The Philadelphia Eagles under Juan Castillo as the defensive coordinator, through the first six games of the season? The record was 3-3, with the defense allowing 20.8 points per game. Andy Reid fires Castillo and Todd Bowles takes over. How bad is it? Five straight defeats, allowing 31.4 points per game.
In five games, opposing quarterbacks have a 139.9 passer rating, completed 75.2 percent of their passes and averaged 9.7 yards per attempt. They’ve thrown 13 touchdown passes and no interceptions. Through the first six games, opposing quarterbacks had a 69.4 passer rating, completed 52.6 percent of their passes and averaged 6.2 yards per attempt, throwing seven touchdowns to seven interceptions.
Andy Reid couldn’t fire himself, so he fired someone else, pretending that the problems were with his defense, which was actually the only thing keeping this team together and competitive while the offensive line did everything wrong, allowing Michael Vick to become the most beat up person in the NFL. A lot of animal lovers around the USA were lovin’ it, but that is no way to run a football team. While he supplied no answers to make his offense, team and quarterback(s) better, Reid fired the one guy on his coaching staff doing their job, and doomed the Eagles to their worst season since 1998, from before his tenure began.
On the other hand, he’s made life very easy for opposing quarterbacks.
Week 8, coming in after a bye week, the Eagles lose to the undefeated Atlanta Falcons. The first time Andy Reid has lost after a bye week. Matt Ryan completes 22 of his 29 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns, earning a 137.4 passer rating.
Week 9, the Eagles are with a losing record for the first time this season, something that isn’t going to change. They play an improving New Orleans Saints team, with the worst defense in the NFL. Drew Brees picks the Eagles apart with 21-27, 239 yards 2 touchdown passes and a 128.2 passer rating.
Week 10, the home defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. That was probably the last line drawn in the sand, the point of no return in Andy Reid’s chances of returning to Philadelphia next season. But he lost, badly, 38-23. Tony Romo completed 19 of his 26 passes for 209 yards, two touchdown passes and a 122.1 passer rating.
Week 11, no hope is really left. Nick Foles is the quarterbacks, completing less than 50% of his passes against the Washington Redskins. On the other end, Robert Griffin III finishes with the following stat line: 14-15, 200 yards, 4 touchdowns, 158.3 passer rating. Perfect. He also rushed for 84 yards.
Week 12, Monday Night Football embarrassment Yes, the terrible Carolina Panthers aren’t that bad when it comes to playing the Eagles defense. Cam Newton, struggling all season long, looks like it’s 2011 all over again. He throws for 306 yards and two touchdowns, good enough for a 125 passer rating and a 30-22 win. He also rushes for 52 yards and two touchdowns.
Hope? There is none. Next up on the calendar? Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Washington again and the Giants to finish things off. Josh Freeman, Andy Dalton RG3 and Eli Manning (if he doesn’t sit the final game) can’t wait.