One Bit of Perspective

Posted: October 29th, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 72 Comments »

I think I need to pass along a quick note in relation to my hesitance to scream “Fire Andy!!!” from the rooftops.

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Before I started writing at Eagles Blitz, Iggles Blog, and now Iggles Blitz (see that evolution?)…I was a very active member of the Eagles Message Board (EMB).  I joined there in 2003 and that was my first introduction to Eagles fans en masse.

I had been going to sports bars since 1992, but the Eagles fans I met were in small groups and we all got along.  Even when Dan and I argued about Gruden running the ball on the first series of the game too much (he wanted passes), it was done in a fun, friendly way.

I got onto the EMB in March 2003.  We began that season 0-2 with losses to TB, NE.  We scored 10 points in those games combined and Eagles Nation wasn’t happy with McNabb or Andy Reid.  I got plenty of lectures about how Reid needed to be fired at that point.  A few weeks later he began a game at Dallas with an onside kick that Dallas recovered and ran back 37 yards for a TD.  We lost that day, 23-21.  Again, fans lectured me on the fact that Reid had to go since he lost that game.

2004 was a happy year, although the loss in the SB had some fans calling for Reid’s head for the slow pace late in the game.

2005 was another year when I was lectured on Reid needing to be fired.

2006…see above.

2007…see above.

2008…see above.

I think 2009 was pretty quiet.  The team went 11-5, which felt right for the talent on hand.  Things remained pretty calm in 2010.

2011…back to the old days.  Reid had to be fired.

And we all know how 2012 has gone.

I get tweets, emails, and comments telling me that I need to wake up and smell the coffee.  Reid must go.  This finally might be the season when you guys are right, but I do have to point out that I’ve been hearing that for parts of the past 9 years.

While Reid never did win us the Super Bowl we wanted, firing him in most of those years would have been a knee-jerk mistake.  This time things may be different.  He’s burned through his goodwill.   2012 speaks for itself.

I’ll jump on the bandwagon when I’m convinced that is 100 percent the way to go.  Could be Monday.  Or the week after.  Or might happen in December.

The race to be first and say “I told you so!” doesn’t interest me.  I think firing a successful coach is something that requires careful consideration.  Had we listened to the masses in 2003, we would not have had the magical 2004 season.  I can’t pretend to know how the last 8 years would have gone, but chances are they would not have been as successful.

I have no problem with being the last person on the Fire Andy Bandwagon.  I’d much rather be last than first, that’s for sure.

* * * * *

I did want Rich Kotite gone after 1994.  He lost 7 straight games that year.  He lost 6 straight games to Dallas.  The team didn’t like him.  Randall Cunningham didn’t like him and that greatly affected his play.  Rich hadn’t done anything to earn the support of the fans or media.  He didn’t have a strong league reputation.

I also wanted Ray Rhodes fired after 1998.  That was the worst Eagles season of my life.  Team went 3-13.  The franchise QB we thought we had in Hoying became unbelievably awful in record time.  We were shutout 3 times that year.  Free agents didn’t take the Eagles seriously.  Ray had no long term plan.

I don’t think coaches deserve some lifetime pass.  They must be held accountable.  At the same time, you can’t fire a guy for one bad season or one bad move.  You need to see a pattern of problems or a lack of leadership.  Dave Spadaro has talked about Eagles players talking on cellphones during practice at the end of the Rhodes era.  That is when there is no question that change is needed.  The players tuned him out.

With Rhodes and Kotite it was obvious to everybody.

With Reid, the situation isn’t anywhere close to that.  Sunday was a very bad day for him.  Can he right the ship?  Does it start to sink?

I’ll jump on the bandwagon when I think the answer is clear.  Until then, you can go on lecturing me.  My response will be the same.  Save me a spot at the back of the bandwagon and I’ll jump in when I think it’s time.

* * * * *

Jimmy Bama, enemy to Jake and Elwood Blues, has a good blog post up on the opening drive of the Falcons game and what went wrong.  Make sure you check that out.

_

  • Jonzee72

    I don’t hate AR, I just think his time is up, and he has run out of ideas here. Time for everyone to move on and start anew

    • TommyLawlor

      Fair enough. Can’t argue that.

      • http://www.facebook.com/xbcsmith Brett Smith

        I am a AR supporter and I think it might be time… he needs a new city (San Diego???)

