Top "local" sports stories of 2004

This is my list anyway. Feel free to disagree.

10. Phillies open new ballpark
9. Phillies lose alot, fire Bowa, retain Ed Wade
8. Sixers lose alot, hire O'Brien, draft Iguodala
7. Smarty Jones, in true Philly style, loses Triple Crown in last 50 feet
6. NHL Strike
5. St. Joes great season
4. Vet imploded
3. Flyers great but ultimately for naught playoff run
2. Eagles sign Terrell Owens and Jevon Kearse
1. Eagles choke again in NFC Championship game

That game sucked

Even though I am a fake fan, I watched Rams vs. Eagles till it was put out of its misery. Levens was the lone Eagles highlight and maybe FraudEx who caught a TD which was amazing enough but what was truly astounding is that he did nothing to celebrate it. The other few things to take away from the dreck were: theres a reason the second teamers don't play much, why McMullen hasn't seen any action, and why the Rams suck.

One thing to be worried about is the undisciplined play and mental mistakes - the numerous offsides, false starts, stupid plays and penalties that helped the Rams score most of their points. Special award for stupidity goes to Dexter Wynn and his attempted interception of a long fourth down pass. Only the Eagles would ever be forced to use a challenge to negate their own player's interception. Losing this type of sharpness, the mental edge, is what Reid most has to guard against as the Eagles wait to play a game that means something.

Cliche of the week: Double-edged sword.

Reggie Passes On

His first departure was hard enough to deal with, as he left Philly behind and pursued a Superbowl with an oganization that was actually committed to winning. If you were like me, you had mixed emotions that time around. You wanted to be mad at him for leaving. But, you couldn't blame him for ditching Norm and the Eagles, who just didn't want to win. So, you joined in with the rest of Philly and instead despised Norm all the more. The shocking loss of Reggie this weekend, though, was a bit more final, as he suddenly died of a massive heart attack (rumored to have been caused by sleep apnea). Just 43 years old, a man who retired on top of his game (the first time), a champion, a quality human being... gone. Just when we think the world is falling with the temporary loss of TO for a few games... reality sets in and reminds us that things can always get worse.

Thanks for the memories and the impact Reggie!

T.O. Ribbon

Credit for design of the T.O. Ribbon goes to Nicholas of ghettocrown.com. I'm going to print one, laminate it with the sticky side up, stick in on the inside of my car's back window, and be the envy of Negadelphia.

Oh yeah, here's the spread for the meaningless Monday night game in which the Eagles are not favored.

2/27 9:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Philadelphia @ St. Louis	47 -2.5	47 -3	47 -2.5	OFF	OFF	47 -3

Matchup

9 Eagles selected for Pro Bowl

Here's the list:

Akers - of course, most consistent player on the team, best kicker in the NFC.
Dawkins - wasn't as outstanding this year as previously but still the best in NFC.
Lewis - consistently made big plays and delivered the biggest hits.
McNabb - best year of his career, arguably the best QB in the NFC.
Owens - reason McNabb had the best year of his career, best receiver in NFC, maybe NFL.
Reese - incredibly consistent, makes big plays and hits, great leader, great choice.
Sheppard - timely plays and interceptions with TD returns in showcased games got him the spot.
Thomas - no one pays attention to him except when he false starts or holds.
Trotter - biggest surprise but deserving. But Andy, I thought Simoneau was an upgrade?

Andy Reid of course will have the chance to add some more Eagles later as coach of the NFC.

Will we ever win?

Sadly, no.

I tried to take the TO out for the year news and look at it positively. The only thing I could come up with is the NFC sucks but I think that's really grasping at straws. In the playoffs you can't hope that someone else will be worse than you so that you can win. Pinkston has developed the puny heart to match his puny body and Fraud Ex has as many catches this season as TO had touchdowns. They're going to fill the void? The Eagles are actually worse now at the receiver position than they were last year. And putting Westbrook out there is not the solution. Defenses will simply double him because there is no one else to fear. The Eagle's defense is really good but if the offense doesn't score what's the use? Carolina only had to score 14 and half of that was a short drive after a McNabb interception. Delhomme only had 101 yards of passing and they still lost.

It's just the same old crap all over again. Losing Westbrook last year, McNabb still hurt the year before, Cunningham out for the year back in 1991, Jerome Brown dying, Tim Kerr out for the Cup Finals, Pelle Lindberg drving his drunk ass into a wall, and the list just goes on. Is anyone really surprised this happened?

Mid-Game Thought

Pinky is dead to me. Now is the time for FMitch to step up if he thinks he's so hot. No TO on the field and he already dropped a bad one in the first half (although, w/ Pinky's five drops, that's no big deal). Step up boy.

Kudo's to Lito for tipping that ball to S. Brown. Nice coverage.

TO scared me, but hopefully he's gonna be back for the playoffs. This game is ugly. DMc just not looking good these last two games.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!

Dallass sucks

12/19 1:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Dallass @ Philadelphia	45.5 -12.5	46 -12.5	OFF	OFF -12.5	OFF -13	46 -12.5

Matchup

Body Bag Part II!

Ok, it wasn't as bad as the "real" body bag game, but sheesh. This game got worse and worse to watch as it went on - all the way around. Some quick unbiased thoughts:

• The injuries were frightening, as BDB was starting to wonder if Ephraim would be lined up as a DT after halftime.
• DMc had a horrible game. His throws were everywhere, despite his line being healthy and providing pretty solid pass protection.
• Pinky is a siss. He looked like a teenager at a mental institution trying to fly when he caught that 80yd bomb (this after his "for who, for what" pull up). Kearse was a close act in flailing all over the place each of the 5-10 times that he got banged up. Do these guys practice these lanky dramatics together?
• BDB still worries about having no run game in critical games like this. Let's face it, in the playoffs we're going to need it sooner or later against a more competent team (ie. when you are trying to protect a 3pt lead with about two minutes to go in the game against someone besides the horrid Redskins).
• Joe Gibbs is NOT the answer for the Redskins. His team is undisciplined with ridiculous penalties and terrible clock management STILL in week 14. The play calling was pathetic. Go look at the play by play and see the Portis success and wonder why he suddenly got away from the run so early with the Eagles D-Line banged up and the third stringers completely unable to stop it.
• The ESPN TV crew is the WORST and makes me thankful that if I really want to listen to the Fox guys, it's not as bad as it can get. Calling wrong numbers all game (Even Buckhalter in the fourth quarter) and sprinkling the most hollow "sensational" comments throughout the game.
• I didn't really enjoy much of the game and by the fourth quarter had a terrible taste in my mouth. I was begging for a Ramsey turnover and was thankful that Ramsey is all the Skins have to offer. Again, why did Gibbs try to beat us with Ramsey when the run was so productive? Time to throw is NOT a good answer.

Ah well, a win is a win, they say. Hopefully this team can get healthy pretty darned fast. As much as the town loves "HUGH," I'm not excited about waiting on the next trip he can produce.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Big Daddy B

Breaking News!!!

The Phils signed Lieber today! Who cares?

Eagles once again big favorites

12/12 8:30 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Philadelphia @ Washington	-9.5 38	-9 37.5	-9.5 38	-9 37.5	-10 37.5	-9 37.5

Matchup

Total domination

The question was, "What if this team ever puts it all together?" The answer is, "35-3 by halftime". Probably the best performance by an Eagles team in a half of football that I've ever seen. On the offensive side of the ball McNabb was on target from the start and when he wasn't perfect his receivers were making catches like they were playing with a Nerf. Reid made all the right calls (except on 3rd and inches and on that end-around - I hate that play), offense executed with almost no mistakes (McNabb's fumble and a holding call is all I can think of) and Greenbay's unimposing defense made several costly ones. On defense the Eagles sacked Favre three times and picked him twice and ended his consecutive games throwing a touchdown streak. They stuffed the run and shook the receivers who dropped passes all day and Favre appeared scared too as he made several bad throws. Greenbay's offense only increased their misery with several damaging penalties.

Two minor, minor grumbles - I agree with the announcers and Reid should have taken out the starters earlier. And Fox should have had cued up and ready to go the Detmer ass spank dance that he did a few years ago against Green Bay and played it when he finally entered the game. Let's hope the Eagles can duplicate this performance in the playoffs.

Eagles bigger favorites than I thought they'd be

12/05 4:15 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Green Bay @ Philadelphia	47 -6	OFF	47 -6	OFF -6	OFF	OFF

Matchup

Eagles win, again

This game played out the way most people thought, close at first but in the the end the Eagles would win. In fact the Eagles played pretty crappy yesterday for 2/3rds of the game but still won by 21. So the question is, is it because the Eagles are that good or because the Giants are that bad? And I'm someone that likes to complain but all you have to do was watch the Giants 1st and goal from the 5 turn into an interception to remember that was the Eagles not so long ago. Players of note -- Trotter, Westbrook, Dawkins, Akers, Kearse and I guess by the end of the game, McNabb. Minor grumbles -- Kearse for blowing that fumble recovery, Lito for getting burnt, Pinkston for getting scared on that slant, and FraudEx and his inane celebration that even drew ridicule from Joe Buck.

Still A Time For Thanks?

Ok, last year BDB was a little more sports-thankful than he is this year. Another NFC Championship loss later, another significant playoff flop to a second rate city (Tampa), and a flop of a supposedly promising Phillies season have all left me a bit less thankful. Yet, amidst the regular disappointment, we can all still be quite thankful about one thing: TO, Baby! The guy has turned out to be everything we thought and more.

