good coach and wasn't even when the Eagles were winning.