Black Saturday

Yours truly turned out 0 for 3 in my sporting interests.

Today has to be better, doesn't it? Please Lord, let today be better.

All Star Weekend

With the Phils fighting for the NL East in the last series of the year and the Birds about to take on the G Men in a de facto elimination match, it is a big sports weekend for all of us Philly Sports Phan.

However, it is just a little bit more exciting for yours truly. Here is my schedule:

Friday: Hall of Fame Club seats for the Phils as they commence their historic battle with the Nats.

Saturday: A trip up the NJ Turnpike to watch my beloved #10 ranked Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University take on the University of Maryland Terrapins in their first quasi test of the season. (Don't forget that this game can be seen on 6ABC at 3:30 pm on Saturday! For all you NJ residents, please support your State University!)

Sunday: After watching the Phils destiny unfold on the tube, I have another trip up the NJ TPK to watch the Birds take on the G Men on enemy soil. (Ok, I'm exaggerating...I'm not that cool. I don't have tickets for that one, but my ample ass will be firmly planted on the couch for that one!)

Let's Settle Down Just A Tad

First off, before I'm branded a killjoy, let me say that I was as happy as the next guy to see the Phils finally claim a tie in the NL East standings after 159 games.

However, is it me or do these group of Phils seem a little too excited? The job is far from done. They still need to be one game better than the Mets over the next three and then the celebration can begin.

The Wife Beater and the Flyin' Hawaiian gave shaving cream pies in the face of both Michael Barkann and Mitch Williams in the post game show. Come on, fellas. Chill a little bit. You'll look like complete tools if you exhibit such behavior and then can't close the deal.

Seeing this type of celebration before actually accomplishing anything reminded me of one of my favorite lines from Pulp Fiction. I think we all remember the scene where Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield had just cleaned the brains of Marvin out of the car in Jimmy's garage and seemed to think they had handled the situation. The Wolfe tersely told them: "Well, let's not start sucking each other's dicks quite yet." It was a reminder that they still had some work to do and they were not out of Dodge quite yet.

That's precisely how I feel about this team right now. It's great to be in the position they finally reached, but it is going to take huge friggin' balls to outduel the Mets over the last three games. We've been in this position the last couple years and come up empty. I'm tired of coming close. It's time to get the job done. No more excuses.

Tonight's game is over. Let's focus on the Nats.

Ok, let the bashing of the Philly Sports Phan began.

Phils Live To Play Another Day

The Phils took care of business tonight. Finally. Perhaps the Phils have gotten over their hang ups and convinced themselves that they can win a big late September game in this ball park. I sure hope so because I was starting to think the curse of the Vet had drifted across the parking lot to CBP.

While I was really happy to see the Phils win tonight and the Mets lose, I think I speak for everyone when I say that the best news of the night was that Cholly has decided to skip Adam Eaton's start tomorrow and go with Kyle Kendrick.

Since I'm not sure the Pods or Rockies are going to help us out and drop a few a games, the Phils better do their best to catch the suddenly choking Mets. Although, I still don't see how the Rocks have karma on their side over the Phils after that whole rain delay/blown away tarp situation back in Denver from earlier in the year. That mess alone should allow the baseball gods to damn the Rockies to postseason purgatory.

Anyhow, it was sure nice to see the Phils win and have our postseason hopes live on for another night.

Your Flyers Pre Season Update

In case you missed it, the Flyers are almost done their pre season and they are already faced with their first controversy. Check out this video from the Flyers game on Tuesday evening:



I realize most of you are saying, "wow, what a great hit!". However, the entire Province of Ottawa is apparently apoplectic over this hit by Flyers rookie Steve Downie, which damn near killed Dean McAmmond. This hit is being reviewed by the NHL and Downie is expected to get a multi game suspension. Downie is billed as a guy in the mold as Matthew Barnaby, Darcy Tucker, and Claude Lemieux. I, for one, pray this guy makes the team. He will definitely make things interesting even if he doesn't score a whole lot of goals.

Even with all the changes this team made in the offseason, things don't change much around here. We're not even out of the preseason and already the Flyers are suffering injury after injury. The most serious injury to come out of the Ottawa game is a broken wrist suffered by Scottie Upshall who could miss two months. Joffrey Lupul has a wrist injury that could keep him out a couple weeks. RJ Umberger and Randy Jones suffered minor injuries that should not prevent them for being ready for the start of the season.

Pfffffftttt

That was the sound you heard emanating from Citizen's Bank Park this evening as the Phils bullpen blew another one. Is it me or has this team never won a big game in September in this park? I'd have much rather seen this team end up the year on the road. They seem to play much more relaxed on the road.

Anyhow, these last two losses has definitely brought the Braves and the Rockies into play for the wild card. This last week should be very interesting. The Phils sure have their work cut out for them.

EAGLES WRAPUP

D Mac, who looked pretty freakin' horrendous for the first two weeks, passed for 381 yards and 4 td's.

B West had 110 yards rushing and 2 td's on the ground, along with 111 yards receiving and another TD.

The suddenly wide open Kevin Curtis caught 11 balls for 221 yards and 3 huge TD's.

The defense had 9 sacks (3 from Trent Cole, 2 from Bunkley, and 2 more from Juqua).

No, these are not the stats when my buddy Aran whips my ass in Madden. They are actual stats from yesterday's game.