        The thing I hate is losing hope. With AR at the helm we always have hope that this is the year. Being a long time Eagles fan I like the hope. I like it when the Eagles are the team to fear. I like it when (Talking Head #349) says “You don’t want to go to Philadelphia this weekend”

        Honestly I have been completely happy with ARs tender and next to Vermiel he is my favorite. I loved Ryan (and his hate for the Cowboys) but he was a hot headed DC that had no clue what to do with “The Ultimate Weapon”.

        I am most disappointed with the fact that next year might be 1-15 or 3-13 with a rookie head coach and some crappy front office consisting of Roseman and his lackeys. Roseman gets fired.. Then we finally get a real GM who hires a real Head Coach in 2015 and we start winning again in 2016….

        Not looking forward to that.

        • http://www.facebook.com/xbcsmith Brett Smith

          The thing that I would love to see is this team get hot. Right the ship and beat the Cowboys in both games this year.

          Man I hate the Cowboys.

          • P_P_K

            Back in the 70s, when we knew the Eagles were terrible, we would be satisfied with a 2-12 season (even 2-11, if you’re old enough to remember), as long as the two wins were against the Cowboys.

            Even now, we can disagree on the merits of keeping Reid, long as we all continue to agree: The Cowboys Suck.

          • D3Keith

            This times a million.

        • D3Keith

          There is no chance this team tanks to 1-15 or 3-13 IMO.

          By hiring the right coach, letting go of a few high-priced guys, and committing to a new offensive style, they could be a candidate for a quick turnaround. The big question is do they have a QB … but they have a Shady.

    • bdbd20

      Fully agree. I’d love to see AR go to a place like San Diego, Buffalo, Cleveland, or KC and get loved for making the franchise relevant.

      I think most fans are done with AR as a coach, but still admire and respect what he has done for our team over the last 13 years.

  • bdbd20

    Off topic here, just wondering about your value on Honey Badger, assuming he enters the draft. If his measurables come out as expected and he says all the right things, at what point in the draft would you be comfortable taking him? 3rd round, 6th round? UDFA?

    • TommyLawlor

      Late round pick. Love the player, fear the kid. Don’t think he’s dangerous or anything like that. Makes horrible decisions. Cost himself millions by not controlling a weed habit. Then lets a guy either deal from his place or lets him come over and do some dealer prep stuff at his place. Dumb to infinity.

      Do love him as a player.

      • Mac

        Wouldnt we at least have to roll the dice on him? I know we dont typically go for talent with character issues… but this seems worth burning a draft pick on.

        • D3Keith

          Let somebody else have that problem. What do you think he’s going to do here that you want him so badly? Plenty of good character guys who buy into the system who you can win with out there.

  • TommyLawlor

    I do want you to know I’m not arguing to change your mind. Just trying to explain where I’m coming from. If I hadn’t been hearing the Fire Andy stuff for so long, I might already be on board.

  • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

    For me, it’s less of a “Fire Andy!” than it is a “Well, Andy is probably not coming back.”

    I hope he can turn it around like we’ve seen Coughlin do. I hope Vick can suddenly turn in to the QB we’ve been waiting for. I hope the offensive line can start playing like a unit instead of just a bunch of guys. I hope the D can at least maintain a 2012 Castillo level of performance.

    I’m not very optimistic about it though.

    • Matthew Butch

      We share similar thoughts.

      However, I remember feeling the dread after the Eagles got blown out by the Colts after McNabb went down in 2006. I thought that’s it, this team is done. Yet they still went to the playoffs and beat the Giants. It was a great run.

      I’m not giving up until they are mathematically eliminated.

      • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

        This may sound harsher than I really mean it but… I’ve been trained to expect surprising success preceding crushing disappointment.

    • D3Keith

      Exactly.

  • ACViking

    T-Law:

    Two “embarrassing” performances in the span of five games (Cards / Falcons). Very un-Reid like.

    Something’s amiss.

    That said . . . you cannot bench Vick this week because the Saints offer the best barometer as to where this offense is with MV at QB.

    The Saints have given up over 1,000 yards total in the past two games. And lots of points to everyone. (All reports put the Saints on a pace to out due the horrible 1973 Eagles defense.)

    If Vick cannot get the Eagles rolling against New Orleans, then Reid must seriously think about pulling the plug on him.

    Which means pulling the plug on himself.

  • austinfan

    Tommy, I’ve given AR the benefit of the doubt for a decade.

    The difference this year wasn’t losing to a good team after the bye week, it was coming out flat and being stomped by a good team after the bye week. That has never happened before.

    If they weren’t coming off three straight years where they underperformed relative to their talent level, it would just be one of those things – but the decay has now become obvious, something is rotten in the state of South Philly.

