While this was a rare Sunday sans Eagles, there was plenty of football to go around with notable battles in the AFC East and North Divisions and important matchups for the NFC South.
But as stated in yesterdays Monday Hangover post, our official season preview has had some hits, and well, some misses. Regardless, I think the NFL game that spoke the most volumes this weekend was last night's dismantling of the New York Jets.
Sidenote: as an Eagles fan, I'm supposed to hate every other team in the league, right? And when the Eagles are playing those teams, I do indeed hate them. But I'm also somewhat of a misnomer, because I enjoy watching the New England Patriots. The underdogs of the early 2000's, no one ever talks about the Patriots (outside of their year of perfection) and they almost always fly under the "experts" radar. You hear more about the Colts and Cowboys at the beginning of the season than you do about the Pats. I hear Brett Favre's name more than you ever hear Tom Brady's. You just do. That's why I kinda like the Pats. They sneak up on you. Then with just four games left, they're "suddenly" the best team in the NFL.
Now when the Eagles and Pats met in the Super Bowl a few years back, I of course, rooted for the Eagles. No doubt about it. But still, it irks me when no one ever gives a thought to this team despite winning 3 championships in the decade and narrowly missing another.
With that Pats embarrassment of the "pretender" Jets last night, I think the only true elite teams in the AFC are the Pats and Steelers.
The NFC is more a conundrum. The Eagles, Falcons, Giants, Saints, Bears, and Packers have all separated themselves from the rest of the league. Unfortunately, due to the lowly NFC West, one of these teams will miss the postseason entirely. I don't think there is a clear elite, but unfortunately, for those thinking the Eagles are that team, think again. The defense has been exposed for a few weeks in a row now and the Eagles could easily lose to the other five teams I mentioned if they met those clubs in the playoffs. Also, I'm sticking with my gut and I think the Packers are still the best team in this conference. Despite the rash of injuries and inconsistent play throughout the season, I think they have the scariest team and most legitimate shot at reaching the Super Bowl.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday Hangover - December 6, 2010
The only two people who probably woke up with a stunning hangover this wonderfully cold Monday morning are Jayson Werth and his agent, the evil Scott Boras. Boras has done it again, completely shellacking a franchise into making what I think is a terrible deal. Good for Werth, bad for the team.
Natty Iced
Yes, Jayson Werth is a Washington National. "Goat Boy" as I like to call him signed a seven-year $126 million deal with the Nationals. The Nationals. Last place in the NL East for like... the last 29 years (the Nationals, the artists formerly known as the Expos last made the playoffs in 1981). Yes Jayson was two years old when his new club went to the playoffs with guys like Tim Raines, Andre Dawson and Gary Carter were the men in Montreal.
All I have to say to Jayson Werth is this.... good luck. You joined a crappy team, but you made it better. And you went where the money is which is all well and good. I mean, I can't blame you Werth. If I'm in a job where I feel under compensated and I get offered more compensation somewhere else, I would take it too. No doubt. I think most people would do the same. If not they would be plain stupid. We all know loyalty means very little in sports anymore so I'm willing to accept Werth was not going to be "loyal" to his franchise of a few seasons. He did the smart thing. Take the money and run. Don't be stupid. Don't for one second think that taking less money or changing your facebook profile picture to a cartoon from your youth to help end child abuse is a smart idea. Those would not get you anywhere, Jayson. So good luck... you're going to need it.
Bubbly Chubby
The Werth deal obviously has sent shockwaves across the entire league. With the winter meetings of all of baseball's GMs kicking off today in Florida, there have to be some free agents who popped immediate chubbies when they saw the news break about Jayson Werth.
For the Nats, the deal is well... terrible. I don't think Werth is "werth" that much and to give a guy a contract and pay him $18 million when he's 38 is going to bite them right in their "Austin Kearns". The Nats are on the rise, but Werth only has at best four solid seasons left in him and you don't know what type of player he'll be on the Nationals with that weaker lineup.
But the real winners in this deal are the remaining free agents, most notably Carl Crawford. Crawford is... without a doubt... a better player than Werth and will look to get even more from whichever team he signs for. Crawford hits for higher average, similar power, is younger, steals more bases, and plays better defense. I can't imagine what he'll get now. But for some reason, if I hear that the Angels sign him for an eight-year $170 million deal, I won't be shocked.
Everyone is going to get paid, but now the question is, how much? Cliff Lee should get a huge windfall from the Yanks, the Red Sox made a deal and will sign Adrian Gonzalez to a huge contract, and Crawford will surely be whistling his way to the bank within a week.
The Maclin Daddy
With the NFL Regular Season winding down, the Eagles remain tied atop the NFC East with the NY Giants. Coming off a come-from-behind victory against the Houston Texans, the Eagles face what seemed like a daunting remaining four games. Playing Dallas twice along with New York and Minnesota seemed like the part of the season the Eagles would suffer through at the start of their campaign. However, the sub par performances of the Vikings and the Cowboys give the Eagles the opportunity to finish strong and set themselves up for a high seed in the postseason. Winning three games would be huge and it is very possible, despite the fact that the resurgent Cowboys are a bit scary.
Regardless I want to begin looking back at our official 2010 NFL preview. While there is still a lot of football to be played to determine the positioning and teams who will make the playoffs, I do want to highlight some of the outcomes of other predictions. While I misfired on Kolb and Ernie Sims being the unsung heroes of the team, I predicted big years from McCoy and Maclin. McCoy seemed like a foregone conclusion with some of the performances he had last year and the security of knowing he was the number one guy heading into the year. But Maclin has seriously exceeded my expectations and continues to be a big target in the passing game. He should easily eclipse the all-important 1,000 yard mark and should snag around 10 touchdowns when the 16th game finishes up. While not as explosive as DeSean Jackson, Maclin has been the possession (and at times, big play man) the Eagles desperately needed. Whether it was Kolb or Vick, Jeremy has spoken volumes through his play and I do believe he becomes a bit of an X-factor in the remaining games. With so many defenses focused on Jackson, McCoy and Vick, that could open up opportunities for Maclin to make the big plays. As I pat Jeremy on the back for his efforts, I also pay my own as well for the correct prediction of Jeremy's breakthrough.
Natty Iced
Yes, Jayson Werth is a Washington National. "Goat Boy" as I like to call him signed a seven-year $126 million deal with the Nationals. The Nationals. Last place in the NL East for like... the last 29 years (the Nationals, the artists formerly known as the Expos last made the playoffs in 1981). Yes Jayson was two years old when his new club went to the playoffs with guys like Tim Raines, Andre Dawson and Gary Carter were the men in Montreal.
All I have to say to Jayson Werth is this.... good luck. You joined a crappy team, but you made it better. And you went where the money is which is all well and good. I mean, I can't blame you Werth. If I'm in a job where I feel under compensated and I get offered more compensation somewhere else, I would take it too. No doubt. I think most people would do the same. If not they would be plain stupid. We all know loyalty means very little in sports anymore so I'm willing to accept Werth was not going to be "loyal" to his franchise of a few seasons. He did the smart thing. Take the money and run. Don't be stupid. Don't for one second think that taking less money or changing your facebook profile picture to a cartoon from your youth to help end child abuse is a smart idea. Those would not get you anywhere, Jayson. So good luck... you're going to need it.
Bubbly Chubby
The Werth deal obviously has sent shockwaves across the entire league. With the winter meetings of all of baseball's GMs kicking off today in Florida, there have to be some free agents who popped immediate chubbies when they saw the news break about Jayson Werth.
For the Nats, the deal is well... terrible. I don't think Werth is "werth" that much and to give a guy a contract and pay him $18 million when he's 38 is going to bite them right in their "Austin Kearns". The Nats are on the rise, but Werth only has at best four solid seasons left in him and you don't know what type of player he'll be on the Nationals with that weaker lineup.
But the real winners in this deal are the remaining free agents, most notably Carl Crawford. Crawford is... without a doubt... a better player than Werth and will look to get even more from whichever team he signs for. Crawford hits for higher average, similar power, is younger, steals more bases, and plays better defense. I can't imagine what he'll get now. But for some reason, if I hear that the Angels sign him for an eight-year $170 million deal, I won't be shocked.
Everyone is going to get paid, but now the question is, how much? Cliff Lee should get a huge windfall from the Yanks, the Red Sox made a deal and will sign Adrian Gonzalez to a huge contract, and Crawford will surely be whistling his way to the bank within a week.
The Maclin Daddy
With the NFL Regular Season winding down, the Eagles remain tied atop the NFC East with the NY Giants. Coming off a come-from-behind victory against the Houston Texans, the Eagles face what seemed like a daunting remaining four games. Playing Dallas twice along with New York and Minnesota seemed like the part of the season the Eagles would suffer through at the start of their campaign. However, the sub par performances of the Vikings and the Cowboys give the Eagles the opportunity to finish strong and set themselves up for a high seed in the postseason. Winning three games would be huge and it is very possible, despite the fact that the resurgent Cowboys are a bit scary.
Regardless I want to begin looking back at our official 2010 NFL preview. While there is still a lot of football to be played to determine the positioning and teams who will make the playoffs, I do want to highlight some of the outcomes of other predictions. While I misfired on Kolb and Ernie Sims being the unsung heroes of the team, I predicted big years from McCoy and Maclin. McCoy seemed like a foregone conclusion with some of the performances he had last year and the security of knowing he was the number one guy heading into the year. But Maclin has seriously exceeded my expectations and continues to be a big target in the passing game. He should easily eclipse the all-important 1,000 yard mark and should snag around 10 touchdowns when the 16th game finishes up. While not as explosive as DeSean Jackson, Maclin has been the possession (and at times, big play man) the Eagles desperately needed. Whether it was Kolb or Vick, Jeremy has spoken volumes through his play and I do believe he becomes a bit of an X-factor in the remaining games. With so many defenses focused on Jackson, McCoy and Vick, that could open up opportunities for Maclin to make the big plays. As I pat Jeremy on the back for his efforts, I also pay my own as well for the correct prediction of Jeremy's breakthrough.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday Hangover - November 29, 2010
On Thanksgiving, I like to eat. A lot. And when I eat a lot, I undo my belt. That's right. I feel like a fat slob and I undo my belt and I lay down and go into a food coma. The turkey, the wine, the crappy football games all just put me into a Thanksgiving stupor. Apparently, I wasn't the only one as the three active Philly sports teams seemed to carry their Thanksgiving hangovers into the weekend. Well, maybe not the Sixers who actually won a game to move them to a 4-13 record.
Sippin' on Jay and Juice
If there's one thing to come out of this weekend, it's this: I hate Jay Cutler. The Chicago Bears quarterback seemingly "torched" the Eagles D. And by "torch" I mean dink and dumped them down the field while the Eagles couldn't tackle or make a play for most of Sunday's game. Cutler threw for four touchdowns but it was hardly a dominant performance. But why the hate? Well it stems from my reason of hating any quarterback. The same reason why both Eli and Peyton irk me so much. The "face". It's all about the "face". The "face" rears it's ugly....well... face... anytime Jay doesn't get a call or a receiver drops a pass or he gets a really nasty hangnail. It's that face that I just can't stand.
Sippin' on Jay and Juice
If there's one thing to come out of this weekend, it's this: I hate Jay Cutler. The Chicago Bears quarterback seemingly "torched" the Eagles D. And by "torch" I mean dink and dumped them down the field while the Eagles couldn't tackle or make a play for most of Sunday's game. Cutler threw for four touchdowns but it was hardly a dominant performance. But why the hate? Well it stems from my reason of hating any quarterback. The same reason why both Eli and Peyton irk me so much. The "face". It's all about the "face". The "face" rears it's ugly....well... face... anytime Jay doesn't get a call or a receiver drops a pass or he gets a really nasty hangnail. It's that face that I just can't stand.
Jay "Veal" Cutler doing his best impression of his own "face".
Cutler made the face several times during the Bears 31-26 victory over our beloved Eagles. The face got so bad at one point during the game that the refs gave him a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty even though they meant to say "Cutler face" penalty. And that's when the Bears were up big in the fourth quarter.
While not born with Jay's face, I was born with a deformity. I have no filter and I always enjoy word association. When someone says "elephant", I think "trunk". When someone says "mosquito", I think "bite". And when someone says "Jay Cutler", I think "douche-turd". It just happens. It is the most logical.
Like a Crystal Ball
You have to hand it to fellow contributor Zach P. He's like a soothsayer sometimes. When he says "beware the Ides of March", you better recognize and beware the ides of March because Zach P. knows somethings-a-brewin'. In Zach's Black Friday post, he set the table for an Eagles' "Letdown" as made famous by the pop-punk band Cartel. The Eagles definitely stirred up a letdown and the Madden NFL soundtracks are never wrong. Neither is Zach P., apparently. Perhaps the Eagles should heed another Madden soundtrack song of the 2007 variety for Thursday's game against the Texans. I recommend the fantastic number by Shorty da Kid "Get Loose". Even though the lyrics are up to interpretation I believe that at one point Shorty advises all of us to "Get Loose. And a wooly wool-ah..." Or something. Heed Shorty's words Eagles. Heed them now.
Jello Shoot-outs
While the Eagles struggled in the majority of their matchup and the Sixers don't show up to 75% of their games, especially in the fourth quarter, the Flyers have been a team of consistency. Not getting blown out and being tough in every game is a good sign. However, the Flyers are consistent in one way that has been tough for them in the first quarter of the season. The Fly Guys cannot seem to buy a win in overtime.
Hockey may be the ficklest sport of them all. On any given night, a so-called bad team may just be able to beat a so-called good team. One bounce of the puck here, one poorly timed penalty there could create such a swing. Well the Flyers saw this happen twice over the holiday weekend. Following a very tough shootout loss to lowly Calgary on Black Friday, the Flyers lost another shootout to the even lowlier (is that a word) division rival Devils Saturday afternoon.