The Birds desperately needed a performance like the one they received yesterday. Had they gone down in defeat, the season would have been believed by many phans to have been lost. Fortunately for us, they laid the wood to the 2-0 Lions and now it seems everyone is back on the bandwagon. Plus, after the Pack beat the Chargers yesterday, I'm feeling much better about the opening day loss.

It was really nice to see Big Red run the ball 34 times, but I'm sure that number is skewed because of the big lead. B West is a weapon that simply has to be used. He is too dangerous to only be given a limited amount of touches. His 43 yard touchdown off a screen pass was a thing of beauty. However, the problem with this guy has always been his ability to stay healthy. He is nicked up again this week and I'm sure it will be touch and go to see if his abdominal strain subsides enough for him to play Sunday night against the Giants.

D Mac also had a career performance. It continues to amaze me how he performs in the face of controversy. He seems to play better when under such scrutiny. I just wish that one of the media would have said to him, "Donovan, you were perfect today. There is nothing I can criticize about your performance. You were simply marvelous. Bravo!" Seriously, you really can't play any better than Donovan did on Sunday.

I was also pleased to see Curtis' performance, but I'm not sure you can expect anything close to that level of play going forward. Did the Lions watch any game film this week? Didn't they see that you could totally stymie the Birds' WR's if you tried to jam them at the line of scrimmage? Oh well, I guess I should be happy that the Lions' defensive coordinator is a moron, but I doubt the G Men will be so neglectful next week.

Also, is it me or did the Lions defense totally mail in their performance yesterday? We'd be freaking out at a defensive performance like that.

After being non existent for 2 weeks, the pass rush showed up and terrorized Jon Kitna. That may have been the best development of the day. Broderick Bunkley is starting to look like a real player. I'm kind of excited about his progress. I still say the defense's ultimately destiny lies in whether he develops into an above average DT.

Now, we turn our eyes to a Sunday night game against the G Men. History says this will be no walk in the park. Eli Manning always saves the best for the Birds and we have never been able to cover Plaxico. Hopefully, B Dawk and Lito will be back to help our beleaguered secondary. However, the G Men are a week away, we should enjoy this victory for another day or so. Wins like this don't come along very often.

Me and Tom Brady: So Many Similarities

Not only do we share devastatingly handsome good looks, the ability to pull hot broads and tremendous athletic ability, but Tom Brady and I are both football experts.

Back on 9/13 in the midst of Spygate, I said the following with respect to the Patriots victory over the Birds in Super Bowl 39:

There is no way the Pats didn't deserve to win that game. In addition to D Mac's lack of urgency to hurry up the offense when two scores were needed to tie the game, we could not stop the Pats when they were on offense. To me, it looked like good coaching. Plus, anyone who has watched his or her share of football will tell you that the way to combat an aggressive, blitzing defenses is with screens and draws. I'm guessing that had to be in the Pats' game plan and Bellichick and Crew waited to the second half to unleash it on the Birds.

I wonder if someone sent a link to this post to my buddy Tom because he recently gave Peter King the following quote:

"The thing that makes me laugh is what so many players and coaches have said about us having their plays. Like the Eagles saying we knew everything that was coming in the Super Bowl because we ran so many screens. Give me a break. Of course we ran all those screens! They blitz on every down!''

While it's not like I needed any more confirmation that I really know football, but comments like these which agree with my point of view really warm the heart.

Anyhow, since Tom and I have so much in common, I might contact my new friend to see if he and Gisele would like to go out to dinner with the Philly Sports Wife and I.

Hideous

Whomever thought it would be a good idea to wear these uniforms should be fired and then shot. Absolutely disgusting.

Great Rant

Yes, this has nothing to do with Philly Sports, but I got a chuckle out of this and thought you guys would enjoy it.

To put it in perspective, this is Oklahoma State football coach, Mike Gundy, flipping out about an article written about a column written by local sportswriter Jenni Carlson. In her column, she speculated about the reasons and rumors around Bobby Reid’s downgrade from starting at quarterback while effectively accusing him of being a mama’s boy.

PSP's EAGLES PREDICTION

The easy thing to do would be to pick a 35-14 Eagles loss. However, the more I think about it, I think this is the week that the Birds finally show some pride and win a game. Yes, it will be difficult with all the injuries, but I see an ugly, slug it out victory. For some reason, I keep having visions of that whacky Chargers game a couple years ago when the Birds needed a blocked kick for a TD, as well as a phantom fumble call to win a game.

I see a 17-16 Eagles victory. Call me crazy. I'm being cautiously optimistic.

Christ, they have to win this game or it will be real, real ugly around here and I'll be counting the days to hockey season.

Someone Else Did The Work For Me

I've been meaning to compile a list of games the Phils blew that could wind up biting us in the ass come the end of the season. Well, someone did the work for me. Thanks, to the good people at the Gloucester Co. Times. Enjoy:

As the Phillies struggle against time, trailing both the New York Mets in the National League East Division standings and the San Diego Padres in the wild card race, each loss becomes more excruciating and each day without gaining ground more critical.

On Wednesday night, the Phillies were tied late in a game at St. Louis and the Padres were trailing Pittsburgh. If the Phillies could pull out a win and the Pirates held on, San Diego's lead in the wild card race would shrink to a half-game.

