The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Reich says Pederson has one thing on his mind
PHILADELPHIA » It’s Sunday and the Eagles have the ball right around midfield, fourth-and-short.
Does Doug Pederson go for it, or does he extend professional courtesy to his old buddy, Colts head coach Frank Reich, and punt?
At the other end of the conference call, Reich burst into laughter. He knows Fourth Down Pederson is a threat to call Philly Special.
“I think Doug has one thing on his mind, and that’s how to win this game,” Reich said on a conference call Wednesday. “And it’s the same thing we have on our mind.”
Reich and the Colts (11) are 6 ½-point underdogs against Pederson and the Eagles (1-1), who return quarterback Carson Wentz. Reich’s relationship with both of those guys is ongoing.
Reich got a congratulatory phone call from Pederson after celebrating his first victory, a 21-9 decision at Washington last week.
“During training camp, we talked a lot, actually,” Pederson said. “Whether it be asking me a question on how we ran a practice or a meeting or a schedule. Whatever it was, we were constantly talking. … It’ll be fun to see him again.”
Reich is one of Wentz’s favorite coaches. Reich texted good wishes to Wentz after the veteran was cleared to play this weekend.
“Frank’s awesome, I love Frank,” Wentz said. “When he left I was sad to see him go but excited for him. I just love what he’s about. I love what he stands for. And I think they got a great coach in Indianapolis.”
At Indy, Reich has quarterback Andrew Luck back in the lineup. When Reich studied Wentz, it was as if he was watching Wentz. That alone should make the game interesting this weekend.
“They’re both incredibly dynamic players,” Reich said. “Physically dominant at their positions. Elite in their leadership ability. Elite intelligence. Just rare for a guy to have all those attributes and I think they both do. When Carson came out, Andrew was the one guy who I thought that there were some parallels there.
“So, it’s just interesting now in their journeys they both have had to overcome a serious injury and that I think makes great players better. It stinks going through it but in the long run it makes you better.”
••• On another conference call, linebacker Najee Goode, who earned a Super Bowl championship ring with the Eagles, says he’s spoken to Mychal Kendricks, formerly of the Eagles.
Kendricks, now with the Seahawks, faces a possible jail sentence for his involvement in insider trading.
Goode said their conversations primarily were about football.
“Mike’s a good dude that got caught up in some crazy situation,” Goode said. “He’s handling it the best he can.”
••• It will be a few days before rookie running back Josh Adams (Central Bucks South) knows if he’ll have a role this Sunday.
With Darren Sproles (hamstring) probably out another game, and Jay Ajayi (foot) banged up, the Eagles signed the Notre Dame product to the active roster.
Sproles, Ajayi and linebackers Nate Gerry (groin) and D.J. Alexander (knee) were held out of practice Wednesday.
Limited at practice were wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) and offensive tackle Jason Peters (quadricep) were limited.