The Black Friday game might as well have been called the black eye game because I can guarantee that Chris Pronger wanted to give the refs a few black eyes after that one. The Flyers had seemingly won the game in overtime when the refs called Pronger for an unsportsmanlike penalty and disallowed the supposed game winning goal by captain Mike Richards. Pronger was legally camped in front of the goalie and was trying to screen, a play that happens about a hundred times in each hockey game. Trying to direct his teammates, Pronger was waving his arm and then put his hands back on his stick. Richards goal found the net but the refs stated that Pronger directly blocked the Flames goalies' line of sight. A penalty was called, the goal disallowed, and the Flames took advantage in the shootout.
The next day, the Flyers offense sputtered and a scrappy Devils team took the shootout after four attempts. Not much to say about these two games except that the 2 points that the Flyers earned could have easily been 4. Let's hope that hosting the Boston Bruins will allow the Flyers to recaputre their early season magic. We all remember what happened when the Flyers last played the Bruins in last year's playoffs. You know the Bruins are still hurting over that.
Cause in the words of Cartel and Zach P., we hope that the Flyers don't "get up for the letdown."
Friday, November 26, 2010
Getting Up For The Letdown
As Turkey Day has come and gone, the push to the NFL playoffs has officially begun, and the Eagles are in a position few expected them to be in at the start of the season. They currently lead the division after a hard-fought victory over the New York Football Giants, and at 7-3, are just a game back of top-seeded Atlanta in the NFC. Football fever is in full force in Philadelphia, with Michael Vick leading what is arguably the most exciting young group of players us Birds fans have ever seen.
You would expect me to be just giddy about how the Eagles are doing right now - and I am excited - but a significant part of me is also very hesitant and skeptical. I've seen this routine too many times before, the Eagles cruising along, getting all of our hopes up, only to leave us shaking our heads and muttering and questioning why we still put ourselves through the torture of being Eagles fans come January. I am reminded of a lyric from a song of a classic EA Sports soundtrack (Madden '07) by the band Cartel, in which they warn us all that we're "just getting up for the letdown." If you want to enjoy this pop-punk masterpiece, feel free to indulge:
It's a well-known fact (at least between myself and R. Scott) that EA soundtracks hold many pieces of invaluable wisdom, and I'm worried that such is the case here. You can't help but get excited about this Eagles team, which is almost a lock to at least make the playoffs, and which has the national media (as usual) jumping all over their bandwagon. Who could forget 2002, when the Eagles were seemingly a lock to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, playing at home in the NFC title game against Tampa in the good old sub-40 degree weather, only to leave the Vet with the lasting memory of Ronde Barber racing down the sidelines? Or 2003, when little-known Ricky Manning Jr. picked off Donovan McNabb three times in a game where the Eagles offense mysteriously declined to show up? How about 2004, when the Eagles finally broke the NFC championship game curse, only to waddle down the field on a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, wasting a ridiculous amount of time and killing any hope of a comeback against the Patriots?
Let's not forget 2008, when after a turbulent middle of the season that saw Donovan McNabb get benched, the team blazed through the rest of the season. Even after a disappointing loss to Washington in Week 16, they destroyed Dallas in the season finale and then upset the G-Men in the divisional playoffs, only to be bested by the underdog Cardinals in the title game. Then there was last season, when a six-game winning streak was abruptly interrupted by two back-to-back embarrassing losses to the hated Cowboys to end the season. It's just the way things go as an Eagles fan.
So, no matter how good things get down the stretch here for the Eagles, I will always have these haunting memories in the back of my head, reminding me that there's always another one waiting around the corner. Like most fans, I hope for the best and expect the worst, while trying to enjoy the ride along the way. I look forward to seeing what Vick and the Eagles do in another big matchup this weekend against a tough Bears team in what could be another huge statement game, cementing the team as a top contender in the NFL. But, as Cartel warns us, I always remind myself that I'm probably just getting up for the letdown.
You would expect me to be just giddy about how the Eagles are doing right now - and I am excited - but a significant part of me is also very hesitant and skeptical. I've seen this routine too many times before, the Eagles cruising along, getting all of our hopes up, only to leave us shaking our heads and muttering and questioning why we still put ourselves through the torture of being Eagles fans come January. I am reminded of a lyric from a song of a classic EA Sports soundtrack (Madden '07) by the band Cartel, in which they warn us all that we're "just getting up for the letdown." If you want to enjoy this pop-punk masterpiece, feel free to indulge:
It's a well-known fact (at least between myself and R. Scott) that EA soundtracks hold many pieces of invaluable wisdom, and I'm worried that such is the case here. You can't help but get excited about this Eagles team, which is almost a lock to at least make the playoffs, and which has the national media (as usual) jumping all over their bandwagon. Who could forget 2002, when the Eagles were seemingly a lock to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, playing at home in the NFC title game against Tampa in the good old sub-40 degree weather, only to leave the Vet with the lasting memory of Ronde Barber racing down the sidelines? Or 2003, when little-known Ricky Manning Jr. picked off Donovan McNabb three times in a game where the Eagles offense mysteriously declined to show up? How about 2004, when the Eagles finally broke the NFC championship game curse, only to waddle down the field on a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, wasting a ridiculous amount of time and killing any hope of a comeback against the Patriots?
Let's not forget 2008, when after a turbulent middle of the season that saw Donovan McNabb get benched, the team blazed through the rest of the season. Even after a disappointing loss to Washington in Week 16, they destroyed Dallas in the season finale and then upset the G-Men in the divisional playoffs, only to be bested by the underdog Cardinals in the title game. Then there was last season, when a six-game winning streak was abruptly interrupted by two back-to-back embarrassing losses to the hated Cowboys to end the season. It's just the way things go as an Eagles fan.
So, no matter how good things get down the stretch here for the Eagles, I will always have these haunting memories in the back of my head, reminding me that there's always another one waiting around the corner. Like most fans, I hope for the best and expect the worst, while trying to enjoy the ride along the way. I look forward to seeing what Vick and the Eagles do in another big matchup this weekend against a tough Bears team in what could be another huge statement game, cementing the team as a top contender in the NFL. But, as Cartel warns us, I always remind myself that I'm probably just getting up for the letdown.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday Hangover - November 22, 2010
Less than a week after dismantling the Washington Redskins, the Philadelphia Eagles won their biggest game of the season 27-17 over the Giants. Two big division wins in a row means the Eagles are in first place in the NFC East and as of late, look like the best team in the NFC.
Blue Crushacao
Michael Vick has emerged as an MVP candidate after his throttling and record-breaking performance in Washington last week. While his performance last night was not dominant, it shows that he still has the "it" factor to win a big game. Vick showed his composure and made the plays when he needed to. 'Nuff said.
Beating the Giants was huge. The way the Eagles did it was... well... "huger". A big comeback victory and some creative playcalling won the game for the men in midnight green last night. The Eagles have to feel pretty confident heading into the rest of the regular season. The schedule after the bye looked impossible for the birds but as the Vikings and Cowboys and Texans continue to self-destruct, the Eagles look like a team about to capture a division title and possibly a first round bye!
Eli-Xir
Can I just pause for a second and just state how much I despise Eli Manning? I'm so sick of him. He's terrible and he has the same face on at all times. Get a new face Eli. It constantly looks like you've just smelled a SEPTA bus full of dirty diapers. Stop whining and grow up.
I want to make a pair of glasses with a pair of earmuffs that filter out anytime the camera flashes to Eli or I have to hear him speak to reporters. I know that I'm not alone as many other Eagles fans would enjoy going all "Helen Keller" when Eli is on the TV screen.
Will the real Slim Shady please keep running?
Unlike Eli, I think I'm developing a man crush on LeSean "Shady" McCoy. He is quickly becoming the most exciting player on the team and I have so much fun watching him in the open field eluding tacklers and using his pure speed to beat defenders. His 50-yard touchdown run may be the biggest touchdown of the season and of his short career so far and I think he is the true key to our offense. By having McCoy be this dangerous in the running and passing game, it only opens up bigger plays to Jackson and Maclin for Vick to make.
Getting Iced
Besides the Eagles, those Philadelphia Flyers continue to impress. Yes, they did lose two straight. A shutout in Montreal was followed by a wild 8-7 loss at home to Tampa. But, the Flyers got back on track with a shootout win against the Caps on Saturday and will host the Canadiens tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. Still very early in the season to get too excited, but the Flyers offense looks solid and if they can sure up the goaltending mishaps as of late, the Flyers will be looking good come the new year.
Happy Hallidays
Our blog missed out on the opportunity to congratulate Roy Halliday as the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award. Halliday was the man all year and it's great to get some recognition. Here's to at least two more great years from the Doctor.
Blue Crushacao
Michael Vick has emerged as an MVP candidate after his throttling and record-breaking performance in Washington last week. While his performance last night was not dominant, it shows that he still has the "it" factor to win a big game. Vick showed his composure and made the plays when he needed to. 'Nuff said.
Beating the Giants was huge. The way the Eagles did it was... well... "huger". A big comeback victory and some creative playcalling won the game for the men in midnight green last night. The Eagles have to feel pretty confident heading into the rest of the regular season. The schedule after the bye looked impossible for the birds but as the Vikings and Cowboys and Texans continue to self-destruct, the Eagles look like a team about to capture a division title and possibly a first round bye!
Eli-Xir
Can I just pause for a second and just state how much I despise Eli Manning? I'm so sick of him. He's terrible and he has the same face on at all times. Get a new face Eli. It constantly looks like you've just smelled a SEPTA bus full of dirty diapers. Stop whining and grow up.
I want to make a pair of glasses with a pair of earmuffs that filter out anytime the camera flashes to Eli or I have to hear him speak to reporters. I know that I'm not alone as many other Eagles fans would enjoy going all "Helen Keller" when Eli is on the TV screen.
Will the real Slim Shady please keep running?
Unlike Eli, I think I'm developing a man crush on LeSean "Shady" McCoy. He is quickly becoming the most exciting player on the team and I have so much fun watching him in the open field eluding tacklers and using his pure speed to beat defenders. His 50-yard touchdown run may be the biggest touchdown of the season and of his short career so far and I think he is the true key to our offense. By having McCoy be this dangerous in the running and passing game, it only opens up bigger plays to Jackson and Maclin for Vick to make.
Getting Iced
Besides the Eagles, those Philadelphia Flyers continue to impress. Yes, they did lose two straight. A shutout in Montreal was followed by a wild 8-7 loss at home to Tampa. But, the Flyers got back on track with a shootout win against the Caps on Saturday and will host the Canadiens tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. Still very early in the season to get too excited, but the Flyers offense looks solid and if they can sure up the goaltending mishaps as of late, the Flyers will be looking good come the new year.
Happy Hallidays
Our blog missed out on the opportunity to congratulate Roy Halliday as the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award. Halliday was the man all year and it's great to get some recognition. Here's to at least two more great years from the Doctor.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Gearing Up for Big Blue
The Eagles will play what is easily the biggest game of the season so far tonight when the division rival Giants visit the Linc for a Sunday night matchup. Though there is often a deeper hatred amongst Eagles fans when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, the proximity of the cities and the similarities between the Eagles and Giants and their fans make it a better rivalry in my opinion. The series was back and forth during the past decade, with the Eagles ending with a slight 13-10 advantage and currently having won the last four (including a playoff game).
The Giants had the Eagles' number for a while after their Super Bowl run in 2004, winning 6 of 8. Then, things changed, and its not a coincidence that the Giants haven't beaten the Eagles since Plaxico Burress was dismissed from the team midway through the 2008 season. Burress was an Eagle killer, and when the Giants had their running game going, he was a tough matchup for any defense. Though the Giants have picked up some other nice young receivers in Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham, none of them have the game-changing presence that Plax did, and with a less effective running game, the Giants have been easier to defend lately.
Of course, the Eagles D vs. Giants O isn't the part of the game that most of America is going to tune in to see. No, what they want to see is Michael Vick, coming off one of the best performances by a quarterback I've ever seen, against a much more formidable defense in the Giants. The G-Men are tops in the league in fewest yards allowed per game. The Eagles are 3rd in yards gained, and are 2nd in points scored. Something has to give. What isn't getting much press is the fact that the Giants actually have the second-ranked offense in the NFL based on yards gained, and will be a formidable challenge for the Eagles, but what can you expect when Mike Vick is on the opposing squad?
Vick will be facing a sometimes-dominating defensive line that has a combination of size and athleticism that the Eagles haven't seen this year. It will be a great test for a quarterback with a level of athleticism that has never been seen before in the game of football. Michael Vick has an opportunity to dispose of the "yeah, but who has he played" argument that exists when speaking about his success this season. If the Eagles handle the Giants and Vick has a big game, they can instantly catapult themselves to the favorites in the NFC, having already beaten the 7-2 Falcons, which is hard to believe considering what most of us thought of the team's prospects in the preseason. If not, there are going to be some doubts about whether this a Super Bowl caliber team as opposed to just a playoff team.
Everything is clicking right now on the offensive side of the ball (I know, brilliant observation on my part after they scored 59 points last week), and the Giants are coming off a terribly disappointing loss to a 1-7 Dallas team at home. As mentioned before, they haven't beaten the Eagles the last four tries. What does that mean? They're going to be fired up. Fired up to end the streak, to prove that last week was the exception and not the rule, and to do what no team thus far has been able to do - contain number 7. On top of that, it's a top tier division rivalry in the NFL. NBC must be giddy with excitement thinking about the ratings this primetime matchup will generate.
If the Eagles win the game, however, they will do it on the defensive side of the ball. I think Vick and the offense will score their points, but can the D contain what has been a very solid Giants offense this year? One thing that favors the Birds is the Giants' injury situation, as they are banged up to say the least. Among the wounded are O-lineman Shaun O'Hara and David Diehl, who, along with WR Steve Smith and FB Madison Hedgecock, will be out for the game. TE Kevin Boss was limited in practice, but is probable to play. Oh, and wait, there's one more; yes, our old buddy, Shawn Andrews is questionable with a (shocker) back injury. Boy, that sounds awfully familiar. Andrews, though, says he is "extra amped" about this one, as I'm sure he can't wait to exact revenge on the team that dealt with over a year of his injury drama, personal issues, and Michael Phelps songs before finally cutting him this past offseason. Andrews better be amped if he's in the game, because I'm sure there are some Eagles D-linemen who wouldn't mind teeing off on the guy who pulled the team through what seemed like a never-ending roller coaster ride over the past two years. While part of me is happy for the guy that he is able to play football with all the issues he's had with depression and his back, it's nice how he managed to pull it together AFTER the Eagles finally gave up and cut him.
