WHAT, ME WORRY?
Pederson confident he will be back as head coach of the Eagle next season
If his comments Monday are any indication, Doug Pederson isn’t worried about his job status beyond the Eagles’ season finale against the Washington Football Team this Sunday.
Prior to his press conference one day after the Eagles were walloped in Dallas and officially eliminated from postseason contention, Pederson told 94 WIP’s morning show that he is confident about his return in 2021.
“I fully expect to be the head coach next season and I will welcome the opportunity to get things right, get things fixed and take this team into next season,” he said.
Pederson more or less reiterated those remarks during his video conference with reporters later in the day. He also intimated that he would like to have more control over the team’s personnel department. Although he emphasized his desire to remain focused on his duties as head coach, Pederson seems willing to have a somewhat larger role in evaluating and signing players.
“I want to be a part of the solution. I want to be a part of the evaluation process. I want to be a voice that’s heard, and I want
to have that collaborative communication with (general manager) Howie (Roseman) and his staff and be a part of that process,” Pederson said. “I don’t necessarily want to cross that line because it takes you away from doing your job as football coach. ... That’s where my passion lies.
“I want to help evaluate and help bring guys in here that can help us win.”
Pederson has been at the helm of the NFC East’s worst team, a historically terrible division in 2020. At 4-10-1, the Eagles are tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for the fifth-worst record in the league. Pederson issued an apology to fans for the team’s woeful performance in 2020. It’s the first time since 2016, Pederson’s first season at the helm, the Eagles have failed to qualify for the playoffs. They are just 22-24-1 since their victory in Super Bowl LII.
“I sit here today and just have to apologize to the fans. ... It’s not what I expected back in training camp and the early part of the season,” Pederson said. “When we win, it’s unbelievable. I know we can get back to that level. It’s just unfortunate that we’re not winning these games ... but I know how we can get it turned around and get it fixed.”
Pederson added that he doesn’t feel required to address the team about his job security. He pointed out the injuries that have plagued the team this year, but said the Eagles have enough talent right now to be successful.
“I would say that we have the pieces, the makings of a foundation of getting things back on track,” he said. “It’s just a matter now of let’s add some new pieces to it, right? The draft picks, free agents, and offseason and training camp and develop all this and then go play again next season.”
Pederson wants to maintain a high standard going into the final week. The season is a lost cause, but he expects the same level of effort Sunday night. The Eagles host Washington on the national stage. A Birds win would spoil WFT’s bid for an NFC East title and playoff spot. A loss, however, would ensure the Eagles a top-six pick in the draft. Pederson said he will evaluate both young and veteran players in the final game, and will give rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts his fourth consecutive start.
“There is a lot of pride in the locker room,” Pederson said, “and I know the veteran guys that are still playing are going to keep things together and help me get my message across.”
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Pederson gave a brief update on several of the Birds’ walking wounded.
One of the big concerns in the aftermath of Sunday’s 37-17 letdown in Big D was the status of wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who was missing in action after his 81-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. Jackson was targeted on only that one play and removed from the game while suffering after suffering what is believed to be lingering pain from his ankle fracture that kept him out the previous nine weeks.
“I don’t think he got hurt on that particular play,” Pederson said of Jackson’s touchdown, which he celebrated with a somersault into the end zone. “The injury became more sore as the game wore on, and it just affected him more and more to the point where he couldn’t be himself, so we had to keep him out.”
Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata is in concussion protocol and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is day-to-day after leaving the game with a stinger. Dallas linebacker Jaylon Smith appeared to have intentionally head-butted Mailata, a dirty play the Eagles may ask the league to review.
“As far as the hit and all that goes, those are things that happen. You don’t want to see that, obviously,” Pederson said. “Looked like a helmet blow type play.”
Pederson added that defensive end Derek Barnett, who missed Sunday’s game, is “pushing through” his calf injury.