1-4 in Championship Games

Can any local residents give us a quick summary of how this is playing in the various media outlets (that you can stand to listen to)

John,

It feels the same as it did every other time. The sentiment I'm hearing the most is the defense failed the Birds at the most inopportune time. McNabb statistically had a great game, but those stats are slightly deceiving - however, this loss was by no means McNabb's fault.

The Birds receivers still drop too many balls.

Akers picked a bad time to have a terrible game - and he compounded the problem by acting snippy with the local media after the game.

No one that I know is obnoxiously saying that Reid and McNabb should be gone, but there is an undercurrent that some kind of change needs to be made. The team just can't keep beating their heads against this wall.

Cris Carter this morning on Mike and Mike pointed to two 'upgrades' needed

A Shutdown Corner who could stop a guy like Fitzgerald

A Receiver of the upper echelon compared to what they have now

I worry about the durability of Westbrook - because in this offense replacing him ain't easy

Cris Carter doesn't get it. Sheldon Brown was a top 3 corner in the NFL this year. The TD he allowed to Fitzgerald was the first TD he allowed ALL SEASON. That's as shutdown as they come. The Birds secondary is the least of their worries.

I think the Birds need a draft a RB to take the load off Westbrook. His knee injury is a chronic problem. The Birds need to address their offensive line as their number one concern.

Except that as I understand it (and my understanding is limited), Westbrook is a rather out of the ordinary type of RB in the NFL because of his strength as a receiver out of the backfield as well. Is it as simple as drafting a RB or is it harder to replace him because of his receiving ability/requirements as well?

You are correct - Westbrook is a truly unique player because not only can he catch the ball he is also an excellent pass blocker. Replacing Westbrook is a tall task. At this point the Birds don't need a full scale replacement, they just need someone who can share the load. I will profile a ton of the RBs who will be in for the draft in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned.

Here is what the eagles need to move forward.
Derrick Ward could be a nice pickup or another POWER back...ala Brandon jacobs.
Another good tight end...Tony Gonzales on a one or two year deal comes to mind.
A Stud GIANT wide receiver. Anquann boldin would be a nice pickup...
A left or right tackle to replace runyan or thomas...whoever leaves.

On the defensive side...Maybe Julius Peppers ?
The focus of this team should be the offensive side of the ball. Specifically the running game.
If we had a power back like Jacobs to compliment westbrook we win the superbowl with this team. There is only 2 QB's who have the arm and the weapons to throw every down. Manning and Brady.
Mcnabb has the arm but doesnt have the same arsenal...
Stop asking him to throw every down and expect to win. Even warner with his 3 stud receivers only threw 5 times on the last drive.

I'm going to go a little negadelphian here. Please allow me to vent.

Rationally, I don't think Andy Reid should be fired or McNabb traded.

BUT, given the history of the Reid Eagles in conference championships, the fan in me wonders if the Eagles made the NFC Championship next season, would anyone have ANY confidence at all they could win it, or would you all be like "How are they going to screw it up this time?" I know I would be in the latter camp.

At what point does this regime (by which I vaguely mean coaching staff and McNabb) run out of chances?

I here ya Brian. Check out the new post.

Did you hear Banner's comments on "Banging your head against the wall." yesterday?

He basically said changes needed to be made, but them immediately recanted and said those changes don't mean McNabb or Reid.