A DOSE OF EAGLE REALITY

So you sit down last Sunday afternoon with your suicide wings and an ice cold brew ready to root the Birds on to victory. The game starts well, and the Eagles are ready to blow out Tennessee in the first half. Incredibly, the game takes a 180 degree turn and the Titans go on to a 37 – 19 victory, and all you got out of the last 3 hours is a scalding tongue, indigestion, and a loss check mark next to your office pool sheet. Let me help to explain why the 2010 Philadelphia Eagles will not be better than 9-7 this season:


COACHING

Andy Reid is a good person and an above average administrator. However, he continually displays the characteristics of a coach that is over his head regarding many facets of the game. Cases in point:

Time management- Was there ever a worse display of a hurry up offense that the Eagles displayed in the 2004 Super Bowl? My daughter Taylor who was 14 years of age at the time kept calling me during the 2 minute drill at the end of the game while I was in Las Vegas saying, “Why aren’t the Eagles hurrying Daddy?” I didn’t have an answer for her. Also, a time out saved can be a game saver, and the Birds blow far too many week after week.
Inability to adjust during the game- Why do you think offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg took over the play calling responsibilities? I’m told by insiders that one of the reasons is that Reid would not vary from his scripted plays, regardless of a defensive alignment that the team was not prepared for.
And who is taking responsibility for letting Kenny Britt of the Titans break a receiving record with 225 yards and 3 TD’s in 3 quarters of play?? At what point do you blanket him and let the other WR’s beat you?
Penalties- The Eagles are one of the most penalized teams in the league, and that is a product of lack of discipline that reflects on the man in charge.

TALENT

The 2010 Philadelphia Eagles have above average talent, but are dreadfully thin at some important positions that will be difficult to overcome. Losing stalwarts like Leonard Weaver and Jamaal Jackson for the year so early in the season is tough to overcome. Yet there are other positions that have glaring weaknesses that are costing the Birds.

Cornerback- Ellis Hobbs is a small corner that gets exposed by big receivers like Britt. Asante Samuel is a great anticipator of the ball, but is a poor tackler and only an average cover guy. Safeties’ Nate Allen and Quinten Mickell are fine.
Tight End- Brent Celek is missing key blocks and not catching the ball as well as he did last season.
Linebackers- Ernie Sims is an athlete but undisciplined. Stewart Bradley is a gamer but his knee injury gives him trouble in covering fast tight ends.

SCHEDULE

Rest of the way- Although they have gotten a break with the Romo injury and the Bears collapse, its going to be difficult to come out of the remaining games (Indy, Washington, NYG, Chicago, Houston, Dallas twice, and Minnesota) any better than 4-4, which would put them at 9-7 for the season. Given that fact that the NFC is dreadfully inconsistent this season, don’t throw in the towel yet. Just keep it next to the chair close to the hot wings, you may need it to wipe your hands and dry your tears.

Eagle's (and Phillies) Aftermath 10/25/10

Not much brotherly love here this weekend....

The Birds fell flat in the second half and fell to the Titans 37-19. Andy Reid is a fan of stating the obvious....that it all starts with him. Well in this case he's right. A season high 10 penalties and an inability to make adjustments during the game (Kenny Britt 7 catched 225 yards and 3 TD's) is an indictment of the coach.

If a 70 degree day walk in late October against a backdrop of dazzling burnt orange trees doesn't get you in a great mood, not much else will.

The Phillies phailed and phloundered against the SF Giants in six games. An inability to get a timely hit, play sound defense, and move baserunners overcame their "once in a lifetime" pitching staph and proved to be their downphall. But don't phret...with the exception of soon to be phree agent Jayson Werth the team will pherociously phire at them again next season.

Pumpkin Spice latte.....yum.

Adios amigos....

Not A Banner Day for the Giants

Phillies are alive...and they probably won't face Linsecum again in the series. Although they are not playing their best baseball, this team continues to battle until the end.

I keep my XM radio station tuned to the 70's channel.

I think Andy Reid does it with mirrors, but the Eagles have a decent chance of being 5-2 after this week's game against the Titans. But Tennessee Head Coach Jeff Fischer is the most underrated in his profession.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

I saw "Wild Thing" Mitch Williams fist bumping fans at Citizen's Bank Park the other day. Unfortunately, his first four attempts he missed low and inside.

Later.....

Phillies fall to Giants 3-0 in Game 3. I would pitch Halladay in Game 4 if he is ready and able, then take my chances with Blanton in Game 5. You don't want to go down 3-1 in this series.

I was in the 10 items and under express lane at the grocery store the other day behind a woman that must have had 30 items in her cart...GRRRRR.

It has been 25 years since I put on a uniform and played professional football, but because of my association with the Philadelphia Eagles I am afforded the opportunity to be on the field for some games. The players are bigger and faster these days, and the collisions are beyond belief. The problem here is that football is a violent game, and player decisions are made in the blink of an eye. I don't believe you can legislate the game to be less violent. Sometimes there are inherent risks with anything you decide to do.

Speaking of concussions, Sixers Head Coach Doug Collins missed yesterday's preseason game with a recurring headache he's had since suffering a fall around Memorial Day. If he thinks he has a headache now, wait until he tries to coach this team in an 82 game NBA season with no legitimate big man and mediocre talent. Pass the Excedrin!

