Should Andy Reid Remain If Philly Misses Playoffs?

Sports fans are, by nature, known as a reactionary bunch. Philadelphia fans, however, make even the most reactionary fan look like the most patient and serene individual on the planet. 

And yes, I count myself among their ilk. I love the Philadelphia Eagles; they have been my team since I started watching this great sport of football. However, with my love has come great disappointment and heartache. I have seen the fruitless trips to the NFC championship games as well as to the Super Bowl. 

I have seen injuries, interceptions and incomplete seasons and through it all I have lain down my support for both Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid.

Well, unfortunately, that day has passed, and I believe it is time for a change in the city of Brotherly Love.  This opinion did not come lightly, it did not come out of simple frustration with a string of embarrassing losses or shameful performances; instead it came from a serious look at what could improve the team I have and will always love. 

I feel that it is time for Andy Reid to find employ elsewhere. There, I said it.  It took me a long time to admit that maybe it was time for a change and that change involved Andy Reid.  Quite simply I feel this Eagles team has the talent to achieve far more than they have since Reid took over.

However, I am willing to admit that the true litmus test for Andy Reid and his team will be how they finish this football season.   And whether or not the Eagles make the playoffs or not could determine whether or not Reid or McNabb or both are ousted from the team. 

With the late season heroics of the Eagles against the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants, the team should be poised for a crushing run of the table and an easy Wild Card bid.  However, due to missteps in earlier in the season, the Eagles may not make the playoffs if they suffer another loss. 

The Eagles face the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys in the next three weeks and should they stumble and lose to any one of these teams, their playoff ticket is effectively shredded and the Eagles will end yet another season in the last week of December. 

And, should that happen, I think both McNabb and Andy Reid will be on the chopping block.  And out of the two, I would pick Andy Reid.

Andy Reid has had Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook as offensive weapons for quite some particularly Westbrook.  While McNabb has been spotty on occasion, Westbrook, when given the opportunity has always shone bright. 

However, Reid still desires to run an extremely pass-heavy offense, sometimes ignoring the run game to absurd degrees.  And as the game rests on McNabb’s shoulders he feels the need to force the ball and with that comes incompletions and interceptions. 

Many have bemoaned the lack of a number one, go-to receiver, and this is true for Philadelphia as no one can argue McNabb’s improved performance with the infamous Terrell Owens lining up in Philly green. 

However, McNabb has shown that he can work with the tools he is given, making players like Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, Reggie Brown and lately DeSean Jackson look like Pro Bowl caliber receivers. 

So, what then is the missing piece of the puzzle?  It seems rather clear to me.  When Westbrook controls the pace and play of the game, McNabb can relax and make the plays needed to win games. Therefore, who controls the play of Westbrook?  The answer, Reid. 

I hold no personal animosity against Reid, and I certainly do not think he should be run out of town on a rail. But I feel both Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles need a change of pace and strategy. 

And should Philadelphia fail to make the playoffs for the second straight year and the third time in four years after the remarkable sting of years past, the decision to supplant Reid as coach will be made.