Andy Reid finally speaks. And you know what, this fan could care less
Speaking weeks after the departure of Dawkins and speaking to an Eagles' employee looks and feels like nothing more than a well rehearsed show. The Joe Banner show. The comments on how much Dawkins is going to be missed at this point are insulting to us fans and to Dawkins himself. The comments are without emotion.
When the off-season first started Reid commented that he expected and wanted both Dawkins and Tra back. I believe that was the true and honest Reid. Banner wasn't there to influence Reid. But once money became a factor the organization and coach went silent. Now that the situation has calmed down the Eagles finally see it fit to provide their thoughts. They would have been better off remaining silent..
And if the Dawkins' comments were enough to anger fans, Reid goes on to comment about the teams' fee agency action (or lack there of).
"You can say it's a conservative approach or you can just say it's smart,” Reid modestly concludes. “People are hesitant to say that, but … Because you have the money, you just don't go blow it on something that you don't think is good enough quality to put on the Eagles uniform."
Sure free agency isn't the ideal way to build a championship (see the Redskins' example), but don't flat out say that FA signings aren't smart or aren't worth the money. FA signings are effective and you would have to look no further than the 2004 Eagles' team for your proof. That off-season the Eagles actually made some free agency noise and landed Kearse and Owens. These were the pieces that finally got the Eagles over their NFC Championship Game hump and to Reid's one and only Super Bowl appearance.
The team had the money this off-season. There were players out there that would have again pushed the Eagles to the head of the NFC. But the players did not fit into the Banner business plan and the Eagles still remain on the verge of being good, but not 2004 great. Sure there is still time to tweak the final product but Eagles' history and these comments shouldn't have you too hopeful.
So I guess the best way to react to the Reid interview is just to ignore it.. Reid may be the one speaking, but they are surely the words of Banner.
