Doug Pederson is unsure of the reaction he’ll receive from Eagles faithful

Whenever former Philadelphia Eagles return to Lincoln Financial Field, there’s always the possibility of a welcome that falls a few feet short of being ‘warm’. There are times when it might make you ask why Philly is known as the City of Brotherly Love. Doug Pederson understands that.

While meeting with members of the Philadelphia sports media on Wednesday, that was one of the topics of conversation that came up. We missed this one live, so thank Chris Frankin of NJ Advance Media for the quote.

Here’s what Doug had to say about a homecoming of sorts, one scheduled for Week 4’s slate of games on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.

"I remember when I was with the Chiefs and Coach Reid, we came back, and he got a standing ovation. Hopefully, it’s in that realm, but look, it’s Philly. Anything’s possible with these fans. I’m just looking forward to running out of that tunnel with the Jaguars and then getting ready to play a game that one o’clock."

Doug’s return as Jaguars head coach doubles as the first time he’s walked onto The Linc’s playing surface to coach a football game since he coached his last game as Eagles head coach, a January 3rd tank job versus Washington in 2021.

There’s no reason why the Eagles faithful shouldn’t give Doug Pederson an ovation.

Much has changed since Pederson’s exit. Can you believe he’s never seen the Philly Special Statue? Either way, regardless of how things ended, all is forgiven, There’s no reason why Doug wouldn’t or shouldn’t receive a warm ovation… before the game we mean.

Here’s what he stated while recounting his fondest memories.

"I have a lot of fond memories there. What we did in 2017 is something that we will always remember. I’m excited about that. We have a few days here, so we still have to get the team prepared and ready to go."

The Birds are favored. Truthfully, a loss, after what we’ve seen from Philly so far this season would be disappointing, but we haven’t seen anything stating the Jaguars are forfeiting. So, by our estimation, it appears that Jacksonville is showing up, and the Eagles had better come ready to play.

As far as Doug Pederson goes and what type of reception he should expect, he’s right. There’s no way to tell what will happen, but this feels different than DeSean Jackson or LeSean McCoy returning (even though DeSean got booed and Shady didn’t).

This isn’t in the same stratosphere of Jalen Reagor stating that he wants revenge. This isn’t Ben Simmons returning or Carson Wentz. This isn’t even similar to Andy Reid’s return. This is the only man who has ever lived that can say he led the Eagles to a Super Bowl win and their first Vince Lombardi Trophy as the team’s head coach.

Doug is a class act. He left on good terms. He’s never said anything derogatory since his departure. It’s for that reason that we expect a loving welcome, but again, that will have to happen prior to kickoff.

Doug is an Eagle. He’s played here, and he’s coached here. Eventually he’ll be welcomed back with open arms. Until then, he’s the enemy, but that doesn’t mean he can’t experience that brotherly love one more time. He defnitley won’t receive any between 1:00 p.m. EST and about 4:30.