The Giants had the Eagles' number for a while after their Super Bowl run in 2004, winning 6 of 8. Then, things changed, and its not a coincidence that the Giants haven't beaten the Eagles since Plaxico Burress was dismissed from the team midway through the 2008 season. Burress was an Eagle killer, and when the Giants had their running game going, he was a tough matchup for any defense. Though the Giants have picked up some other nice young receivers in Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham, none of them have the game-changing presence that Plax did, and with a less effective running game, the Giants have been easier to defend lately.
Of course, the Eagles D vs. Giants O isn't the part of the game that most of America is going to tune in to see. No, what they want to see is Michael Vick, coming off one of the best performances by a quarterback I've ever seen, against a much more formidable defense in the Giants. The G-Men are tops in the league in fewest yards allowed per game. The Eagles are 3rd in yards gained, and are 2nd in points scored. Something has to give. What isn't getting much press is the fact that the Giants actually have the second-ranked offense in the NFL based on yards gained, and will be a formidable challenge for the Eagles, but what can you expect when Mike Vick is on the opposing squad?
Vick will be facing a sometimes-dominating defensive line that has a combination of size and athleticism that the Eagles haven't seen this year. It will be a great test for a quarterback with a level of athleticism that has never been seen before in the game of football. Michael Vick has an opportunity to dispose of the "yeah, but who has he played" argument that exists when speaking about his success this season. If the Eagles handle the Giants and Vick has a big game, they can instantly catapult themselves to the favorites in the NFC, having already beaten the 7-2 Falcons, which is hard to believe considering what most of us thought of the team's prospects in the preseason. If not, there are going to be some doubts about whether this a Super Bowl caliber team as opposed to just a playoff team.
Everything is clicking right now on the offensive side of the ball (I know, brilliant observation on my part after they scored 59 points last week), and the Giants are coming off a terribly disappointing loss to a 1-7 Dallas team at home. As mentioned before, they haven't beaten the Eagles the last four tries. What does that mean? They're going to be fired up. Fired up to end the streak, to prove that last week was the exception and not the rule, and to do what no team thus far has been able to do - contain number 7. On top of that, it's a top tier division rivalry in the NFL. NBC must be giddy with excitement thinking about the ratings this primetime matchup will generate.
If the Eagles win the game, however, they will do it on the defensive side of the ball. I think Vick and the offense will score their points, but can the D contain what has been a very solid Giants offense this year? One thing that favors the Birds is the Giants' injury situation, as they are banged up to say the least. Among the wounded are O-lineman Shaun O'Hara and David Diehl, who, along with WR Steve Smith and FB Madison Hedgecock, will be out for the game. TE Kevin Boss was limited in practice, but is probable to play. Oh, and wait, there's one more; yes, our old buddy, Shawn Andrews is questionable with a (shocker) back injury. Boy, that sounds awfully familiar. Andrews, though, says he is "extra amped" about this one, as I'm sure he can't wait to exact revenge on the team that dealt with over a year of his injury drama, personal issues, and Michael Phelps songs before finally cutting him this past offseason. Andrews better be amped if he's in the game, because I'm sure there are some Eagles D-linemen who wouldn't mind teeing off on the guy who pulled the team through what seemed like a never-ending roller coaster ride over the past two years. While part of me is happy for the guy that he is able to play football with all the issues he's had with depression and his back, it's nice how he managed to pull it together AFTER the Eagles finally gave up and cut him.
So, with that all said, Sunday night promises to be a fun one. Plenty of storylines, first place in the NFC East on the line, and Michael Vick's true chance to show that he is back as an elite NFL quarterback. The Eagles are poised to thrust themselves into Super Bowl-contender status with a win, and to prompt a blog post from me featuring a classic Madden tune. Exciting, huh? Just another reason to hope the Eagles win.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Everybody Makes Mistakes
So said Donovan McNabb in the Redskins' post-game celebration after beating the Eagles in Week 4, after his spectacular 8 for 19 performance for 125 yards and a TD. Yes, that was completely sarcastic. He did nothing whatsoever after the first quarter, and despite the Eagles playing their worst game of the season, they were still a Jason Avant ridiculous catch away from snagging a win. But, of course, Donovan just couldn't resist getting a shot in.
Of course, that "mistake" the team made in trading him away has led to the "Michael Vick Experience 2: This Time He Can Pass" (in theaters everywhere). While McNabb and the Skins have fizzled out since that game, the Eagles have been nearly unstoppable with Vick at the helm. Despite this, some other Redskins felt the need to stoke the fire before the game Monday night, I guess thinking they could actually replicate their performance in the first matchup against a very different Eagles squad. According to several Eagles players, Redskins DBs Laron Landry and DeAngelo Hall were making sleeping motions, putting their hands next to their heads, taunting Desean Jackson and the horrific concussion he suffered a few weeks ago. Landry apparently had some verbal shots along the same lines, and while he of course denies it, this story has been confirmed by many players as well as an independent source, FOX's Jay Glazer. According to Desean, Landry specifically told him "I'm going to put you to sleep again."
Now, that's just wrong in any context, making light of a serious and possibly life-threatening injury, but what makes it worse is that Landry is an overrated glorified linebacker who is known only for his physique and occasional big hits, and is a total liability in coverage. He also seems to be lacking upstairs, because why you would try to fire up an Eagles team playing incredible football and coming in for a revenge game is beyond me. The entire team took note of the comments made to Jackson in the locker room after a skirmish on the field before the game, and the result was a first play that put Landry in his place, to say the least.
An 88-yard TD bomb from Vick to Jackson that left Landry sprawled on the Fed-Ex field grass. Though no one will outright say it, there are reports that some of these pre-game festivities led to the coaching staff's decision to pour it on rather than maybe let up on the gas pedal a little. Then again, why shouldn't they pour it on? These are professionals playing against professionals, so if the Redskins didn't like it they should have stopped it.
But back to McNabb. Eagles center Mike McGlynn (who was very talkative after the game, also claiming that Landry spit in his face twice during the game) alluded to the fact that McNabb's comments after the first matchup may have provided some added fuel for the Eagles, saying “We got fired up. Donovan had said some things after they beat us that fired us up, saying how they made a terrible decision and everybody makes mistakes. I think we’re happy with where we are right now.” In case you didn't see it, here's the clip of McNabb's speech (skip to about the 0:50 mark):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD5JEkHw-0c
Ahh. Donovan, Mr. Class, just couldn't resist throwing that little barb in there, knowing full well that he was on camera and that the clip would be shown all over by the media. I don't have a huge problem with the comment, except for the fact that he had a horrible game, and if anything his performance served to justify the decision the Eagles made to trade him. You're right, Donovan, everybody makes mistakes. Especially people like Laron Landry and Daniel Snyder. But it doesn't appear the Eagles did. Things are working out quite nicely with #7 running the show, and if McNabb, Landry, and the Skins are smart, they might keep their mouths shut in the future.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Holy Shnikes! Did that just happen?
After his benching a few weeks ago, many thought McNabb's days in DC were numbered already. Nope.
As reported by Michael Smith at ESPN, the Washington Redskins just gave quarterback Donovan McNabb a five-year extension that is around $78 million with nearly $40 million guaranteed.
McNabb will enter tonight's game with his pants falling down because that is a crapload of money for a guy who will be 39 years old when the deal is done. The deal comes just two weeks after being benched for the last minutes of a game in Detroit. That set off a media firestorm that questioned McNabb's practice habits, his endurance, potential injuries and conjured up a mini-race debate that many journalists and pundits have been dragging out for years. While these journalists stated that black quarterbacks may not be intelligent enough to run an offense, McNabb just proved him and his agent are smart enough to steal money from the Redskins organization. Wow.
In other news, Jason Campbell is still crying. AS HE'S WINNING AND HAVING A STRONGER SEASON THAN MCNABB! BAM!
As reported by Michael Smith at ESPN, the Washington Redskins just gave quarterback Donovan McNabb a five-year extension that is around $78 million with nearly $40 million guaranteed.
McNabb will enter tonight's game with his pants falling down because that is a crapload of money for a guy who will be 39 years old when the deal is done. The deal comes just two weeks after being benched for the last minutes of a game in Detroit. That set off a media firestorm that questioned McNabb's practice habits, his endurance, potential injuries and conjured up a mini-race debate that many journalists and pundits have been dragging out for years. While these journalists stated that black quarterbacks may not be intelligent enough to run an offense, McNabb just proved him and his agent are smart enough to steal money from the Redskins organization. Wow.
In other news, Jason Campbell is still crying. AS HE'S WINNING AND HAVING A STRONGER SEASON THAN MCNABB! BAM!
Monday Hangover - November 15, 2010
With the Eagles ready to square off against the rival Redskins tonight, perhaps it would have been better to have a "Tuesday Hangover" segment. But that's just ridiculous. And it still was a busy weekend in Philly sports despite the Eagles not playing until tonight.
White Russian
With the Eagles idle until tonight and the Phillies season over, has anyone noticed how well the Flyers have been playing? They've been on an absolute tear as of late and they owe a lot to their rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrovksy. "Bob" as he is affectionately known is 10-2-1 and stopped 34 shots out of 36 on Saturday against the Florida Panthers. Meanwhile, the Flyers offense has come alive. Giroux and Richards each had two goals on Saturday to lead the charge.
Again, Giroux seems to be coming into his own as he now has 9 goals and 9 assists in just 17 games this season. And it's good to see that Giroux will keep producing as a Flyer as he signed a three-year deal last Monday. While Jeff Carter was next with a huge 11 year deal for the Flyers, the Philly hockey team has three young players locked up long term. The next to be signed to an extension? Playoff hero Ville Leino. Leino is a free agent after this season but the Flyers are adamant about resigning the young winger. Leino has been impressive so far this season too. While he has just 3 goals, Leino has added 12 helpers and has played great on Giroux's line. He definitely is a playmaker the Flyers don't want to slip away.
I will actually be heading to the Flyers game tonight just a few rows from the ice as they take on Senators.
Not Gettin' Iggy With It
Unlike the Flyers, the Sixers haven't been able to buy a win as of late. They've lost three straight, now sit at 2-8 on the season and finish up a lengthy road trip on Tuesday in Cleveland. Elton Brand has gone back to Elton Bust and Andre Iguodala has looked shaky since returning from injury. This team needs to find a direction and fast. The Eastern Conference is no laughing matter anymore and a sub-.500 team may not make it to the playoffs this year. Which means, the Sixers could be losing a whole lot of games at this rate. The past few games, it seems like only half the team has shown up. Jrue Holiday is the one of a few players actually being consistent and providing the team an edge.
This may be a transition year for the Sixers but it is still very tough to sit and watch some of these games and the Sixers seem to roll over and die in the fourth quarter. Is it too early to make a trade or move or something to shake this team up?
Vick's Vapo Rub
Nothing like getting wasted off of Vapo Rub. Right Jamarcus Russell? Anyway, this has been one crazy season for our beloved Eagles. Who would have thought the Monday night showdown with McNabb would be a chance for the Eagles to tie for first place in the division?
And since the last meeting with McNabb, the Eagles went back to Kevin Kolb as quarterback due to injury, won a few close games, beat a top team in the NFC, gave Kenny Britt waaaaaay to much credit as a wide receiver, and got Michael Vick back to be the starter against McNabb on Monday night. And thanks to the new-look Cowboys beating up on the Giants, a win tonight at FedEx Field will have the Eagles and Giants tied atop the division. No one could have guessed this.
At halfway through the season, there still are a bunch of question marks on this team, but the next few weeks will tell the story of the Eagles 2010-2011 campaign as tough contests against the Giants, Bears, and Texans (oh my!) will show what playoff chutzpah this team may possess.
White Russian
With the Eagles idle until tonight and the Phillies season over, has anyone noticed how well the Flyers have been playing? They've been on an absolute tear as of late and they owe a lot to their rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrovksy. "Bob" as he is affectionately known is 10-2-1 and stopped 34 shots out of 36 on Saturday against the Florida Panthers. Meanwhile, the Flyers offense has come alive. Giroux and Richards each had two goals on Saturday to lead the charge.
Again, Giroux seems to be coming into his own as he now has 9 goals and 9 assists in just 17 games this season. And it's good to see that Giroux will keep producing as a Flyer as he signed a three-year deal last Monday. While Jeff Carter was next with a huge 11 year deal for the Flyers, the Philly hockey team has three young players locked up long term. The next to be signed to an extension? Playoff hero Ville Leino. Leino is a free agent after this season but the Flyers are adamant about resigning the young winger. Leino has been impressive so far this season too. While he has just 3 goals, Leino has added 12 helpers and has played great on Giroux's line. He definitely is a playmaker the Flyers don't want to slip away.
I will actually be heading to the Flyers game tonight just a few rows from the ice as they take on Senators.
Not Gettin' Iggy With It
Unlike the Flyers, the Sixers haven't been able to buy a win as of late. They've lost three straight, now sit at 2-8 on the season and finish up a lengthy road trip on Tuesday in Cleveland. Elton Brand has gone back to Elton Bust and Andre Iguodala has looked shaky since returning from injury. This team needs to find a direction and fast. The Eastern Conference is no laughing matter anymore and a sub-.500 team may not make it to the playoffs this year. Which means, the Sixers could be losing a whole lot of games at this rate. The past few games, it seems like only half the team has shown up. Jrue Holiday is the one of a few players actually being consistent and providing the team an edge.
This may be a transition year for the Sixers but it is still very tough to sit and watch some of these games and the Sixers seem to roll over and die in the fourth quarter. Is it too early to make a trade or move or something to shake this team up?
Vick's Vapo Rub
Nothing like getting wasted off of Vapo Rub. Right Jamarcus Russell? Anyway, this has been one crazy season for our beloved Eagles. Who would have thought the Monday night showdown with McNabb would be a chance for the Eagles to tie for first place in the division?