Instead, the Phillies lost in 10 innings and San Diego's Scott Hairston hit a three-run, two-out walk-off homer as the Padres won 5-3. It was the Padres' second game in a week which they won after being down to their final out.

Another game back in the standings for the Phillies. Another day closer to missing the playoffs.

As critical as the two-game swing was, it certainly becomes magnified by the date on the calendar. A similar swing in June would have drawn less attention, but in the long run would be no less costly.

Each win and each loss only count once, whether they occur in April or September. This isn't old-school "Family Feud," where you can lose the first two games but make it up when the money is tripled in the final game.

"Come back to me after the season," said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel recently. "We'll go over the schedule, and I'll show you 75 or 80 reasons we lost."

When Phillies center fielder Aaron Rowand fielded an umpteenth question about the big Mets series in August, he continued to reiterate how all series are big. San Diego manager Bud Black expressed the same sentiments when his team was in town to face the Phillies for three.

That being said, here's 10 games the Phillies not only could have won, but should have won, and didn't this season.

9-8 at Atlanta, Sept. 5

I've been watching Phillies baseball for almost 30 years. This qualified as one of the top two or three losses I've ever seen.

The Phillies held an 8-2 lead in the eighth. Tom Gordon gave up four flare hits and four runs in the eighth as the Braves closed the gap to 8-6.

But Brett Myers got the first two outs in the ninth and the Phillies appeared to be in good shape. Two infield singles one which Myers fielded on one hop but didn't have time to make a good throw and a walk loaded the bases. Then reserve outfielder Chris Roberson, playing too shallow, had Matt Diaz's long fly ball clip off his glove as all three runs scored to end the game.

7-6 at Florida, Sept. 2

The Phillies had a 5-0 lead against the faltering Fish, but Adam Eaton let the game get away from him.

Down two runs, the Phillies rallied in the ninth but Jayson Werth was called out on a 3-2 pitch off the plate, and Jimmy Rollins took five straight balls two of which were called strikes before flying out with the bases loaded to end the game.

4-3 vs. San Diego, Aug. 25

Remember two years ago when Billy Wagner gave up a three-run homer in the ninth to Craig Biggio in game against Houston? And how the Astros beat the Phillies by one game for the wild card.

Well, this game could have the same effect. The Phillies had a 2-1 lead in the eighth, but Gordon gave up an eighth-inning home run and Myers allowed two bombs in the ninth as the Padres won, 4-3.

The Phillies have been chasing the Padres ever since.

6-5 at Milwaukee, Aug. 4

The Phillies held a 5-1 lead behind ace Cole Hamels, but the Brewers scored three runs, all of which reached on infield singles, to pull within one at 5-4.

Then Gordon threw a horrendous two-out, two-strike fastball to Prince Fielder which the Brewers first baseman jacked into the right-field stands for a two-run go-ahead homer in the eighth.

Taking the sting off this loss was the Phillies' rally from a five-run ninth-inning deficit to win in extra innings the next day.

8-4 at Pittsburgh, Aug. 19

Kyle Lohse held a 4-0 lead with one on and two outs in the bottom of the seventh. A Jose Bautista base hit put two runners on and probably should have brought Manuel out of the dugout.

But Manuel watched as Lohse walked Josh Phelps to load the bases.

Manuel stayed put and Lohse gave up a three-run double to Matt Kata. The manager eventually emerged, calling for J.C. Romero, but Nate McLouth singled to right to tie the game.

Antonio Alfonseca came in and allowed a go-ahead double to Freddy Sanchez and two more runs as the Phillies gave up seven runs in the inning.

7-6 vs. Washington, July 26

The Phillies had a 5-2 lead with two outs in the seventh, but Romero allowed a two-run single. With two outs in the eighth, Jesus Flores hit a three-run homer off Mike Zagurski and the Nationals went on to a 7-6 win.

This was also the game where Chase Utley suffered a broken hand when hit by a John Lannan pitch.

5-4 at Houston, July 3

Leading by a run in the ninth inning, Phillies reliever Antonio Alfonseca induced an apparent game-ending double play ball off the bat off Carlos Lee.

Only first base umpire Lance Barksdale called Lee safe at first. Replays clearly showed Lee was out.

The missed call tied the game and the Astros went on to win in extra innings.

2-1 at Cincinnati, April 20

Buoyed by a strong start from Jon Lieber, the Phillies took a 1-0 lead into the ninth. Gordon, who was pitching hurt, recorded the first two outs in the ninth, but Scott Hatteberg hit a game-tying home run and the Reds went on to win in 10. The Phillies dropped to a season-low 4-11.

3-2 vs. Atlanta, April 4

Cole Hamels was brilliant in his first start of what became an All-Star season. The Phillies took a 2-0 lead into the ninth, but Gordon gave it up on four pitches with a base hit and Brian McCann homer as the Braves won in extras.

4-2 vs. Atlanta, April 2

Myers, the Opening Day starter, was dominant and held a 3-2 lead with two outs in the eighth. But he tried to overthrow a two-strike fastball to Edgar Renteria, who took Myers deep to tie the game and Atlanta won in 10.

If the Phillies had won even half of the 10 games that got away, they'd be 3 1/2 up in the division and wild card right now. Their inclusion in the postseason would be considered a lock.

The September loss might sting a little more, but the April game that got away looms just as large.

What's It Werth To Ya?