Onward to Jacksonville!

Happy Thanksgiving, Philly Sports Fans!
Big Daddy B

Eagles road favorites again

11/28 1:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Philadelphia @ New York Giants	-7 37.5	-7 37.5	-7 37.5	-7 OFF	-7 OFF	-7 37.5

Matchup

Only one Philadelphia incident mentioned?

Fans gone wild, a list from Sports Illustrated.

Eagles win, again

This game played out the way most people thought, close at first but in the the end the Eagles would win. In fact the Eagles played pretty crappy yesterday for 2/3rds of the game but still won by 22. So the question is, is it because the Eagles are that good or because the Redskins are that bad? And I'm someone that likes to complain but all you have to do was watch the Redskins 1st and goal from the 10 turn into a missed 48 yard fieldgoal to remember that was the Eagles not so long ago. Players of note -- Trotter, Westbrook, Pinkston?, Ike Reese? and I guess by the end of the game, McNabb. Players no one missed -- Wayne and Simoneau, a good example of addition by subtraction. TO TD celebration score -- 4 out of 10.

Nazi Basketball League

What is wrong with the NBA? First they tell Vince Carter he can't listen to his iPod during pregame warmups and now they've fined Mark Cuban for a criticism he voiced on his blog. What horrible heresy did he speak?

Tuesday is when it gets real. I won't say what i really think about the genius that started the season on election day since it's probably the same person that started the season on Halloween in previous years. There's only a presidential election 1x every 4 years. We start on that day..Genius. Let's see, which are going to get more highlights and press coverage Nov 3rd. The kickoff of the NBA season or the election. The NBA has a great idea to feature "Premiere Week" and we start it on Election Night. Brilliant.

The NBA sees this as wrong while they of course touted and used Kobe Bryant in its marketing during his entire trial.

Oh, the Sixers are 4-4, looking decent, and play 6-1 San Antonio tonight. I am predicting a loss.

Fanhood dilemma

Here is the fanhood dilemma posed by next Sunday's game. Subject was born in another country and was unaware of pro football until moving to the US as a teenager. Subject and family settled in Washington, DC. Subject's family members begin being fans of the Redskins while subject remains relatively aloof and only occasionally roots for Redskins but even then only halfheartedly. Years later subject meets a significant other that is an Eagles fan and subject starts watching football more earnestly and begins becoming a real fan but one with two rooting interests -- both the Eagles and Redskins.

So two questions are put before WWEW readers.

1. Can the subject continue to root for both teams?

The obvious answer is no, so...


2. The subject settled in DC and continues to live there and by most rules of fandom must stick with the default local team, the Redskins. Or can an exception be made since the real interest in football was actually awakened by the Eagles and can they now become the sole team of interest?

You must decide. And remember, a person's future happiness lies in the balance.

Eagles favored, again

11/21 4:15 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Washington @ Philadelphia	38 -11	38 -11	38 -11	OFF -11	OFF	38 -11

Matchup

Dallass demolished

I knew Dallass sucked, but c'mon. Even FraudEx caught a pass, it took him 14 seconds to get open, but still. It was a nice play, reminiscent of Randall to Arkansas Freddie Barnett, a comparison I'm sure others have already made. Of Owens' 3 TDs the most impressive to me was his first. Eagles were sputtering once again on offense and needed something exactly like what TO provided. McNabb's pass was at the top of Owens' shins and he caught it like it was right in his chest, didn't lose speed or his stride, split the defense and coasted into the endzone. After that the offense was awakened from its weeks of slumber. Of the 3 TD celebrations the pose on top of the mini star clearly was the best. It was a pile of salt on the gaping sore that is today's Dallass Cowboys.

Other highlights: Cowboys inexplicably not challenging Mahe's fumble, Dorsey Levens looked good, Trotter made the most of his start, Pinkston outfought a defender for a ball, the numerous crowd shots of glum Cowboy fans, hands on their heads, the numerous shots of a dazed Tuna, the 4 TDs in a quarter, the 49 total points, Sheppard putting icing on the cake and redeeming himself after leaving Whitten wide open for a TD, and Dallass being thoroughly embarrassed on national TV.

Lowlights: Defense allowed 21 points and allowed Whitten 2 TDs and almost as many yards as Owens got, the poor tackling on George's TD especially Dawkins, Eagles tight ends were invisible especially LJ Smith, special teams were horrid (probably because all the good players are playing defense now), Mahe now injured, and looks more likely there will be only one more chance ever to kick the Tuna around.

Changing Things on D!!!

Ok, the time has arrived. According to media sources and confirmed by the players themselves, the Birds have been practicing this week with soft Wayne on the bench, Simoneau at WIL and Trot at MLB. While this probably has far more to do with Wayne's horrible play against the run, than it does Simoneaus in the middle, is this the right time to make the change? Wayne is a Monday Night monster. BDB supports the move, given the fact that the aging Bus ran all over us last week. Does it really matter who starts against Dallas anyway? I suppose EGeorge could look like Barry Sanders in his prime vs. the Eagles. But, either way, this game is in the bag.

Eagles better win by 65, not 6.5

11/15 9:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Philadelphia @ Dallass	-6 41	-6.5 41.5	-6.5 41.5	-6.5 OFF	-7 OFF	-6.5 42

Matchup

Eagles stomped

The Steelers played a football game today. The Eagles apparently were busy doing something else. Reminiscent of the last 2 NFC championship games the offense couldn't do a thing and defense never made an important stop when it counted. All the Eagles' flaws were in full bloom today. The defense is a mediocrity that's been getting nice breaks and a steady diet of injured and weakened opponents to create an illusion of adequacy. Even with another big break with the hamstrung Duce being out, the defense was exposed and pathetic. Sam Rayburn came to play but no one else did. The offense's weakness, that's progressively become worse since the beginning of the season, is being one dimensional. There is no running game and only one wide receiver that gets the ball. The offense also now has zero ability to convert 3rd downs, even if they're only 2 frickin' yards and it's the end of the half and you HAVE to put some points on the board. The offense these days cannot overcome any mistakes. One false start and you know it's over, Dirk Johnson, start warming up. The only positive in the game was the Eagles punt coverage. Yea!

Two notes, in typical media fashion they automatically assumed TO was yelling at McNabb in anger when it was pretty obvious he was trying to encourage McNabb and pump him up. And Steeler cry towels are still the lamest.

Taking Care of Business

Just after signing Sheldon Brown and Greg Lewis, the Birds took care of Lito and Rayburn today. While there are mixed opinions of Lito on this blog (despite the fact that he has at least proven himself average to above average so far), Rayburn has without question outdone himself after being signed as a rookie free agent and stepping up during last year's season of a decimated DLine. BDB is a big fan of Sam, especially against the run. For the green Kool-Aid version on Lito/Rayburn, Read Here!

With the exception of Pinky, the Birds seem to be doing their part to manage the cap and lock up talent for the future. Now if only MLewis would get something done beyond 2006.... (I think Dawk is up after 2006, too, but not sure if he should be extended beyond then at this point.)

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Big Daddy B

BDB Preview: Eagles at Steelers

This Sunday, the 7-0 Eagles square off against the red hot, cross-state 6-1 Steelers, who have won 5 in a row behind rookie QB sensation, Ben Roethlisberger. Prior to this season, BDB would simply respond to Steeler office talk with a single name: Tommy Maddux ('Nuf said). However, behind Big Ben the Steelers are fresh off a crushing of the Platinum Standard NEP and are attempting to continue their best start since '78.

There is nothing really close to a rivalry between these two out of conference PA teams. In fact they even combined to form the "Steagles" in 1943, during World War II. Additionally, with the overall series at 46-26-3, Philly fans can only thank the Steelers for their contribution to our total franchise wins. The series is 11-3 in the last 14 matchups since '65 (all three losses coming in PIT, but with a 4-3 record in PIT in that same time span).

Keys to the game:

• Protect the ball! At +9 turnovers on the season, PIT is 2nd in the AFC and 4th overall. In 5/6 wins (vs. OAK, MIA, CIN, DAL, NEP) PIT won the t/o battle. In the other win (vs. CLE), t/o's were even. Their only loss in wk 2 (vs. BAL) came after losing the t/o battle. This PIT team THRIVES off of opponent mistakes and will easily win if they come out on top here.
• The Eagles know they must STOP the run game AND pressure Big Ben at the same time. BDB has missed Duce since before he left, and this weekend will only serve to remind Philly fans of the void he left. But, with the PIT red zone offense ranked 3rd in the AFC (72.7%), the Eagles can't expect to just clamp down once things tighten up. JJ will need to pressure Big Ben with his most creative blitzing and scheming activity of the year (all the while protecting against Duce screens, yikes!).
• Balance our own offense out. Certainly, the Eagles must pass more than run. Assuming they sprinkle in enough running to rest the defense and control some clock, they MUST spread even the air ball around better. Rather than being a TO-only offense, the Birds must involve even FMitch. Sure, look to TO in the clutch or for the big play. But if we don't involve other WR's and TE's, the AFC's 3rd ranked defense WILL shut down the pass (ie. the offense).

