Andy Reid met the media in his weekly Monday press conference and understandably the questions and criticism were more pointed than in recent weeks. At one point, Reid was asked the question many Eagles fans are asking today. Is he the right coach to lead this team?
"I am" Reid responded.
However, the coach did acknowledge the fans frustration in watching a team with so much preseason promise simply wilt so quickly.
"I’ve always said this, I completely understand that" Reid said "What we’re going to do is take care of our business and make sure that we get it right. I know our fans deserve that, so we understand that. I understand that, and I think everyone on our team understands that."
Of course, the major topic of conversation was the benching of DeSean Jackson after the pro bowl WR missed a meeting on Saturday. Reid said that Jackson remained a starter at WR, but no one is above the rules.
"I’ve always had a good relationship with DeSean. Now listen, I’ve done this with other players so we can’t forget that part. I’ve done this two or three times with other players where I’ve sat them down, so it’s just one of those things that happens. And I will tell you that, myself included, nobody is bigger than the football team and so if you’re wrong in a spot then you have consequences, too. And that’s how it works."
As for what needs to be done moving forward, Reid says that it’s all about closing out games. The Eagles have blown five fourth quarter leads, including four at home, the only team in NFL history to do so.
"I see that we need to work on a few things. We’re close, obviously, if we’re ahead in the fourth quarter there’s a period of time there that you have to figure out and straighten out, especially in five games. If you can do it for the first three quarters and given in the fourth quarter, then you should be able to finish the game, and that’s our challenge as coaches and players to make sure we get that win. And so, that’s what we’re going to continue to do."