Wow, what another wild, phenomenal evening in the National League East. The gutty, gritty Phils came back from a 6-2 deficit on the strength of a 3 run pinch hit 7th inning home run by Jayson Werth along with more heroics from J Roll, which is pretty much becoming a nightly occurrence. Around the same time the Phils were putting the finishing touches on their come back victory, the Mets were in the process of blowing a three run 9th inning lead on the way to losing in extra innings. (Special thanks go out to Dan Uggla and the rest of the Marlins for giving the Phils a hand.) The Mets' division lead is once again back down to 1.5 games and we remain 2.5 games out in the wild card as the Padres refuse to lose. A pennant chase is a wonderful thing, huh?

I don't mean to be a buzz kill as we soak in the events of this evening, but what are the chances that Adam Eaton doesn't totally piss the game away tomorrow? Lohse only went 2 innings tonight, so the Phils desperately need at least 6 innings from Eaton. If this guy has any self dignity, he'll finally give us one decent start in the middle of the pennant chase to justify his overinflated paycheck.

No matter what happens, the Phils are becoming appointment television. Their games rarely disappoint. I'm loving this ride.

By the way, sorry for not posting yesterday. We had crying baby issues. After 7 weeks of fatherhood, I've realized that if you need to interrogate a witness, there is no reason to use sodium pentathol as a truth serum. Just bring a crying baby into the room and tell your witness the kid's not leaving until he tells you what you want to hear. Yes, the cries of a baby can be that painful.

EAGLES' WRAP UP

Obviously, this is not the way the Birds expected to start the season. Everyone seems to be in agreement that last night's game was absolutely pathetic and probably more indicative of this team's overall ability than what we all believed coming into the season. However, while the play of the defense and the wide receivers raise some warning bells, let's cut to the chase. This game was all about the alarmingly bad performance of D Mac.

Clearly, Donovan does not look physically ready to play high caliber NFL football. He is undoubtedly more than just one step slower. Additionally, his mechanics were atrocious. He overthrew and under threw numerous receivers. While his receivers didn't do him many favors, when they were open, D Mac seemed hesitant to pull the trigger. Overall, Donovan better get his act together or it is going to be a real long season.

Last night's game seemed to be another step towards the inevitable dissolution of the McNabb/Eagles marriage. Just like Barkley, Randall, Lindros, Iverson, Schilling, and Rolen before him, D Mac is another Philly Sports Star that is about to flame out.

The last word on the 'Skins game goes to Mister Nascar who sends us another addition to the "One" saga:

A Show Of Hands, Please

I'm sure I had the same experience as many of you last evening. I was watching the Birds train wreck of an effort, but was flipping back and forth with the Phils. Once the Phils got up by 11 in the 6th, I figured it was safe to concentrate my efforts on the floundering Eagles. Clearly, we were all wrong.

As I got more and more frustrated with the Birds' inability to put together competent, professional looking offensive plays, I happened to notice that the Phils bullpen was making a complete mess of things. Once the score got to 12-5 and the Cards loaded the bases, the Phils got moved to the big screen and received priority status. While I was able to see McNabb misfire over and over again on the PIP screen, Jose Mesa came in and acted as starter fluid on a BBQ and allowed to Cards to creep back to 12-9 by the time the Phils got out of the 7th.

At this point, I was apoplectic. The Birds were embarrassing themselves on national television and the Phils were about to become the first team in six years to lose an 11 run lead. However, somehow, someway the immortal Antonio Alfonseca, Kane Davis, Fabio Castro and Francisco Rosario were able to get the next 6 outs without giving up the lead.

Thank God. Can you imagine the level of violence that would have swept across the city had the Phils blown this game in addition to the Birds laying a giant egg? I'm sure police officers across the Delaware Valley breathed a sigh of relief.

In any event, last night's game got me to thinking. I can't remember a more entertaining Philly team in my lifetime. Maybe this group does not have the personalities of the '93 Phils, the '01 Sixers or some of those Buddy Ryan Eagles' teams, but these guys have played some of the most whacky, entertaining games I've ever seen.

Let's hope they have another one in them tonight as this game heads to extras.

One last thing....who's worse: The Phils' pen or the Birds offense? I'm going with the Phils' pen, but right now it's close.

Old Time Hockey

In case you missed it, hockey training camps have opened up across North America for the upcoming NHL season. I, for one, am very happy to see my second favorite sport coming up on the horizon. However, nothing gets me more excited than when I see the following in the first period penalties section of the box score from last night's Flyers/Devils preseason game:

Penalties: C Janssen, Njd (major fighting), 5:22; J Boulerice, Phi (major fighting), 5:22; J Smith, Phi (major fighting), 6:50; D Clarkson, Njd (major fighting), 6:50; A Asham, Njd (major fighting), 11:20; R Cote, Phi (major fighting), 11:20; B Eager, Phi (major fighting), 11:21; M Rupp, Njd (major fighting), 11:21; J Boulerice, Phi (major fighting), 11:22; C Janssen, Njd (major fighting), 11:22.

Not only did this first period feature five fights, but three of them occurred on successive face offs! Gotta love old time hockey. Well, everyone loves it except NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman who is doing his all to keep us from enjoying a good ol' fashion scrap.

By the way, it also nice to see the Orange & Black get a win in their preseason opener. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come.

