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.
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