And since the last meeting with McNabb, the Eagles went back to Kevin Kolb as quarterback due to injury, won a few close games, beat a top team in the NFC, gave Kenny Britt waaaaaay to much credit as a wide receiver, and got Michael Vick back to be the starter against McNabb on Monday night. And thanks to the new-look Cowboys beating up on the Giants, a win tonight at FedEx Field will have the Eagles and Giants tied atop the division. No one could have guessed this.
At halfway through the season, there still are a bunch of question marks on this team, but the next few weeks will tell the story of the Eagles 2010-2011 campaign as tough contests against the Giants, Bears, and Texans (oh my!) will show what playoff chutzpah this team may possess.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday Hangover - November 8, 2010
Well I'm back from all my little excursions to bring you yet another edition of Monday Hangover. With the Phillies season officially forgotten by now, I may or may not bring it back from the dead after my little trip to the place where you'll see the Phillies next... Clearwater.
But as the weekend progressed, Philly sports were back in full spring and after the last few weeks of disappointment (the Titans game, the Phillies losing) the Philly teams turned it around a bit this week.
Colt 45
Like the malt liquor referenced above, I, and many other fans as well, thought that this week's game against the Indianapolis Colts would leave a really sour taste in our collective mouth. Instead, the Eagles squeezed out a victory after a very sloppy and poorly officiated game.
First, I just gotta say that besides the Eagles' throwbacks, I think the Colts' throwback jerseys they wore on Sunday are the most amazing throwback jersey I've seen. My only questions is why didn't they wear the throwbacks at home? And if the Colts are in throwback, then why didn't the Eagles throw on the 1960 Kelly Greens. The world may never know.
The game itself was a frustrating one. Big plays led the Eagles to early scoring drives, but the birds still settled for too many field goals. It's very frustrating to have a 94 yard field goal drive.
To make matters worse, the Eagles got called for some pretty tough penalties. Now I'm not going to defend a team that committed 14 penalties for 125 total yards. A team like that should lose the game to a team like the Colts. But there had to be at least 3 or 4 of the 15-yard variety that were just plain unwarranted. When Austin Collie went down with a concussion, Eagles safety Kurt Coleman was called for hitting "a defenseless receiver". This topic and these types of hits have been all the rage in the NFL in the recent weeks. And Collie's injury is very scary but this hit did not deserve a penalty. Collie looks like he had his hands on the ball, started to turn, and was unfortunately spun around by two clean hits. Later in the game, the Eagles looked like they sacked and forced a fumble from Peyton Manning to officially seal a victory. Nope. Trent Cole gave Peyton's helmet the white glove test and the the Colts were awarded another 15 yards. Cole was clearly going for the ball and incidental contact to the quarterback's helmet should not be a penalty.
Regardless the Eagles were able to inch out of this one and get a well deserved victory.
Four Loko Brand
The Philadelphia 76ers opened the season on very shaky ground with big losses to Miami, Cleveland, and Atlanta, but have posted a bit of a turnaround as of late. They've won two of their last three and owe it in large part to Elton Brand. Brand, labeled by many, to be a huge bust since coming to Philly a couple of years ago, has had some huge games. He posted 25 points and 12 rebounds in a huge win over Indiana in the middle of the week and contributed 20 and 7 in yesterday's win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. With a young supporting cast and key contributions from Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, and Lou Williams, Elton may be finally coming around. He's scored 20 or more points in the past four games and here's hoping that the Sixers can turn some of these performances into W's.
The Sixers have also been blessed by injury. Having Andre Iguodala out with an injured Achilles tendon has let Turner and Williams turn on the jets a bit. Giving these two guys more playing time is key to the future of this team. And I hope that Iggy's injury shows the Sixers front office the solution: Trade him. Soon. Get some young players or draft picks and move this team closer to resurgence. We already have a ton of capable guards and small forwards. There really is no point to having Andre on this team anymore.
Pretty Fly for a bunch of White Guys
Oh yeah and the Flyers just ended a nice little streak too. After starting a meager 3-4-1, the Flyers ripped off six straight victories before losing to the Caps last night in overtime. The offense is finally starting to click and it looks like this team is headed into the right direction. Claude Giroux, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards are living up to their billing as the offensive gurus, while rookie goaltender Sergei "Bob" Bobrovsky has played every minute of the winning streak. So far in the early going, "Bob" is 8-2-1 with a 2.19 goals against average and an impressive 92.6 save percentage. With starter Michael Leighton almost ready to return, veteran backup Brian Boucher may be the odd man out. When it comes to goaltending, you definitely cannot sit the hot hand (or glove). Look for the 22 year old Russian to continue his play as the Flyers visit the Canes on Veterans' Day.
I Can See Clearwater Now, the Rain is Gone
Yes, I just returned from a vacation in Clearwater, FL where I enjoyed the sun, the surf, and the sand. Too bad the sand was on the golf course. I also was able to stop outside the gates of Bright House Field and reflect on when I'll see my beloved Phillies again. In just a few short months, the crowds will once again start flocking to the stadium to see the 2011 version of the Phillies. So much hope was wrapped in the Phillies this year and it was tough to see the spring training facility as the San Francisco Giants won their first world series in over 50 years.
But as the weekend progressed, Philly sports were back in full spring and after the last few weeks of disappointment (the Titans game, the Phillies losing) the Philly teams turned it around a bit this week.
Colt 45
Like the malt liquor referenced above, I, and many other fans as well, thought that this week's game against the Indianapolis Colts would leave a really sour taste in our collective mouth. Instead, the Eagles squeezed out a victory after a very sloppy and poorly officiated game.
First, I just gotta say that besides the Eagles' throwbacks, I think the Colts' throwback jerseys they wore on Sunday are the most amazing throwback jersey I've seen. My only questions is why didn't they wear the throwbacks at home? And if the Colts are in throwback, then why didn't the Eagles throw on the 1960 Kelly Greens. The world may never know.
The game itself was a frustrating one. Big plays led the Eagles to early scoring drives, but the birds still settled for too many field goals. It's very frustrating to have a 94 yard field goal drive.
To make matters worse, the Eagles got called for some pretty tough penalties. Now I'm not going to defend a team that committed 14 penalties for 125 total yards. A team like that should lose the game to a team like the Colts. But there had to be at least 3 or 4 of the 15-yard variety that were just plain unwarranted. When Austin Collie went down with a concussion, Eagles safety Kurt Coleman was called for hitting "a defenseless receiver". This topic and these types of hits have been all the rage in the NFL in the recent weeks. And Collie's injury is very scary but this hit did not deserve a penalty. Collie looks like he had his hands on the ball, started to turn, and was unfortunately spun around by two clean hits. Later in the game, the Eagles looked like they sacked and forced a fumble from Peyton Manning to officially seal a victory. Nope. Trent Cole gave Peyton's helmet the white glove test and the the Colts were awarded another 15 yards. Cole was clearly going for the ball and incidental contact to the quarterback's helmet should not be a penalty.
Regardless the Eagles were able to inch out of this one and get a well deserved victory.
Four Loko Brand
The Philadelphia 76ers opened the season on very shaky ground with big losses to Miami, Cleveland, and Atlanta, but have posted a bit of a turnaround as of late. They've won two of their last three and owe it in large part to Elton Brand. Brand, labeled by many, to be a huge bust since coming to Philly a couple of years ago, has had some huge games. He posted 25 points and 12 rebounds in a huge win over Indiana in the middle of the week and contributed 20 and 7 in yesterday's win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. With a young supporting cast and key contributions from Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, and Lou Williams, Elton may be finally coming around. He's scored 20 or more points in the past four games and here's hoping that the Sixers can turn some of these performances into W's.
The Sixers have also been blessed by injury. Having Andre Iguodala out with an injured Achilles tendon has let Turner and Williams turn on the jets a bit. Giving these two guys more playing time is key to the future of this team. And I hope that Iggy's injury shows the Sixers front office the solution: Trade him. Soon. Get some young players or draft picks and move this team closer to resurgence. We already have a ton of capable guards and small forwards. There really is no point to having Andre on this team anymore.
Pretty Fly for a bunch of White Guys
Oh yeah and the Flyers just ended a nice little streak too. After starting a meager 3-4-1, the Flyers ripped off six straight victories before losing to the Caps last night in overtime. The offense is finally starting to click and it looks like this team is headed into the right direction. Claude Giroux, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards are living up to their billing as the offensive gurus, while rookie goaltender Sergei "Bob" Bobrovsky has played every minute of the winning streak. So far in the early going, "Bob" is 8-2-1 with a 2.19 goals against average and an impressive 92.6 save percentage. With starter Michael Leighton almost ready to return, veteran backup Brian Boucher may be the odd man out. When it comes to goaltending, you definitely cannot sit the hot hand (or glove). Look for the 22 year old Russian to continue his play as the Flyers visit the Canes on Veterans' Day.
I Can See Clearwater Now, the Rain is Gone
Yes, I just returned from a vacation in Clearwater, FL where I enjoyed the sun, the surf, and the sand. Too bad the sand was on the golf course. I also was able to stop outside the gates of Bright House Field and reflect on when I'll see my beloved Phillies again. In just a few short months, the crowds will once again start flocking to the stadium to see the 2011 version of the Phillies. So much hope was wrapped in the Phillies this year and it was tough to see the spring training facility as the San Francisco Giants won their first world series in over 50 years.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday Hangover - November 1, 2010
Ahh, November. The leaves are changing, the jackets are coming out, and...for the first time in what seems like forever, there wasn't an Eagles or Phillies game this weekend. It is quite depressing, especially considering that our last memories at the moment are Juan Uribe and Kenny Britt sticking daggers in our hearts. So, since there wasn't much actual sports action this weekend, this may turn into more of a rant than anything else, but who knows.
I hate baseball.
Yeah, that about sums it up. I didn't watch a single pitch of this World Series, which really just means I have something in common with 99.99% of the country, because frankly, no one cares. I have nothing against the Giants, even though they beat us, which is unlike me - I'll usually root against a team that beats a Philly team in the playoffs. They're a team who pitches well and plays scrappy ball, and they beat us straight up. No one on their team really bothers me, and of course I love Pat Burrell, even though it's really wrong that he may very well retire with more rings than Roy Halladay. I also didn't watch because every time I'm reminded of baseball, I want to throw the nearest fragile object at a wall. My frustration has subsided quite significantly by now, however, and the recovery stage is slowly beginning.
Kenny Britt is not that good.
But Ellis Hobbs may very well be that bad. I believe I mentioned something before the season about not trusting him as a starting corner and, well, I still lack said trust. I swear, every time anyone on the Titans made a big catch, and the TV camera would pan to the defender most responsible, it was good ol' number 31 walking away. I give Nate Allen a pass because he's a rookie and he was defensive rookie of the month in September, and looks like he could turn out to be a really nice player. Hobbs is a veteran who was absolutely embarrassed by Kenny Britt all day long. It got to the point where it was downright funny, with Kerry Collins looking more like he was playing a game of 500 just lobbing balls in the air and Britt coming down with them. It sucks because this defense actually looks better than I expected, but I still fear that the secondary will let us down big time in the end. Things aren't getting any easier throughout the remainder of the schedule, especially with the Colts next on the slate, so this group had better figure it out.
But there is a silver lining to this cloud...
Yes, there were a couple things that brought a little grin to my face this weekend. First was the Redskins benching Donovan McNabb for...and no, this is not a misprint...Rex Grossman. Yes, the great Rex with his whopping career passer rating of 69.6. Coach Mike Shanahan later revealed that he 1) isn't a huge fan of McNabb's practice habits and 2) doesn't feel that Donnie is in the greatest of shape (read here). Now, it's not that I hate McNabb, but as I've expressed before, there were things about the guy that we Eagles fans didn't like, but we were pounded into the pavement for expressing those feelings. Now, it appears that a very successful NFL head coach has similar thoughts.
Shanahan's qualms with McNabb's practice tempo and conditioning don't surprise me one bit. McNabb strikes me as the kind of guy who got comfortable being Mr. Carefree on the Eagles knowing Andy Reid had his back, but his laid-back approach might be a little too much for his new coach. On the Eagles, it was always McNabb's team, which may have led to some complacency, although a former Eagles backup QB who was on the team with McNabb mentioned that the one point the Eagles coaches continually tried to stress to McNabb was indeed picking up his tempo, which is critical in a West Coast offense. You don't have to do a ton of critical analysis to draw the conclusion that Mike Shanahan is seeing some of these qualities.
We shall see if the media comes to McNabb's defense as fervently as they have in the past now that it wouldn't also give them a chance to bash the Eagles and Philly fans. Maybe they should give some of us credit for thinking the time was right to trade McNabb, and for thinking that there were plenty of legitimate reasons to move on. And, maybe cows will fly. Oh, and if this wasn't funny enough, Shanahan actually is rumored to have considered benching McNabb AFTER beating the Eagles a couple weeks ago, despite his team getting the victory. That right there should tell you that it wasn't McNabb's effort that beat the Eagles, although, in typical Donovan fashion, he made the comment in the locker room post game that "they (the Eagles) made a mistake" in trading him. Yeah, boy, I wish we could have that one back.
Oh, and the other silver lining this weekend? The Cowboys getting beat up on yet again. It never gets old, Romo or no Romo, to see Dallas getting rocked, especially when they were the consensus pick to with the NFC East (even by me) and picked by many to go to the Super Bowl. Now, at an embarrassing 1-6, the team has become a punchline. The downtrodden state of the Cowboys will hopefully make it the perfect time for the Eagles to exact some revenge on them after being swept by Dallas in three games last season.
Orange and Black is Back
I guess I should also mention that the Flyers are looking good right now, having won four straight and sitting atop the Atlantic Division with 15 points after a 3-2 win against Carolina tonight. I don't know that there's been enough time yet to get over the Phillies to the point that I can get myself excited about the Flyers, but it looks like we have something to look forward to this season. Young goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (the "Bob") has been impressive so far, and the Flyers seem to be picking up where they left off with last year's magical playoff run. It's too early to start getting our hopes up too much just yet, but the Flyers are the one bright spot in the world of Philly sports right now.
