Time to end Reid/McNabb era

I’ve seen enough of the Andy Reid/Donovan McNabb era, with Sunday’s loss to the Giants the clincher.

 

The coach and quarterback have accomplished a lot since joining the Eagles in 1999, as much or more than any coach and QB in Eagles history.

 

But Sunday was the latest example of how frustrating things have gotten in Eagleville, and it’s time to split them up.

 

I still think McNabb is one of the better QBs in the NFL, one who can excel in the right offense with the right team. That could even happen with the Eagles under a new offensive philosophy.

 

I doubt Reid’s going anywhere, though, so I think it’s time for McNabb to move on and Reid to give Kevin Kolb a shot.

 

I do feel bad for McNabb because he’s asked to throw the ball 60-70 percent of the time, but he has subpar players to catch the ball.

 

The Eagles’ mediocre receivers, sans the electrifying and talented DeSean Jackson, couldn’t get open, were beaten to their spot and dropped balls in Sunday’s loss to the Giants.

 

Yet, Reid continues to rely on mediocre receivers in his passing offense. Absolutely maddening.

 

It’s doubtful Reid will change his offensive philosophy or bring in better receivers, but it’s clear change needs to be made.

 

So, put in Kolb and see what he can do. Maybe he won’t do any better. Maybe McNabb will prosper somewhere else.

 

Then the coach will have some real questions he’ll have to answer.

 

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Tuesday’s sked

 

Utah at Sixers, 7 p.m.

Flyers at Islanders, 2 p.m.

 

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phillysportsbeat@gmail.com

Should the Eagles get immunity?

A hot topic around town over the last week has been whether the Eagles, and Philly’s other pro teams, should get some sort of immunity in light of the Phillies’ championship.

 

Mike Missanelli asked the question Thursday on 950-ESPN, with his feeling being the Eagles deserve a three-year window before the rabid criticism returns.

 

My hope is that fans and media hold the Eagles and the others to the same standard they always have.  

 

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In his column this morning, The Inquirer’s John Gonzalez touched on Andy Reid’s press conference, smartly comparing Reid to the teacher from Charlie Brown. Of Reid’s answers, Gonzalez wrote: “All I heard was wawawawawa.”

 

I mentioned in an earlier post my disdain for the way Reid handles his press conferences. Gonzalez’s point also got me thinking about how little personality Reid’s players, likely taking a cue from their head coach, have had during his tenure.

 

There’s no substitute for winning, but a big reason this town fell in love with the Phillies is because of their personalities, from Howard, to Victorino, to Rollins and even Manuel. I could go on.

 

The Eagles, whether it’s corporate policy or not, are very bland – almost to a man. Sports are supposed to be fun, something Reid and the Eagles should remember.

 

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The Sixers went 0-for-Florida with their 98-88 loss to Orlando last night. The Magic doubled Elton Brand at every chance and forced the others Sixers to beat them. Unfortunately for Philly, the others Sixers weren’t able to do that.

 

I’m not sure what to make of the Sixers right now. I saw them demolish the Knicks, looking good, and watched on TV when they did the same to the Kings. But losses to Toronto, Atlanta, Miami and Orlando – all Eastern Conference teams – have me wondering about this team.

 

My gut feeling is they should be among the top four teams in the watered-down, but improving East.

 

I’ll be in attendance when the Sixers next take the court, Tuesday at the Wachovia Center against the Jazz, and will learn some more about this team.

 

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Philly Weekend Watch

 

Tonight

Penn at Princeton football, 7 p.m.

 

Saturday

New Hampshire at Villanova football, 3:30 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Flyers, 7 p.m.

 

Sunday

Giants at Eagles, 8:15 p.m.

 

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phillysportsbeat@gmail.com