Eagles must part with Reid

Round and round we go. Where it all stops, no one knows.

The anti-Andy Reid sentiment in town has reached an all-time high. The citizenry is rightfully frustrated - not simply because the man won't give a straight answer, not simply because he's proven obstinate when it comes to decision making. No, the root of the aggravation is because there's no end in sight, and we all know it.

Philly is likely stuck with Reid. At least for the next few years. Possibly until we're all old(er) and gray(er).

The other day, someone said to me that covering the Eagles is like watching Groundhog Day. Except in the movie, Bill Murray eventually realizes he's a twit and corrects his approach, thereby steering the film to the requisite happy ending.

No one expects Reid to change his ways. No one expects Joe Banner or Jeffrey Lurie to hold Reid accountable for last year's 8-8 mark or this season's 5-4 record. No one expects Reid to take the hit should the Birds miss the playoffs - again. Why bag the coach when the quarterback is a perfectly suitable fall guy?

Meanwhile, Reid has become a national laugh line. NBC analyst Tiki Barber got some press this week for "predicting" Reid's play-calling during the Giants game. And after the Monday night tilt between the 49ers and Cardinals, The Big Lead (a well-read sports blog) ran a particularly biting headline: "Mike Singletary dips into Andy Reid's Playbook, Enjoys Large Heaping of Fail."

The ironic part is that, when players under Reid's command haven't produced or done what's expected, there were consequences. When Terrell Owens acted out, he was dealt with harshly. So was offensive lineman George Hegamin, whom Reid famously embarrassed by making him push a blocking sled in front of reporters at practice. In the coldest move of all, Reid saved the kill stroke for the next day, when he cut Hegamin. How ruthless.

Earlier in the week, a friend asked: If the Eagles get rid of Donovan McNabb next season, do you really want to fire Reid and have Kevin Kolb become the starter under a new coach in a new system?

Tough question. I had to think about it for at least two seconds. Maybe three.

Like the dinner guest who stays too long, it's time for Reid to go. Someone over there should thank him for coming and for bringing something to the table. Then they should politely show him the door.