    Oh, he might patch this team up and will a 9-7 record, and with luck a wildcard spot, but then get stomped by a good team in the playoffs. The pieces don’t fit, the team doesn’t play with passion, they don’t execute well, there’s just nothing left to hang your hat upon.

    Which is why I’m finally ready to move on.

    • http://www.facebook.com/xbcsmith Brett Smith

      +1 “There is nothing to hang your hat on”

      Where is the 40 point a game offense?

      Where is the “Can’t score on them” Defense?

      Give me some fear of one of our units so I can have something to cheer about!

      • Crus57

        I fear our Special Teams, does that count?

    • TommyLawlor

      I’m as down on Big Red as I think I’ve ever been. What happens the next month will be huge.

      Like I said earlier…I might be on the Fire Andy bandwagon in a few weeks. Just slower than others to jump on.

      • D3Keith

        I back both of you guys here. I don’t think there’s a real reason to believe they’ll get it together, but in today’s NFL you don’t give up on a 3-4 team with as much talent as this one has.

        The biggest cause for concern, though, is that there just isn’t an apparent fix or explanation for why they aren’t winning. It’s different all the time, and there are no roster shakeups or draft picks that can give this team what it needs. We’ve tried everything else … once the team loses its soul, the drastic change is all that’s left.

        I hope they don’t blow up this roster. And I even more hope they play their best game of the year on MNF, and give us reason to believe again. I fall for it every time, but it’s a hell of a ride. I’d love to look back at this year and remember how they team had no soul for the first half but miraculously came together and went on a run for the ages.

        (is a sucker)

  • Anders

    Im not on the fire AR wagon just yet. If we end 10-6, we should still be able to win a wild card spot and if we win 1 or 2 games in the play offs AR will be back.
    On the other hand, I have given up on Vick and just want to see what Foles can do.

  • lilmc

    Does anyone think that Andy can change the culture in the locker room? From afar it looks like there are so many guys who care about stats and getting paid more than being an Eagle. I am not naive, I just want them to care as much as I do. Ike Reese who has not played for the birds in years, seemed more upset about losing than most of the players, except for Shady. This current team shows me very little passion.

    • TommyLawlor

      I don’t think it is so much the locker room as it is the field. Guys are working hard. These are tough, hard working players. They aren’t getting the job done on Sundays. That’s the mystery. What is missing? I think as soon as some guys start to make plays, other things will take care of themselves. Question is whether that happens Monday, next month, or this year. Don’t know.

      • D3Keith

        I kind of think it’s little stuff too, like Babin being isolated on run plays by opposing coordinators and abused. Like Nnamdi not jamming a WR, which is his specialty, and giving up an outside release so the safety can’t get over top … like not being able to get off the field late against the Lions or Steelers. Like getting away from Shady, etc.

        This is the nature of the NFL these days. Probably 20+ teams have good groups of guys with the talent to win 10+ games if they make their own breaks in tight games.

        The Eagles got their doors blown off by Atlanta, and perhaps it was unfortunate to be facing the league’s best team this season when they needed a confidence-building win. Well, they still need one. And if they can make their own breaks against the Saints, the rest of the schedule sets up well for them to rally from 4-4 to get into the postseason. And if this team, with the talent it has, ever gets it figured out, the postseason wouldn’t necessarily be a lost cause.

        Not saying they look even remotely like an SB team now, but this is the nature of today’s NFL. We’d be loving the Eagles right now if they’d held on against the Steelers and/or Lions. Conversely, nobody liked the Giants at 7-7 last year.

        The key is really to win Monday night so they don’t do anything drastic, and keep this group together long enough to make a few of its own breaks. If none come by the end of the season, or if they fade from playoff contention, then it’s a sad end for a group who had enough talent to be remembered as one of the all-time Eagles teams, if only it had that “it.”

  • MichaelFloyd84

    “I can’t pretend to know how the last 8 years would have gone, but chances are they would not have been as successful.”

    As successful as 75 – 52? Hardly earth shattering. We’ve seen many teams recently change head coaches and be respectable in their first years. Teams on average win super bowls in years 2-5 of a head coach’s tenure. Not year 14. I think the infatuation with Reid is ridiculous. As if he is the only person that could have led this team to a slightly above .500 record with ZERO super bowls in the past decade.

    • TommyLawlor

      It is possible another coach could have come in here and done very well. However, the odds are against it. Reid is the winningest coach in team history. You rarely replace that guy with someone as good.

