NFL: Eagles’ woes mounting after Monday Night debacle
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| Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid talks to quarterback Michael Vick (7) during the first quarter of the Eagles' 28-13 loss Monday night against the Saints in New Orleans. The Eagles' five red-zone trips resulted in no touchdowns. (AP) |
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His offense couldn’t score in the red zone. His defense couldn’t tackle, and the questions about his job security increase. At least Eagles coach Andy Reid is keeping his cool.
Reid insists that his battered 3-5 team can turn things around despite losing its fourth in a row with Monday’s 28-13 defeat by the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome.
Reid wasn’t combative or mean-spirited during his news conference Tuesday at the NovaCare Complex. He did appear a little bewildered, not to mention tired, seemingly a person who knows all the questions but still is searching for answers.
Other than getting new personnel, Reid may be running out of solutions – and time.
Though it’s not his style to call out individuals, Reid voiced collective criticism of both his offensive and defensive units.
“Five opportunities in the red zone and going 0 for 5 scoring touchdowns and giving up an interception for a touchdown,” Reid said. “Having seven sacks – you can’t function at this level with seven sacks.”
The Eagles also had their poorest tackling game of the season.
“Definitely, our tackling was not anywhere near what we are capable of doing, and we had a couple of key penalties there,” Reid said.
The coach said he understands that there is discussion about his job security, especially since owner Jeffrey Lurie said at the beginning of the season that another 8-8 record would not be acceptable.
“You focus in on the job at hand, and you don’t get past that,” Reid said. said. “So going past and looking at things like records and futures and all those things, I know those are questions you have to ask. I understand that. But when you are in this thing, you are in to practice every day, every play, get yourself better, and there is no time to think about those things.”
Reid maintains that he has the personnel to win, even expressing confidence in his makeshift offensive line. And he insists that he hasn’t lost the locker room and that the players haven’t lost confidence.
“The way this football team is wired, I don’t think that will happen,” he said about being tuned out by the players. “They are a close bunch and have good character and fight and battled through last year and ended up winning some games, and I expect them to continue to battle through, and good things will happen.”
