PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Andy Reid never wavered through all the criticism and kept doing it his way.
Fans, newspaper columnists, talk-show hosts and plenty of people with an opinion wanted the Philadelphia Eagles to fire the winningest coach in franchise history. But Reid isn’t going anywhere – except the playoffs.
For those counting, this makes seven playoff appearances for the Eagles in 10 seasons under Reid. In a profession where job security is so volatile, it’s a tribute to Reid that he’s lasted this long in one city. His success is even more impressive.
Reid already has taken the Eagles to four NFC championship games, one Super Bowl, and has five division titles on his resume. Unless he wins it all, though, he won’t be truly appreciated in Philly.
s tenure.
The unexcitable Reid was quite emotional during Sunday’s 44-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys that clinched an NFC wild-card spot. He was more animated than ever on the sideline, waving his arms and encouraging the crowd to make more noise. He even flashed a grisly smile – he grew a good-luck beard like many of his players – and cracked a couple jokes in news conferences after the game and on Monday.
Given a chance to say “I told you so,” Reid took the high road.
“Listen, that’s not how I operate,” Reid said. “You know what, I know it’s crazy but we’re all in this thing together trying to make a living at doing what we’re doing, and I know it’s not an easy job day in and day out.
“We’re blessed to be here in Philadelphia with a great fan base that is knowledgeable about the game. I mentioned to somebody that in a lot of cities it’s game to game. In Philadelphia, it’s play to play, and you have to love that. You have to love that part of it as a coach and a player and from your standpoint. From play to play, and you’re criticized for the bad and praised for the good. It’s a great atmosphere for football.”
Criticized is an understatement. Reid gets torched.
tter approach. That may never change.
But there were two specific instances last month when Reid made important decisions that he took plenty of heat for, and both ended up being the right move.
With 90 seconds left in overtime against woeful Cincinnati on Nov. 16, Reid chose to punt on fourth-and-1 from the Eagles 22. Reid basically played for the tie and got roasted for it.
Well, the Eagles finished 9-6-1, a half-game ahead Dallas, Chicago and Tampa Bay for the NFC’s final playoff spot. Had Reid gambled on fourth down against the Bengals and the offense failed to convert, it would’ve set up a makable field goal of less than 40 yards. Turns out the tie was the difference that put Philadelphia in the playoffs.
A week later, Reid stunned everyone by benching a shaky Donovan McNabb for an inexperienced Kevin Kolb at halftime of a 10-7 game at Baltimore. It was the first time the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback got yanked from a game in his career.
The Eagles fell apart without McNabb, losing 36-7. The playoffs weren’t on anyone’s radar at that point. The hot topic in town surrounded McNabb’s future with the team and whether Reid would make him the scapegoat for another failed season or be dismissed himself.
ng the Eagles to four wins in the last five games.
Though McNabb insists the benching didn’t affect his performance, he clearly was a different player after returning. McNabb had seven turnovers – five interceptions and two fumbles – and one touchdown in 1 1/2 games before sitting. He threw nine TD passes and one interception in the last five games.
Even if Reid’s bold move to pull McNabb didn’t motivate the QB, it got the rest of the team’s attention. Players rallied around their leader and they all played better down the stretch.
For that, Reid deserves credit. He didn’t panic during the tough times, remained firm and stuck with a philosophy that’s always worked for him.
“Coach Reid, man, he stays the same no matter what,” running back Correll Buckhalter said. “He never changes. He keeps the same rules. He just stays the same and I think that’s a big part of the success of this team. He stays the same through all the ups and downs. He tells us to just believe and play with heart and that’s what we do.”
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