In case anyone is wondering about my take on 4th and 15, I believe Andy should have went for it, but to me it is a really close call and I have the benefit of hind's sight. I was not all that opposed to his decision, but realized it was risky with the state of the Birds' dog-tired, ineffective defense.
Although, as I wrote right after the game, this decision did not win or lose the game for the Birds. The game was lost on the 3rd and 1 call down at the goal line early in the 4th quarter and the play calling prior to the 4th and 10 play after we recovered Reggie Bush's fumble late in the game.
Basically, I think Eagles phans are harping on 4th and 15 as a convenient play to place their anger. It's time to move on, guys. There are other areas to place your anger. Quite simply, the coaches and players as a whole have to be held accountable for this loss.
The Birds did not deserve to win this game as the Saints were better than them Saturday night, but the game was totally winnable and there for the taking. They received a gift turnover late in the game that they could have used to take the lead or tie the game, but did absolutely nothing with it. Put the Pats, Belichick, and Brady in the same spot and those guys take the ball down field and leave no time on the clock as they score the winning touchdown.
This game simply showed that there is a difference between Reid and Belichick as game day coaches. Big Red is a fine head coach during the week while putting together a game plan and getting the team is ready to play, but on game day, he just doesn't do enough to win close, pressure filled games against the very best of the profession. Unfortunately, it's something we're just going to have to accept.
Although, as I wrote right after the game, this decision did not win or lose the game for the Birds. The game was lost on the 3rd and 1 call down at the goal line early in the 4th quarter and the play calling prior to the 4th and 10 play after we recovered Reggie Bush's fumble late in the game.
Basically, I think Eagles phans are harping on 4th and 15 as a convenient play to place their anger. It's time to move on, guys. There are other areas to place your anger. Quite simply, the coaches and players as a whole have to be held accountable for this loss.
The Birds did not deserve to win this game as the Saints were better than them Saturday night, but the game was totally winnable and there for the taking. They received a gift turnover late in the game that they could have used to take the lead or tie the game, but did absolutely nothing with it. Put the Pats, Belichick, and Brady in the same spot and those guys take the ball down field and leave no time on the clock as they score the winning touchdown.
This game simply showed that there is a difference between Reid and Belichick as game day coaches. Big Red is a fine head coach during the week while putting together a game plan and getting the team is ready to play, but on game day, he just doesn't do enough to win close, pressure filled games against the very best of the profession. Unfortunately, it's something we're just going to have to accept.
2 comments:
You're right, Phan. The game probably was lost on the 3rd and 1 play near the goal line where they made the stupid decision to throw it to Thomas Tepeh of all people.
However, I strongly disagree with Reid's white flag approach to the 4th and 15. Why would you not give your offense one more chance to actually win the game? Did he really think that the defense was going to stop Deuce McAllister right then, when the Saints running game had run all over them all night? No one can tell me that Andy's decision was actually a good one to punt the ball and give up with 1:56 remaining in the game.
If a hockey team was down by 1 with a minute to go in the game, the goalie would be pulled for the extra skater. The chances that you're going to score are only slightly better, but you always want to give your team the chance.
Also, no surprise here, but Dave Spadaro and Howard Eskin trotted out some well organized and researched statistics to support Fat Andy's decision to punt.
Well, I don't know if I can condemn Reid totally.
I do totally disagree with the punt. I don't think there's anyone out there who doesn't.
He did coach the team all season, and led them to the playoffs, when most had written them off. McNabb went out and everyone wrote them off. It can't be Garcia who rallied the team to 6 straight wins.
I mean, yes, he was the QB, but who really led the team? I have to say it was Andy who told them to keep their heads up and win one (or six) for the ol' Donovan.
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