This weekend will be the greatest test the Birds have seen this season and may very well stand as that up until the playoffs. This is the first offense to feature a solid backfield AND at least two marquee WR's (6'0" and 6'5" vs. 5'10" CBs). And get this straight: The Steelers are not yet set up for a "let down" game after beating the Pats. Cowher won't stand for that (PIT just came off a bye before NEP), Duce won't stand for that, and PIT knows they have an opportunity to beat another undefeated team this week.

Both O's (slight edge PIT w/o BW and Ritchie) and D's (slight edge PIT, the second 3-4 D in two weeks) will perform. Both special teams will execute (slight edge PHI). The team making the least mistakes will win. The team that gets an extra call from the refs will win. The team that gets one extra coaching call will win. Unfortunately for Philly fans, the latter will be the most significant factor, which leads to our first loss of the season and wonderment over whether Big Red can ever get it done in January. PIT wins this one 23-20.

Big Daddy B

Barely a favorite

11/7 1:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh	-1.5 43	-1.5 44	-1.5 44	-1.5 OFF	-1.5 OFF	-1 44

Matchup

A Nightmare Avoided!

No, I'm not talking about the "near" loss. While the ending wasn't relaxing, it never felt like things were out of control for the Eagles (or that BAl ever posed a real threat offensively). However, when MLewis went to the ground appearing to have broken his leg, BDB just about flipped out. I mean, heck, how could I wear that jersey to two more games if he was gone for the season? Actually, that guy had a great game and is such a key to this defense. He may be this year's Carlos Emmons': quietly the top contributor on the D.

Anyway, here are my thoughts on the predictable and relatively uneventful game:

• Eagles used the TE's really well. It's a shame DMc had a rough start passing in the first half.
  
• The DMc/TO connection took a while to develop, being completely out of synch in the first half. DMc's fumble at the 1 was horrific, although Parry has to land on that ball and hold it. Overall Eagles offensive performance was weak, although half the credit should be given to the BAL D.
  
• Eagles and AR made nice use of the run in the first half with both Levens and Mahe. The absence of the run game (also it was unsuccessful when used) in the second half was concerning. As noted last week (and at the end of the MIN game in particular), that's gonna be important for close games like this (ie. the playoffs).
  
• I was dancing with TO after his TD. I'm still getting used to the yards after the reception by an Eagle.

Look out for Duce and the Steelers next week! Eagles franchise record season opening streak may end at exactly 7.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Big Daddy B

Philadelphia 76ers season preview

Longtime reader, nevertime commentor, JW provides the breakdown:

As the Sixers prepare for the upcoming NBA season, you can't help but notice all the changes that have been made with this team during the off-season. Among the biggies is Eric Snow out to Cleveland and Coleman dumped in Detroit for Corliss Williamson. But perhaps the biggest and most obvious change is the hiring of new head coach, Jim O'Brien. Labeled as a "players coach", O'Brien plans on being just that in Philly. He has said numerous times that he wants to let AI get out and run, and also wants the team to play the way 'they' want to play-not conform to his system.

Positional changes include Allen Iverson running point, as opposed to his normal shooting guard role. This will most likely lead to a more unselfish AI and a faster pace of play for the Sixers. I for one really like this change because it allows other players to get involved in the offense and for opposing defenses to fear AI passing skills as well as his scoring. It should make the team a lot more balanced and make AI a better overall player too.

Also, the Sixers new rookie Andre Iguodala will be starting over the aptly named "Big Dog". Iguodala couldn't help but be noticed during the preseason games. Taken with the Sixers first pick in the draft, the forward from Arizona is not only well built for a young player, but also seems to be very athletic as well. He will no doubt be a big help to Kenny Thomas on the boards as well as getting a solid 8-10 points a night. Speaking of Kenny Thomas, I feel that this could be his best year yet in the league. After a good year last year, the 5th year player out of New Mexico is poised to take the leap into consistent double-double territory. Hopefully he can stay healthy along the way.

The Sixers will try out this "new-look" for the first time at home on Friday November 5th when the Phoenix Suns come to town so it will be interesting to see if these changes bear any fruit. My prediction for the season is that the Sixers will play their normal "roller-coaster" basketball but finish strong with a 4-5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Go Sixers!

Westbrook has a cracked rib

LJ Smith misses a block and we're doomed! Well, maybe not doomed but have a car with a 3 tires and a rim and I've seen on TV that you can still flee from cops with that setup to great comic effect. Last week Levens did gain around 50 yards and looked pretty good doing it and Mahe made a great 12 yard gain on a screen that looked like it was going nowhere right? Not all is lost. Right?

Only 7-8 points, and nothing more

10/31 1:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Baltimore @ Philadelphia	37.5 -7.5	38 -7.5	38 -7.5	OFF -7.5	OFF 8	38 -7.5

Matchup

I'll take boring!

Not a smooth performance, but championship teams win road games like that. And, the Eagles indeed did. Some random thoughts:

• Lito and Sheldon looked solid. Nice Lito INT and two nice defenses on Northcutt (one, which was key in 4th qtr).
  
• Referees were horrible. Lito's draw of an offensive PI call was weak. Bogus illegal contact call against Lito, where Bryant ran right into him and pushed off. There was a completely illegal pick on MLewis, that resulted in a Browns tight end TD to go ahead 24-21. And, geez, that roughing the passer call against Dawk was absoultely horrible even if the game wasn't on the line (which it was at 4th&5). The makeup call on the Eagles' next meaningless posession didn't cut it. First game I thought the refs were pulling against the Birds.
  
• Reid's situational play calling leaves much to be desired STILL. Going for it at the end of the first half when CLE is running all over you, stupid. Two late in the game third and shorts and he didn't run the ball. BW is no up the middle runner and in games like this you need one. This whole bullet still scares me for the playoffs.
  
• Eagles O-Line played excellent. I can't remember more than one rush on DMac. He had all day.
  
• Eagles special teams rock.
  
• Dawk is still inconsistent in my book, despite the recent props he got in an eagles.com article. He's gotta stop a gay qb from punching it into the end zone with the game on the line.
  
• Nate Wayne stinks. More than half of the CLE first half rushing yards were on cutbacks RIGHT at the weekside, where Wayne was way overpursued.
  
• Our TE's looked horrible today, despite the nice shovel pass to LJ. LJ dropped two balls, one of which resulted in an INT (Note: That latter point is incorrect, as noted in the comments).
  
• Pinky was having a pretty nice game until he dropped the hail mary at the end of regulation. Mediocre when all is said and done.
  
• OK, the run d was weak. Not sure what the stats were in the second half, but their over-aggressiveness in the first half seemed to settle down a little bit in the second half.
  
• Where was TO in the second half again?

Big Daddy B
Fly, Eagles Fly!

Save Us From The Pain, Andy!

Watching the Yankees on the verge of choking like no other team in the history of baseball. But, what struck me as most painful to a Philly fan, is that we are heading into some depressing territory, having witnessed the last year of sports Championships... No, I'm not referring to the Eagles losing it last year at home, as painful as that was. But, if the Red Sox win the World Series... we will have graduated Terry Francona and Larry Brown to championships as head coaches... as well as Bill Barber to a Stanley Cup with that Tampa Bay organization (not a head coach, but still depressing).

That is unreal.

Since Andy is with us for another what, 12 years or sumpin', hopefully he'll take care of business this year. We can't let the Seahawks (and Ray Rhodes) beat us to the Supebowl!!!

How's that for a depressing post? Sheesh.

Favored by only 7? What's going on?

10/24 1:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Philadelphia @ Cleveland	-7 41.5	-7 41.5	-7 41.5	-7 41.5	-7.5 41.5	-7 42.5

Matchup

Delhomme, go home

Another cakewalk to victory for the Eagles and another "boring" game. So boring OB read the Inquirer for most of the second half. Even though it was the Eagles largest margin of victory this year is was also the offense's lowest output -- 283 yards. The offense sputtered alot, McNabb threw numerous bad passes, the run game was horrible against the 31st ranked run defense, the tight ends vanished along with FredX and even TO in the second half, there were way too many 3 and outs and only 4 of 11 third down conversions.

But on the other side of the ball the defense stepped up, except on run defense between the 20s. Davis and Hoover (who is Hoover?) gained a total of 129 yards on a total of 26 carries. Is the defense ever going to address the run defense problem? In the post game interviews they mention it every week and every week its the same. Kearse had the play of the game in crushing Dehomme in a helmet to SHOULDER PAD hit which did significant damage to an already skittish QB. It was after that hit that Delhomme tossed up horrible throws for interceptions with Lito Sheppard doing the most with his pick with the most impressive interception return for a TD I've seen in a long time. Special teams also quietly did its job to round out the scoring. A solid team win with the Eagles not even playing their "A" game.

Tracking Andy Reid & TO After the Quarter

Okay, the Eagles are entering their second quarter of the season this weekend. And, heck, they've built on the most exciting preseason ever by starting with the most exciting season in at least a decade. Geez, this is at least two seasons in a row where we as Philly fans get to look forward to more than just beating the Cowboys. And, what's also better than last year's performance in the first quarter is that our team is pretty darned healthy right about now (someone knock on wood, please).

