Playcall balance under Andy Reid
by TGryn, originally written Jan 13 2006

I did a little breakdown of the Eagles' playcall balance under Reid, here it is:

1999: 57% passing (472 passes, 355 runs) Pederson/McNabb QB
2000: 65% passing (570 passes, 303 runs)
2001: 62% passing (521 passes, 313 runs)
2002: 58% passing (543 passes, 391 runs) McNabb on IR, Feeley starts
2003: 54% passing (484 passes, 417 runs) 3-headed running attack: Buckhalter, Staley, Westbrook
2004: 59% passing (547 passes, 376 runs) Owens arrives, Buckhalter, Ritchie hurt
2005: 63% passing (620 passes, 365 runs) McNabb on IR, McMahon starts
2006: 57% passing (544 passes, 416 runs)
2007: 58% passing (577 passes, 421 runs)

Prior to Owens arriving in '04, Reid had actually been reducing the percentage of
the offense that was passing for four years straight, culminating in '03 when 
the offense was virtually balanced. Then Reid got T.O., who's arguably been the 
#1 weapon on offense while he was playing, and lost Buckhalter and Ritchie. So 
I don't think its a case of Reid stubbornly throwing regardless of the situation,
more that he's altered the offense to fit the weapons he's had on hand.

Historical comparisons:
1981 Chargers: 57% passing (629 passes, 481 runs) highest # passes for Fouts/Air Coryell
1986 Dolphins: 65% passing (645 passes, 349 runs) highest # passes for Marino
1991 Oilers: 67% passing (667 passes, 331 runs) run and shoot offense
1991 Falcons 55% passing (499 passes, 410 runs) Red Gun offense
1995 Lions: 61% passing (605 passes, 387 runs) run and shoot offense