PSP's EAGLES PREDICTION

Even though it is only week 2, the Birds really need to get a victory tonight. Jeez, I really don't want to think what things will be like around this city should they lose.

Quite simply, I just don't see Jason Campbell beating the Birds on the road. I think D Mac will make enough plays to get a win. Seriously, it isn't difficult for this team to look worse on offense.

I'm also interested to see if last week's defensive effort was a fluke or not. The Skins don't have a great passing game, but they have two high quality RB's. We should have a better feel for whether this defense can stop the run after Portis and Betts take a crack at them.

Overall, I see the Birds doing enough to win. A final of 23 to 14 is where I see this one ending up.

Your Guess Is As Good As Mine

I've finally made a decision about the Phillies. I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the rest of the season. No more pronouncements. Where ever this road takes us, is fine with me.

Watching this team dismantle the Mets has been absolutely fantastic in that it has come as a total surprise. Could anyone expect a team with such obvious holes as those the Phils have to sweep the last two series with their bitter rivals? I know I didn't. One of the highlights of my weekend was when I was able to share the score of the Saturday Phils/Mets final at the Rutgers game while surrounded by a bunch of Mets fans. Those fans are simply dumbfounded as to why they cannot dominate our pitching the way everyone else does. I have to admit, it was a pretty enjoyable moment.

I love the picture above. Look at how happy Pat Burrell is in the background. For so long, I thought the guy could care less. Now look at the guy. He looks like a new man. I guess this is what a pennant race does to people.

We all know that the pitching staff on this team completely sucks, but we might as well just stay on the ride until its completion. There's only two weeks left. This topsy turvy season deserves our attention until the end.

By the way, can anyone remember any Philly Sports season as up and down as this one? If you think of it, last year's Eagles' season and this Phils season has had more peaks and valleys than the stock market.

Tainted Super Bowl?

It was only a matter of time in this town....

Today, the remaining Birds from the 2004 NFC Championship questioned whether the New England Patriots' cheatin' ways extended back to their 24-21 loss in the 2004 Super Bowl.

Here are the notable quotes from selected Eagles as to whether they thought the Pats cheated their way to a Super Bowl victory:

Sheldon Brown: "Do I think about it? Mmm hmmm. It's crazy. I just don't know how far back it goes. Something's not right about that. I was like, 'Man, I never saw that many screens."

Brian Dawkins: "Now there's always going to be questions about the situation. Was it great adjustments at halftime or what?"

Reno Mahe: "I think they should forfeit, man. We won the Super Bowl. I think we should get it. I'm going to go trade my NFC championship ring for a Super Bowl ring."

This is crazy talk. There is no way the Pats didn't deserve to win that game. In addition to D Mac's lack of urgency to hurry up the offense when two scores were needed to tie the game, we could not stop the Pats when they were on offense. To me, it looked like good coaching. Plus, anyone who has watched his or her share of football will tell you that the way to combat an aggressive, blitzing defenses is with screens and draws. I'm guessing that had to be in the Pats' game plan and Bellichick and Crew waited to the second half to unleash it on the Birds.

Although, part of me wonders if the Pats did cheat in that game. Like Sheldon said, there sure were a lot of screens that day and more importantly, it seemed like every screen was run into an area that a blitzer had vacated.

In any event, I guess it doesn't matter. The Pats still won the game whether they cheated or not. As Donovan said today, "One thing people are forgetting is that even if you have the answers to the test, you still have to take the test. If they have an idea of what's coming, those guys still have to be able to execute the play."

I agree with DMac. Plus, I really don't have a problem with the Pats even if they did cheat. In my opinion, if you ain't cheatin', you ain't trying.

The Philly Sports Baby's First Eagles Game

Jules started out the day ready to cheer on her Birds to victory.....

Here was her reaction after JR Reed fumbled the game away.

(I wish I could say the above picture was photoshopped. My wife took about five pictures of me feeding the baby and this was what we came up with. I suppose this is what my wife is teaching the baby while I'm at work.)

Don't Look Now....

but the Phils are back to within 1.5 games of the Wild Card after last night's 6-5 win over the Rockies, which was fueled by the Big Man's walk off double and Pat Burrell's game tying 7th inning three run bomb.

Seriously, how is this happening? The last time I paid attention to the Phils, they had just blown a 6 run 8th inning lead. Then, someone named John Ennis started a game for this team over the weekend. Plus, someone has been masquerading as Pat Burrell and getting big hits for this team over the last month. It is truly a bizarro world surrounding the Phils.

In any event, this team continues to be maddening as hell and is trying to do the following to me:

This Says It All

Thanks to Mister Nascar for sending.

Our Special Teams Aren't Very Special

The Eagles lost this game for one single reason: Andy Reid.


Lets count the reasons why:


1. He did not get the team to play because of all of the distractions surrounding his personal life;

2. The offensive game plan was deplorable;

3. He did not get McNabb enough time in the first preseason to get him ready to play;

4. He let his only legit WR walk via free agency; and

5. His pompous nature led to a situation where this team had no legit punt returner on the team...let me explain:


Two years ago, the Birds wasted a draft pick on a pretty boy skier that had not played football in two years (Jeremy Bloom). Then, this past offseason, Reid let his one reliable returner leave via free agency (Reno Mahe), then brought in another veteran returner only to release him mysteriously before camp started (Bethel Johns0n). As a result, the Birds went into camp with only one returner (Bloom) and he promptly stunk up the joint throughout the preseason, which led to his release. The Birds then signed a competent kick returner (JR Reed), but did not have an experienced punt returner on the squad, so they decided to give the soft as silk Greg Lewis the job.


