One of the underlying themes to the resurgent Eagles season is a portion of fans, hopefully a small group, are actively rooting against the club. Some just want Reid or McNabb out, others think it's time to begin a complete roster overhaul. Whatever the reasons, think about that for a second. Eagles fans still pulling for losses in the middle of a suddenly very real playoff run.
It's certainly not the first time, but why? This isn't a case of a flailing franchise that would be happy just to get there. The Eagles, with a franchise QB, an MVP caliber RB, and a good defense, have one goal on their minds: win the Super Bowl. Haven't we learned in this age of parity that anything can happen? Getting into the post-season is only half the battle.
Periodically over the past two years, I've been critical of Andy Reid, at times calling for his removal, so I understand as well as anybody you may not necessarily like some of the players or coaches. There's nothing wrong with that. It's when those feelings become stronger than your desire to see the team win that you have crossed over into uncharted territory, something quite a bit different from being a fan.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Whatever your differences with Andy and Donovan, you need to put them aside and realize that, right now, they are the Philadelphia Eagles, this is a playoff hunt, and take your chances trying to win a championship with them knowing the consequences could be another year of insane play calling and worm balls.
Which doesn't cover the belief this team simply isn't good enough, the window has closed, it's time to secure a high draft pick and rebuild. The Eagles, like every team, clearly have some issues. Looking around the league, there aren't many clubs that are "complete," maybe none at all. At the end of the day though, someone has to win.
Those in favor of blowing everything up, where would you even begin? They have one of the better defenses in the NFL. McNabb is a starting QB, if not here, then someplace. No one could be in favor of getting rid of Westbrook. Kevin Curtis is locked up and DeSean Jackson is bursting with potential. The offensive line needs immediate help, but there are still some prospects there.
Wow, maybe they don't need a total makeover after all. Some new parts in a few key areas would help, but we've seen the defense be nothing less than dominant at times, and an offense capable of both grinding out a win or lighting up the scoreboard.
None of this means they're actually going to the Super Bowl, much less winning it, even the playoffs for that matter, and no, just getting in shouldn't necessarily appease the fans. Today though, the Eagles have a real shot at this, and regardless of your thoughts and opinions, you should be on board no matter the result.