The 2012 Eagles have been reduced to the NFL’s version of
enhancement talent. They’re down to two healthy starters on offense, and have
already begun chopping off limbs on defense. Honestly, what more is there left
to say? At this point, we’re just counting down the days until it’s over – in
my case, quite literally.
Once it became clear Jeffrey Lurie wasn’t going to give in to
pressure from fans or members of the local media who started calling for Andy
Reid’s mid-season firing purely for the sake of firing him, I became
increasingly curious about when. What is the right timing? I’m talking down to
the day.
In fairness, this is inevitable, right? My intention here is
not to be callous, but even Andy couldn’t possibly survive this, not in light
of the owner’s ultimatum – could he?
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I’m just a guy who writes about the Eagles, wondering when we
can all move on. So awhile back, I broke out the calendar and attempted to
pinpoint the time and day the announcement would come. I took into account the
possibility Reid might get canned early, but amid increasing reports he is expected
to finish the season, I am finalizing my prediction today.
December 31 at 12:00 p.m.
Barring an inconceivable playoff run, the Eagles play their
last game at the Meadowlands on December 30. Reid delivers his usual day-after
(and presumptive year-end) press conference at noon, joined by none other than
Lurie. The two of them discuss the split, Reid rides off into the sunset, and
the Eagles start 2013 with a clean slate.
It all seems so perfect – minus the part about the possible
3-13 finish, of course.
I suppose Reid could still get canned before the season is
out, perhaps after their current stretch of four games in 18 days ends against
Cincinnati in two weeks, or the news could be handed down as the clock ticks zero on
their season in New York, wasting no time in ushering out the current regime.
That's my prediction, and I'm sticking to it. What's yours?
Who knows, maybe Reid will be welcomed back for a 15th season after all.