Reid won’t silence critics until he wins the big one
MIAMI — Andy Reid has won more games than any coach without a Super Bowl title, so people question whether he can win the big one.
The knock against Reid throughout his 21-year coaching career has been his inability to win a championship. He was 1-4 in conference title games during 14 seasons in Philadelphia, and the Eagles lost to the Patriots in the Super Bowl after the 2004 season.
Reid lost another conference title game at home last year with Kansas City. But the Chiefs returned to the AFC championship this season and advanced to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
His players have talked all week about how badly they want to win this game to give Reid his first ring as head coach — he got one as an assistant with Green Bay 22 years ago — and solidify his Hall of Fame credentials.
Reid won’t silence critics who say he’s a poor gameday coach until he finally wins one. But his current players and former players say it’s more their fault than his.
“I never went into a game feeling unprepared,” said former Eagles left tackle Tra Thomas, who played 10 seasons under Reid from 1999-2008. “After that, it’s all about execution.”
Reid might already have won his Super Bowl if the offense executed better against New England 15 years ago. Donovan McNabb threw three interceptions, got sacked four times and the team had four turnovers. Yet, the Eagles only lost 24-21.
Reid developed a reputation for poor clock management during his time in Philadelphia. That was evident against the Patriots.