Andy Reid’s final stand will come at the Linc on Sunday
(Image via GCobb.com)
Regardless of the outcome of today’s game at Lincoln Financial Field between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins, it will be a significant day in the franchise’s history. Why? Because it will very likely mark the last game in Philadelphia for Andy Reid, the last time he will have an opportunity to interact with thousands of Eagles fans.
How will the good-bye go? Will fans boo? Will they applaud? The curiosity of seeing the final reception for Reid from Birds fans may well override the storyline of the three-way tie in the NFC East that will, in part, take place on the field. We already know, of course, that the Eagles are the only team in the division with no part of that race.
Players like LeSean McCoy, who will take to the field Sunday after recovering from a concussion, doesn’t want to think about the rapidly approaching steps leading to the end of Reid’s tenure in Philadelphia.
“I’m not thinking like that. I don’t want to answer that type of question. As far as I’m concerned, he’s our coach right now and hopefully in the future.”
For better or for worse, Shady is in Reid’s corner until the very end.
“If you sat here and tried to name five to eight coaches that’s better than Coach Reid, I would like to hear them, because Coach Reid’s a good coach. He gets blamed for everything. Sometimes if you break down the film or break down the plays and the mistakes, how do you fault the coach for that? But I guess people have their own opinions and their minds are made up. The thing about the team is we know how good of a coach he really is. Whatever happens, happens. I’m behind Coach Reid 110 percent.”
Yes, it is players who are the ones who actually play the game. But from an outside perspective, the sloppy play and poor fundamentals point to a lack of discipline. A lack of respect for the game. And no one on a team is more important in setting a tone of discipline and respect than the head coach.
Does Reid deserve a warm send-off from Philadelphia fans at the Linc on Sunday? I’d say so. If nothing else, it’s because the nightmare of the past two seasons is nearing its conclusion. Yes, Big Red brought a lot of success to the franchise over his fourteen years with the team and that should be acknowledged. But he is also made a number of shocking miscues that have led directly to where the Eagles find themselves today.
The long march to the end of the season is thankfully almost over for this team, as is, in all likelihood, the end of the Reid era in Philadelphia.
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