Andy Reid 'optimistic' about 2012

[truebluefan]

Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid confirmed Tuesday that Juan Castillo will remain the team's defensive coordinator and also announced that Todd Bowles has been hired as the team's secondary coach.

Reid, explaining why it took him until the end of January to address the 2011 season, said he wanted to take some time to reflect on all aspects of his team after a disappointing 8-8 record.

"Bottom line is we have to do better," he said.

Reid said he didn't want to make excuses for the 2011 season, but "I'm very optimistic going forward and I feel very good going into next year."

When asked if he felt more pressure to win from owner Jeffrey Lurie in 2012, Reid said "there's no more pressure than there has been."

"That's why we do this. We do this to bring a championship to the city of Philadelphia, to get the ring and that's why players play, that's why coaches coach. And when we go about our business in the offseason that's how we do it and we crank on that. We spend a lot of hours and are involved in it.

"So I understand where he's coming from and I'm right there with him on that. He didn't say anything in there that ruffled my feathers or anything else that I don't completely agree with. And listen, I know that's how the fans feel and I understand that. I completely understand that. And it's a frustration, I understand that. My point is that we're going to bust our tail to get it right, that's where I'm at."

Read more: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/752373...illo-run-d

[Run Like Hell]

Huge pressure on Fat Andy next season if the dream team can't get it done in 2012 he'll be looking for another job and probably a bodyguard if he hangs around Philly. It must cut deep that they see the Giants at 9-7 go on and win yet another Super Bowl, that must sting for the team that fancied themselves in pre-season. They should be better in 2012 you'd have to think they'll win at least 10 games and win the division.

[Joe Robinson]

The guy looked overmatched at times. I'm not sure how this will work out. He seems to have the confidence of Reid and the defensive players though, so that is something I guess.

[kcareconnections]

I think that it is the year that Andy Reid must have success. If the Eagles have another season like this past one, I too think that he will have to find another job. I really hope the Eagles can come back in the next Season.

[dexterlablab1]

He's probably humbled. The Eagles were the "team with weapons" last year and they didn't come through. So now he's a bit more down to earth about things.

[Sarah C.]

I agree that Reid is going to have to have a great season this year, or he will be let go. The Eagles were such a disappointment last year, when it looked like they had all of the components in place to be a very dominating team. Reids back is up against the wall. It's do or die time!

[dexterlablab1]

Well it doesn't sit well with the Eagles organization that they were "the best team in their division" yet the Giants (a team in their own division) came away with the Superbowl.

So yeah, Andy Reid's butt is on the line now.

[kcareconnections]

It was such a let down last year. It seemed as if they should have been a great team and to have gone far. To some extent, I think you do have to take a good look at Reid to determine how much of this was his fault so to speak.

[Joe Robinson]

It was partially Reid's fault. They went crazy in free agency and didn't take care of any of their own players. This led to an inevitable locker room schism. Now that they have handled their own players, things should go much more smoothly.

[trident252]

The only thing Andy is usually optimistic about is the opening of a new all-you-can-eat buffet. Unlike most head coaches, he is not afraid of losing his job. When Lurie and Banner want to bring in another coach, they will just move Andy into the front office. His failure to win a championship will never be acknowledged.