Eagles Are Full Of Surprises
Upon further review maybe the Eagles’ shocking news Wednesday that they hired their offensive line coach to be their defensive coordinator shouldn’t be all that surprising when you consider recent history. The Birds under owner Jeffrey Lurie, right-hand man Joe Banner and head coach/Grand Poobah Andy Reid have not exactly done things by the book in recent years.
It really began in the offseason of 2004 when after repeatedly telling anyone who would listen they had quality wide receivers, they reversed field and got into the mix to acquire talented but mercurial wideout Terrell Owens. An arbiter eventually bequeathed T.O. to the Eagles and the city went on one of the wildest year-and-half journeys we’ve seen – one that included a dominating regular season, injury, a triumphant Super Bowl return, sit-ups in a driveway, ”next question” and his release.
We then hop in the time-travel machine and fast-forward to the preseason leading into the 2009 regular season when they did the unthinkable and signed freshly released from Leavenworth Michael Vick. Vick’s baggage made the Owens soap opera look like child’s play. There was outrage, anger, and a lack of comprehension why they would not only take on a convicted felon, but one whose crime was beyond heinous.
On top of that they still had Donovan McNabb and the heir apparent behind him, Kevin Kolb, waiting in the wings.
Accelerate to Easter Sunday night 2010. When after reiterating the man who he had been tied to his hip for 11 seasons, Donovan McNabb, was going to be his quarterback in the upcoming campaign, Reid then traded him. But it was not just the fact that he was dealt – they sent him to a division rival nonetheless.
Blasphemous! But they were not done there.
After Kolb, the freshly minted starting quarterback, was injured in the season opener, Reid assured everyone regardless of how Vick played in relief, Kolb would be the man once he returned. Wrongo my friend. After speaking “good English” to all the illiterate slobs listening, Reid went back on his word and benched Kolb in favor of Vick.
In very similar fashion, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, the day after his team was eliminated in the first round for a second straight season, Reid was asked about the status of his defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and went on to espouse a bouquet of praise on the long-time assistant. Reid made it clear McDermott would be back.
Alas just a few days later word filtered out that “Little Red” had been shown the door. Perhaps the same one Reid exited stage left out of to an island vacation. Not to be heard from for weeks.
Which brings us to last week’s stunner.
After interviewing three candidates not even their distant families had heard of for the head defensive coach position, the Eagles decided to once again promote from within. Because that worked out so well with McDermott.
But they put a nice twist on this bad boy; this time they hired Juan Castillo, who had been coaching the offensive line since Ray Rhodes was giving speeches about his dog being violated.
You’ve gotta give it to the Eagles – they are not boring. Forget about the fact that Castillo has not coached defense since the George Herbert Walker Bush was in office. And that was at the high school level.
Rehabbing a defense that was the worst in the red zone in 22 seasons, gave up 31 touchdown strikes in the air, and could not get to the quarterback with any consistency would be tough for anyone taking over. But Castillo’s lack of experience on that side of the ball makes this task looking even more daunting.
Three main questions arise from the choice. First, how can a 51-year-old O-line coach who has held that position since 1998 be a coordinator on the other side of the ball? Second, why not wait and at least talk to some of the assistants from the two Super Bowl teams, Pittsburgh and Green Bay? Two pretty good defensive units.
Was Castillo going somewhere? At his press conference he said he had no other options.
Lastly, why go back and again promote from within? Wasn’t a fresh voice needed? Clearly the scheme or choosing of players philosophically is flawed. Get an outside perspective, a fresh set of eyes and ears, someone not afraid to step on toes and change things up. From listening to Reid and Castillo it sounds as if the defense is not going to change much.
So this is just the latest for an organization full of bombshells. The only thing you can depend on these days is no surprise hoisting of the Lombardi Trophy.
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