      • iskar36

        I don’t agree with MichaelFloyd84 fully, but the point was about the record since 2004. Since then, AR’s record has not been special by any means. Don’t get me wrong, I fully agree he has been the best coach in Eagles history and you can not deny he is the winningest coach in team history, but he has not had nearly the same level of success since 2004 as he has had prior to 2004.

        I certainly don’t think anyone can guarantee success with a different coach, but I don’t think it is unrealistic to think a different coach since 2004 would have had a decent chance of having similar results as AR. (I should note that I am not proposing that we SHOULD have fired AR between 2005-2010, simply arguing the hypothetical).

        • DanJ3645

          75 – 52 record gives a win% of 0.591.
          Only Greasy Neale, with a 0.594 mark from the 40′s, is better than Andy Reid post 2004.

          I think the issue is that since ’05 got TO’d the Eagles haven’t felt like they are driving towards the Super Bowl.

          • iskar36

            MichalFloyd84′s number is actually not right. Since 2004, AR’s record is 65-53-1 in the regular season and 3-4 in the playoffs which is an overall winning percentage of 0.543. Of all the current NFL coaches in the league, that winning percentage would rank 14th. In terms of Eagles history, that would put him behind Greasy Neale (0.594), Jim Trimble (0.556), Buddy Ryan (0.551), Rich Kotite (0.563) and tied with Buck Shaw (0.543). Certainly not an overly impressive number.

            Of course, again, I am not arguing AR is worse than those coaches. You can’t take away 1999-2004 when comparing them. Still, when you look at AR since 2004, there is really nothing that stands out as impressive, and I don’t think it is unlikely we would have been able to find a coach that could have replaced AR and gotten similar results since 2004.

  • Joe

    Our whole team isn’t playing well.. Simple as that…

    We are very fortunate that the Browns had a rookie QB, that the replacement refs called a terrible OPI on Jacoby Jones that would have gave the Ravens a 2 possession lead with 5 minutes to go in the 4th, and that Giants’ Lawrence Tynes doesn’t have a real strong leg… We could very well be 0-7..

    Why don’t you true “fans” stop chanting “fire Andy/bench Vick” and start chanting “cut ALL the players”?

    While you’re at it, (to all the Foles fans) can you also explain to me how starting Foles will suddenly improve the play of the OL, DL, LB, and DB’s?

    Coaching is very important but at the end of the day, they can only do so much.
    The players have to play and PERFORM.

    • Ark87

      We could have been 5-2 as well if things had gone differently…you can’t play that game to say we should be winless and historically bad right now. We competed We got whooped by a very good football team. We are a long ways off from elite or even a playoff team. But we did compete and win with the likes of the Giants and Ravens. This isn’t the ’08 Lions here, lets be real.

      I doubt Foles is likely to turn this team around. But the switch can energize a team, much like how we saw this team rally around Mike Vick in 2010. That’s unlikely but we are a fan-base desperate for hope.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kanin-Faan/100000790557328 Kanin Faan

    Juan Castillo was not the problem, defensive playcalling was.

    Andy Reid is not the problem, offensive playcalling is.

    Conclusion: Andy Reid is a good coach who can find good coaches.

    Andy Reid has never been an excellent playcaller and game-manager and thus he has a hard time finding good playcallers.

    This is why we should keep Andy Reid and get a GM who can bring in one good playcaller. Make that two if Bowles doesnt work out.

    This is also why somebody should have walked up to Marty with a loaded .44 in good old american fashion the day he rode into town…

  • http://twitter.com/EaglesPride_ Aleandro green

    tlaw what do think of bowe? i know this probably fantasy football but im just curious what you think of him

    • TommyLawlor

      I’ve watched very little of KC this year. In the past, I’ve been impressed by Bowe, but I do know there are some consistency issues.

  • mhrinda

    Andy has been making some really poor decisions lately. He had 2 weeks in which he said “he would go through everything to fix what is broken”. He comes off the bye and doesnt just lose .. he really loses. Hes asked us to accept his choices for coaches that just arent working… He drafts new players that should address season after season problems (special teams) and the players cant play (job not getting done). (At this time) hes sticking with a QB that shouldnt be playing. We may not always see it in Vicks stats but we see it in the team… The team needs a leader at QB (thinking smart QB). And I think if Andy goes take Howie with him and get a true football GM in here(football background)…
    And for you Vick supporters, how long till our precious Vick is going to be OUT OF FOOTBALL once the Eagles cut ties with him. I love Andy.. hes given us a good ride one short of a Super Bowl win. Every great coach has an end time. Study football history. Our GOOD coach has an end time too. Hopefully when we change gears we will make the hard and quality decisions to become a great franchise in this league someday.

