GAMES — Once Again, Reid’s Team Looks Good

If nothing else, planning is the key to Big Red’s success over a dozen years in Philadelphia.
From the time he showed up in Jeff Lurie’s office with a large three-ring binder full of “how to” and “when to” strategies, Reid has relied on his learned ability to plan every move his team would make. There can be no sustained success without a plan that is carefully developed and followed devoutly.
There can be no other reason for his uncanny 12-0 record in games which follow the bye week. While his players head off for warm locations and family reunions, Reid undoubtedly takes advantage of the break by burying himself in more film and more data about the next opponent. The record does not lie.
Critics make valid points about what the team is incapable of when the plans go astray. Game day adjustments, especially in the emotional heat of the moment, have often doomed Reid’s Eagles. Clock management and situational play calling still befuddle followers who scream at their flat screens when the coach challenges a first down play at the two-inch line despite replays which indicate it is not conclusive.
But that’s another story that will undoubtedly be re-told at a later date.
After last Sunday’s victory over Indianapolis Reid’s team is once again in the thick of things at 5-3 in the mediocre NFC.
I often think back to those late summer prognostications made on radio and television. People take their best guesses at the games the Birds will lose and those in which they will prevail.
Followers of the team know those predictions never happen. Over the years and for a variety of reasons the team has repeatedly lost to poor squads and then found ways to overcome more talented teams.
To Reid’s unending credit, the team is almost always good enough to challenge for the top but it is also wildly frustrating at times.
Reid is clearly an effective organizational leader who avoids the types of controversies that recently enveloped his former assistant, Brad Childress, and his former quarterback’s new coach, Mike Shanahan.
As intense as the media scrutiny is in this region, Reid did tremendous work in keeping Donovan McNabb’s continual adventures in-house.
Reid’s leadership is seen in how the organization often speaks with one voice and how his players seldom make inappropriate public remarks.
Reid’s post-game tendency to say nothing at press conferences endears him to his players who do not wish to be thrown under the proverbial bus when they make mistakes.
Reid prefers behind-closed-doors communication with his players and the evidence shows that his way is productive.
Everyone who cheers for the Eagles wants the team to win its first Super Bowl. And it cannot be disputed that some of the coach’s stubbornness toward the running game and clock management drives fans insane.
But even now Reid’s legacy remains to be written. He faces a crucial decision when Vick’s future is discussed behind those closed doors.
The lightning rod quarterback is blessed with amazing physical skills but will forever be followed by a horrific past. Yet Vick reminds many of how McNabb would hustle around the field before his legs gave way to the rigors of NFL tackling. It also appears Vick is a more accurate passer than his predecessor in Philadelphia.
Kevin Kolb is a nice enough guy with true leadership instincts. He doesn’t have the foot speed or arm strength of Vick but he has pedigree and shows true signs of being an effective QB. Reid drafted Kolb and has worked to develop him into a bona fide NFL player. But Big Red will soon need to decide between them.
He’ll need to shore up his supposed specialty, the offensive line. Vick has moved ahead of Kolb primarily because the line is not capable of sustaining blocks for a pocket passer. Vick makes highlight reel plays by extending the action with speed and quickness.
Give Reid credit for transforming Vick into a calmer, more accurate passer who runs when he must and tries patiently to find open receivers late in their routes.
The remaining schedule promises battles with division foes and potential playoff teams. The coming weeks will require the planning Reid is famous for and may exhibit the weaknesses he has faltered with over 12 years.
While the team is a commendable 5-3, most do not feel they have the offensive line or defense to sustain a championship run.
The skill positions and kicking game are rock solid. Reid and his coaches must continue to put together game plans, which mask the poor areas and emphasize the strengths. If Vick stays healthy a playoff appearance is not impossible.
For all the criticism we levy at Reid, his 2010 squad, like most of his teams over the years, are good enough to keep us interested and suspect enough to have us doubting the possibility of the promised land. Each game makes us twist and turn in our seats and utter the occasional scream. It’s never dull and it’s often difficult to predict.
Eight more interesting games are ahead. Will they reveal another good Reid team, which falls short, or can they go farther. At least we’re in position to wonder.
You can reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net