Washington Redskins: Three things to learn from the Philadelphia Eagles
By Ian Cummings
No. 2 – Aggressive coaching is the only way to win
Jay Gruden has his strengths. But when it comes to coaching aggressive and playing aggressive, the Washington Redskins’ coach has some work to do.
That was evident when Doug Pederson went for it twice on fourth downs in the Super Bowl, and consistently pushed the limits of the New England Patriots. Where another coach might have sat on their lead against the greatest dynasty in professional football, Pederson pressed forward, never giving an inch. And with Nick Foles, of all quarterbacks.
That’s not to say that Nick Foles is a bad quarterback. He certainly proved on Sunday night that he can put a team on his back and win. But he was unproven, untested at this level, and yet, Pederson gave the game to him and told him to run with it.
That kind of confidence and resolve from a head coach is something the Washington Redskins have failed to find out of Jay Gruden on a consistent basis. The Redskins’ front man has his moments, and he shows in press conferences that he’s aware of what needs to happen. But in terms of enacting that drive on the sideline, Gruden still has room to grow.