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This is a lot to take in all at once.

Before there was any speculation that Andy Reid would not return, Jeff Lurie put an end to that by having "the press conference." He talked about Reid's track record, recent success, intangibles, etc.

Well, a great column from Sam Farmer in the LA Times suggests that Reid almost walked away from it all.

Two NFL insiders, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic, said that Philadelphia Coach Andy Reid was ready to walk away from the Eagles if he didn't get more personnel control, and now he has it.

 

Farmer points to the recent flurry of signings by the Eagles as "decisive" moves, and suggests these are in large part because of Reid's new control.

Okay, so he almost bailed.

Completely unrelated to him walking away is the tidbit on Peyton Manning. Many fans tossed out the idea of the Eagles getting him, but it was in a half-joking manner. Well, it doesn't appear Reid was kidding at all. Farmer says he wanted #18.

[LA Times]

Reid wanted to jump in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, despite the signing of Michael Vick to a six-year, $100-million contract last season. Talks never got too serious, the insiders say, because Manning didn't like the idea of playing against his brother Eli, quarterback of the New York Giants, at least twice a season.

 

I am trying to picture the conversation that would have occurred between Andy Reid and Michael Vick…

Reid: So… Mike. We decided to, ehm ehm, you know, go in a different direction. I feel like Peyton puts us in the best position to win ball games.

Well, I guess it's not quite as awkward as what happened in San Francisco.

Harbaugh: Let's go after Peyton Manning. Oh wait, we didn't get him?! Hey Alex, get back here! Still want to play QB for us?

So, if you're someone who wanted to see Peyton in Eagle green, I guess you can blame Eli Manning.

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