by Patriot News

2) Questions? See Definition 1.

The news of linebacker Stewart Bradley's season-ending knee injury has sent many in Iggles Nation searching for their nuclear codes.

Of course, they're just emulating their fearful leader, Eagles coach Andy Reid, who threw a hissy fit at the media because one of their ranks, WIP-AM loudmouth Howard Eskin, broke the news before Reid deemed necessary.

We're enjoying the irony of Reid lashing out at the scribes over the actions of perhaps the biggest Eagles apologist in the Delaware Valley.

But roll this around your winged-helmeted head for a second. What if Reid went off because he's seriously worried about the defense without Bradley?

As usual, this team harbors Super Bowl hopes. It's likely the last run at it with Donovan McNabb at quarterback.

Finally seeing the writing on the wall, Reid retooled the offense, drafting weapons at wide receiver (Jeremy Maclin), running back (LeSean McCoy) and tight end (Cornelius Ingram) while reloading the offensive line through Free Agency (Stacy Andrews) and trade (Jason Peters).

Reid did this knowing his defense was solid. Even with Brian Dawkins leaving via Free Agency, the Eagles had amassed playmakers at nearly every position, with Bradley emerging as one of the unit's leaders.

Now look at the master plan. First off, the team is mourning the death of longtime defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Even though his replacement, Sean McDermott, has been groomed for the role, no one knows what to expect once the games begin for real.

And now Bradley, one of two players (safety Quintin Mikell being the other) who wears the headset helmet on defense, is gone for the year.

Joe Mays, a sixth-round pick in 2008 who played two games last season, has been taking Bradley's reps at first-team linebacker. It's no stretch to think that Mays will have problems playing as well as Bradley.

OK, now we'll come in with the disclaimer that injuries happen in Football, every team must be prepared in case a starter goes down, etc., blah, blah, blah. And certainly the Eagles have seen their share of injuries and have had varying success dealing with them.

And I would be the first to state that McNabb, not Bradley, must remain healthy for this team to have any chance at postseason success.

But some injuries are worse than others, as far as how they affect the team, and I can't help but think Reid's blame-the-media reaction hides a deeper-seated dread.

Now, Eagles fans, run along and stock up your bomb shelters.

TOM FLYNN: tflynn@patriot-news.com

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