Can Philadelphia Eagles Reinvent Big Red’s Magic?
By Bret Stuter
The Philadelphia Eagles are taking a huge gamble by trying to duplicate the success of Andy Reid’s tenure by following the script all over again. But has the game changed in the meantime?
It’s a simple script, and one the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles know oh so well. Start with a defense. A rugged, stalwart defense with a reputation of punishing offensive players who enter their territory. Follow that up with an offensive line in the large and in charge variety, or as former head coach Andy Reid enjoyed referring to them as a “parade of elephants”.
Add to the mix a scat back- a diverse running back who can overmatch a defensive back or linebacker when running passing routes, or can slip through the running lanes with a quick burst good for a first down. Next add a capable tight end you can count on to seal the edge on a sweep or run a post route for a long score. Then add a squad of receivers, none of whom will lead the league in receiving yards, but whose aggregate effect is to place the offense in the realm of passing leaders of the NFL.
Do all that, and you have a chance at playing well, well enough to earn a place in the NFL playoffs.
That’s the plan. Not very splashy. Not very sexy. Not even very innovative. Simply trying to retrace the steps left by Andy Reid and his defensive guru the late Jim Johnson.
Before anyone gets the wrong idea, this is not an easy stride to duplicate. In fact, the very first step of creating a rugged stalwart defense with a reputation of punishing the offense has been virtually impossible to duplicate so far.
Next: It's All About The Defense