R. Scott will be back next week, as he is again vacationing on the lovely beaches of Florida. Quite the life.
I hate baseball.
Yeah, that about sums it up. I didn't watch a single pitch of this World Series, which really just means I have something in common with 99.99% of the country, because frankly, no one cares. I have nothing against the Giants, even though they beat us, which is unlike me - I'll usually root against a team that beats a Philly team in the playoffs. They're a team who pitches well and plays scrappy ball, and they beat us straight up. No one on their team really bothers me, and of course I love Pat Burrell, even though it's really wrong that he may very well retire with more rings than Roy Halladay. I also didn't watch because every time I'm reminded of baseball, I want to throw the nearest fragile object at a wall. My frustration has subsided quite significantly by now, however, and the recovery stage is slowly beginning.
Kenny Britt is not that good.
But Ellis Hobbs may very well be that bad. I believe I mentioned something before the season about not trusting him as a starting corner and, well, I still lack said trust. I swear, every time anyone on the Titans made a big catch, and the TV camera would pan to the defender most responsible, it was good ol' number 31 walking away. I give Nate Allen a pass because he's a rookie and he was defensive rookie of the month in September, and looks like he could turn out to be a really nice player. Hobbs is a veteran who was absolutely embarrassed by Kenny Britt all day long. It got to the point where it was downright funny, with Kerry Collins looking more like he was playing a game of 500 just lobbing balls in the air and Britt coming down with them. It sucks because this defense actually looks better than I expected, but I still fear that the secondary will let us down big time in the end. Things aren't getting any easier throughout the remainder of the schedule, especially with the Colts next on the slate, so this group had better figure it out.
But there is a silver lining to this cloud...
Yes, there were a couple things that brought a little grin to my face this weekend. First was the Redskins benching Donovan McNabb for...and no, this is not a misprint...Rex Grossman. Yes, the great Rex with his whopping career passer rating of 69.6. Coach Mike Shanahan later revealed that he 1) isn't a huge fan of McNabb's practice habits and 2) doesn't feel that Donnie is in the greatest of shape (read here). Now, it's not that I hate McNabb, but as I've expressed before, there were things about the guy that we Eagles fans didn't like, but we were pounded into the pavement for expressing those feelings. Now, it appears that a very successful NFL head coach has similar thoughts.
Shanahan's qualms with McNabb's practice tempo and conditioning don't surprise me one bit. McNabb strikes me as the kind of guy who got comfortable being Mr. Carefree on the Eagles knowing Andy Reid had his back, but his laid-back approach might be a little too much for his new coach. On the Eagles, it was always McNabb's team, which may have led to some complacency, although a former Eagles backup QB who was on the team with McNabb mentioned that the one point the Eagles coaches continually tried to stress to McNabb was indeed picking up his tempo, which is critical in a West Coast offense. You don't have to do a ton of critical analysis to draw the conclusion that Mike Shanahan is seeing some of these qualities.
We shall see if the media comes to McNabb's defense as fervently as they have in the past now that it wouldn't also give them a chance to bash the Eagles and Philly fans. Maybe they should give some of us credit for thinking the time was right to trade McNabb, and for thinking that there were plenty of legitimate reasons to move on. And, maybe cows will fly. Oh, and if this wasn't funny enough, Shanahan actually is rumored to have considered benching McNabb AFTER beating the Eagles a couple weeks ago, despite his team getting the victory. That right there should tell you that it wasn't McNabb's effort that beat the Eagles, although, in typical Donovan fashion, he made the comment in the locker room post game that "they (the Eagles) made a mistake" in trading him. Yeah, boy, I wish we could have that one back.
Oh, and the other silver lining this weekend? The Cowboys getting beat up on yet again. It never gets old, Romo or no Romo, to see Dallas getting rocked, especially when they were the consensus pick to with the NFC East (even by me) and picked by many to go to the Super Bowl. Now, at an embarrassing 1-6, the team has become a punchline. The downtrodden state of the Cowboys will hopefully make it the perfect time for the Eagles to exact some revenge on them after being swept by Dallas in three games last season.
Orange and Black is Back
I guess I should also mention that the Flyers are looking good right now, having won four straight and sitting atop the Atlantic Division with 15 points after a 3-2 win against Carolina tonight. I don't know that there's been enough time yet to get over the Phillies to the point that I can get myself excited about the Flyers, but it looks like we have something to look forward to this season. Young goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (the "Bob") has been impressive so far, and the Flyers seem to be picking up where they left off with last year's magical playoff run. It's too early to start getting our hopes up too much just yet, but the Flyers are the one bright spot in the world of Philly sports right now.
R. Scott will be back next week, as he is again vacationing on the lovely beaches of Florida. Quite the life.
Monday Hangover - November 1, 2010
Ahh, November. The leaves are changing, the jackets are coming out, and...for the first time in what seems like forever, there wasn't an Eagles or Phillies game this weekend (tears). It is quite depressing, especially considering that our last memories at the moment are Juan Uribe and Kenny Britt sticking daggers in our hearts. So, since there wasn't much actual sports action this weekend, this may turn into more of a rant than anything else, but who knows.
I hate baseball.
Yeah, that about sums it up. I haven't watched a single pitch of this World Series, which really just means I have something in common with 99.99% of the country, because frankly, no one freaking cares. I don't even really care who wins, and I have nothing against the Giants even though they beat us, which is unlike me. They're a team who pitches well and plays scrappy ball, and they beat us straight up. No one on their team really bothers me, and of course I love Pat Burrell, even though it's really wrong that he may very well retire with more rings than Roy Halladay. I don't watch because every time I'm reminded of baseball, I want to throw the nearest fragile object at a wall. My frustration has subsided quite significantly by now, however, and the recovery stage is slowly beginning.
Kenny Britt is not that good.
But Ellis Hobbs may very well be that bad. I believe I mentioned something before the season about not trusting him as a starting corner and, well, I still lack said trust. I swear, every time anyone on the Titans made a big catch, and the TV camera would pan to the defender most responsible, it was good ol' 31 walking away. I give Nate Allen a pass because he's a rookie and he was defensive rookie of the month in September, and looks like he could turn out to be a really nice player. Hobbs is a veteran who was absolutely embarrassed by Kenny Britt. It got to the point where it was downright funny, with Kerry Collins looking more like he was playing a game of 500 just lobbing balls in the air. It sucks because this defense actually looks a lot better than I expected, but I still fear that the secondary will let us down big time in the end. Things aren't getting any easier throughout the remainder of the schedule, especially with the Colts next on the slate, so this group had better figure it out.
But there is a silver lining to this cloud...
Yes, there were a couple things that brought a little grin to my face this weekend. First was the Redskins benching Donovan McNabb for...and no, this is not a misprint...Rex Grossman. Yes, the great Rex with his whopping career passer rating of 69.6. Coach Mike Shanahan later revealed that he 1) isn't a huge fan of McNabb's practice habits and 2) doesn't feel that Donnie is in the greatest of shape (read here). Now, it's not that I hate McNabb, but as I've expressed before, there were things about the guy that we Eagles fans didn't like, but we were pounded into the pavement for expressing those feelings. Now, it appears that a very successful NFL head coach has similar thoughts. McNabb is a great quarterback, but he has a terrible habit of moving at a sluggish pace at the most crucial moments of a game, and not only that, he doesn't even appear to have a sense of urgency. McNabb lovers say he's "calm," but there are times in life when you don't need to be calm - see 4th quarter of Super Bowl XXXIX.
Shanahan's qualms with McNabb's practice tempo and conditioning don't surprise me one bit. McNabb strikes me as the kind of guy who got comfortable being Mr. Carefree on the Eagles knowing Andy Reid had his back, but his laid-back approach might be a little too much for his new coach. On the Eagles, it was always McNabb's team, which may have led to some complacency. A great quarterback might be able to get away with it on talent alone, but an elite quarterback will continue to work as hard as ever no matter what the situation. Of course this is all speculation - I haven't personally witnessed Donovan's workouts - but you don't have to do a ton of critical analysis to draw the conclusion that Mike Shanahan sees some of these qualities.
We shall see if the media comes to McNabb's defense as fervently as they have in the past now that it wouldn't also give them a chance to bash the Eagles and Philly fans, their favorite past time. Maybe they should give some of us some credit for thinking the time was right to trade McNabb, and for thinking that there were plenty of legitimate reasons to move on. And, maybe cows will fly. Oh, and if this wasn't funny enough, Shanahan actually is rumored to have considered benching McNabb AFTER beating the Eagles a couple weeks ago, despite the team getting a victory. That should tell you that it wasn't McNabb's effort that beat the Eagles, although, in typical Donovan fashion, he made the comment in the locker room post game that "they (the Eagles) made a mistake" in trading him. Yeah, boy, I wish we could have that one back.
Oh, and the other silver lining this weekend? The Cowboys getting beat on yet again. It env
I hate baseball.
Yeah, that about sums it up. I haven't watched a single pitch of this World Series, which really just means I have something in common with 99.99% of the country, because frankly, no one freaking cares. I don't even really care who wins, and I have nothing against the Giants even though they beat us, which is unlike me. They're a team who pitches well and plays scrappy ball, and they beat us straight up. No one on their team really bothers me, and of course I love Pat Burrell, even though it's really wrong that he may very well retire with more rings than Roy Halladay. I don't watch because every time I'm reminded of baseball, I want to throw the nearest fragile object at a wall. My frustration has subsided quite significantly by now, however, and the recovery stage is slowly beginning.
Kenny Britt is not that good.
But Ellis Hobbs may very well be that bad. I believe I mentioned something before the season about not trusting him as a starting corner and, well, I still lack said trust. I swear, every time anyone on the Titans made a big catch, and the TV camera would pan to the defender most responsible, it was good ol' 31 walking away. I give Nate Allen a pass because he's a rookie and he was defensive rookie of the month in September, and looks like he could turn out to be a really nice player. Hobbs is a veteran who was absolutely embarrassed by Kenny Britt. It got to the point where it was downright funny, with Kerry Collins looking more like he was playing a game of 500 just lobbing balls in the air. It sucks because this defense actually looks a lot better than I expected, but I still fear that the secondary will let us down big time in the end. Things aren't getting any easier throughout the remainder of the schedule, especially with the Colts next on the slate, so this group had better figure it out.
But there is a silver lining to this cloud...
Yes, there were a couple things that brought a little grin to my face this weekend. First was the Redskins benching Donovan McNabb for...and no, this is not a misprint...Rex Grossman. Yes, the great Rex with his whopping career passer rating of 69.6. Coach Mike Shanahan later revealed that he 1) isn't a huge fan of McNabb's practice habits and 2) doesn't feel that Donnie is in the greatest of shape (read here). Now, it's not that I hate McNabb, but as I've expressed before, there were things about the guy that we Eagles fans didn't like, but we were pounded into the pavement for expressing those feelings. Now, it appears that a very successful NFL head coach has similar thoughts. McNabb is a great quarterback, but he has a terrible habit of moving at a sluggish pace at the most crucial moments of a game, and not only that, he doesn't even appear to have a sense of urgency. McNabb lovers say he's "calm," but there are times in life when you don't need to be calm - see 4th quarter of Super Bowl XXXIX.
Shanahan's qualms with McNabb's practice tempo and conditioning don't surprise me one bit. McNabb strikes me as the kind of guy who got comfortable being Mr. Carefree on the Eagles knowing Andy Reid had his back, but his laid-back approach might be a little too much for his new coach. On the Eagles, it was always McNabb's team, which may have led to some complacency. A great quarterback might be able to get away with it on talent alone, but an elite quarterback will continue to work as hard as ever no matter what the situation. Of course this is all speculation - I haven't personally witnessed Donovan's workouts - but you don't have to do a ton of critical analysis to draw the conclusion that Mike Shanahan sees some of these qualities.
We shall see if the media comes to McNabb's defense as fervently as they have in the past now that it wouldn't also give them a chance to bash the Eagles and Philly fans, their favorite past time. Maybe they should give some of us some credit for thinking the time was right to trade McNabb, and for thinking that there were plenty of legitimate reasons to move on. And, maybe cows will fly. Oh, and if this wasn't funny enough, Shanahan actually is rumored to have considered benching McNabb AFTER beating the Eagles a couple weeks ago, despite the team getting a victory. That should tell you that it wasn't McNabb's effort that beat the Eagles, although, in typical Donovan fashion, he made the comment in the locker room post game that "they (the Eagles) made a mistake" in trading him. Yeah, boy, I wish we could have that one back.
Oh, and the other silver lining this weekend? The Cowboys getting beat on yet again. It env
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sixers 2010-2011 Season Preview
I really thought it would be best to hold on the Sixers season preview until after getting a look at the team they would play first. Yes, the Sixers open the season tonight at home against the future NBA Champion Miami Heat. All buzz surrounds the Heat this season as LeBron James and Chris Bosh, the two top free agents of this summer's class, joined up with reigning King of South Beach Dwyane Wade.
While LeBron was deciding to "take his talents to South Beach" (my own personal euphemism for masturbation), your Philadelphia 76ers made some "big" news. Well... big for them. Hiring Doug Collins as coach and getting the number 2 pick in the NBA draft is always good.
Key Additions:
Getting Doug Collins as coach will hopefully provide some stability on this team. Collins has had success in the past with Chicago, Detroit, and less notably with Washington.
Evan Turner was selected the number 2 pick overall behind Washington's John Wall. Early reports on Turner classified him as one of the most NBA-ready players from the draft. However, stories out of training camp and his preseason performance tell a tale of a lot of work to be done with Turner. Who knows if Turner and Andre Iguodala can coexist? Turner will start the season riding the pine for the Sixers.
While I wouldn't call them "key additions", the Sixers made a couple of moves this offseason to help provide some depth and size across the board. Trying to improve their big men, they sent Sammy Dalembert to Sacramento for C Spencer Hawes and F Andres Nocioni. Nocioni has been known for playing with a large contract and under performing but Hawes may be a nice role player sharing the front court with Marreese Speights.
Key Losses
The aforementioned Samuel Dalembert was traded in June but will not really be missed. The Sixers of course said goodbye to Allen Iverson who just signed to play over in Turkey. Again nothing major.