    • TommyLawlor

      I bet Michael Vick is a starting QB somewhere in 2013.

      • mhrinda

        Where Tommy?
        I dont think anyone else is as high on Vick as the Eagles are.

        • TommyLawlor

          In 2013…BUF, JAX, NYJ, KC, DAL, All depends on if those teams make coaching changes. BUF had a lot of interest in Vick a few years back. Gailey loves QBs that can run/pass. He signed VY to see if he could revive him. With Dallas…you wonder if JJ will part with Romo and then try to do something dramatic. Forget logic with Jerry. He loves big, sexy moves.

          • mhrinda

            I see the trend these days. Alot of teams are going with rookie QBs over the old retread veterans. I think Vick “might” get a backup somewhere but like Vince Young might find himself without a job. Although the Eagles have forgiven Vicks past sins, some teams might not. He has baggage and again I dont think hes a smart QB. He may be physically gifted in some capacities in other ways hes below average as a QB (reads leadership etc)

          • TommyLawlor

            I’m no huge Vick fan. You’re underselling him though. Big time leader. Teammates love him. Some team will give him a chance. Poor QB class in the upcoming draft. Won’t have as many guys to choose from. I fully expect Vick to start in 2013 somewhere. Not saying he’ll be a big star anymore. He’s declining. Do think he gets a job.

          • mhrinda

            Tommy I respect your opinion. His respect from his teammates is not making a better offense or a better team. Thats why I want to get rid of him. Its plain to see this team is not about winning but about themselves. I will stand by my remark that Foles will run this offense better than Vick even as a rookie. Whether Foles will be good remains to be seen (im not a fan of the preseason). I just like his quick release and the fact that i can actually see him making reads and not look confused out there like Vick usually is.
            These days teams like the young Qb except for the Eagles. We should start the new era now so we can see if Foles can adjust even under a bad offense line. We are delaying the inevitable (the Vick benching) Thats why Reid will be fired. His instincts arent good anymore.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Buchanan/1557343118 Scott Buchanan

    In the NFL its pretty simple..If you don’t have one of the elite QBs you dont get far…Whether Foles is that guy remains to be seen but I know with out a doubt Vick is not even close to elite

    • TommyLawlor

      Vick has not had a good year, to put it mildly.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Buchanan/1557343118 Scott Buchanan

        IMHO there was a time when he was an elite athlete but not NFL QB..big difference..I think Reid is realizing he just cant coach up Vick anywhere close to being an effective pocket passer in the pros..accuracy and reads just aren’t good enough

      • GermanEagle

        Agree.
        But when was the last time he had such a poor O Line to play behind? They cannot (pass) block and don’t open up any running lanes. Shady had 45 (!!!) rushing yards against the 2nd or 3rd worst running Defense. THAT is pathetic.
        If Foles really gets the nod he will NOT make it to the second quarter should the playcalling under MM not change.
        Sometimes I feel bad for Vick…

      • D3Keith

        I think I’m at this point with Vick: He’s trying to be a good soldier, a coachable QB, etc. … all his issues seem to be of his own doing, trying too hard when they’re losing, holding the ball too long to make things happen, trying to be a passer at the expense of his running, trying to stay healthy.

        All that trying has robbed him, IMO, if his best asset, being himself and playing loose. I was definitely in the change Vick camp before, and the keep Vick healthy camp, but now it seems the only time we have a spark is when he starts playing the old way.

        Offensively we’ve done a nice job this year getting DeSean involved on short routes. We still forget about Shady too much, and they’re trying to force Bryce Brown to work out. We don’t have the line we once had.

        But it all comes back to Vick just clicking, getting in a rhythm, feeding Shady, and running for first downs when things break down. When you look at the games one by one, there are stretches where they do these things well, but the context of the game doesn’t always afford the opportunity to stick with it. They have been figured out, they are not a dominant offense, so they need to do little things well, and gain yards in small chunks to give themselves a chance anymore.

        Here’s hoping they get off to a good start against the Saints. The rest of this season, and the future of the franchise — via confidence in Vick and Reid — might depend on it.

  • Zachary Kaplan

    Tommy,
    This letter is going to sound like a scorned girlfriend, and for that I am sorry. This weekend you told me to go elsewhere for my Eagles coverage, and this post is to tell you that this will be my last visit to your blog.

    I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time. I’ve read your game previews and DGR’s on EMB since 2005. I read your site daily (when it was updated on Eagles Biltz), and I read your posts loyally on Igglesblog. I’ve followed you when that was shut down to your current site. I liked your material.