I thought this would be a good time to not forget about TO and our beloved, Andy, though. No, not just because AR wrote this recent wonderful piece on how special the media is (which was an apologetic on why he has been so boring in press conferences over the past five years). But, if you'll recall in the preseason's TO "tights" episode, AR did promise that if TO scored 15 TD's, AR would personally wear the forbidden tights to practice. So, what's he got, 5 so far? Project that over 3 more quaters and it looks like AR will be wearing tights in practice by the end of the season. What is even more pleasant is that TO has been a good boy so far (do you still have that wood nearby?). Combine that with the mutual love affair between him and the fans so far (one of the highlights of attending those first two games was watching that relationship click), and we've got Philly's all-time favorite athlete who will not be topped if the Birds can capture the Superbowl in January.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Big Daddy B

Eagles almost double digit favorite against NFC champs

10/17 1:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Carolina Philadelphia	41.5 -7.5	41.5 -8.5	42 -9	OFF -8.5	OFF -9.5	42 -9

Matchup

Trivia question

Since we can only watch the NFL's slop this weekend since the Eagles are off, here's something to ponder.

How many teams, not including Houston, have NOT made the playoffs in the last 4 years and what are their names?

Winners receive the accolades of your peers.

Birds Beat Bears

No, I'm not referring to The Blue Hens' dramatic victory over the Black Bears this weekend. The Philadelphia Eagles entered their bye week with a win on the road in Chicago. They're now 4-0 at the bye, clearly the best start ever under Reid (since '93, actually). Eagle fans have a lot to be excited about, despite the fact that this one wasn't as impressive as their previous three.

I'm not one to sympathize with the fans out there saying it was, "boring." I mean, good gosh, always something to complain about. However, this game was predictable. Although BDB weeks ago saw this one as the Eagles' loss, the absence of Grossman, Urlacher, and CHI's two starting CB's resulted in a modified prediction earlier this week that they would win but not cover the spread. Indeed, the Eagles did win, while covering the spread by a single point. Grossman's absence allowed the Birds to focus on the run and dare Quinn to beat them through the air.

• Penalties were excessive. However, I still see the referees giving the Birds all the dubious calls. This is the second season in a row that the NFL has backed the Eagles.
• I thought FB Parry did an ok job, although he is clearly not the power-blocker that Ritchie was. Unfortunately, he didn't catch a single ball. At the same time, he protected BW amidst 32 touches (I'll settle for that).
• The red zone offense was not as strong as it has been.
• Akers did ok managing the wind, despite his two misses. This guy would smoke the rest of the NFL indoors.
• It was fairly obvious that the Bears had an ex-Eagle coaching the D, as they blitzed frequently in the second half and clearly disrupted McNabb's timing.
• Once again, our starting corners were solid tacklers.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Big Daddy B

Bowa fired

And no one cares. Phillies website says "relieved of his duties". I bet there is more relief on Bowa's part to be rid of this underachieving, dog of a team. And just think, I even entertained the idea of going to a game this year.

The refs suck

Just 3 weeks into the season everyone has seen several really bad calls. The coach's challenge can correct some of these errors but with only a max of 3 challenges what do you do after that? It's not like the refs stop screwing up. And then there's examples like those that occured in last night's Dallass/Washington game which are unreviewable. Two key pass interference calls - one called that shouldn't have been and one not called that should have - resulted in a 14 point swing in the Cowboys favor. It's obvious that we need younger refs whose full time job is officiating. No more dinosaurs that are also have day jobs. These calls weren't close either, they were obvious.

Also in last night's game another call really bothered me but the refs did call it correctly. The Cowboys were penalized with a very weak roughing the passer call where the defensive lineman came in and tapped Brunell on the helmet with his open palm. The penalty gave the Redskins a 1st down after they had just failed to convert on 4th and the ultimate result of their drive was a TD. The rule is you can't hit a QB on the head but obviously there are gradations of this. One of the best rule changes in the recent past was the decision to institute a 5 yard face mask penalty and a 5 yard running into the kicker penalty which recognized a varying level of severity. The same thing needs to be done with roughing the passer. Some balance needs to be instituted because I'm tired of the NFL treating QBs like they are fragile snowflakes made of gold instead of football players.

Eagles big favorites again

10/3 1:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Philadelphia Chicago	-8.5 41	-9 40	-9.5 40	-9 OFF	OFF	-9 40

Matchup

What I'd like to know is what's the Eagle's over/under on season ending injuries for the game?

Ritchie is out for the year

Well you just knew things were going too good for the Eagles so something had to go wrong. Why was he on the punt team anyway? Mayberry is probably done too or will miss significant time. If you remove enough bricks from a wall eventually it will lose its strength. Sigh.

Eagles pass their test, Lions fail theirs

This game was billed as one is which the Eagles would have to overcome a letdown after a short week following their big Monday night win, vs. the Lions, an improving and young team that wanted to find out how good they really are. Well the Lions found out they still have a lot of improving to do and the Eagles simply reaffirmed Andy Reid's greatest strength as a coach -- he doesn't lose the games he should win.

The Lions at times resembled the Eagles offense of old. A frequently sputtering offense with several poorly executed plays, dumb play calls, costly mistakes, and only an occasional really good play or individual effort. The Eagles offense of now however doesn't care what happens to them. A hold here, a run stuffed there, a sack or 2, a third and really long, it doesn't matter -- they can get 8-18 yards at will it seems. In the past any little stumble would doom their drives but not anymore.

The defense started the day strong with 2 run stuffs which led to a 3 and out and they went from there. They gave up a late score in the first half, a flashback to last year where the defense made a habit of that, and a TD that was the result of atrocious tackling. But other than that they were pretty much in control and continued to build on their much improved pass rush.

And could the play of the day be Akers kickoff from the 15 that went all the way to the 5 and the kick coverage that got down the field so fast that "super" returner Eddie Drummond only made it to around the 23?

And what would a write up be without some negatives? Freddy Mitchell, your one great catch doesn't excuse your horrible drops, one of which probably cost the Eagles 3 points, too many false starts, and Roderick Hood, nice tackle.

Who Needs Hockey Players

So it turns out we can get our hockey fix after all, well virtually anyway. In order to fill the void created by the NHL lock out our friends over at G4TechTV have decided to play all 1241 scheduled hockey games in a virtual world. Charles Hirschhorn, "Commissioner" of G4techTV had this to say:

"Millions of die-hard hockey fans on both sides of the border are upset,...Until the lock out ends, G4techTV will be there."

Highlights and scores will be shown on Comcast. President and CEO of Comcast SportsNet, Jack Williams had this to say:

"We'd rather be televising the live games, but until the real games resume, this presents a fun opportunity to maintain the fans' interest."

Well I'd rather be watching real games but in the meantime I guess this will do.

MacCulloch Announces Retirement

Another Sixers' center down in flames from the team that specializes in it as Todd MacCulloch announced his retirement today due to foot neuropathy. I liked MacCulloch alot. He made 98% of the gimme shots he took but what I enjoyed the most was he never expressed any emotion doing his job. Never whined about a foul call and never jumped around after a dunk. He could have just sent Shaq's crap into the 10th row but he acted like it was no big thing. And last year I thought he did a great job doing the color commentary on the radio offering really nice insider insight and occasionally cracking a great out of the blue joke. And it looks as if he'll continue doing that job with the team.

In other Sixers' news, this guy from the Sporting News is impressed with Jim O'brien and looks for the Sixers to have a good year.

Eagles favored in first road game

9/26 1:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Philadelphia Detroit	-3.5 44.5	-4.5 44	-4.5 44.5	-5 OFF	OFF	-4.5 44.5

Matchup

Didn't catch most of Mark Lawrence this week - he came on WIP earlier than usual. All I managed to hear was he predicted the Eagles to win. On his half hour advertisement masquerading as a TV show on Saturday morning the "Cincinnati Kid" (a dork) picked Miami. So from what I heard he was 1 for 1. I'll try to tune in earlier this week.

Reid Continues His MNF Mastery

Solid game from the Birds, all the way around: Defense, Special Teams, and the Offense. BDB made the right call: Eagles win with a solid defensive performance, as the Birds caused all sorts of problems for one of the most potent offenses of the NFL. My "key" players forecast wasn't bad either, as Westbrook was our leading receiver and rusher and Culpepper was the biggest threat to us all night (in fact, he led the Vikes in rushing yds). The Eagles' defensive stand that forced Daunte's fumble was the signature of the game, as our defense shutdown their key player in the clutch. I woulda liked to see more Westbrook as the game progressed, particularly in the last series. But, hey... hats off to a fine start to the season.

Other notables: Kudos to Lito. He impressed me all night and hardly relied on Dawk's help over the top. Of course, he got beat once by Moss.... but who doesn't in this league? Plus, it happened at a relatively safe point in the game. Our corners also made some excellent tackles tonight. OLine played great all game and showed they can adjust to the Andrews injury (Hicks is quite a guy to have on the bench!!!). JR Reed was impressive. Can't wait to hear what Ron thought of FredEx's illegal pass to McNabb. The Linc was wild and BDB's record at the Linc w/ his MLewis jersey is now: 2-0. Whoops, I shouldn't mention MLewis, as he missed out on an INT for a TD.