The one key player that was lost this offseason was Willie Green. Pushed out due to the draft of Turner, Green was the odd-guard out on this team and was traded to New Orleans along with Jason Smith for Darius Songaila and Craig Brackins. Brackins was the 21st overall pick in this year's draft by the Thunder and was bounced to New Orleans before being traded for Green.
Green put up some good years in Philly but ultimately left the team and the fan base wanting more.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
The Sixers have a very good, young core to build around. Jrue Holiday, Lou Williams, Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, and Thaddeus Young all provide some excitement in the back court. However, questions abound with the Sixers up front as the aging Brand looks to shake his "bust" label as a Sixer and we don't possess a game-changing big man in either Hawes or Speights.
It is definitely a rebuilding time and I believe this season could get ugly. I don't think that Turner is the player that everyone thinks he is. He can be a good NBA player at best, but I would never say he's going to be great. I don't think he'll be able to coexist with Iguodala and I think by mid-season, one of them will be gone. My money is on Iguodala as the Sixers can try to move him and acquire some expiring contracts.
The Sixers play in a very weak division but in an ever-increasing tough conference. Besides the Celtics, no other team in the Atlantic is that scary, but I still think the Sixers will finish in 3rd place in the division and 10th in the Conference overall. Which means, of course, they'll miss the playoffs. I don't see this team being able to gel and they'll face tough opponents in the East against the elite (Celtics, Magic, Heat) and against the up-an-comers (Bobcats, Hawks, Bulls, Bucks, Knicks).
It will definitely be a tough first matchup as we'll see if "Miami Thrice" can live up to its billing tonight in the Wachovia Center.
While LeBron was deciding to "take his talents to South Beach" (my own personal euphemism for masturbation), your Philadelphia 76ers made some "big" news. Well... big for them. Hiring Doug Collins as coach and getting the number 2 pick in the NBA draft is always good.
Key Additions:
Getting Doug Collins as coach will hopefully provide some stability on this team. Collins has had success in the past with Chicago, Detroit, and less notably with Washington.
Evan Turner was selected the number 2 pick overall behind Washington's John Wall. Early reports on Turner classified him as one of the most NBA-ready players from the draft. However, stories out of training camp and his preseason performance tell a tale of a lot of work to be done with Turner. Who knows if Turner and Andre Iguodala can coexist? Turner will start the season riding the pine for the Sixers.
While I wouldn't call them "key additions", the Sixers made a couple of moves this offseason to help provide some depth and size across the board. Trying to improve their big men, they sent Sammy Dalembert to Sacramento for C Spencer Hawes and F Andres Nocioni. Nocioni has been known for playing with a large contract and under performing but Hawes may be a nice role player sharing the front court with Marreese Speights.
Key Losses
The aforementioned Samuel Dalembert was traded in June but will not really be missed. The Sixers of course said goodbye to Allen Iverson who just signed to play over in Turkey. Again nothing major.
The one key player that was lost this offseason was Willie Green. Pushed out due to the draft of Turner, Green was the odd-guard out on this team and was traded to New Orleans along with Jason Smith for Darius Songaila and Craig Brackins. Brackins was the 21st overall pick in this year's draft by the Thunder and was bounced to New Orleans before being traded for Green.
Green put up some good years in Philly but ultimately left the team and the fan base wanting more.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
The Sixers have a very good, young core to build around. Jrue Holiday, Lou Williams, Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, and Thaddeus Young all provide some excitement in the back court. However, questions abound with the Sixers up front as the aging Brand looks to shake his "bust" label as a Sixer and we don't possess a game-changing big man in either Hawes or Speights.
It is definitely a rebuilding time and I believe this season could get ugly. I don't think that Turner is the player that everyone thinks he is. He can be a good NBA player at best, but I would never say he's going to be great. I don't think he'll be able to coexist with Iguodala and I think by mid-season, one of them will be gone. My money is on Iguodala as the Sixers can try to move him and acquire some expiring contracts.
The Sixers play in a very weak division but in an ever-increasing tough conference. Besides the Celtics, no other team in the Atlantic is that scary, but I still think the Sixers will finish in 3rd place in the division and 10th in the Conference overall. Which means, of course, they'll miss the playoffs. I don't see this team being able to gel and they'll face tough opponents in the East against the elite (Celtics, Magic, Heat) and against the up-an-comers (Bobcats, Hawks, Bulls, Bucks, Knicks).
It will definitely be a tough first matchup as we'll see if "Miami Thrice" can live up to its billing tonight in the Wachovia Center.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Free Agents
Now that the Phillies season is officially over, fans everywhere are of course wondering about keeping this core together for another run. While most of the veterans are planning on returning, the Phillies 2011 payroll is already pretty big. The Phillies already have over $135 million committed to just 16 players and several Phillies regulars are on the possible move this offseason. Of course the biggest being Jamie Moyer. Just kidding, I meant Jayson Werth. Here's a look at the six big free agents including my rating of chance of resigning and possible destinations for all.
Jose Contreras, RP
Contreras had a good year and looks to land a gig somewhere in the league in 2011. He's getting up there in age but proved he still has some decent stuff. I was surprised to see him as much as we did in the postseason but obviously Charlie only trusted a handful out of his bullpen and Contreras was one of them.
Chance of resigning: 5%
My guess for destinations: You're guess is as good as mine but look for Contreras to land somewhere in the National League.
Chad Durbin, RP
Durbin has been one of the most consistent relief pitchers on the team for the past few years. He provides a solid setup or mop up role and is always depended on for those big outs in innings 6 and 7. I really hope the Phillies can resign Durbin and I have a feeling they might be able to work something out.
Chance of resigning: 60%
My guess for destinations: Phillies, Rays, Angels all need right handed bullpen help.
Jamie Moyer, SP
Jamie Moyer, the oldest dude in the league, is still hoping to pitch in 2011. I'm not sure after the injuries this year and it will be interesting to see if announcers can come up with better ways to describe how old Jamie is. My personal favorite: When Moyer pitches against the Cubs and announcers remark how Moyer started for the Cubs four years before shortstop Starlin Castro was even born.
Chance of resigning: 50%
My guess for destinations: It's either one more year with the Phils or packing it in. I don't think any other team will give him a chance.
J.C. Romero, RP
Everyone needs a lefty out of the pen and the Phillies are no exception. Bastardo may be the only left-handed option as Romero's price may be too high for the Phils in 2011.
Chance of resigning: 10%
My guess for destinations: Like I said, any team could use a left-handed reliever. All 30 teams would benefit from someone like Romero.
Mike Sweeney, 1B
The midseason acquisitions due to Ryan Howard's ankle injury finally made it to the postseason after long stints in Kansas City and Seattle. It might be short lived though as the Phillies have very little need for Sweeney. It's a shame because Sweeney brings a lot of emotion and passion to the bench and every at-bat he seemed to be fully pumped up. I know he's a clubhouse favorite and will look to either retire or bring his leadership to a young club for another year.
Chance of resigning: 0%
My guess for destinations: Look for either retirement or being a DH or backup 1B for a young team in the American League. I can see the Orioles using a guy like Sweeney perhaps.
Jayson Werth, RF
Ahhh, Jayson Werth. Our number five hitter and really the only power threat we have from the right side of the plate. It will be tough not having Werth in the lineup as top prospect Dominic Brown, a left handed hitter, looks to replace Jayson in right field. Jayson has given the Phillies some great seasons and I'm still shocked that he's tied for the all time National League lead in postseason home runs with 13. If you end up going, you will be missed. Is this a case where loyalty outweighs big bucks? Unfortunately, my guess is no as Jayson has seen huge contracts be given to high profile outfielders the past few seasons in Matt Holliday, Jason Bay and also this offseason, Carl Crawford.
Chance of resigning: 20%
My guess for destinations: Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox. Having the Phils on this list may just be wishful thinking but it's a good guess that Werth is leaving the City of Brotherly Love. The Phillies just cannot afford the length and terms of a contract that Werth will demand on the open market. The Yankees seem to be the odds on favorite for Werth's services assuming they don't sign Crawford. The fact that Werth had lunch with Reggie Jackson during the All Star break in New York speaks volumes about what type of recruiting the Yanks could have on Werth. It's not a hard sell. Imagine if Werth hit his 13 postseason homers in Yankees pinstripes. He'd be a household name by now. Just saying. For now, I'll hold a dim light for J-Dub to return but I feel this moth is heading to a bigger flame. (And yes, the Yankees are big flamers.)
Jose Contreras, RP
Contreras had a good year and looks to land a gig somewhere in the league in 2011. He's getting up there in age but proved he still has some decent stuff. I was surprised to see him as much as we did in the postseason but obviously Charlie only trusted a handful out of his bullpen and Contreras was one of them.
Chance of resigning: 5%
My guess for destinations: You're guess is as good as mine but look for Contreras to land somewhere in the National League.
Chad Durbin, RP
Durbin has been one of the most consistent relief pitchers on the team for the past few years. He provides a solid setup or mop up role and is always depended on for those big outs in innings 6 and 7. I really hope the Phillies can resign Durbin and I have a feeling they might be able to work something out.
Chance of resigning: 60%
My guess for destinations: Phillies, Rays, Angels all need right handed bullpen help.
Jamie Moyer, SP
Jamie Moyer, the oldest dude in the league, is still hoping to pitch in 2011. I'm not sure after the injuries this year and it will be interesting to see if announcers can come up with better ways to describe how old Jamie is. My personal favorite: When Moyer pitches against the Cubs and announcers remark how Moyer started for the Cubs four years before shortstop Starlin Castro was even born.
Chance of resigning: 50%
My guess for destinations: It's either one more year with the Phils or packing it in. I don't think any other team will give him a chance.
J.C. Romero, RP
Everyone needs a lefty out of the pen and the Phillies are no exception. Bastardo may be the only left-handed option as Romero's price may be too high for the Phils in 2011.
Chance of resigning: 10%
My guess for destinations: Like I said, any team could use a left-handed reliever. All 30 teams would benefit from someone like Romero.
Mike Sweeney, 1B
The midseason acquisitions due to Ryan Howard's ankle injury finally made it to the postseason after long stints in Kansas City and Seattle. It might be short lived though as the Phillies have very little need for Sweeney. It's a shame because Sweeney brings a lot of emotion and passion to the bench and every at-bat he seemed to be fully pumped up. I know he's a clubhouse favorite and will look to either retire or bring his leadership to a young club for another year.
Chance of resigning: 0%
My guess for destinations: Look for either retirement or being a DH or backup 1B for a young team in the American League. I can see the Orioles using a guy like Sweeney perhaps.
Jayson Werth, RF
Ahhh, Jayson Werth. Our number five hitter and really the only power threat we have from the right side of the plate. It will be tough not having Werth in the lineup as top prospect Dominic Brown, a left handed hitter, looks to replace Jayson in right field. Jayson has given the Phillies some great seasons and I'm still shocked that he's tied for the all time National League lead in postseason home runs with 13. If you end up going, you will be missed. Is this a case where loyalty outweighs big bucks? Unfortunately, my guess is no as Jayson has seen huge contracts be given to high profile outfielders the past few seasons in Matt Holliday, Jason Bay and also this offseason, Carl Crawford.
Chance of resigning: 20%
My guess for destinations: Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox. Having the Phils on this list may just be wishful thinking but it's a good guess that Werth is leaving the City of Brotherly Love. The Phillies just cannot afford the length and terms of a contract that Werth will demand on the open market. The Yankees seem to be the odds on favorite for Werth's services assuming they don't sign Crawford. The fact that Werth had lunch with Reggie Jackson during the All Star break in New York speaks volumes about what type of recruiting the Yanks could have on Werth. It's not a hard sell. Imagine if Werth hit his 13 postseason homers in Yankees pinstripes. He'd be a household name by now. Just saying. For now, I'll hold a dim light for J-Dub to return but I feel this moth is heading to a bigger flame. (And yes, the Yankees are big flamers.)
Monday Hangover - October 25, 2010
One might say that the proverbial Philadelphia sports moment was realized this weekend. In one of our darkest moments in recent memory, Philly sports let you down. This hangover...well... will take a while to overcome. The figurative vomit taste that is still on your tongue after this weekend will not subside quickly and this one will sting. As Zach P. would say, "Put this in the heartbreak category." Indeed.
40 ounces to Phreedom
I should pour a 40 for my fallen homey, the 2010 Philadelphia Phillies. A great run. A great team. But overall, everyone knew that anything short of another World Series victory would be a huge disappointment. Remember, this year may have been the only time that a Philly sports team was the odds-on favorite for winning it all when entering the postseason.
As the dust begins to settle after this very tough loss, many will look at a particular person to blame. Well I can't answer that question directly, but I can tell you who not to blame. Don't blame rodeo clown and NLCS MVP Cody Ross. Don't blame Tim Lincecum or that bearded crazy person of a closer Brian Wilson. Don't blame offensive lineman Juan Uribe for the game winning blast in Game 6. And you can never blame anyone referred to as Panda because you know... Pandas are endangered or something. Don't blame Ryan Howard for taking the last pitch. You can't blame Brad Lidge or Ryan Madson and you can't fault H20 for this one. Cholly made some head-scratching moves this series but nope... can't blame him either.
In the end, baseball is a collective effort. When a team wins, the team wins collectively. All pieces must go together to create a product. The same can be said when they fail. And this failure, was a collective effort. Every single player on this club has partial blame. Every coach in the dugout and every suit in the office is somewhat to blame for the disappointing and premature end to the 2010 season.
With the World Series set to begin Wednesday night in San Fran, there will be a lot of familiar faces. Cliff Lee and Pat Burrell look to be major factors for their respective teams. Still, it will hurt to watch these games, thinking about what could have been and having arguably the two best teams in the league being ousted in their respective LCS.
And this is why I think that for just the 2010 season, the MLB should go all ECW. Let's give fans what they really wanted to see in a Yankees-Phillies rematch complete with loud intro music for each player and have Jayson Werth come out in a Yankees jersey only to rip it off and a have Phillies jersey underneath. Have Mike Schmidt parachute into the stadium and use a tire iron upside the head of Reggie Jackson or something. It would be great, but unfortunately, it was only in my dreams last night. And that's where the Phillies will reside until February 2011. Only in my dreams...