Actor Tom Bosley died yesterday at the age of 83. Goodbye Mr C, thanks for all the Happy Days you gave us in the 70's.

And the beat goes on......

Eagles Aftermath 10/18/2010

Kevin Kolb plays his butt off Sunday against the Falcons, and its the very reason why Andy Reid should not have painted himself into a corner by announcing Michael Vick as the starter for the rest of the season a few weeks back.

Speaking of Michael Vick, I know of no coach in the world who would condone a player who has a PRAYER of playing in the game to show up 45 minutes before kickoff time. And any player worth his salt WANTS to be there early. Character shows up at the most interesting of times.

Running back Shady McCoy continues to impress with his moves, quickness, and cutback ability.

Offensive Co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg outcoached the bejesus out of the Atlanta defensive coaching staff.

Phillies note: Did anyone find it interesting that Ryan Howard was goofing around at the Birds game with Fox's Tony Siragusa a few hours before the NCLS game against the Giants? Had he gone 0-5 in a Phillies loss, you would have heard the media and the fans howling!

Adios....

Halladay and Linsecomb...what a match-up! Biggest influence in the game was the inconsistent strike zone of home plate umpire Derryl Cousins. I stilll look for the Phils to win this in 6 games.

A source close to the Penn State football program has told me this will be Joe Paterno's last season. "Joe Pa" has been a class act and has run the most honest and one of the most successful NCAA football programs forever, and I sincerely hope he goes out with a few more big wins.

Two of my all time favorite movie directors are Ron Howard and Clint Eastwood. They almost never fail to entertain.

A sad farewell to America's mom Barbara Billingsley of Leave It To Beaver who passed away yesterday at the age of 94.

And life goes on.....

Stuff....

Dined at the Iron Hill Brewery in Maple Shade, NJ last night. The mussels with leeks and bleu cheese are to die for. And the rock shrimp pizza with a cherry wheat beer chaser were excellent.

Jon Stewart of The Daily Show on Comedy Central is politically astute and one funny dude.

My seventh month old half lab/half hound dog puppy Duke is a handful, but all he wants to do is play and give unconditional love. I could probably learn something from that.

Until next time...

Eagle aftermath versus 49rs...

Kevin Kolb can play......he showed a strong arm, good decision making, and ample mobility.

RB Shady McCoy is a warrior. If you've ever had a cracked rib ( I have ), you know what I'm talking about.

Defense is still a huge question mark, although linebacker Moises Fokou fumble causing hit on Frank Gore was a game changer. (If Frank Gore injures his shin during a game...is it considered a Frank Gorshin?) Those younger than 50 will probably have no idea what that joke means.

Phillies note: Sweep the Reds behind a masterful performance by Cole Hamels. This edition of the Phiting Phils might be the best professional team in Philadelphia history. And it certainly is one of the most dominating baseball teams I've ever seen.

Phillies ace Roy Halladay turns the baseball world on it's ear by pitching only the second no hitter in postseason history, and then humbly eschews the national media the next day by quietly resuming his normal routine. Heroic stuff from this sports hero when most athletes do anything they can to get on Sportscenter so they can have a cereal named after them....don't you think?

Florence Henderson may be 76, but she looks and dances like someone 30 years younger.

Why can't the Twins beat the Yankees EVER? I just don't get it.

If you have kids in college, does anyone else out there think the federal grant and student loan process is as confusing as I do? Try doing it for triplets sometime...sheesh.

My new Toyota RAV4 has a "smart key". Just keep it in your pocket and the car senses the key is near. You can then open the doors and start the car without ever taking it out. AMAZING technology.

Blue cheese stuffed olives in a vodka martini.....highly recommended.

Have a great weekend!

Pink Is The Manliest Of Colors

Kudo's to the National Football League for their show of solidarity and support in having the players wear pink chin straps and wristbands signifying the fight against breast cancer and recognizing the Susan G Komen Foundation last weekend. A most worthy cause.

Want a great grilling steak marinade? Take a cup of soy sauce and add some minced ginger, garlic, and lemon zest. Let steaks marinade for at least four hours and grill 6-8 minutes on east side.

Baseball playoffs begin today. Don't think anyone can stop the H2O attack of Phillies pitchers Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt...but thats why they play the games.

Watch out for the Cubs next year. They won't have much of a team but NO ONE can lose 103 years n a row...can they?

Eagle Aftermath 10/4/2010

So Donovan returns and gets to prance around the Linc with a win wearing a maroon sweater. Pathetic #'s ( 8 for 19 125 yards and 1 interception ) and then has the audacity to stand up in front of the national TV cameras and state how the Eagles made a mistake by letting him go. Usually, the guys who talk about themselves NEVER win the big game.

The biggest factor in the game (and for the Eagles ) is an inconsistent defense that at times cannot stop the run, and does not get heat on the QB.

Andy Reid may be a good person and a great organizer, but he's not a quick thinker. He cost the Birds a chance at a touchdown late in the first half by getting a delay of game penalty coming out of a timeout. Regardless of the spot of the ball, with as many assistants an NFL team has on the payroll now its inexcusable to take a penalty there.

Kevin Kolb will most likely get his long overdue chance...I'm sure Michael Vick has some cracked ribs if he didn't come out of the locker room for the second half.