NHL Commits Suicide

Well its official, the NHL and the NHLPA have failed to reach an agreement and the NHL has decided to lock out the players. So for now there is no NHL, and depending on who you ask it may last anywhere from a few months to two years or more. No hockey, no fights, no goals, no penalty shots but most important of all NO FANS. Isn't that there source of income? If the league isn't profitable now, how will it be profitable once they've triggered a mass exodus of fans? What the NHL seems to forget is that even the most die hard hockey fans, like myself, are going to have little trouble picking up the remote and flipping the channel. Maybe the NHL and the NHLPA can decide to put the fans first. Maybe the players can ask themselves "Why did I work so hard to get to this level?" What ever happened to the love of the game? I still hold out hope that they will eventually reach an agreement and if they do great, in the meantime I'll be watching football.

There are tons of articles on this so I just picked a few that I thought were the best: An Editorial from Yahoo. Winnipeg Sun. Toronto Star.

Eagles favorites again

9/20 9:00 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
Minnesota Philadelphia	48.5 0	48.5 -3.5	48.5 -3.5	OFF -4	OFF -3.5	48.5 -3.5

Matchup

As an added bonus this year I'm going to try and catch Mark Lawrence on Fridays on WIP and write down his NFL predictions. This Friday he didn't do the full complement maybe because Eskin is suspended. But he was 0-3 in what he did pick for Glen Macknow. Lawrence chose Miami, New Orleans, and the Giants - not to win but beat the spread. He also thought this year would be the year Florida State finally beats Miami.

Eagles crush Giants

Although the Eagles won big and relatively easy the game did not really bring satisfaction. The offense was great, maybe 2 punts all day when it mattered, almost no false starts or holding penalties on the offensive line, almost no drops by the receivers, and most important -- lots of big plays and no turnovers. I think they even threw the ball deep 3 times. The lack of satisfaction comes from the underwhelming play of the defense. I guess I favor dominating defensive play over dominating offensive. The defense got a few sacks but did not cripple Warner like I had hoped. I had to wait to the last play of the game to see the QB crushed. Barber got tons of all-purpose yards, no gain Dayne actually gained, and only the overrated Shockey was a non-factor. If the Giants hadn't fumbled the snap on the goal line or scored on 4th and goal they could have easily made a game of it (and also beat the spread). With the Vikings annihilating Dallass, scoring 35 points against last years top defense, the next game does not look to be as easy.

NOTES: Trotter's hit on Feagles was cheap. McDougle's hit on Manning was great, I'm surprised Eli got up. Even though there wasn't one pass interference penalty the refs sucked. 3 calls overturned on review - and they were obvious calls to begin with, one bogus roughing the passer, and several holding calls that went uncalled. When will the next season ending injury come?

At Boo's Service

Boo requested more information on AR's record vs. opponents with winning records. Since BDB woke up at 6am this morning and couldn't fall back to sleep, the data is already compiled and analyzed. The following table shows the results.



Only 18 of 56 regular and post season wins for the Birds have come from opponents with regular season winning records. That wasn't particularly impressive to BDB, as 39 games have been played against winners. As the WIP caller had indicated, the Eagles have only won 18 of 39 games against "winning" opponents.

So, indeed, the Eagles have a sub-five hundred record vs. opponents with winning records. But, I'm not sure that being 2 games below 0.500 against "winners" is all that statistically significant. The very record of Eagles's opponents includes losses to the Eagles, which tilts those borderline winner/loser opponents to losers, especially the divisional opponents whom they play 2 games/year against. At the same time, BDB isn't going to argue that the NFC East has been particularly impressive over AR's tenure. Therefore, while BDB wouldn't go so far as to say AR's Eagles have a losing record against opponents with winning records.... he would state that the Eagles are no better than or roughly five hundred versus opponents with winning records.

Not All For Naught!

In BDB's Sunday school class last weekend, it was rhetorically asked, "What didn't Job suffer through?" And, while Job's great and extensive sufferings shouldn't be minimized, one cannot disagree with BDB that Job never did suffer through three straight NFC Championship losses by the Eagles.

But, just how bad have those losses been? They were absolutely painful to experience. Each one got worse. Each one ripped apart more and more of our already fragile Philly fan hearts. However, there is some level of solace in it all beyond the "next year" motto we've come to utter so well in this town. Yes, there's hope for this year. And that hope isn't just there because of the exciting offseason the Eagles had. It is there because history does warrant it.

Since the first Superbowl in 1967, there have been four other teams to threepeat lose in the Championship games: Oakland ('68-70), Oakland ('73-75), Los Angeles ('74-76), and Dallas ('80-82). While only one of those teams appeared in (and won) the Superbowl the very next season (Oakland, '76), each within a few years appeared in a superbowl and all but one actually won a superbowl in those same few years. Each could be viewed as one of the sustained great teams of NFL history.

So, were the last three NFC Championship games the beginning of Philadelphia's imprint on NFL history? Was it foreshadowing of a future great champion? (Even the eighties Niners (3) and Cowboys (2) lost multiple NFC Championships amid their ultimate triumphs.) Heck the Raiders have lost 9 AFCCG's.) Or, were those losses part of our becoming the next Cleveland Browns or San Diego Chargers? Maybe when we get to the Super Bowl, we'll avoid the Buffalo Bill trap and actually win. That's a better option than winning the Championship game four times in a row and never getting a ring.

Eagles big favorites vs. Giants

9/12 4:15 PM ET	Opening	BetWWTS	Bet365	Intertops	BoDog	WSEX
New York Philadelphia	41 -8	42 -9	42 -9	OFF -9	OFF -9.5	42.5 -9.5

Matchup

How will the season go?

Make your season predictions in the comments.

Sep 12 NY Giants 4:15 p.m.
Sep 20 Vikings 9:00 p.m.
Sep 26 @ Lions 1:00 p.m.
Oct 3 @ Bears 1:00 p.m.
Oct 17 Panthers 1:00 p.m.
Oct 24 @ Browns 1:00 p.m.
Oct 31 Ravens 1:00 p.m.
Nov 7 @ Steelers 1:00 p.m.
Nov 15 @ Cowboys 9:00 p.m.
Nov 21 Redskins 4:15 p.m.
Nov 28 @ NY Giants 1:00 p.m.
Dec 5 Packers 4:15 p.m.
Dec 12 @ Redskins 8:30 p.m.
Dec 19 Cowboys 1:00 p.m.
Dec 27 @ Rams 9:00 p.m.
Jan 2 Bengals 1:00 p.m.

The Term, "Geniuses"

They did it again! Hugh Douglas cut already? LOL. Meanwhile, Miami QB, AJ, couldn't find his helmet when it came time to enter the game and was saved by a long commercial break.

Play calling aside (which is ultimately as important as the players on the team), these Eagles managers are geniuses. Now, let's hope the personell this year are strong enough to support their stubborn pass happy system. Afterall, now (with no backfield) is the time as much as ever to pass more than run.

Editorial Note: Douglas is back in town!!! $6MM signing bonus for a single year in JAX and we get him back for peanuts.

Hockey Fans, Get your fix now!

This is the time of the year when my hockey withdrawl leaves me shaking like a Chihuahua in a blizzard. Only this year there is little relief in sight. As the NHL and the NHLPA continue their lack of negotiations the only thing that seems certain is we (the fans) are gonna get the shaft. If we're lucky and we pray to the Hockey Gods then maybe will see a season that starts in January but I think the odds of the season starting on time are pretty slim.

For the next two weeks, we can try to get our fix from the World Cup of Hockey. The Flyers will be well represented in the World Cup with at least one player on nearly ever team. Odds are that our goalie, Robert Esche, will be in net for team USA.

Despite the lack of a CBA, the Flyers have been busy this off-season. Biggest move, good-bye Mark Recchi! However Gagne, Radivojevic, and Niittymaki all accepted offers. Handzus got a nice three year deal. Timander only got a two year deal and so did Kapanen. We also picked up a few new guys like Eric Meloche, Ryan Ready, Turner Stevenson and Mike Knuble. And as of right now Zhamnov and Malakov still don't have contracts.

The detrimental effects of being an eagles fan

This guy was 26 years old when the eagles lost the the first NFC championship game to the Rams.

Need I Say It Again? (See Bottom)

Not only do we drop another player with an injury history, but, this time it comes in our backfield, which affects an area that BDB has been harping on since the beginning of last year. What's the solution?

Reno Mahe simply moves up the roster, right? No! Regardless of what the "depth charts" say out there, Mahe is not an in between the tackles back. The Eagles don't have a #1, #2, and #3 RB. They have role backs and we need another back now that can run between the tackles. McCoo showed some late game quality with the ball tonight. But, I'm not about to risk the entire season on a guy that was playing NFL Europe a few months ago. What's the next move?

What a bummer to see that after watching DM and TO connect for what looked like the first leg to Jacksonville. Such brief moments of euphoria in Philly.

Boy, I miss Duce!

The Olympics are weak

I have zero interest in the summer Olympics so I don't need another reason not to watch. But the IOC created one just in case I was tempted.

In a far cry from the high-minded ideals of humanity and tolerance embodied by the Olympics, the organizers of the Athens games have warned spectators that they could be barred for taking a surreptitious sip of Pepsi or an illicit bite from a Burger King Whopper.
(...)
Staff will also be on the lookout for T-shirts, hats and bags displaying the unwelcome logos of non-sponsors. Stewards have been trained to detect people who may be wearing merchandise from the sponsors' rivals in the hope of catching the eyes of television audiences. Those arousing suspicion will be required to wear their T-shirts inside out.

Next Olympics they'll be forcing the athletes to use the "official" brand of steroids.

