Driving a go-cart erratically across the 50-yard-line, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid came onto Lincoln Financial Field as the Phillie Phanatic shortly before the game with the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
“It surprised everybody,” said Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson. “Words can’t describe the delight with which we watched him drive out of the tunnel.”
In a move designed to get his team excited about playing, Reid butted his large green chest against an astonished Brian Westbrook and immediately picked up his play-calling card and began studying it.
When reporters gathered around, asking him questions about the new look, Reid stuck out his long pink tongue, grabbed his belly, and shook it, then pointed exaggeratedly toward the Lions’ sideline.
Detroit’s head coach Rod Marinelli said he was pleased that Reid would have to rely more on his upstairs booth personnel during the game.
“He won’t be able to see the field as well, which is a great advantage for us,” said Marinelli.
It seems that longtime Eagles announcer Merrill Reese and waterboy/journalist Dave Spadaro helped Reid plan the spectacle and keep it secret.
“Not even Jeffrey Lurie knew about it,” Reese admitted.
According to Spadaro, instead of throwing out the red challenge flag, Reid will use a mobile hot dog launcher to get the officials’ attention if there’s a questionable call. Security guards will also be set up around the launcher throughout the game to prevent Quarterback Donovan McNabb from playing with it and eating all the hot dogs.
Not everyone was thrilled with the development. Across Pattison Avenue, at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies front office expressed disappointment that they were stuck with an eagle as their mascot during a pennant race.
“Young kids will look at him and cry,” said GM Pat Gillick. “It’s not right. I hate Swoop. I wish he would catch fire on top of the visitor’s dugout.”
Tight End Brent Celek, who should see considerable action in place of the injured L. J. Smith, hoped that Reid wouldn’t get in his face too much if he made a mistake.
“Those eyes and that bugle-shaped nose. Ooof,” said Celek. “You don’t wanna screw up.”
It is unknown whether Reid will conduct his press conference as the Phanatic, but members of the media believed they would get a lot more information from him if he did. Others expressed relief.
“Not to have to hear him say ‘Time’s yours’ for once would be a blessing,” said columnist Les Bowen. “Let’s go Phillies.”
