Post by EagleGene on Dec 29, 2005 8:13:22 GMT -5
SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
December 28, 2005
By CHRIS McPHERSON
"We look forward to the challenge..."
It's what head coach Andy Reid says before every game, but does it have any more special meaning this week?
Sure, the Eagles are finishing up their 2005 season and no matter what Sunday's outcome against the Washington Redskins is, the end result of this season will be a far cry of the goals this team set out when training camp commenced in July.
But here's something to look at: 2-1, 4-1, 3-1, 4-1, 2-0, 3-1 and 1-0...they are the records in the final games of the 2004 season of seven teams who have clinched playoff spots this season. If the Eagles can stun the Redskins, they will finish the season winning two of their last three games and carry momentum into the New Year.
"It's important that they get themselves prepared like other weeks," said head coach Andy Reid. "They do the small things that are necessary to go out and play, play with emotion."
The Eagles are coming off their Christmas Eve loss to Arizona. It was a game where the Eagles had 10 total penalties, missed blocking assignments on offense and had an interception by quarterback Mike McMahon returned for a touchdown. Reid said that he doesn't think the problem is the way the team prepares for the game.
"I think the guys have prepared well," said Reid. "There's been a good attitude in practice. There have just been too many mistakes in the game. You have too many mistakes and penalties. It's hard to win games like that."
And that is why the Eagles will miss the playoffs for only the second time in Reid's tenure as head coach. That first time was his rookie year of 1999 when the Eagles finished 5-11. Reid said that turning the team back into a playoff contender for next season will be a challenge just like every season, even the winning ones.
"Every year is so different," said Reid. "It really is. Sometimes you get caught up in the wins and losses, but there are challenges for coaches and players every season."
Other than playing the role of spoiler this Sunday, the Redskins must win to make the playoffs for the first time since '99, the Eagles will get a final chance to see some of the young players in an expanded role. One of those players will be Philadelphia-native, running back Bruce Perry. In his NFL debut, Perry averaged 31.7 yards on six kickoff returns.
"He'll have a few more shots than last week (to run the ball)," said Reid. "We were easing him in there last week and he did a pretty good job. He'll get a few more opportunities this week."
Perry only had one rush for four yards, but should have more carries this Sunday as he will look forward to his own challenge of proving he belongs in the NFL.
December 28, 2005
By CHRIS McPHERSON
"We look forward to the challenge..."
It's what head coach Andy Reid says before every game, but does it have any more special meaning this week?
Sure, the Eagles are finishing up their 2005 season and no matter what Sunday's outcome against the Washington Redskins is, the end result of this season will be a far cry of the goals this team set out when training camp commenced in July.
But here's something to look at: 2-1, 4-1, 3-1, 4-1, 2-0, 3-1 and 1-0...they are the records in the final games of the 2004 season of seven teams who have clinched playoff spots this season. If the Eagles can stun the Redskins, they will finish the season winning two of their last three games and carry momentum into the New Year.
"It's important that they get themselves prepared like other weeks," said head coach Andy Reid. "They do the small things that are necessary to go out and play, play with emotion."
The Eagles are coming off their Christmas Eve loss to Arizona. It was a game where the Eagles had 10 total penalties, missed blocking assignments on offense and had an interception by quarterback Mike McMahon returned for a touchdown. Reid said that he doesn't think the problem is the way the team prepares for the game.
"I think the guys have prepared well," said Reid. "There's been a good attitude in practice. There have just been too many mistakes in the game. You have too many mistakes and penalties. It's hard to win games like that."
And that is why the Eagles will miss the playoffs for only the second time in Reid's tenure as head coach. That first time was his rookie year of 1999 when the Eagles finished 5-11. Reid said that turning the team back into a playoff contender for next season will be a challenge just like every season, even the winning ones.
"Every year is so different," said Reid. "It really is. Sometimes you get caught up in the wins and losses, but there are challenges for coaches and players every season."
Other than playing the role of spoiler this Sunday, the Redskins must win to make the playoffs for the first time since '99, the Eagles will get a final chance to see some of the young players in an expanded role. One of those players will be Philadelphia-native, running back Bruce Perry. In his NFL debut, Perry averaged 31.7 yards on six kickoff returns.
"He'll have a few more shots than last week (to run the ball)," said Reid. "We were easing him in there last week and he did a pretty good job. He'll get a few more opportunities this week."
Perry only had one rush for four yards, but should have more carries this Sunday as he will look forward to his own challenge of proving he belongs in the NFL.