TKO
For those who don't know what a TKO is, it's tequila, Kahlua and Ouzo and a lot tastier than it sounds. But on Sunday it also meant what just potentially happened to the Eagles season. Yeah this one hurt. Heading into a bye and having a very difficult schedule after the said bye makes this loss tough to swallow, unlike the delicious TKO mentioned above. Ok, I need to remember that it's 8 am on a Monday before I start thinking about drinking. But the Eagles loss almost forces me to drink in complete despair.
TKO may also be wide receiver Kenny Britt's new nickname (Tennessee Knock Out) as Britt exploded against the Eagles and almost beat them single-handed. Britt caught three touchdowns and had 225 total receiving yards. And this was after not entering the game until a little before halftime. Why you might ask? Because he was being disciplined for having an altercation in a nightclub on Friday night.
Anyway, this is the second loss for this team in a game that should have been winnable. The game was all but won in the fourth quarter with 13 minutes left to go. The Eagles were up 19-10 and Chris Johnson looked more like Moose Johnston running the ball. Sure the offense looked shaky but the defense had done its job.
That's when Britt exploded. An 80-yard touchdown here. Another 16-yard touchdown snag there and just like that, it was 27-19 Titans with less than 5 minutes remaining. The rest of the game got even uglier as a Jorrick Calvin muffed punt put the nail in the coffin for the Eagles and lowered their record to 4-3 heading into the bye week.
The mistake filled game may have also cost Kevin Kolb the "starting" job (of course the definition of starter may change week to week), as Michael Vick is expected to start after bye against Indianapolis.
The Eagles have been tough to watch at times this year. Piling on points to Detroit only to have the Lions almost come back was nauseau-inducing. Tough losses against Green Bay, Washington and Tennessee have overshadowed the blow outs against Jacksonville and Atlanta. For three quarters of play, the Eagles put a little bit of hope into this city after the Phillies defeat the previous night. But no... the Eagles loss caused an even heavier Monday Hangover.
Of course it could have been worse this Monday. At least the Flyers won 5-2 on Saturday. Go Fly Boys!
40 ounces to Phreedom
I should pour a 40 for my fallen homey, the 2010 Philadelphia Phillies. A great run. A great team. But overall, everyone knew that anything short of another World Series victory would be a huge disappointment. Remember, this year may have been the only time that a Philly sports team was the odds-on favorite for winning it all when entering the postseason.
As the dust begins to settle after this very tough loss, many will look at a particular person to blame. Well I can't answer that question directly, but I can tell you who not to blame. Don't blame rodeo clown and NLCS MVP Cody Ross. Don't blame Tim Lincecum or that bearded crazy person of a closer Brian Wilson. Don't blame offensive lineman Juan Uribe for the game winning blast in Game 6. And you can never blame anyone referred to as Panda because you know... Pandas are endangered or something. Don't blame Ryan Howard for taking the last pitch. You can't blame Brad Lidge or Ryan Madson and you can't fault H20 for this one. Cholly made some head-scratching moves this series but nope... can't blame him either.
In the end, baseball is a collective effort. When a team wins, the team wins collectively. All pieces must go together to create a product. The same can be said when they fail. And this failure, was a collective effort. Every single player on this club has partial blame. Every coach in the dugout and every suit in the office is somewhat to blame for the disappointing and premature end to the 2010 season.
With the World Series set to begin Wednesday night in San Fran, there will be a lot of familiar faces. Cliff Lee and Pat Burrell look to be major factors for their respective teams. Still, it will hurt to watch these games, thinking about what could have been and having arguably the two best teams in the league being ousted in their respective LCS.
And this is why I think that for just the 2010 season, the MLB should go all ECW. Let's give fans what they really wanted to see in a Yankees-Phillies rematch complete with loud intro music for each player and have Jayson Werth come out in a Yankees jersey only to rip it off and a have Phillies jersey underneath. Have Mike Schmidt parachute into the stadium and use a tire iron upside the head of Reggie Jackson or something. It would be great, but unfortunately, it was only in my dreams last night. And that's where the Phillies will reside until February 2011. Only in my dreams...
TKO
For those who don't know what a TKO is, it's tequila, Kahlua and Ouzo and a lot tastier than it sounds. But on Sunday it also meant what just potentially happened to the Eagles season. Yeah this one hurt. Heading into a bye and having a very difficult schedule after the said bye makes this loss tough to swallow, unlike the delicious TKO mentioned above. Ok, I need to remember that it's 8 am on a Monday before I start thinking about drinking. But the Eagles loss almost forces me to drink in complete despair.
TKO may also be wide receiver Kenny Britt's new nickname (Tennessee Knock Out) as Britt exploded against the Eagles and almost beat them single-handed. Britt caught three touchdowns and had 225 total receiving yards. And this was after not entering the game until a little before halftime. Why you might ask? Because he was being disciplined for having an altercation in a nightclub on Friday night.
Anyway, this is the second loss for this team in a game that should have been winnable. The game was all but won in the fourth quarter with 13 minutes left to go. The Eagles were up 19-10 and Chris Johnson looked more like Moose Johnston running the ball. Sure the offense looked shaky but the defense had done its job.
That's when Britt exploded. An 80-yard touchdown here. Another 16-yard touchdown snag there and just like that, it was 27-19 Titans with less than 5 minutes remaining. The rest of the game got even uglier as a Jorrick Calvin muffed punt put the nail in the coffin for the Eagles and lowered their record to 4-3 heading into the bye week.
The mistake filled game may have also cost Kevin Kolb the "starting" job (of course the definition of starter may change week to week), as Michael Vick is expected to start after bye against Indianapolis.
The Eagles have been tough to watch at times this year. Piling on points to Detroit only to have the Lions almost come back was nauseau-inducing. Tough losses against Green Bay, Washington and Tennessee have overshadowed the blow outs against Jacksonville and Atlanta. For three quarters of play, the Eagles put a little bit of hope into this city after the Phillies defeat the previous night. But no... the Eagles loss caused an even heavier Monday Hangover.
Of course it could have been worse this Monday. At least the Flyers won 5-2 on Saturday. Go Fly Boys!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Up Against It
The Phillies found themselves in an unenviable position Wednesday night after Juan Uribe, one of the starting offensive linemen for the San Francisco Giants, popped a game winning sac fly in the bottom of the ninth to win Game 4. Down 3-1 in the LCS, and looking like a team whose resolve had been zapped by the clutch performances of an energetic, confident Giants team, the Phillies looked all but done. However, just like the middle of the season when they fell to 7 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East, I couldn't give up on them. I thought, why not? Why couldn't they beat the Giants 3 games in a row? All it would take was one win in San Fran, and they could bring it back to Philly with what will be an absolutely insane crowd for Game 6 (and hopefully 7). Sure enough, they did what they had to do. Roy Halladay, groin injury and all, gutted it out to lead the Phillies to a 4-2 victory in what was essentially the biggest start of his career with the season on the line.
The Giants had a chance to end it at home, but they didn't. Now, the Phillies have momentum. They still have Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels. They still have a lineup who CAN heat it up at any moment and light up the scoreboard, even though they've struggled. But who says they can't turn it on at any moment? If the Phillies win Game 6, you can bet those Giants players will be sweating. They don't want this to come down to a Game 7 in Philadelphia. Watching the Phillies on the field after the game last night, I saw a team that's ticked off that this series has even gotten to this point, and is ready to take care of business at the Bank. Coming back from a 3-1 deficit in a series sounds like an extremely unlikely task, but something inside tells me the Phils might have what it takes to pull this one out.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Can't Let "That" Guy Beat Us!
Fear not, loyal blog followers, for I am back from my annual Galapagos Island Trip. As fellow contributor Zach P. pointed out, I make my annual journey down there to watch the monarch butterfly migrate. This trip unfortunately did not include my friend who got me hooked onto the migration: Austin Kearns. As you may know, Kearns is for the first and probably last time, playing in a League Championship Series for the New York Yankees.
I missed ya, buddy. Doesn't he just look like he likes monarch butterflies? Anyway, I'm back and after a lovely Monday Hangover post by Zach P., I have something to just complain about it. And it comes down to just one thing: Cody Ross. I hate him. I don't want Cody Ross to be the reason why the Phillies do not win the World Series. Just like Austin Kearns looks like a guy who enjoys a butterfly or two, Ross looks like a typical San Francisco hobo who collects change from a diaper. Trust me, I've been to San Francisco. And although it is a beautiful city, you will see more homeless people there than any other place on Earth. To top it off, most look like Ross:
I mean just look at him!
The straggly beard and bald/shaved head doesn't work for many people and I would prefer if a more beautiful person beat the Phillies. Like Pat Burrell. He really hasn't done too much to hurt the Phillies. Instead it's been Smurf Ross above. Seriously, paint him blue and he'll look less like a character from Avatar and more like Papa Smurf.
It's probably because I consider myself a terrible person, but sometimes I dislike people based on the way they look and that's it. I know, pretty awful. I'm not saying that when I see an ugly person, I immediately dislike them. But when they look like Ross and when Ross is absolutely just coming through with the clutchest hits that his face has no business making, I take offense.
For example, I'm in a large minority that just can't stand Peyton Manning. I mean he's a great quarterback and all, but I just hate him. Why? Because he looks like an idiot hillbilly and like he could be his own bobblehead doll. Google him and you'll see what I'm talking about. I don't think they changed the scale of his head for a Peyton Manning bobblehead.
Maybe I'm so hostile because I'm nervous about this series. It might stretch to seven games now which is going to be tough. Big Joe Blanton is on the mound tonight and it's essentially a must-win game. And I want "our" guys to succeed, even despite some of their looks. I want Jayson "I Look like a Goat Sometimes" Werth to jack another bomb. I want Chooch "Turtle" Ruiz to keep the clutch hits coming. And I'd much rather see the light goatee of Brad Lidge close out a game rather than the Just-For-Men beard madness of Giants closer Brian Wilson.
I still feel good about the series and maybe I'm just projecting my own insecurities on Mr. Ross. Because, even I, R. Scott, Mr. Heartbreak, was told that I resemble another baseball star recently:
Mark Teixeira "Tex"
And I just don't see it.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday Hangover - October 18, 2010
Vince Lombardi recently summed up his take on the Philadelphia sports world:
Vince, I have no idea. Things are crazy right now, and it all starts with...what else...the Eagles quarterback situation. Also, as you may notice, I'm giving R. Scott the week off for the Monday Hangover while he takes part in his annual monarch butterfly-watching expedition in the Galapagos Islands. Don't worry, he will be back next week.
Dos QBs
Andy Reid doesn't always bench starting quarterbacks when they get hurt and the backup plays well, but when he does, he drinks Dos Equis in large quantities. And sets a tricky precedent that he now has to deal with when said starter takes over for said backup and also plays well. Listening to Reid's postgame press conference after beating the Falcons Sunday, when asked if Michael Vick would still be his starting quarterback after a stellar performance by Kevin Kolb, his sputtering, meek "well...uh...yeah" response sounded more like someone had asked him if he REALLY wanted that garden salad instead of a double cheeseburger. Reid makes it sound like it's a good problem to have, and in some ways it is, but quarterback is the one position that needs to have stability, and so far there's been none. Vick took the job from Kolb because Kolb got hurt and Vick played well, and now that the reverse has happened, will Reid hold to the precedent he has set? We shall see next week against the Titans.
I also have to wonder what all the haters who dismissed Kolb as a bust after two quarters of play have to say now? As per usual, talk radio has been full of nothing but talk of how KK isn't what he was made out to be, playing scared, not able to throw the long ball, blah blah blah. In fact, I spoke with someone Sunday who informed me that Kolb "stinks. He's terrible." I proceeded to explain how I thought he was fine, and how he wasn't playing nearly as bad as people made him out to be. Well, I hate to say I told you so, but it looks like Kevin Kolb doesn't stink. Everyone was ready to anoint the Falcons as the class of the NFC, and he proceeded to tear their defense to shreds. Also, I think backup LT King Dunlap has something to say to everyone who said he would be abused by Falcons DE John Abraham Sunday, as Abraham finished with one tackle and zero sacks. I know King was getting some help from other blockers at times, but he was on an island on quite a few plays and did an excellent job keeping Kolb's jersey clean, as did the entire O-line.
Irish Favre Bomb
Brett Favre is famous for throwing bombs to wide receivers, but a bomb was dropped on him (and his junk) earlier this week. Now, I don't often write segments about another man's junk, but this is just too funny. Brett joins Chris Cooley and Greg Oden in the "Pictures of My Man Parts Ended Up Somewhere They Shouldn't Have" club when it was revealed that he had sent inappropriate pictures of his nether region to a Jets' sideline reporter named Jenn Sterger. When reached for comment, Sterger had this to say:
Who knew that Favre's "Pants on the Ground" rendition last year could be taken so literally? Lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground indeed.
After becoming the center of the media's attention (his favorite hobby), Favre's junk took another hit - this time a physical one on the practice field:
Ouch. The funniest part about it might be the fact that no one seems concerned that the starting quarterback is writhing on the ground in pain, not even whoever threw the pass. The man code typically suggests that if you accidentally hit another dude in the nuts, you come over and see if he's okay (even though he's clearly not). Maybe this is a case of what goes around comes around.
Favre's week did end on a positive note as his Vikings beat the Cowboys Sunday, sending Dallas to a 1-4 record and planting them even deeper in the NFC East basement, much to the delight of us Philly fans.
Magic Pat Number 9
We all knew it. Pat the Bat, despite all his well-publicized shortcomings, would come back to haunt us, and he did in Game 1 of the NLCS with an RBI double off the left field wall to help the Giants to a victory. He may be slower than molasses, he may have the exact same swing plane on every swing, and he may still stick his rear end out on a called third strike right down the middle, but he's always ready to pop one and break some hearts.
Man or machine?