Fears

Despite Kotite as new head coach (no one knew any better then) I remember 1991, the year of much promise. Then Cunningham went down in the opener with a knee injury for the rest of the year. But the Eagles had the best defense ever so backup Jim McMahon was able to lead them to a 3-1 record. Then he got hurt. But who can forget Pat Ryan and Ken O'brien? Despite the worst quarterbacking in football history the Eagles still went 10-6 but failed to make the playoffs. They did it on the backs of the defense. The defense finished the season ranked #1 in the NFL in terms of fewest yards allowed overall, vs. the run, and vs. the pass. In addition, the Eagles' defense led the NFL in sacks and fumble recoveries and tied for the league lead in takeaways. This despite numerous 3 and outs, turnovers, and utter ineptness from the offense. Kotite got the head coaching job because the year before the offense led the NFL in rushing (2,556) and time of possession (33:19) and the NFC in scoring (396) and TD passes (34). But with Cunningham down that all went down the drain.

If only they had a modicum of competency at quarterback that year, if only Cunningham didn't get hurt, who knows? Randall Cunningham was certainly better than Trent Dilfer and look what happened in Baltimore. Sigh...

So that brings me to this year, another year of promise - the greatest year of promise. Dawkins has already been banged up, Owens groin is acting up, and Kearse sprained his ankle today. None the injuries are said to be serious, but why do I fear they're just hints of what to come? Why do I fear history is going to repeat itself (despite knowing it all too well)?

Dallass Sucks

Ha, ha.

Geniuses I say, Geniuses!

And who wanted that fruitloop? Ricky Williams retired after a long 5 yr career. Time for DM to get us a Championship!

Top 10 myths and lies in sports (according to Fox Sports)

1. Bad calls even out
2. "I don't use steroids."
3. Wayne Gretzky is, without question, the greatest hockey player of all time
4. You can't buy a championship
5. Willis Reed won Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals just by walking on the court
6. The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team won the Cold War
7. You have to have played the game at a high level to fully understand it
8. "I'm on the pill."
9. "If I don't get it, it sucks."
10. "Waive the final year of my contract and I promise I'll sign for the mid-level exemption." — Carlos Boozer

Who's Carlos Boozer? Anyway, here's the link.

Millwood Shows Up!

And the Phils win by a single run against a division foe. Imagine that.

Ok, so I don't care that much, but I needed a sports related post to forward this dandy: http://atomfilms.shockwave.com/af/content/this_land_af. Man, the SLAP, "What did I do?" was hillarious. The entire thing was quite comical.

Trotter returning?

Rumor has it that Jeremiah Trotter will be returning the Eagles but I can't find confirmation on the interweb however. If true, it just shows that the fans once again know what they're talking about. Fans - our receivers suck. Eagles - no they don't. Fans - our receivers suck. Eagles - no they don't. Fans - our receivers suck. Eagles - ok maybe they could be better, here's T.O. Fans - our pass rush sucks. Eagles - no it doesn't, here's Kearse however. Fans - our linebacker corps is too small or too slow and not that good. Eagles - no it isn't and linebackers aren't important. Our linebackers are fine.

Next up, filling the holes created by Vincent and Taylor leaving.

Update: here's confirmation.

Free Agent Update

Mark Recchi decided not to resign with the Flyers after Bobby Clark decided he wouldn't attempt to sign Recchi until there was a collective bargaining agreement in place. Mark decided to go back to the city of Pittsburgh where he started his NHL career back in 1988. Mark was the leading scorer last season for the orange and black, but with the signing of two younger and cheaper right wings, Knuble and Stevenson, there wasn't much room for Mark or his veteran salary.

In other free agent news, long time Phantom and part time Flyer Kirby Law has signed with the Minnesota Wild. Also our fierce rivals the Ottawa Senators just picked up a veteran (over-the-hill) goaltender with Dominic Hasek.

The Real Dog Shines

Despite Eskin's daily heckling of Bobby A, tonite BA came up big. Within the last week of WIP radio, it was Eskin mocking BA for never getting a game winning home run... or yet, a game winning RBI. Well, tonite, Bobby A tied the game in the seventh with an RBI single. He later capped his 4/5 night off with a game winning home run in the ninth.

Millwood is the dog on this team that Eskin and others should exert more energy ripping. The guy showed how little his male organs were during last year's penant race. This year our "ace" has contributed nothing to the team. The Phils' first need is starting pitching.

Meanwhile... JT hit his league leading 28th home run.

Clarkey Makes a Move

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Saturday that they have signed right wing Mike Knuble (kuh-NOO-buhl) and right wing Turner Stevenson each to a three-year contract, according to General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed. Knuble and Stevenson each became Group III unrestricted free agents on July 1.

"Both are huge players, skate well and play physical," said Clarke in making the announcement. "Knuble is the better scorer of the two and Stevenson is the more physical. They bring real good size to our forward crew."

[seems as if Rex and either Fridge or Brash likely gone, with Amonte and/or LeClair bought out]

Flyers Also Draft No Name

In the 2004 Entry Draft, the Flyers followed the Sixers' suit and picked someone you've probably never heard of either: Rob Bellamy. At least the Flyers didn't use a first round pick to accomplish this feat. Their first pick was 92nd overall (3rd round).

Made me remember the fine tune, "Let Your Love Flow," by the Bellamy Brothers. (Heck, I'd have linked to the mp3 on my personal webspace, but felt that revenues from that tune are all that band has to eat from. You'll have to buy the Billboard '76 Hits yourself... maybe it's '79, I can't remember.)

Never heard of 'im

Sixers picked Andre Iguodala. Apparently they were extremely surprised he was still there at pick 9 and all their scouts had him ranked much higher, some around 3 and 4. Here's ESPN's assessment.

Andre Iguodala
ARIZONA | SOPHOMORE | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 217 | AGE: 19
The Sixers are very happy to end up with Iguodala. After Luol Deng, Iguodala was the second-highest swingman on their board. The great thing about Iguodala is that he doesn't need to shoot 20 times a night to be effective. That's important to any team that has Allen Iverson on it. I think Iguodala is a steal here. We had him ranked No. 4 on our big board.

Sixers had no second round pick.

Cowboys on the Run Too?

Ok, it wasn't from the most reliable source, but a caller this morning told WIP that a friend of a friend of a friends had inside info that Eddie George's agent was in negotiations with the Cowboys, since the Titans would likely release George shortly. How true it is, I don't know. But, it's a scary thought if you ask me: everyone in the East with a run game (and clock control), except Philly. I hope George and Portis start fumbling as much as Tiki does.

Repetition of the LeClair mistake?

Primeau just got signed to a four-year, $17-million contract. Sure he was incredible in this years playoffs but he's 32 and similar things have happened with other playoffs. I recall Brindamour having a great playoffs a few years back then he reverted back to his non-finishing form and was traded for... Primeau. But I can't see it all really mattering much since Tampa won the Cup and hockey is doomed.

Reid Getting Desperate

Doing an about face from his year ago statement that he was "happy with the receivers" then on the roster, Reid not only signed T.O. this offseason, but he just this Friday or Saturday agreed to: 1) Allow TO to wear his tights without shorts; and, 2) Put a pair of his own tights on. The mere condition for such an agreement to be activated was 15TD's by TO. I'd love to see the 15 TD's, but Reid in tights? Not so sure.

Them Excitin' Phils

Ok, it's only baseball and it's hard to get people here on the blog excited about the game. But, I actually enjoyed Sunday's game, while reclining on the couch and dozing in the 6th and 7th innings. The 13 pitch battle to end the game was a near classic moment (relative to the other 161 games in a season), as Wagner beat out LeCroy in a great at-bat and pitching duel. I was humored to hear that Pratt was harassing LeCroy after some great fouled off pitches, exclaiming, "You're awesome." I caught, but never remember pulling such tactics. Yet one more reason I didn't make the big leagues. (Yes, there were other reasons, but....)

Tonite the Phils face off against Griffey's Reds. In a rare milestone convergence, Griffey is shooting for #500, while our own Thome is targetting 400. Who would like to be sitting in the outfield at this game? It's kinda like buying that one powerball ticket when the jackpot gets up to big numbers. (Ok, don't correct me, I know not many would be that excited, but at least the odds are a little higher of catching Griffey's multi-hundred thousand dollar ball, or Thome's tens of tousands of dollars ball.) If you caught a milestone ball, would you keep it, sell it, or just give it back to the hitter?

Coatsey et al. canned?

Flyers were rumored to have fired all of their radio and TV broadcasters and producers but that seems unclear as of now. You'd think that years of praising Bob Clarke's GM work "Oates and Gratton are great additions to the club", glossing over horrible goaltending "that goal probably should have been stopped but one thing we know it that Flyers goaltenders bounce back and the team will rally", and all sorts of assorted Flyers' boot licking "get your tickets now to the most exciting game ever vs. the Thrashers!" would get you treated better than pawns in the the collective bargaining agreement war. And what are they thinking, without Coatsey how can I even think about watching the Flyers on TV? I think I'll have to turn down the TV and put on Propp to make it through.

Paul Coffey officially in NHL Hall of Fame

The NHL announced the 2004 inductees to the Hall of Fame and among them was former Flyer, Paul Coffey. Paul only spent two seasons with the orange and black but is still serving the team as the color commentator for the Flyers' radio broadcast. Paul Coffey finished his career second only to Ray Borque in points for a defensmen, who was also just inducted to the Hall of Fame.

