I Was Wrong About Doug Pederson
OK, so there are a few things to explain here: Flat-out, my opinion about Doug Pederson being a dopey moron who couldn’t run a football team was wrong. You don’t come in and go 3-0 (7-0 if you count the preseason) without having some level of coaching chops and, even more importantly, an ability to lead a team. Look no further than what Hue Jackson is doing with the Browns – inexplicable fake punt attempt, platoon quarterback buffoonery – to see what a truly inept hire looks like. Crusher Doug has already proven that he can get a team to buy-in and that he can scheme well enough to CRUSH THE STEELERS with a rookie quarterback and injuries to his starting running back and tight end. Already, it’s apparent that Pederson can lead and dole out responsibility well enough to be a successful NFL coach. Even if you want to credit Frank Reich with the offense’s early success, and certainly Jim Schwartz with the defensive success – Pederson said he doesn’t touch things on the defensive side of the ball – credit is certainly due to the guy who hired them.
Thus far, offensively, the Eagles’ game plans have been nothing but masterful. They’ve thrown an array of sets at opposing defenses and completely opened up a playbook to a rookie quarterback, who has yet to throw an interception. What’s more, they’ve looked prepared, poised, and professional. That’s impressive in its own right, but even more so when you consider that they have a new head coach. Because here’s what that could look like:
https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/780498918446620672
My opinion on Pederson was based on the fact that the Eagles seemingly hired their third choice, a company man with little track record who came highly recommended by their former coach with whom the owner is obsessed. He hadn’t even called plays for a full year in the NFL. He was coaching high school just a few years ago. He orchestrated one of the most confusing drives of all-time. He displayed a misunderstanding of the rules. There was nothing about Doug Pederson, other than the consensus that he was a pretty decent guy whose players liked him, that gave you much reason for optimism. Given the opportunity to do so again, I’d still be HIGHLY skeptical of the hire, though maybe without throwing around the “dopey” tag I liberally applied to him.
Of course, the Eagles have destroyed their first three opponents. That’s great, and immediately legitimizes Pederson as a head coach. But, we’ve yet to see him make any sort of meaningful in-game decision, call a two-minute drill, or be faced with a tough situation that he has to coach his way out of. It’s possible that all of Andy Reid’s worst traits will come roaring back into our sports discourse the minute the Eagles are down four with 50 seconds to go on their own 42 with no timeouts and Pederson runs three plays over the middle as the clock runs out. It’s possible he miscalculates one of his Big Dick fourth down calls. It’s possible he melts under the pressure. Pederson may turn out to be no better or worse than Andy Reid or Chip Kelly. He may not be a great coach, or even a good one. But it’s already clear that he is a worthy coach, far from dopey, with both the people and tactical skills to be great, and that makes him a good hire. I was wrong.