Andy Reid is more fiesty this training camp than he's been in the past and I don't think it's because he doesn't feel good about this team, I think it's because he does feel good about this team.
Andy Reid knows if this team can stay healthy they've got a chance. The play of two off season acquistions linebacker Takeo Spikes and wide receiver Kevin Curtis have made Andy realize that they could be a better team than they were in their Super Bowl year. He knows they have a deeper and more complete wide receiver corps, plus an established running game. They have the potential to be more consistent and versatile than they were in 2004.
I told you yesterday about him saying to Trotter, "Do we need to get Gaither back in here". Today Reid was watching a live drill when he said, "Get a back who will run hard" after Correll Buckhalter went through the motions on a rushing attempt. Words like that are a shot in the gut to a player who prides himself on being a true "warrior" on the field.
The message got through to Buck because he took his next carry on the 7 yard line in a red zone drill, was hit at the four, but ran over two tacklers and carried them all into the endzone. Those words from Reid surely got Buckhalter's attention. Andy didn't used to do those types of things. Now that he doesn't have to call the plays, I think Andy is becoming a better coach. I think he sees the big picture even better.
I've noticed him looking at the defense more often. This is good because it puts pressure on Jim Johnson and gives the Birds a couple of well trained eyes to monitor the progress of the defense.
There's no question that he's driving this team because he knows they have a chance to be a special group. That's a long way off but you've got to plan on being there if you're going to get there. Reid is working this group thinking about being physical enough to battle New England or San Diego. He knows if the defense can't stop Ryan Moats they're surely not going to be able to stop LaDanian Tomlinson. All the top AFC teams have proven backs with powerful offensive lines in front of them.