Meanwhile the NHL was busy handing out Hardware to anyone who wasn't a Flyer. The Flyers didn't get totally snubbed at least Joni Pitkanen got named to the All Rookie Team. Woo Hoo!

Correction: Brian Propp is the radio commentator I was thinking of, my apologies.

Yet One More Example

I read these comments from Larry Brown early this morning but the blog was experiencing technical difficulties, so I didn't post them. Angelo reminded me of them on the way to work, though and I couldn't help but agree with him that this is yet one more reason why we should disdain Larry Brown. Referring to Kobe after his incredible performance at the end of last night's game, he said, "After what that kid's been through all this year, more power to him because he's a great, great, young man and the way he conducts himself on the court and the way he plays the game makes me feel kind of good I'm part of it." He's proud of it? Proud of being a part of it by LOSING to the "great young man"? Are you kidding me? Typical LB lip service.

Tampa Bay Wins The Stanley Cup

Unless your living under a rock you probably all ready know that the Tampa Bay Lighting have won the Stanley Cup, and if your a true Philly fan, you're probably not all that happy about it. It's not that Tampa doesn't deserve the cup, or the NFL championship, but why does their road to championship always involve a firm bitch slap to face of the Philly fans along the way. BTW did anybody notice who provided all the offensive firepower for the 'bolts last night? That's right, good 'ole Ruslan Fedotenko. How come every time we get rid of a mediocre player, he turns into super-stud as soon as he dons his new uniform? Well personally I figured out how to beat the Philly curse... I'm moving to Tampa.

Meanwhile, you want to know why the Flyers didn't win? Maybe it's because both Robert Esche and Sean Burke both need hip surgery. And with out that big Stanley Cup bonus Jeremy "Styles" Roenick is trying to find a way to weasel out of his E-Z Pass fares.

Smarty Jones And The Typical Philly Ending

In typical Philly style Smarty Jones gave us enough to win our hearts and make us believe but then at the last minute it wasn't enough to win. Smarty was beaten by a 37-1 longshot named Birdstone. Smarty took the lead early but at the end of the race Birdstone pulled ahead and won it by a lenght. So the city of brotherly love gets to muble our favorite mantra, There's always next year.

Ain't it a Great Town?

We have 90yr old opponents hitting grand slams against us, our newly acquired star wide receiver already whining for balls in practice, and AI is parking in handicap marked spots. It's hard to have faith that we will ever win.

L.A. or L.B.?

Glen Mac last night raised the above question to his listeners. When all is said and done, BDB really couldn't care much at all who wins the NBA Championship. However, I did jump into the line of thinking and came up with an opinion of my own. Heck, I love to hate the Lakers. It's like hating the Yankees or the Cowboys (pre cap 'Boys, anyway). As a Philly fan, that is fun. And, while it is true that seeing the Lakers lose would disappoint more fans than watching one man, L.B., lose, no matter how bad a team like the Lakers are for the sport, they do manage to be successful under a cap. L.B.'s Pistons on the other hand are a boring defensive team to watch and bring the NBA down almost to a high school scoring level (ok, maybe not that low, but...). Furthermore, when a "hall of fame" individual just hops around every other year and leaves your own city in a basketball heap of disaster, I gotta continue to dislike L.B. and root against him. For me, pulling against Brown is, as one caller said, best in the spirit of the "lesser of two weasels." Besides, for L.A., what is one more championship for us to watch?

Like I said above, I really don't care what happens. And, quite frankly, either option is a fine one, so long as you are "hating" against one of the two. Now, that's the Philly Spirit, cuz we will probably never win.

Another Cup-Less Season, Season in Review

Watching the Flames & Lightning do battle for the Cup hurts..knowing that the O&B were very close. But once again, age and injuries continue to deny this team every year it seems, (this playoffs alone : Roenick/Pitkanen/Malakhov - concussion, Ragnarrson/Johnnson/Desjardins/Somik - broken bones) but did he have to get rid of Weinrich for a 5th round draft pick?

With the CBA threatening to turn the entire salary structure of the NHL upside down, this is the perfect opportunity for Clarke to re-tool this team, getting even more younger and quicker. (Let Walk - Recchi and Zhamnov, Buy-out LeClair and Amonte, Re-Sign Malakhov, Primeau, Bring Up - Nitty, Sharp, Carter/Richards and Seidenberg) Where will the O come from? See Calgary, who do they have other than Iginla? It can be done. With Hitchcock at the helm, I'm optimistic that the O&B will continue to deliver passionate playoff runs. Just in his 2nd season, he has given the players a system they believe in and will follow through on. He has converted Primeau into a nasty defensive centerman, but the younger players, such as Gagne need to step up and be given more responsibility (make him an Alternate Captain, with Rex and Johnny gone)

Oh and fix the friggin' Power Play...

If the Lightning win, I'll hate Hulkamania even more.

Eagles Sign QB Jeff Blake

In a curious move, the Eagles signed QB Jeff Blake to a one year deal. Assuming McNabb and Detmer retain their #1 and 2 spots, Blake will presumably compete with Andy Hall and Stambaugh for the No. 3 spot. Ok, no problem if he beats out Stambaugh. But, didn't the Birds use a draft pick on Hall?

Odd to say the least, although I guess Blake didn't get enough money to make dropping him later a bad move.

How long 'til September?

Who has more mullets, NHL or MLB?

During the hockey playoffs we've been subjected to the loser hockey fan beer commercials and all those guys have stereotypical "hockey hair". Randy Johnson, aka the Big Unit, (who comes up with his real name and then the nickname?) pitched a perfect game the other day rocking his mullet, which has been somewhat tamed compared to years past. These days I think baseball has more mullets than hockey. Name names in the comments.

Yes we can expect more of this type of post until football.

Eddie George?

It's never too early to talk about the Eagles. Rumors are rumbling that Eddie George may be the next free agent to sign in Philly. Perhaps AR has heard Runyan and BDB whining about next year's run game. Ok, maybe not. But, I'll welcome the move and feel a LOT more confident about this offense with George in the backfield (he'd cover the injury factor that could be an issue by the time playoffs are here).

Anyone got a report on whether or not the guy can block? I know he can catch and is typically a "hit the hole" kind of runner (ie. he doesn't make many big moves). But, can he block?

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Big Daddy B

Will we ever win?

nope

Clarke's Challenge to Gagne: "Are You a Good Player, or a Great One?"

I was listening to 610 on my way back home to visit my mom who just had surgery this evening before the game. Howard was doing his usual thing, and in between callers, he mentioned Clarke's challenge to Gagne this afternoon, "Are you a good player, or a great one?" While this is yet to be determined, Simone stepped up and hammered home the game winner tonight in OT. I don't know about you all, but it was like I was in 7th grade all over again, just waiting for Dale Hunter to zip one past Hextall. But tonight was the Flyers night as they battled back to beat Tampa Bay 5-4. A great effort by all (led by the hockey's biggest Mickey Mouse collector Keith Primeau) forces the climatic game seven, so buckle up boys. Have faith, this team can do it. more .

Why I can never care about baseball

I'm watching the hockey playoffs where guys are playing with broken bones, sprains, and concussions and they are repeatedly getting hit with sticks, the puck, and 200+ guys skating at 20 mph. Over in baseball there are guys going on the disabled list because they sneezed. Baseball is pathetic.

Flyers Fall to Lightning in Game 5

As storm clouds rolled into the Delaware Valley the Tampa Bay Lightning rolled over the Flyers in the crucial game 5 of the Conference Finals. As they stormed out to a three zip lead, it seemed as if for every goal they scored, real lightning would strike nearby. I was amazed! I thought how are they doing that? It's a conspiracy, they've even got god in on it!

Anyway former Flyer Rusty Fedotanko still has something to prove and scored the all important first goal. Followed by a pair of goals from Brad Richard. Just as I was about to flip channels and give up on the Flyers they pulled out a pair of goals (Handzus and Sharp)to at least make the rest of the game interesting, but ultimately the Bulin Wall stood tall and an empty netter at the end made the final score 4-2.

Game 6 is on Thursday night at 7:30, back home in Wacko center. We can only hope that the Orange Crush comes through in a big way and force a game 7. FOXSports Recap

CNN/SI predicts the future

Looks like Primeau will have another big game Tuesday.

Credit sgw for the catch.

Yeah, Baby!

Today, the Flyers responded to Thursday Night's pooper with a solid performance. It was clearly the best game and the wildest Flyer crowd BDB has witnessed live since the Spectrum days. The orange crush was actually quite cool with each fan proudly donning the free orange T.

Esche gave up his softy at the right time. KJ only made one bad mistake on D, while his partners picked up their play. The Flyers crashed the boards throughout and controlled the momentum. And, Primeau... nothing needs to be said about his play, as it was SOLID.

BDB sure didn't make the right call before this series with his conspiracy theory. These refs aren't giving the Flyers much of anything out there. Very inconsistent calls the entire game. Call it both ways, or don't call it at all.

Handzus played an outstanding game. The powerplay needs to get working next game!

Pathetic

weak
weak
weak
weak
weak

Mr. LeClair, tear down this wall!

