Dave Uram
When you sit down and think about the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles, it’s rather remarkable who is leading them into Week 12 with a 9-1 record.
And when you reflect on how head coach Doug Pederson conducted and improved himself through 26 games, it’s impossible to argue that Eagles fans should be incredibly grateful.
Anyone who didn’t believe in Pederson, including myself, even dating back to this September, should be eating crow, because this man is a phenomenal coach doing an outstanding job.
Don’t you remember? Pederson was the eye sore of Philadelphia sports. He was a trivia question. A laughing stock. Someone you would shake your head about or make fun of the way his last name is spelled or pronounced.
The 49-year-old was “that guy” Andy Reid tabbed as starting quarterback in 1999 as a bridge towards Donovan McNabb until the rookie was ready.
He was 2-7 with the Eagles, throwing only seven touchdowns paired with nine interceptions, to go along with a 52.4 completion percentage and a 62.9 quarterback rating.
Pederson was terrible.
Post retirement he became an extremely successful high school coach, only to be plucked back was into pro football by his mentor Andy Reid.
Pederson was Eagles quality control coach, then quarterbacks coach, then offensive coordinator of the Chiefs. None of that was impressive.
Again, how in the world could this guy possibly be a successful head coach of the very important Philadelphia Eagles?
Well, just about everything Pederson has said turns out to be fairly legitimate. Remember the comparison to the Super Bowl champion Packers of the ’90s? Remember the criticism he took for saying he’s still learning on the job?
Maybe the disbelievers like myself should of been listening instead of bashing.
Remember how well he handled Mike Lombardi’s criticism before Week 1?
Remember how well he adjusted following his Week 2 play calling and Week 3 decision making against Kanas City and the Giants?
The facts speak for themselves. Pederson is likable and the players respect him. He listens and doesn’t stick to rigid ways. He, Frank Reich and John DeFilippo are making Carson Wentz elite.
And the sweetest part of all for Eagles fans, the Birds are legitimate Super Bowl contenders for the first time in a very long time.
You can thank Jeffrey Lurie for resurrecting Howie Roseman.
You can thank Howie Roseman for drafting Wentz.
You can thank Wentz for being an incredible young talent.
But, start off by thanking Pederson for masterfully driving the giant bus that is this franchise.
It’s a pretty good feeling for this fan base knowing its franchise is stable at quarterback, front office executive and head coach.
As Pederson has been saying, “the sky is the limit.”
Dave Uram is a weekly contributor to Philly Influencer. You can follow him on Twitter (@MrUram) and email him at [email protected].