    With that said – I will say I’ve noticed a trend over the last couple years – You don’t like Eagles management to be questioned. You love Big Red, Jeff and loved Banner. Whether this is because you get to have weekly coverage on their site, I don’t know – but you sure don’t like seeing them questioned.

    This weekend when I referred to you as Mr. Glass is overflowing – I wanted to call you Dave Spadaro Jr. Dave was another Eagles “reporter” or “blogger” I read., when I started scouring the internet for Eagles coverage, Dave was my first stop. I loved his material. But it didn’t take long for me to realize he wasn’t some fair and unbiased opinion….which is now often how I see of you.

    Before the year – I said same team, why expect different results. You said new DT, new LB, year two of Castillo, full off season, etc. etc. – every excuse in the book for the lack luster performances in 2011. It’s continued into the season, and each week – there is a new excuse, for a “new” problem – and when I point to our poor QB or our poor coach you get upset.

    You also flip flop – ala Dave, like never before. Before Juan was fired – it was unquestionable the unflappable Big Red would never fire him, it would be “knee jerk” – but as soon as he was fired, it was the right decision. Just like as soon as Vick is benched it will be the right decision.

    What I loved about your DGR’s back in the day was you weren’t biased. You’d say the good and you’d say the bad. But I don’t see that as much anymore. Maybe it’s because from 2006-2010 the Eagles were still a solid team – overall – that it was overall positive, and thus hard to argue, but I struggle with your optimistic posts, when the team isn’t giving you reason for optimism.

    In your latest – lets not overreact post – you said fans were making knee jerk Fire Reid decisions since 2003 – but you act like those fans in 2003 were wrong. That is where I disagree with you. Maybe they were wrong for the timing, or reasoning of a play of a loss. But Reid by 2004 took the Eagles as far as he could. It’s been up and down bumpy ride since then. 2000-2004 – one could argue Reid was a great coach. 2005-2012 – one would have to argue Reid is a mediocre coach.

    Maybe you are a paid contributor to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com – and thus don’t want to have material questioning higher ups, or maybe you just like that fact that you have that on your resume. But I don’t see you as unbiased. You are a Die hard BIG RED fan, I just wish you were a die hard Eagles fan.
    Last message to those last Reid hanger ons – since his 2004 Super Bowl appearance…

    68 wins – 57 losses counting the playoffs, with 4 playoff appearances in 8 years. Before that? Reid was 71-37 counting the playoffs, 5 playoff appearances in 6 seasons. This isn’t 2 years of mediocre or slightly above mediocre, this is the first half of our 8th year in mediocrity. Marty Schottenheimer was fired off a 13-3 season, that’s not the case for Big Red, but maybe it should have been.

    Good bye my fellow Eagles fans and readers of IgglesBlitz.

    • TommyLawlor

      Never said Eagles management couldn’t be questioned. They absolutely deserve that, win or lose.

      If you think I’ve done nothing but write positive stuff…you’re not reading the words. You wrote the same negative stuff over and over. You added nothing to the conversation. Just complaining does no one any good. We’re all frustrated, but this is a 3-4 team. We have some good players. To read your comments, the team was 0-7 and virtually devoid of talent. That’s just too much to one extreme.

      See ya later.

      • JJ_Cake

        For all you do and put up with Tommy, Thanks!

      • D3Keith

        Surprised you even responded to that. I got a few sentences in and put it right in the TL; DR / ‘Talking loud but ain’t saying nothing’ bin.

        One reason we all come here Tommy is because we’ve got several outlets spinning Vick’s dejected postgame mood and quotes into a discussion about whether the QB is about to be benched, and then we have you giving everything a thoughtful, thorough examination.

        Frankly I thought your last Vick post was one of the most negative things I read from you, but negativity has its place if it’s measured and well thought out.

        I think even the most optimistic among us are ready to admit that if they don’t get it together soon, the Vick/Reid marriage is over, and the Eagles are going to try to get some new people to lead this talent before it’s too old to accomplish anything.

    • miked718

      I have many Eagles blogs and writers set up on my reader. And almost everyday I see the same headline, 6-7 times and then Tommy’s latest post. If you think that not being a knee-jerk, bandwagon riding writer who is optimistic about our strengths and reasonable when calling for change, then you don’t deserve this blog. The fact that you took the time to write this insulting letter on a blog that many of us appreciate is disrespectful not only to Tommy but to all of us who come here specifically for what you’re ranting against. Piss off runt.