Pat wasn't the only one doing damage, however. Cody Ross, aka the bane of every Phillies fan's existence, hit three solo shots over the weekend. Two were off Halladay, one was off Oswalt, and all three were virtually the same exact pitch in the same exact location hit to the same exact section of the left field stands. Fortunately, Ross's homer was the only glitch in Oswalt's superb effort, as he helped the Phils tie the series at 1-1 after Doctober hit a rough patch on Saturday. The bats also finally came alive with runners in scoring position when Jimmy Rollins hit a three-run double with two outs in the seventh to help the team cruise to a 6-1 win. Hopefully King Cole, who seems to enjoy pitching in his home state of California, can continue his dominance tomorrow afternoon against Matt Cain.
That's all for this week. Stay thirsty, my friends.
Vince, I have no idea. Things are crazy right now, and it all starts with...what else...the Eagles quarterback situation. Also, as you may notice, I'm giving R. Scott the week off for the Monday Hangover while he takes part in his annual monarch butterfly-watching expedition in the Galapagos Islands. Don't worry, he will be back next week.
Dos QBs
Andy Reid doesn't always bench starting quarterbacks when they get hurt and the backup plays well, but when he does, he drinks Dos Equis in large quantities. And sets a tricky precedent that he now has to deal with when said starter takes over for said backup and also plays well. Listening to Reid's postgame press conference after beating the Falcons Sunday, when asked if Michael Vick would still be his starting quarterback after a stellar performance by Kevin Kolb, his sputtering, meek "well...uh...yeah" response sounded more like someone had asked him if he REALLY wanted that garden salad instead of a double cheeseburger. Reid makes it sound like it's a good problem to have, and in some ways it is, but quarterback is the one position that needs to have stability, and so far there's been none. Vick took the job from Kolb because Kolb got hurt and Vick played well, and now that the reverse has happened, will Reid hold to the precedent he has set? We shall see next week against the Titans.
I also have to wonder what all the haters who dismissed Kolb as a bust after two quarters of play have to say now? As per usual, talk radio has been full of nothing but talk of how KK isn't what he was made out to be, playing scared, not able to throw the long ball, blah blah blah. In fact, I spoke with someone Sunday who informed me that Kolb "stinks. He's terrible." I proceeded to explain how I thought he was fine, and how he wasn't playing nearly as bad as people made him out to be. Well, I hate to say I told you so, but it looks like Kevin Kolb doesn't stink. Everyone was ready to anoint the Falcons as the class of the NFC, and he proceeded to tear their defense to shreds. Also, I think backup LT King Dunlap has something to say to everyone who said he would be abused by Falcons DE John Abraham Sunday, as Abraham finished with one tackle and zero sacks. I know King was getting some help from other blockers at times, but he was on an island on quite a few plays and did an excellent job keeping Kolb's jersey clean, as did the entire O-line.
Irish Favre Bomb
Brett Favre is famous for throwing bombs to wide receivers, but a bomb was dropped on him (and his junk) earlier this week. Now, I don't often write segments about another man's junk, but this is just too funny. Brett joins Chris Cooley and Greg Oden in the "Pictures of My Man Parts Ended Up Somewhere They Shouldn't Have" club when it was revealed that he had sent inappropriate pictures of his nether region to a Jets' sideline reporter named Jenn Sterger. When reached for comment, Sterger had this to say:
Who knew that Favre's "Pants on the Ground" rendition last year could be taken so literally? Lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground indeed.
After becoming the center of the media's attention (his favorite hobby), Favre's junk took another hit - this time a physical one on the practice field:
Ouch. The funniest part about it might be the fact that no one seems concerned that the starting quarterback is writhing on the ground in pain, not even whoever threw the pass. The man code typically suggests that if you accidentally hit another dude in the nuts, you come over and see if he's okay (even though he's clearly not). Maybe this is a case of what goes around comes around.
Favre's week did end on a positive note as his Vikings beat the Cowboys Sunday, sending Dallas to a 1-4 record and planting them even deeper in the NFC East basement, much to the delight of us Philly fans.
Magic Pat Number 9
We all knew it. Pat the Bat, despite all his well-publicized shortcomings, would come back to haunt us, and he did in Game 1 of the NLCS with an RBI double off the left field wall to help the Giants to a victory. He may be slower than molasses, he may have the exact same swing plane on every swing, and he may still stick his rear end out on a called third strike right down the middle, but he's always ready to pop one and break some hearts.
Man or machine?Pat wasn't the only one doing damage, however. Cody Ross, aka the bane of every Phillies fan's existence, hit three solo shots over the weekend. Two were off Halladay, one was off Oswalt, and all three were virtually the same exact pitch in the same exact location hit to the same exact section of the left field stands. Fortunately, Ross's homer was the only glitch in Oswalt's superb effort, as he helped the Phils tie the series at 1-1 after Doctober hit a rough patch on Saturday. The bats also finally came alive with runners in scoring position when Jimmy Rollins hit a three-run double with two outs in the seventh to help the team cruise to a 6-1 win. Hopefully King Cole, who seems to enjoy pitching in his home state of California, can continue his dominance tomorrow afternoon against Matt Cain.
That's all for this week. Stay thirsty, my friends.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
NLCS Preview
For the third year in a row, the Phillies are in the NLCS. And for the third year in a row, they will face an opponent from the NL West as they welcome Pat Burrell and the San Francisco Giants to the Bank Saturday night.
In a series that will feature some great pitching matchups, this NLCS might be the toughest for the Phillies compared to the recent history of beating the Dodgers. Let's face it, Brian Wilson is no Jonathan Broxton and that is not good news for Phillies fans who are used to seeing Matt Stairs or J-Roll just totally destroy any confidence Broxton could ever have.
While I have extreme confidence that the Phillies will be heading to their third straight World Series, this NLCS is scary for a couple reasons.
How the Phillies Could Lose:
1. The Freak. Tim Lincecum's only start against the Phils was all the way back in April when the season was a lot different. Still, Lincecum dominated by going 8.1 innings and struck out 11 while only allowing 2 runs. The game ended in a wild 7-6 win for the Phillies as the typically-sure-handed aforementioned Wilson surrendered a bases clearing tying double to Jayson Werth and the Phils won in extra innings. Still, Lincecum has been nasty against the Phillies and is coming off a superb performance against the Braves (a two-hit, 14 strikeout masterpiece)
2. Pat Burrell. I wake up most nights in deep sweats. Not because of Pat Burrell's sexy eyebrows but because of the karma I'm used to experiencing in the city of Philadelphia. The Phillies have been the luckiest franchise in our cities history if you think about it. It feels like it's time to get completely blindsided. If Burrell has a big series and starts hitting homers, I'm going to feel sick to my stomach. I never had anything against Burrell, but I'm just nervous. I'm as nervous as women who happen to be at the same bar as Burrell after the games. Those women have no chance. (What's worse is possible karma in the World Series. If the Rangers make it through, you know we'll face Cliff Lee at the Bank. Eek!)
3. The offense. They just didn't get it done in the NLDS. They rode great pitching but only scored 6 earned runs and only had a team batting average of .212. We got some timely hits and some big at-bats that produced walks or hit batsmen but we'll need more against the likes of Lincecum, Sanchez, and Cain.
4. The X-factor. Madison Bumgarner? Who? Did you go to high school with him? Sounds like a character from Gossip Girl (not that I watch). But the projected Game 4 starter is a left-handed rookie who the Phillies have not seen yet. They will most likely see him in San Francisco. The ballpark combined with the unfamiliarity with Bumgarner's stuff usually spells trouble for this offense. If the Phillies are leading 2 games to 1 by the time we reach Game 4, a poor offensive output against Bumgarner could mean a shift in the momentum of the series.
Now, like I said, I have the utmost of confidence in the Phils that they can eclipse the Giants and win their third straight pennant. And I have some good reasons.
How the Phillies Could Win:
1. The Doc. The Oz. The Camel. I'm just making up new nicknames at this point but I like them. Otherwise known as H20, I think the combination of Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels might be too much for an already poor Giants lineup. These three guys will give the Phillies a chance to win any game and when that offense heats up, forget about it.
2. Mad-dog and Lights Out. The back of the bullpen was a question mark throughout 2009 and some of 2010. But lately, Madson and Lidge look, dare I say... 2008-esque. Only needed for Game 2 against the Reds, the entire bullpen is well rested and ready to close out some wins in this series. If the Phillies get a lead, they have to feel pretty confident going from a member of H20 to Madson to Lidge.
3. Clooch. Carlos Ruiz is amazing and is one of the most undervalued players in the league. He's our number 8 hitter and has an OBP of .400. He works the count, turns the lineup over, and gets on base. So many little things can add up to big wins in the playoffs. And the clutch-ness carries over to other players too. Unsung heroes like Ross Gload or Ben Francisco can factor into an NLCS too and the Phillies have been known for turning these role players into key figures in October. Just remember Matt Stairs and what he did for the city and you'll know what I'm talking about.
4. The team of destiny feeling. There is just that feeling. The feeling that nothing can stop the Phillies right now. Fresh off their first ever postseason sweep, the Phillies are the "team to beat" as J-Roll once so famously put it. I believe it too. I remember back to my little league days and taking a knee after a practice late in the season. I must have been 13. The coach gave us an impassioned speech about just making into the playoffs. Then anything can happen. We must have listened as we won our next four games and found ourselves in the championship. Unfortunately, my team, "The Orioles", lost to the Yankees in that Game, but it certainly wasn't "Richie the K's" fault. Oh... what were we talking about.
Oh right. Destiny. The Lower-South Orioles were the team of destiny that year and muscled our way to the championship. That's what this team looks capable of and I believe it will happen.
Although it will be tougher than most imagine, I believe the Phils have the guts, experience and talent to go to another World Series. My prediction: Say Goodbye to Burrell and the Giants in 6 games.
In a series that will feature some great pitching matchups, this NLCS might be the toughest for the Phillies compared to the recent history of beating the Dodgers. Let's face it, Brian Wilson is no Jonathan Broxton and that is not good news for Phillies fans who are used to seeing Matt Stairs or J-Roll just totally destroy any confidence Broxton could ever have.
While I have extreme confidence that the Phillies will be heading to their third straight World Series, this NLCS is scary for a couple reasons.
How the Phillies Could Lose:
1. The Freak. Tim Lincecum's only start against the Phils was all the way back in April when the season was a lot different. Still, Lincecum dominated by going 8.1 innings and struck out 11 while only allowing 2 runs. The game ended in a wild 7-6 win for the Phillies as the typically-sure-handed aforementioned Wilson surrendered a bases clearing tying double to Jayson Werth and the Phils won in extra innings. Still, Lincecum has been nasty against the Phillies and is coming off a superb performance against the Braves (a two-hit, 14 strikeout masterpiece)
2. Pat Burrell. I wake up most nights in deep sweats. Not because of Pat Burrell's sexy eyebrows but because of the karma I'm used to experiencing in the city of Philadelphia. The Phillies have been the luckiest franchise in our cities history if you think about it. It feels like it's time to get completely blindsided. If Burrell has a big series and starts hitting homers, I'm going to feel sick to my stomach. I never had anything against Burrell, but I'm just nervous. I'm as nervous as women who happen to be at the same bar as Burrell after the games. Those women have no chance. (What's worse is possible karma in the World Series. If the Rangers make it through, you know we'll face Cliff Lee at the Bank. Eek!)
3. The offense. They just didn't get it done in the NLDS. They rode great pitching but only scored 6 earned runs and only had a team batting average of .212. We got some timely hits and some big at-bats that produced walks or hit batsmen but we'll need more against the likes of Lincecum, Sanchez, and Cain.
4. The X-factor. Madison Bumgarner? Who? Did you go to high school with him? Sounds like a character from Gossip Girl (not that I watch). But the projected Game 4 starter is a left-handed rookie who the Phillies have not seen yet. They will most likely see him in San Francisco. The ballpark combined with the unfamiliarity with Bumgarner's stuff usually spells trouble for this offense. If the Phillies are leading 2 games to 1 by the time we reach Game 4, a poor offensive output against Bumgarner could mean a shift in the momentum of the series.
Now, like I said, I have the utmost of confidence in the Phils that they can eclipse the Giants and win their third straight pennant. And I have some good reasons.
How the Phillies Could Win:
1. The Doc. The Oz. The Camel. I'm just making up new nicknames at this point but I like them. Otherwise known as H20, I think the combination of Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels might be too much for an already poor Giants lineup. These three guys will give the Phillies a chance to win any game and when that offense heats up, forget about it.
2. Mad-dog and Lights Out. The back of the bullpen was a question mark throughout 2009 and some of 2010. But lately, Madson and Lidge look, dare I say... 2008-esque. Only needed for Game 2 against the Reds, the entire bullpen is well rested and ready to close out some wins in this series. If the Phillies get a lead, they have to feel pretty confident going from a member of H20 to Madson to Lidge.
3. Clooch. Carlos Ruiz is amazing and is one of the most undervalued players in the league. He's our number 8 hitter and has an OBP of .400. He works the count, turns the lineup over, and gets on base. So many little things can add up to big wins in the playoffs. And the clutch-ness carries over to other players too. Unsung heroes like Ross Gload or Ben Francisco can factor into an NLCS too and the Phillies have been known for turning these role players into key figures in October. Just remember Matt Stairs and what he did for the city and you'll know what I'm talking about.
4. The team of destiny feeling. There is just that feeling. The feeling that nothing can stop the Phillies right now. Fresh off their first ever postseason sweep, the Phillies are the "team to beat" as J-Roll once so famously put it. I believe it too. I remember back to my little league days and taking a knee after a practice late in the season. I must have been 13. The coach gave us an impassioned speech about just making into the playoffs. Then anything can happen. We must have listened as we won our next four games and found ourselves in the championship. Unfortunately, my team, "The Orioles", lost to the Yankees in that Game, but it certainly wasn't "Richie the K's" fault. Oh... what were we talking about.
Oh right. Destiny. The Lower-South Orioles were the team of destiny that year and muscled our way to the championship. That's what this team looks capable of and I believe it will happen.
Although it will be tougher than most imagine, I believe the Phils have the guts, experience and talent to go to another World Series. My prediction: Say Goodbye to Burrell and the Giants in 6 games.
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