Can Philadelphia Eagles Reinvent Big Red’s Magic?

Schwartz Could Be the Defensive Answer

Since the passing of the great Jim Johnson, the team has struggled to find a defensive coordinator who connected with the fans, with the players, and whose defense put up solid stats. Either the coach never connected with the players (Sean McDermott), the fans (Juan Castillo), or neither (Billy Davis).

But Jim Schwartz has that rare combination of connecting to both players and fans. He lauds hard work and effort as the fans, but he is honest to the media, a trait that earns the utmost respect in Philadelphia. Make a great play, he applauds loudly. But sometimes the defense misses their assignments:

And the inverse reaction happens.  That will not only get the attention of the defense, it will instill trust in the fans that the coach is seeing the same play that is visible in the stands.  Honest communication is the secret to building trust with the city of Philadelphia.  Earn that trust, and you will find cheers reigning down upon the field as loud as the volume of a jet engine.

Betray that trust, and the cheers become boos.

But it’s not just a fan base watching the defensive side of the ball. This is a team sport, a fact that is not lost easily.  But just as the defense must be stalwart, the offense must be scrappy.  Dig in for that extra yard.  Find a way to move the chains.  Push the ball on a long drive down the field.

But most of all, don’t cough up the ball or toss an INT.

Next: The Weaponless Offense