    • Allen3000

      That was really pathetic and childish of you. I’m not sure which is worse – the fact that you’re insanely upset because Tommy doesn’t confirm your feelings or this long drawn out ‘scorned lover’ response. If you’re so insightful and have all the answers, then why come here seeking Tommy’s validation? Do better.

    • ChaosOnion

      The hate is strong with this one…

    • GermanEagle

      “Good bye my fellow Eagles fans and readers of IgglesBlitz.”
      *waving good bye and thinking no one will miss you here

    • P_P_K

      Hey buddy, I hope you reconsider and decide to hang out here on The Blitz. Part of what makes this such a great site is the variety of opinions. All of us disagree with T-Law at times, but I think you have to acknowledge the guy knows his stuff. I find that he is very good at keeping his emotions out of his reasoning, something I enjoy not having to do! We fans do have a strong tendency to over-react and/or to think we know a lot more than we do. I can’t count the number of times my absolutely, positively correct opinions were later revealed as being bogus (Going all the way back to wanting Ricky over Donovan).

      As for scorned girlfriend analogy, well, being an Eagles fan is kind of like being in love with a stone-hearted b**ch who is going to repeatedly break your heart. Probably only blues singers and Eagles fans know how tough it can get.

  • Mac

    If Nick Foles gets the nod vs NO and plays well, some will downplay it as a weak defense. If he starts and plays poorly, then what… fans will be losing their minds and start talking about tanking the season. I like Reid a lot, but we do need something to cheer for on Sundays

  • Ark87

    I’m kind of in the wait and see mode. I have no say in if Andy Reid stays or goes…neither do any of you…don’t get your panties knotted up over if he will be here or not next season or the rest of the season. We’re all spectators, all we can do is watch and speculate. So I’m going to sit back and try to enjoy the season as best I can. I don’t expect superbowl this season, I don’t expect the playoffs, just gonna savor any wins we can get. What happens next year happens.

  • Allen3000

    Tommy: as you’re watching the game tape could you please provide some sort of breakdown as to how our run game has gotten so dysfunctional so quickly? We ran the ball with great success against one of the most feared DL’s in football (NYG – 200 yards). We also ran the ball very well vs. the Browns and Baltimore. Since then, we have been really, really abysmal in the run game (held to less than 100 yards in each of the last 3 games). Shady, perhaps the most dynamic RB in the NFL (if not, top 3) has become almost useless as he’s provided about zero wiggle room to work with. The run-blocking has been putrid at best and I’m seeing no signs of life as of late. Coming in to our game Sunday, ATL was 31st in the league in ypc and I think about 28th in yards allowed. Yet McCoy couldn’t muster more than 50 yards on the ground on 16 carries.
    Im just wondering what is the deal? How in the world are we actually regressing at this point in the year? We’re 7 games into the year…If the problems are so “fixable” (as AR puts it), why havent the necessary changes been made? I know we have some major health concerns along the line, but this is the NFL. You should always be prepared for the worst. Pittsburgh and GB have experienced great success in recent years in spite of having a very, very weak OL (and dealing with major injuries along the way). What gives here? How can it possibly be this bad – especially with a head coach who’s supposed to be an OL expert?

  • bridgecoach

    After much hype, Sandy Reid made landfall in Philadelphia this weekend. Assembles a Frankenteam. Denies the obvious fatal flaws. Tinkers with the wrong parts. Torments the villagers. Gets burned. Finally loses power. This team is underwater and in need of relief.

  • AustinMax

    Why is Howie Roseman not getting called out? I think he should be the first one to let go after AR…..people say we have a talented team…I would beg to differ….just looking at the Giants GM and how he has built that team says volumes….the Eagles used to be like that….there is hardly any depth….people blame the OL, but last year the Giants had a ton of injuries but they won the SB…the same goes for the Packers….coaching and the GM are at fault….I hope Lurie cleans house at the end of this year….Howie cannot be allowed to continue too

    • AustinMax

      PS: Just my opinion – but to me Mike Vick’s confidence is shot….add to the fact that he has taken too many beatings…I fear another blowout in NO

    • Mac

      The Eagles lost possibly the #1 LT in the league (who was originally an UDFA of all things picked up from Buffalo) and resign King Dunlap and go out and get D. Bell. I’m not sure who you wanted Roseman to go get, but as far as I can tell those were the best players available to fill the void. Dunlap is serviceable at least (as long as he is healthy). Could you honestly say as an Eagles fan you would have wanted us to give more time and money to Winston Justice?

