Team hires Todd Bowles as secondary coach Brad Biggs
Philadelphia Eagles fans have been waiting and waiting for some indication what direction Andy Reid plans to go with his coaching staff this coming season.
Some clarity finally arrived this morning. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Todd Bowles will be hired as the defensive backs coach in charge of cornerbacks. And with that move comes the news that Juan Castillo, who was under fire much of last season, will remain as the defensive coordinator.
Reid and Castillo faced an avalanche of criticism in 2011 even if statistically the defense wasn’t a problem. Reid made the rare move of switching Castillo, a longtime offensive line coach, to defensive coordinator. When the team didn’t perform well, that became a central focus of those criticizing the team.
Owner Jeff Lurie has supported Reid, who returns for what surely is a must-win season. The Eagles need to play better on defense too. Now, they have a well-respected coach in Bowles to assist them.
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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune
Sure, how can you criticize a unit that goes from 12th to 8th? Statistics are everything. Ignore the five blown fourth quarter leads. Ignore the fact they single covered Larry Freaking Fitzgerald with a nickel back on the game-loser against AZ. Ignore the fact that they started the year with a rookie MLB who was too overmatched for special teams, let alone calling the plays. Ignore the fact that the final four week "strong finish" was against Matt Moore, Mark Sanchez, Stephen McGee in a give-up game for Dallas, and Rex The Wonder Dog. Or that the defense was eviscerated by teams with a winning record, got punked by Marshawn Lynch to the point of comedy...
There's a common factor for the people who wanted Castillo gone, or Reid gone. Those would be people who root for the laundry who actually watched the games, and care about wins, rather than statistics. A great deal of talent and opportunity was wasted here because Reid needed to hire his pet coach. And now we get to see him again in 2012. Joy!
I blame Reid. You NEVER put coaches - or players - in a position where they will fail. I mean c'mon, a guy who hadn't coached D in at least 20 years as coordinator? With a screwed up approach of spending big bucks on CBs and ignoring LBs? In a season with no prep time? Deck was stacked against Castillo from the beginning. Not saying he did a good job, but I don't think he ever had a chance. Birds should have gotten rid of Reid but as long as they kept him then give Castillo another shot.
Jan 30, 2012
04:17 PM
I heard a rumor on WIP me thinks, that Peyton will or may not be signed by Irsay since they are going for Luck. that he would like to come to the Eagles. I would like to see that because they go South with what they got now. The biggest piece of xxxx I ever saw. All that money for what???
I doubt it will happen and it may be wishful thinking.
Good luck with that