There’s no denying that the Eagles offense is in dire need of change. It’s screaming out for any signs of life after a game where the 32nd ranked Seattle pass defense had their way with Carson Wentz and company. Fans have been pounding the table for Head Coach Doug Pederson to give up play-calling duties, but don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
After speaking with the media on Tuesday, one thing became inherently clear. After losing endless hands of blackjack, he’s doubled down instead of walking away.
“I take pride in play calling and I look at everything. I got to take everything into consideration. If I feel like I get stuck or in a rut, I definitely would consider giving that up.
So, it’s definitely on the table. I wouldn’t say that’s off the table. But that’s also part of sparking the offense and maybe seeing the offense through somebody else’s eyes.”
For better or worse, Pederson has backed himself into a corner. After shrugging off help and refusing to make adjustments all season, it truly is now Doug Pederson versus the world. If he gives up play-calling duties, it’s waving the white flag of surrender.
“I’m not going there mentally.” Doug Pederson explained when asked about his job security. “I’m looking forward to playing again this week, getting back on the grass tomorrow with the players, and getting ready for Green Bay.”
Even if that’s what would be best for the team, Pederson knows in his heart of hearts that if he were to give those reins to someone like Duce Staley, a budding HC candidate in his own right and someone who already has the ‘assistant Head Coach’ job title alongside his run-game coordination duties, it could be the beginning of the end. If the offense took new form under Staley’s play-calling and the run-game caught fire, the arguments in favor of keeping Doug Pederson would diminish hugely.
It’s not like he has a plethora of people pounding the table for the team to retain him, but his one lifeline is that he is ultimately the man shaping the offense (outside of the 389 offensive assistants). If Pederson doesn’t call plays, what arguments could one really make to retain him? His emotional intelligence has turned into passive aggression in press conferences, actions do not follow words, and we see the same thing over and over again.
What’s best for the Eagles is absolutely the surrendering of play-calling duties from Doug Pederson. But that’s not what’s best for Doug Pederson, a man who could well be coaching with his job on the line in Green Bay.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