      At center, we had/have almost no depth. But it’s not for lack of trying. We have shuffeled through a bunch of players trying to find one I am guessing that Mudd likes. Reynolds is no Jason Kelce, but based on what I’ve read he has been at least o.k. at the job.

      How many people predicted Herremans would come out this year and get gassed by the end of games? From what I’ve seen that’s his only real flaw.

      I will grant you that Watkins may be labeled a bust if he doesn’t pan out at RG but we don’t have the full story on him yet. He was performing better when he played next to Kelce, and has ankle issues. Roseman himself has been transparent and honest enough to say that this pick was a reach made out of “need” rather than bpa. And based on this last draft it looks like Roseman learns from his mistakes. I will take a learning man over someone who has been in football his whole life and “knows” what works.

      Evan Mathis… would he even be here if not for Howie picking through the NFL scrap heap?

      In my opinion, you’re being a bit hasty insisting that Roseman be shown the door.

    • JJ_Cake

      seems to me Howie is giving the team just about everything he can. We all cheered the FO for signing previously percieved top notch coaches and FAs. I prefer howies soft spoken under the radar style to what we used to have.

      Juan was not the right fit at DC. That’s ARs call. Bowels needs some time to prove his worth. AR and MM have proven that they can be good enough. The biggest problem now is amongst the players.

      • D3Keith

        I would agree with this almost 100%.

        If anybody’s doing his job well here, it’s Howie. He’s delivered the roster, but for whatever reason the coaches haven’t made it work. Everything we’ve asked for he’s gotten — a right guard, a couple cornerbacks, picks for Kolb, re-signed DeSean for a reasonable price, extended Shady, replaced Peters with the only FA LT available, defense lacked fire and needed an LB so they got DeMeco. And on and on.

        I’m definitely one who is anti-knee-jerk, slow to make changes, but Vick and Reid are on the brink here. At some point you’ve gotta see the spark, and if not, then you go another direction. Would really be a shame to have to tear this down when really it’s finally built … guys just don’t have “it.” There’s no magic fix, or player or coach that’s gonna come fix this thing and upgrade the talent.

        Character is revealed when adversity is greatest. If this team has any heart at all, they light it up on Monday, then make punching bags of Dallas, Washington and Carolina.

        To be honest, this is a lot about perception too. Even a dejected Eagles team can compete with everyone left on the schedule (after Carolina, it’s Dallas again, the Bucs, Bengals, Redskins and Giants, who might be mailing Week 17 in) … If they can get to 4-4 and believe in themselves again, and not listen to another week of negative chatter, their play might reflect that confidence and they might beat most of the beatable teams they have left to play.

  • GermanEagle

    Tommy
    what are the chances that Howie R. will make a last minute trade with the deadline looming? And if the Eagles make a trade what position do you think is the most likely one that is to be addressed?

  • JJ_Cake

    I’m most dissaponted with Namdi. For what the Eagles paid he is not performing like a shut down corner, nor is he providing the D with leadership. In hindsight we should’ve gotten Joseph.

    A lot has been said about teams getting the ball out fast against us. May e that’s why the wide 9 isn’t working and our talented DL isn’t getting sacks. Is our coverage too weak?

    Last year Cullen Jenkins seemed like a fiery leader, why did he cool off?

    I agree with not benching Mike if Foles won’t be able to do better. Foles is decent, but still looked pedestrian on a bad Arizona team last year. I think he will look bad on a bad Eagles team too, let the guy grow into a good Nfl player before we do what Buffalo did to Trent Edwards…. And most of their QBs.

  • Ark87

    Hey Tommy,
    I’m wondering what your fan DNA is. I’ve noticed there a few types of Eagles fans, and fan cultures. I personally came from the Scranton area where there is a pretty good mix of fans. Up there Eagles fans are a bit more old timey. Stick with your team, root for anybody wearing the kelly/midnight green. You only ever wish for success. You didn’t have to turn around on Sunday and say, well the Eagles suck…because there are a ton of Giants and Steelers fans all around letting you know just that. Now I’m in NC where its Redskins and Steelers country (they want to like the Panthers so bad, but there’s no real passion for it). I get to hear it everytime the Eagles lose, the pile-on just was never part of my fan culture.

  • GermanEagle

    THIS is absolutely SHOCKING:
    Michael Vick has taken 90 hits so far this season, worst in league. The runner up: 55 hits…!!!

    • GermanEagle

      Plus the Eagles had their bye already…So basically Vick gets hit 13 times per game on average. Foles wouldn’t survive the first quarter…