The Philadelphia Eagles notched their most impressive victory of the season Sunday against the New Orleans Saints by a score of 24 to 21.
In 2020, the Eagles are 4-8-1 and only 2 games out of first place.
Currently, the Washington Football Team occupies first place in the NFC East with a record of 6-7.
Obviously, the NFC East has been extremely disappointing this season, and each team has its own reckoning at the end of the season on how to turn the tide.
In the case of the Eagles, that reckoning will certainly include a discussion as to whether Coach Doug Pederson should be fired?
Pederson is in his fifth season as the Eagles head coach; his record in 77 games is 42-34-1.
Given what we know right now, Doug Pederson should not be fired.
Here are 3 reasons why.
1. He Changed Quarterbacks (Finally) And Got A Great Result
After a couple of games of trying to bait-and-switch Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts on various plays within possessions, Pederson finally made the right choice to sit Wentz.
It could be argued that he is a little late reaching the decision.
But to be fair, he stuck with his franchise quarterback until the playoffs (appeared) to be out of reach and then opted to test the rookie.
Not many would fault that line of thinking considering Carson Wentz was having an MVP-worthy season in 2017 before being sidelined by injury.
Jalen Hurts was nothing short of refreshing and exciting against the Saints.
He has a Lamar Jackson-esque quality that keeps defenses guessing.
Pederson needs to keep his job in 2021 to figure out how to handle the QB controversy that will certainly be brewing in the offseason provided that Hurts finishes the season as strongly as he played against the Saints on Sunday.
Doug Pederson confirms Jalen Hurts will remain Eagles starting QB in Week 15 vs. Cardinalshttps://t.co/dR2YOBicLZ pic.twitter.com/KHFNxXIvKK
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 14, 2020
2. Pederson Is A Super Bowl Champion Coach
The Eagles are not quite three years removed from their Super Bowl Championship.
Pederson deserves a longer lead time to figure out the future of this team.
It has been one hampered with injuries since the Super Bowl.
Doug Pederson resume:
Super Bowl Champion
2x NFC East Champion
Made playoffs 3/4 years coachingNot bad for “Andy Reid 2.0” #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/BJToXyWEWh
— Eric Cardona (@Philly_Phandem) December 30, 2019
3. Eagles Need To Draft Better So Pederson and Eagles Can Win
Pederson and GM Howie Roseman need to draft smartly for the first time in years.
The Eagles’ former director of pro personnel and current Monday Night Football commentator Louis Riddick recently talked about this.
“If this team ultimately doesn’t win, this isn’t just a Doug Pederson problem. Let’s just go back and look at the past 5-7 drafts. Tell me where the impact players are. Tell me where the Pro Bowlers are. Tell me where the guys are that are making the difference around Carson.”
The most recent example happened in the first round of 2020 NFL Draft when the Eagles passed on the best WR available with the 21st pick.
Instead of picking Justin Jefferson from LSU, the Eagles opted for Jalen Reagor from TCU.
Minnesota took Jefferson with the 22nd pick.
The Eagles passing on Justin Jefferson last draft has caused “internal riffs” within the Eagles management.
(H/T : Jon Clayton) pic.twitter.com/80jPaxIwTS
— JPA Sports (@jpafootball) December 2, 2020
Jefferson has over 1,078 yards receiving and 7 TDs for the Vikings whereas Reagor has 302 yards receiving and 1 TD for the Eagles.
All this means that Coach Pederson needs to keep his job for 2021 to see what path the Eagles take.
NEXT: 3 Prospects The Eagles Should Be Scouting For 2021 Draft