Obviously, this whole chain of events blew up in Reid's face and directly cost the Birds a game as misplayed punts led to 10 Packers points.


I hope this is a lesson to the Birds. You don't always have to make moves that will lead the league to believe you are the smartest guys in the room. Just make common sense moves that have a more logical chance of working out.


In any event, today's game was incredibly frustrating to watch. The offense was horrible. The wide receivers didn't excite me much and the run blocking was average at best. McNabb has a ways to go before he looks anything like he did last year. Here's hoping that Reid and Morningwheg can bring back last year's offense while McNabb gets back up to speed.


The main reason to be excited about today's game was the play of the defense. They really surprised me. I know the Pack doesn't have the most explosive offense, but the Birds' defense battled. I was real impressed by Takeo Spikes. Although, I'm pretty worried about Lito's knee injury. He seems to be injured all the damn time.

I'll try to forget this one, move one and get ready for the 'Skins next week, but as my man the Capt said today, "this won was a winnable game. Now we have to win one we expected to lose." Sometimes that's easier said than done.

First Half Observations

Ok, we go into the half tied at 10, which ain't so bad considering how unready this team appeared to be at the start of the game.

Here are some thoughts:

-D Mac ain't 100% yet. He is considerably slower when trying to avoid the rush. He also doesn't seem confident with Reggie Brown or Curtis yet.

-B West is still the most lethal weapon on this team.

-G Lew is not a punt returner...I can't believe I'm about to say this....Cut him and bring back Reno. At least he catches the ball.

-On the bright side, JR Reed is a pretty competent kick returner.

-The defense really looks ready to play. I'm really surprised.

-Sheldon Brown looks like a different player this year.

-Jason Avant can play a little bit.

-Sean Considine actually laid the wood to someone. Frankly, I'm shocked.

-Brent Celek CAN'T pass block. He's not ready for prime time yet.

FYI

I blame the first quarter debacle by the Birds on Andy Reid's piece of sh*t family. I'm sure the problems of Andy's good for nothing kids kept him from being fully prepared for today's game.

I hope those two rot in jail and Andy gets his head back into football.

By the way, I'm very f'n angry to start off the season.

PSP's EAGLES PREDICTION

I feel like a child on Christmas Morning. I can barely contain my excitement. Although, whether I'll still be this happy at 4:30 this afternoon is another question altogether....I have a bad feeling about today's game.

While the Sports Guy aptly described Brett Favre as an aging stripper that should be put out to pasture, I think he is wily enough to take advantage of our questionable LB'er corps with screens to his RB's and dump offs to hid TE's. I think our defense has the chance to really look bad today. Gocong, Considine, Bunkley and Patterson scare the hell out of me. I'm not sure what to expect from this this season, but I feel it is a good bet they will suck today.

As for our offense, Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis will definitely be tested by the Packers' CB's. We'll see if they are for real or not. I'm not expecting a banner day. As a result, today will come down to B West out of the backfield and the running game. Let's hope that Shawn Andrews and the o line are ready to carry the mail today.

However, since today is opening day and it is un-American to expect a loss out of the shoot, I am hesitantly picking the Birds to win 28-24.

Unsatisfying

Tonight's Saints/Colts game did not provide the effect that I was searching for. I was looking for a good game to take my mind off the brutal Phils. A 41-10 Colts woodshed beating did not do the trick. Thankfully, my boys play tomorrow night and I can get all jacked up again.

By the way, my main man Johnny Gold was in midseason form last night. Here is his rant on Sean Payton after one game:

Sean Payton is calling a bad game. That punt on 4th and 1 is one of the pu$$iest calls since Andy Reid failed to go for it against the Saints in the playoffs last year. I hate pu$$y coaches.

Amen, Gold. Amen.

My other highlight of the night was realizing that if Andrea Kremer and Reche Caldwell reproduced, they'd have a child with bigger eyes than one of the South Park kids. (Yeah, I know visuals would help here.)

Hey, just wanted to add one last thing....that Peyton Manning guy is pretty good, huh? I just wish advertisers would start giving him a chance.

RUTGERS - NAVY PREVIEW

Friday evening, the #15 ranked Scarlet Knights of Rutgers will take on the Midshipmen of the US Naval Academy on the Banks of the Raritan and broadcasted live on ESPN2. While RU is the ranked team and seems to be riding high after last week's laugher against Buffalo, I think my Knights may struggle tomorrow evening. Navy's offense presents a lot of different looks and can be very difficult to prepare for, especially with RU breaking in 2 new starting LB's. I would not be shocked to see a shootout erupt.

The keys to this game include whether RU can control the clock on offense and whether the defense can get off the field with either turnovers or big plays on third down.

Overall, I see a hard fought 38 to 27 win for the Knights and a big sigh of relief from the sold out RU crowd.

You Can Thank Me Later

Fellas, this is my gift to you guys. Sorry it has been so long since providing such material, but I will serve no wine, before its time. Anyhow, check this link when not at work!!! You'll quickly see why I love college football.

