Pederson’s proof isn’t in the podcasts
PHILADELPHIA » The socalled least qualified NFL head coach in the last 30 years took the high road Monday.
And that was another win for Eagles coach Doug Pederson.
If anyone could justify getting into a mud-slinging contest, it was Pederson. He didn’t deserve getting blindsided by former Browns general manager Mike Lombardi, whose claim to fame is having a famous last name.
In need of attention and page views, it would seem Lombardi ripped Pederson’s coaching skills in a podcast rant on TheRinger.com.
“Everybody knows Pederson isn’t a head coach,” Lombardi said. “He might be less qualified to coach a team than anyone I’ve ever seen in my 30-plus years in the NFL.”
Pederson is coming off a 7-9 season, his first as an NFL head coach. Previously he was offensive coordinator of the Chiefs, quarterbacks coach for the Eagles and a veteran of 10 NFL seasons as a backup quarterback.
Pederson’s snappy retort to that stinging criticism was honest and sincere. Not coincidentally, those are qualities that endeared him to owner Jeffrey Lurie and vice president of football operations Howie Roseman.
“Somebody here, Mr. Lurie, Howie, the guys, thought I was qualified,” Pederson said. “In my opinion, that’s good enough for me.”
Away from the podium, Pederson didn’t understand why Lombardi, who worked in player personnel for the Eagles in the late 1990’s, decided to attack him. A few months ago, Lombardi criticized Cowboys coach Jason Garrett for his lack of ability.
Pederson didn’t let the moment pass without confirming that Lombardi was an ex-G.M., not a G.M.
The controversial quips weren’t at all welcomed the week of the regular season opener. The Birds oppose the Redskins, who have beaten them in five straight outings, Sunday at FedEx Field.
“I haven’t seen the article,” Pederson said. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about so I don’t pay attention to that. I’m confident in what I do. He’s not in the building. I coach our coaches and coach our players.
“Again, this organization is behind me 100 percent. Again, I think you could ask the guys in the locker room, and that’s my concern, that’s my focus.”
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who chose the Eagles over a host of suitors in free agency, doesn’t understand the criticism.
“I love Coach, I love to play for him and I’ll go to war for him any day,” Jeffery said. “He’s a players’ coach. He understands. He played in the league.”
Pederson thinks the measure of a good coach is wins and losses along with intangibles. He also concedes that recognition can come grudgingly.
“It is kind of like quarterbacks,” Pederson said. “If you don’t win the Super Bowl, you’re never going to the Hall of Fame. Wins and losses, I think, are the biggest indicator. Maybe a championship. Obviously a Super Bowl. To me, it’s sometimes amazing how people put just that out there. Obviously that’s what you see, is the wins and losses and nothing else.
“I pour myself into these guys each and every day. I want them to see that.”
With upgrades at wide receiver and running back, it will take all of Pederson’s skills to keep the Eagles’ playmakers happy. How Pederson manages the running back position with big back LeGarrette Blount, third-down back Darren Sproles and all-around back Wendell Smallwood will go a long way to establishing himself as a coaching genius. It’s easier having a workhorse back than a bycommittee operation.
“I think you can have a runner that you kind of hang your hat on,” Pederson said. “Again, I don’t want to just sit here and say that, ‘Darren, you’re obviously a third-down guy,’ or ‘Wendell, you’re a first, second, third-down guy,’ because we want to get all these guys involved in the game plan. I think it’s important to what we do. If LeGarrette has the hot hand, he continues to carry the ball. If it’s Wendell, it’s Wendell.
“I can’t sit here and tell you exactly how many touches these guys are going to get. At the same time, when we put game plans together, we’re very mindful of not only the run game, but also the pass game with these guys, too.”