I think the coaching staff wasn't all that thrilled with Quin's development. I think that Wade and Vance sat down with Rick and said, "Hey, listen. Quin's been fine so far but we can do better. Why don't we upgrade the position in the short term by getting a more ball-hawking vet and then draft that guy's replacement for the long term, letting they rook learn from a great."
Sure, we could have had Quin signed and on the team for several years but that's not a "fix". That's a "more of the same."
Correct line of thinking but from the wrong source. This McNair quote tells me he might - MIGHT - just have been the man who put this "Go get Ed Reed" move into motion.
As a young team, we had very few veterans for obvious reasons. Now were developing those ourselves and then to have the opportunity to bring in somebody like Ed Reed, who has tremendous leadership ability and also bringing a dimension of being a great ball hawk which we have not had. Weve had some great DBs that are really strong hitters. We havent had that guy who is our center fielder though, who can cover all the ground and go after the ball. Ed Reed does that. Thats a dimension that really adds something to our team. It strengthens us greatly. We play the best quarterbacks this year. Were going to be going up against Manning. Well be going up against Brady. Well be going up against all these guys and to do that, theyre going to be throwing the ball and we have to be prepared to defend it and go after the ball and get it. Its ours, isnt it Ed? Thats his attitude. The ball is in the air, its mine. I love it. Hes a solid guy and hell be able to help our younger players and strengthen our defense at the same time. Ed, were delighted to have you with us.
I think Uncle Bob stepped in once again.