It's All Over...It's All Over

Can we all finally agree that the Phils are completely finished? Christ, I'm tired of writing about this franchise.

The position players should file a lawsuit against the pitching staff for non support. It is absolutely criminal how bad this staff is.

By the way, anyone else ready to get rid of Myers?

NFL Season Preview

After today's Phils game, all I can say is thank you Lord Baby Jesus that football season is finally upon us. I can't take anymore of our fatally flawed baseball team. I have to turn my attention to the NFL or my head will burst.

With that being said and the NFL season commencing tomorrow, what better time than right now to release my NFL picks for this season. So, without further adieu....

NFC East:

1. Birds 11-5

2. Cowboys 10-6*

3. Redskins 7-9

4. Giants 5-11

* Wildcard qualifier

Summary: I really like the Birds' chances to repeat as NFC East champs. I expect the defense to improve as the season goes along as the linebackers will get better the more experience they get. There are two keys to the Birds' season: (1) the mental health of Big Red; and (2) the physical health of D Mac....As for the Boys, I don't see them showing marked improved under Wade Phillips....I think the Redskins have to be better, don't they? Gibbs has compiled too good a coaching staff and that defense always competes at a high level...I think the G Men finish in last place, but they don't have last place talent. I think this team quits on Tom Coughlin to finally get rid of him.

NFC South:

1. Saints 12-4

2. Buccaneers 8-8

3. Panthers 6-10

4. Falcons 3-13

Summary: I think we can all agree that the Saints are going to roll through this pitiful division. The defense isn't great, but is serviceable. Kind of like the hometown defense. I'm also really looking forward to year 2 of Reggie Bush....I'm also pretty sure that we're all rooting for everyone's favorite Red Headed Latino down in Tampa. I believe he'll spark the Bucs to at least a .500 record....You can put the Panthers in with the Giants. They don't have sub .500 talent, but I think this team has run its course with John Fox....Right about now, I'm guessing the Falcons were wishing they still had Matt Schaub. All is not lost for them, they can spend the entire year watching Brian Brohm highlights. Although they may want to skip last year's Rutgers game film.

NFC Central:

1. Lions 9-7

2. Bears 9-7

3. Packers 8-8

4. Vikings 5-11

Summary: This pick is a total reach. I think the Lions can be better this year and even win the division, but most of all I think the NFC Norris is brutal and the Lions win the division by default....Two weeks ago, I would have told you that the Bears don't even make the playoffs. However, I've spent the last week listening to ESPN Radio and they have convinced me that they are going to at least make a run towards the playoffs as a Wildcard...I really don't know what to make of the Packers either. They finished the season decently last year, but I'm not sure if that will translate to a decent year in '07....The Vikings start someone named Tavaris Jackson at QB. Never heard of him? Neither have I. 'Nuff said.

NFC West:

1. Rams 11-5

2. Seahaws 10-6*

3. 49ers 8-8

4. Cardinals 7-9

Summary: I have picked the Rams to win the West this year for two simple reasons: Stephen Jackson and BRIAN LEONARD. Sorry, my man crush has not yet worn off on him yet.....The Seahawks are too talented to not make the playoffs in this brutal conference...The Niners and the Cards are both getting better, but I'm not a believer in Alex Smith yet.

AFC East:

1. Pats 11-5

2. Jets 9-7*

3. Bills 7-9

4. Dolphins 6-10

*Wild Card qualifier

Summary: Just like everyone else, I see the Pats winning the AFC East, but I don't think they'll roll to a 15-1 record like everyone else....I also don't understand all the hatred for the J-E-T-S. They may have overachieved last year, but I think Man-genius will have them back in the playoffs again this year....I don't understand all the love for JP Losman lately. What have I missed?....Trent Green is brutal. The fans in Miami get to learn that this year.

AFC North:

1. Ravens 10-6

2. Steelers 10-6*

3. Bengals 7-9

4. Browns 7-9

Summary: I love the McGahee pickup on offense for the Ravens. I just don't know if his pick up offsets the loss of Adalius Thomas on defense....I really like the Steelers new coach. I think he gets them back in the playoffs this year....The Bengals defense sucks and that will overshadow their high powered offense....The Browns are getting better, but they still have a ways to go.

AFC South:

1. Colts 10-6

2. Jags 9-7

3. Texans 8-8

4. Titans 6-10

Summary: I really see the Colts taking a step back this year. Their defense was brutal last year and they only got worse by losing so many starters in the offseason....The Jags have a shot to get back to the playoffs once again on the strength of their defense and running game. I just don't understand the Byron Leftwich move. By the way, can anyone explain to me why the NFL has a team in Jacksonville and not L.A.?....I truly believe that the Texans will be better this year. I like the Schaub pickup and the defense they are building has the potential to be one of the best in the AFC....I think the Titans take a step back this year. I just don't get a great feeling about this team's offseason.

AFC West:

1. Chargers 13-3

2. Broncos 9-7

3. Chiefs 7-9

4. Raiders 4-12

Summary: The Chargers simply have the best talent in the NFL. This team's success comes down to their health in the playoffs and coaching. I don't understand how a team with this kind of talent ended up with Norv Turner as its coach....The Broncos make the playoffs this year if Cutler really grows up. I don't think he's quite ready yet....The Chiefs have the potential to completely melt down, but I'll give Herm the benefit of the doubt...I'm interested to see how 32 year old Lane Kiffin makes out this year, but I really want to see if JaMarcus Russell ever signs with the Raiders.

