Of Adam Jennings, A bad call, and a disheartening loss

We all either saw it happen, watched the replay, or read about it here by now.  What unfolded at approximately the two minute and twenty second mark of the fourth quarter of todays game will prove to be a pivotal point to this season.  I do not want to go as far as to say that what happens tommorow or later this week will define the current front offices tenure, but their reaction will be telling. 

First things first, Adam Jennings has to be removed from the role of punt returner, if not from the active roster entirely.  If his continued failure is not addressed, it will give the press a foundation of criticism for the front office and coaching staff.  With all of the good will the team has built up over the first 6 weeks, there is no reason to allow a problem like this to fester any longer.  Jennings has to go, case closed.

As far as the rest of the team;  They need to show up next week against Oakland and beat them like a rented mule.  They cannot allow Jennings misplay, the refs missed call, and an apparent blase attiude by the defense on the eagles ensuant possesion to carry over AT ALL.  I firmly beleive that the leadership in place will make sure that it does not, but its not just on Mike Smith.  Now is when guys like Lawyer Milloy have to look everyone in the locker room square in the eye and demand they perform to the best of their ability next week.

Matt Ryan needs to head into the next game dying to prove that he couldve rallied the birds to victory again;  He needs to prove he learned from his bad throw.  Mike Mularkey (and Mike Smith for that matter), need to show they learned a lesson on that red zone possesion as well, but they must also show they are not gun shy when it comes to calling pass plays inside the opponents 20.

Whether we like it or not, today happened.  I beleive in the end, it may be a good thing.  THis team proved today that it can play a full game with a very good football team.  Now they need to learn to adopt a We'll show you attitude, and react to this loss by ripping off a few wins in a row.