Reid Faces Uphill Battle in Year one
By: Justin Sampson
Updated: January 7, 2013
(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) It's no doubt going to be an uphill battle for new Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid to pull Kansas City out of the doldrums of the NFL.
But it's a challenge he's conquered before, taking the Philadelphia Eagles from the cellar to the Super Bowl
The question is: Can he do it again?
Now that he's gotten the formalities of being formally introduced out of the way, it's time to look at the talent he'll be working with in year one.
"I have looked at the roster, and there are some good players on this football team," Reid said. "I look to add to that."
The most glaring spot to fill is under center, where a revolving door between quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn played a big role in the offense sputtering in 2012.
"I'm going to look at the guys that are here and study the heck out of them. I want a chance to meet them and then I'll evaluate them at that point."
While plenty of controversy surrounded the flip-flopping between Quinn and Cassel, Reid is no stranger to quarterbacks that move the needle.
The drafting of Donavan McNabb in 1999 drew the jeers of many Eagles fans, as did the eventual signing of Michael Vick following his dogfighting scandal.
"He's going to make some decisions that will be unpopular with the fan base and the media," former Eagles receiver and Philadelphia-based sports anchor Vai Sikahema said. "He's going to stick to his guns and he's going to do what he feels is best to get this team to win."
"They've got to learn a new system. I've got to make sure we check out the draft, free agency... we've got to put that whole package together," Reid said. "I've got to find that next Len Dawson. I've got to find him.
Regardless of what fans think, Reid's well aware that piling up wins is the ultimate goal. For a coach with a history of developing quarterbacks, he feels he can find that next gem for Kansas City.
It may just take some time.
"It might not happen this year, might not be next, you don't know. We've been blessed with the top pick in the draft and you have to make sure you do the right thing and pick the right guy. Doesn't necessarily have to be a quarterback, but it has to be the right thing."
The right thing is needed in many positions for the Chiefs, but a man who's been to five NFC title games and one Super Bowl feels he can get them there in due time.
Chiefs President and former Eagles colleague Mark Donovan added:
"He is focused on putting a product on the field that is going to drive our fan base and get people involved, and then really have fun once we're out there winning football games."