Playoffs:

NFC:

Wildcard Round:

Rams defeat Cowboys

Seahawks defeat Lions

Divisional Round

Saints defeat Seahawks

Eagles defeat Rams

NFC Champsionship Game:

Saints defeat Eagles

AFC Playoffs:

Wildcard Round:

Colts defeat Jets

Ravens defeat Steelers

Divisional Round:

Chargers defeat Ravens

Pats defeat Colts

AFC Championship Game:

Chargers defeat Pats

Super Bowl

Chargers defeat the Saints (Oh my god, I just picked Norv F'N Turner to win the Super Bowl. I must really be tired.)

Here And There

Jeez, a guy steps away from his blog for a few days and shit really blows up, huh? Well, let's get right to the action.....

Phils Keep Up Their Maddening Ways - The Phils are back to being Team Cybil. After the absolute high of Thursday's remarkable 11-10 win over the Mets, the Phils won their first game at Florida and gave all a false sense of security that they would not revert into their normal routine of following up good spells with bad ones. However, the Phils did not fail to feed their own fatalistic tendencies as they then lost their next three before last night's victory. This team is dead people. Face it. You'll feel much better and experience much less stress. This team just doesn't have the pitching to make the playoffs.

Birds Make Final Roster Decisions - After some of the performances we saw this preseason, is anyone surprised with the roster turmoil this weekend? While the errant first cut list released by the Birds lent a strange twist, I think the guys that were actually cut deserved to go for the most part. I couldn't really complain with any of the moves. I thought the Bloom draft pick was doomed to fail from the start. Can anyone name any other little white dude from the ski slopes that made it as an NFL kick returner? Didn't think so. It's nice to see J.R. Reed back. I just hope he can add some life to the beleaguered return teams. I also liked the idea of bringing in another MLB'er, but why not a veteran? Why do the Birds think it is smarter to roll the dice with a Polynesian Undrafted Free Agent (Pago Togafau)?

Anyhow, I'm not sure if any of these moves make a difference, but I do like them adding Kimo Van Oelhoeffen. This team needs another run stuffer. I just hope this guy has some tread on his tires. My buddy Aran, the biggest Jets fan I know, seems to think he's done. We'll see. On the bright side, Aran is not the biggest football expert. During our fantasy draft this week, he thought 49ers QB Alex Smith was a midfielder for Man U.

In any event, my Eagles and NFL Preview is coming. Be on the lookout. Hopefully, I'll do much better than last year.

College Football Season Begins! Saturday was like a holiday around these parts. I pretty much watched college football from the start of ESPN's College Game Day (which rivals any of the NFL pre game shows) until the end of the Cal-Tennessee game. It was only week one and most of the ranked teams played cup cakes, but you always have so much emotion, as well as a few surprises in the college game and that's why I love it. Between the Michigan upset and the ceremony at Va Tech, you couldn't really ask for more. I just can't wait for next week's slate of games!

Rutgers Rolls - My boys from the Banks of the Raritan beat the crap out of the seriously outclassed Bison of the University of Buffalo. RU's #2 receiver, Tiquan Underwood, rolled up 248 yards receiving and 2 td's...and he also had another 40 yard td called back by a penalty. After storming out to a 28-0 first half lead, it seemed like the Knights got bored and only scored 10 points in the second half. While the first string defense shut out the Bison, they weren't really all that impressive. They are going to have to be much better this week defensively against the Navy Midshipmen.

Last Thursday's game was the first of my season ticket plan and I have to say that the changes around the program and the increased fan attention is annoying me to tears. I'll detail it at a later date. It deserves more than a weekend wrap up.

US Finally Wins An International Tourney - Finally, finally, finally, someone was able to put together a true US International team and not a team of All Stars filled with ball hogs that won't pass the ball. The US added role players like pass first point guard Jason Kidd, along with long range shooters like Michael Redd and Mike Miller, as well as a perimeter defender like Tayshaun Prince. As much as you can look to LeBron, Kobe and Carmelo for Team USA's success, I believe the true MVP's are team general manager, Jerry Colangelo, and Coach K.

Fantasy Football Draft Season Has Come And Gone - Thank God draft season is over. As mentioned previously, I had 3 drafts in 7 days. Not a fun undertaking. Overall, I'm happy with the three teams I drafted with input with various co-owners. Team #1 features Marc Bulger, Rudi Johnson, Javon Walker, Torry Holt and Tatum Bell. Team #2 features Bulger, LaDanian, Thomas Jones, Anquan Boldin, and Javon Walker. Team #3 features Tom Brady, Frank Gore, Reggie Bush, and Javon Walker. It would be a huge understatement to say I'm fucked in fantasy football this season if Javon Walker or Marc Bulger have bad years.

Apologies All Around

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, guys and gals. I was spending a brief vacation with the wife and baby since Friday. Plus, I had 3 fantasy drafts in the span of a week. Now that all of this is behind me, I'm back on the scene and ready to go.

Football season is finally upon us so I'll have plenty to talk about in the upcoming weeks.

My Original Thoughts From Last Week Were Correct

The Phils are dead. I'm pretty sure their inconsistencies have finally killed their chances. I don't see the Phils coming back from this three game losing streak.