Philadelphia Eagles: Winning Cures All (And not winning...)
As the Philadelphia Eagles face final elimination from the playoffs this Thursday, there are several questions that experts, the media and fans are asking: “What changes need to be made?”
For example, has Andy Reid seen his last season in Philadelphia?
It is hard to believe that fans could be asking this about the all time winningest coach in franchise history. This is the same coach who took this franchise to an unprecedented 5 NFC title games and one Super Bowl.
If the Eagles finish the season with a losing record and/or out of the playoffs, I look for the franchise to say good-bye to a great guy and a great coach. The bottom line in this league is you have to win now! This team is far too talented to be a 4-7 team. Now with issues in the locker room among players and coaches, the onus falls on the head coach to keep things under control. Fair or not fair, this could be it.
Does the team use the franchise tag on DeSean Jackson? If this question is germane to talent, the answer is a resounding yes! If this question is about whom you trust in critical situations, I think we all know the answer. This front office has always been about investing in good people and people who were ambassadors to the game. Do you give Jackson one more year under the franchise tag to see if he is worth a long-term deal? If the team does so, and the result doesn’t translate into wins on the field, D-Jack is gone.
Does the team sign NFL leading rusher LeSean McCoy to a long term deal given the relatively quick deterioration of running back skills with age? McCoy is only 23 years old and should finish as the franchise’s all time leading rusher in history. Paying McCoy with up-front guaranteed money now and back end loaded years is a wise move. McCoy has been a solid citizen since entering the league in 2009 and is becoming known for making goodwill appearances in the community. He understands that a long-term deal requires solid citizenship as well as talent. He also knows how to win, which is exactly why he will secure his long-term deal.
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