Pederson yet to hear any return promises
Pederson yet to hear any return promises
Doug Pederson skirted around several glaring problems about his football team Tuesday. About that unavoidable focus on his job security, however, well, at least he addressed it even if he doesn’t display much interest in doing so.
Pederson said Tuesday that he has not been told whether he’ll return in 2021. In August 2018, Pederson and executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman signed contract extensions through the 2022 campaign.
“I haven’t been reassured one way or the other,” Pederson said.
The Eagles are 3-7-1 in the NFC East, good for third place, but because the division is so dreadful, they sit just a half-game behind the New York Giants and Washington Football Team for the top spot.
The bad news is the Eagles face one of the stiffest remaining schedules in the league. Next up is a trip to Lambeau Field to play the 8-3 Packers, who are first in points per game (31.7) and fourth in total offense (397.8 yards per game). After Green Bay, the Eagles play the New Orleans Saints (9-2) and Arizona Cardinals (6-5), then wrap up the season against Dallas (3-8) and Washington (4-7).
It’s conceivable the Eagles will lose the next three games against those out-of-division teams, at which point Pederson’s job could be in serious jeopardy.
“Listen, I’ve been around this league a long time, 25 years, I believe, as a player and a coach, and we’re always based on and evaluated on our performance,” Pederson said. “Right now, that’s obviously not my concern as far as that decision goes. That’s out of my hands. But what’s in my hands and in my control is getting the team prepared and ready for Green Bay this weekend. So, I’m not going there mentally.
“I’m looking forward to playing again this week, getting back on the grass tomorrow with the players, and getting ready for Green Bay.”
Is Carson Wentz still the
starting quarterback? Maybe, maybe not, who knows? Pederson didn’t give a definitive yes-or-no answer, although it would appear he is staying with Wentz, who is statistically one of the worst quarterbacks in the league this season. Monday night the turnover-prone Wentz had one interception, but completed 25 of 45 passing attempts for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Pederson repeated tired cliches about Wentz’s work ethic and desire to improve.
“I think he is willing, wanting to fix not only the issues with him, but with the team and with the offense,” Pederson said. “He’s one of the hardest workers we’ve got, and we’re going to work through it and battle through it and keep coaching and coaching hard and being accountable to one another and working ourselves out of it.”
Jalen Hurts’ lack of usage Monday was the subject of scrutiny following the Eagles’ 23-17 loss to Seattle. After all, Hurts, the 2020 second-round draft pick, had an increased workload with the first-team offense during the practice week, leading many to believe he would see more action on game night. But Pederson pulled the cord on the Hurts experiment Monday night in the first half.
“That was just my decision at the time, honestly,” Pederson said. “That’s it, my decision. ... I’m not going to be hypothetical and I’m not going to say it would’ve made a difference, but that was my decision.”
Pederson discussed the poor pace of an offense that managed a total of four yards through the first 20 minutes.
“For us, I guess to use any of our personnel, and in this case, we’re talking about Jalen and Carson, for me it’s about getting in a rhythm, getting into the flow of the game, getting in a consistent flow where we’re positive on first down,” Pederson said. “It’s kind of how our whole first quarter and a half went for us, just no rhythm. So, for me, would I like to get into a flow and use Jalen in a couple of situations? I think that’s feasible. It’s possible. It’s been productive for us.”
Wentz said Monday night that he isn’t too concerned about the potential loss of playing time for Hurts,
“I said it last week, this is what you sign up for,” Wentz said. “As a quarterback, ever since you were a kid, you’re prepared for any of those. Nothing is ever guaranteed.
“I just try to go out and be the best player I can be. In practice I prepare my tail off, compete my tail off, and hopefully we can get this thing turned around. I don’t think about those things. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got every time I step on the field.”
Wentz ranks dead-last among starting quarterbacks (minimum 11 games played) in interceptions (15), sacks (46), completion percentage (58.1) and passer rating (73.4).
Pederson’s unimaginative playcalling could be blamed for Hurts not seeing the field as often as anticipated. But then, Pederson’s play calls have already been criticized so much this season. Would he consider yielding those duties?
“I take pride in playcalling and I look at everything,” Pederson said. “I’ve 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.”
Finally putting all the laments aside, Pederson pivoted from the offense’s failures to the gritty effort the defense put forth Monday night.
“You guys aren’t even talking about how well the defense played last night, with the two huge ... red zone stops and all of that, and really how well they played to keep us in this football game,” he said. “Still had an opportunity, whether it be an onside kick, or you make the fourth-and-4, whatever it is, you still have an opportunity to pull out that football game.”