LeClair swung the first wrecking ball and the Bulin wall came crashing down fairly easily. I guess once you let LeClair score from a bad angle through a gaping five hole you know it's not going to be your night. As the Flyers have seemingly figured out Tampa, Tampa seems to know to throw shots at Esche's pads to the far side of where you're shooting from and more times than not and a fat rebound will be sitting there if you can get to it. As far as the fights, Tampa you are weak. If you're going to fight how about 1 on 1? You even teamed up on Patrick Sharp. Is that supposed to somehow show you are tuff?

Flyers need another dominating performance Thursday. Who knows if Tampa has the heart to fight back if they get crushed again.

As if it needs to be said...

Flyers must win tonight.

A Stanley Cup winning team scores on a 2-0 breakaway. A Cup winning team does not get a goaltender interference on a 2-0 breakaway. A Cup winning team buries its opportunities. A Cup winning team does not let Chris Dingman score a goal.

Oh yeah, LeClair sucks. So does Timander who was on the ice for all 3 goals.

Flyers Win Series With Game of the Year

Ok, so BDB hasn't watched all of the games to know that this was absolutely and unquestionably the best game of the year. However, this game will be so dubbed anyway. It was exciting and displayed a lot of heart behind the orange and black. How the stars were Sundin, Primeau, and then JR is beyond me, even if I'm living in Toronto.

Besides this series bringing my hockey juices to just below a boil, I also experienced another thing: I can't stand the Leafs. Those guys are a bunch of thugs. Tucker's charge in game five and his last minute clothes-lining of Kapanen were pathetic; Domi was an all around whining goon; and, Antropov's cross-check of JR won't be forgotten. These guys are bums.

Esche deserves the play of the game (despite JR's goal production) with his most excellent save late in the third period with the score tied 2-2. An absolutely outstanding save.

I've finally figured out my own blog: willnhlrefsevergetaclue.blogspot.com. No, I won't gripe like Coatsey and claim that the refs lost any games for us. But, geez, they are sooooo bad.

Onward to Tampa! Maybe we can reverse Philly's woes of our last semi-final (football) matchup against that city (and the miserable regular season series we had vs. their hockey team this year). One positive for the Flyers is that they were pretty injured in most of the contests vs. Tampa during the regular season.

This Flyer team is likeable! How 'bouts a blog night at Stanley's for one of these games? Boo, you in?

An answer to baseball's prayers

Baseball no longer has to be tedious to watch! You can now watch the Phillies strike out and leave men on base in 1/25 the time.

Player status

Esche will probably be playing Tuesday night, Malakhov probably not.

Hitchcock is hopeful that Esche, who has flu-like symptoms, can play on Tuesday night when the Flyers attempt to clinch their Eastern Conference Semifinal series over the Maple Leafs. Malakhov is doubtful to play after getting his bell rung, but will accompany the team to Toronto.

Read the "Full" report. Why they couldn't say Esche was sick yesterday makes me doubt the veracity of the Flyers but just as long as he's in net I guess I don't care.

Flyers Dominate Game 5

The Philadelphia Flyers dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs and regained control of the series. Keith Primeau had three goals and Michal Handzus scored twice, leading the Flyers to a 7-2 victory over Toronto on Sunday in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

- Prims was simply a monster. He led and the team followed. At a closed door meeting Saturday, he laid it all on the line telling his teammates that he was going to be great on Sunday and that they should get on for the ride. Ron has been so impressed with his new favorite Flyer that he's looking for the Prims bobblehead doll to supplement his collection. Ron was also wrong in his prediction. Negadelphia. Prims also gave a nice crosscheck to Ken Klee-On that forced the Old Ass D-Man to leave the game.

- Antropov likely will be suspended for the rest of the series, when he retaliated with 2 cross-checks to Roenick's titanium laced neck. This was after Roenick caught him with his head down behind the Flyers net. Remember during the Lindros trade rumors with Toronto, Clarkey wanted this dude. He's a 6'6" but soft like the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

- In bad news, Esche left the game after the first period. I've heard that he might have a concussion after getting hit with a puck during Game 4. Also, Malakhov left the game after getting run at by Tucker. I hate Tucker. I hope Brashear damages him in Game 6.

- Will the Flyers be able to cope with these 2 crucial injuries ? Do you Flyers fans trust Burkey to send us to the Eastern Conference Finals ? Can the Flyers play with the same passion, they'll need to take the series Tuesday.

- Lastly, Clarkey is a genius.

What Happened?

After the first 2 games, I thought this series was over. I was wrong. Tonight, that little f*ck Bill McCreary, handed out 3 weak interference calls. The series is tied 2-2 and the 'Mo has swung to Toronto.

Angry Ron has predicted a Toronto series win in 6 games. For the the Flyers to defy this prediction, they need to 1) score some goals, with production from LeClair and Recchi [Ron thinks he'll score a playoff goal in April of 2006] 2) Hitch must put in Gagne and Kapanen on the Power Play, and drop Zeus 3) physically punish Sundin and or Mogilny
4) avoid the terrible refereeing of Rod Schick, Bill McCreary and Mick McGoo.

Toronto is just as big and gritty as the Flyers. Game 5 is huge.

Oh It's The Stick...

...that makes you suck. Maybe it's Mogilny that deserves the sucks suffix. The real problem isn't Mogilny's stick, it's the injuries that his team is facing. Owen Nolan and Joe Nieuwendyk are out and all-star Mats Sundin is playing with a bum leg. Pat Quinn has started shuffling lines around in practice in hopes of boosting offense, look for Domi to move up to Ron Francis' line. Quinn is hoping that tough guy Domi can open up the ice for Francis, while most Philly fans are still hoping that Domi gets beat to a pulp.

Meanwhile NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and players' union head Bob Goodenow will be in attendance, because watching a Flyers/Maple Leafs brawl is just the thing to start off a productive round of labor negotiations.

Primeau no longer sucks

For the past couple years I could not say Primeau without following his surname with the suffix of "sucks". His one goal of import was the 5 OT game winner vs. Pittsburgh and that was about it. I had seen him blow too many plays, too many passes, too many goals, too many faceoffs, and too many playoff series to think otherwise. And the way he conducted himself after the Flyers infamous 2 goal series vs. Ottawa 2 years ago by blaming Bill Barber was the low point for me. But things have changed.

Late in the regular season he got hit on the head really hard and has become a different player. In the Devils series he was possessed. He played great defensively, was crushing people, and scored 2 very important and skillful goals. So far against Toronto he hasn't put up the points but was great in game 2's third period and has won some important faceoffs. Please Primeau, don't get hit on your head again. I'm afraid you'll remember who you really are.

So who has inherited the "sucks" moniker? LeClair. Brashear has as many goals in the playoffs over the last couple years as LeClair - 2. And if the Flyers make the next round I'm afraid his history of goal scoring magic against either Montreal or Tampa will go missing. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

Eagles' 2004 Draft In Review

Ok, so none of us really know what the Eagles got... and will not until time tells the story. However, we can't help but sit back and provide an amateur opinion on what transpired this weekend (overall). Here are a few of my thoughts:

• Trading up in the first round as the Eagles did was statistically "even." So, if the Eagles did their homework correctly (and Sean Andrews is a true #16), then they did fine. We all knew they needed more depth in the OL, so I'm ok with their first pick. I probably would have preferred to add OL depth later in the first round and keep the second round pick for a RB (or MLB), but can trust the Birds on this one (for now). Watching some clips on that guy (and seeing his weight troubles), he is not going to be the "versatile" OL-man. I can't see him ever starting at guard: he looks TOO slow. That means this guy will have to overtake Runyan at RT or move to the left side and overtake Tra? Man, where does this guy fit?
  
• My biggest concern with this draft is the number of OL picks: 4. True, the game begins with the two lines. But, how much did Welbourne influence what the Eagles did this weekend? Again, I'm fine with adding depth to the OL, but 4 picks (including your top one)? I remember complaining about the number of secondary players drafted in 2001, so maybe I'll feel better in a few years about this draft.
  
• What about the work "ethic" of these guys. Many of them come with some scouting concerns in that area. Have the Eagles left their game plan with some level of "desperation"? TO was certainly out of character. But, the "young" guys they like to groom typically have better repoires than this year's crop.
  
• The RB's picked by the Eagles both can't block. Man, do I think this is gonna be a problem for the Eagles, especially considering the shakeup on the OL. Bobbie Williams and Welbourne both gone. Bucky can't block. McNabb better hope his OL can take care of the blocking. Otherwise, we might be seeing Andy Hall by the fifth game of the season.
  
• Well, I've accepted the fact that they Eagles will probably do NOTHING more for their backfield. Maybe there's still a chance they do something at linebacker. Perhaps they have more depth there than we think (assuming the DL stays healthy). I've long been a fan of Keith Adams and think he has some skills beyond special teams. I think the most likely addition to the roster between now and regular season will be a FA CB.
  

As I have mentioned before, the Eagles have now addressed two key areas of concern on the offense from last season: OL protection and WR. I think the former was less of a concern than many thought (that most of the sacks of DM were cover sacks, not OL breakdowns). Also, the more you "protect" McNabb, the less you can leverage his scrambling abilities. So, unless McNabb is really headed down the road of Mr. accurate pocket passer, then I'm not so sure where this draft got us. As far as the defense goes, I don't think there is much special about the secondary picks the Eagles made. So far, their defense is "break even" for me from last year. They lost two excellent CB's and a LB, while adding an excellent DE and nice LB.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
BDB