Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Birds Are Who We Thought They Were


Today's game reminded us who this group of Birds are. Sure, it was easy to get excited over the three game winning streak, but I know a lot of us had a sneaking suspicion that the Birds still had the same flaws that they showed in the Bengals and Ravens games: a poorly coached team that executes terribly on offense at crucial moments.

The problems with this squad begin and end with the head coach/general manager. I think we have all seen enough of Reid's terrible clock management and wasted time outs. The pass heavy play calling is simply obscene. Reid and Morningwheg clearly are not following today's trends. You need to run the ball to be successful. All you have to do is look at the successful teams. The G Men, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and Carolina all can pound the ball down your throats. Reid totally over looks the importance of running the ball, as well as having the personnel to successfully run the ball and this philosophy always seems to come out at the absolute wrong time. Since I'm quite sure Reid is coming back, I think Lurie has to force Reid to re-think his offensive philosophy as we've seen that Big Red's West Coast offense has outlived its shelf life.

The missed opportunities in this game were staggering. The Reggie Brown play at the end was just the icing on the cake. Sure he ended up a yard short and leaves us all asking why he didn't run his pattern into the end zone, but that wasn't the only mistake. Asante Samuel failed to live up to his big contract when he dropped a sure INT late in the game. Everyone's early season hero, DeSean Jackson, also laid an egg dropping a bomb in the 4th quarter and then dropped a sure TD on the final drive.

Despite the poor coaching and mistake after mistake, this team lived up to who they were. A lot of us thought they were a flawed .500 team and that's pretty much what they'll end up next week (because we all know they are losing to the 'Boys now that they have a reprieve from the Governor.)

I'd say it is a shame and pretty depressing, but I never got back on the bandwagon after the Giants loss, Bengals tie and Ravens embarrassing loss. So I guess things aren't so bad after all. I suppose I'll watch a Phillies highlight video to cheer me up.


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By the way, did anyone catch the post season press conferences? Is it me or did McNabb looked like he was wearing the suit that Jack Nicholoson wore when he played the Joker in the old Batman movie? Plus, can someone tell me what article of clothing Andy Reid was wearing during his press conference? It looked like a wet suit.


Also, I have to give props to my man George for pointing out that R Diddy looked like he was wearing the same suit on Post Game Live that he likely wore when covering the 1976 Eagles/Skins' game. It's time for Ray to consult with Vaughn Hebron as his wardrobe needs some updating.


I'm watching Sports Final right now and I really think Eskin and Vai might kill each other. I am watching this praying it happens so I can say I saw an all time television moment live. Unfortunately, they are starting to calm down, so it doesn't look like there will be any moments to remember.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You Fairy.

Anonymous said...

i didn't think they were a playoff team. and w/ 9 wins they're not a playoff team in some divisions and most years. BUT, this year they are a playoff team and are one of twelve squads with a chance. I fully expect them to beat the Vikings and have a tough rematch at Giants stadium, but in the least they prolong our season. We're probably not good enough to reach the ultimate goal, but on the bright side, we're not sitting home like most.

Going forward, i swear its not a lack of talent, but more a lack of coaching specifically on the offensive side of the ball. I would take our defense as is along w/ our offensive players. But, i do think we struggle w/ execution and more so play calling of the offensive side of the ball.

in any event its a miracle we get to play next week and has lees to do w/ our good play as it does w/ our good fortune. Happy New Year, lets enjoy it.

Anonymous said...

i didn't think they were a playoff team. and w/ 9 wins they're not a playoff team in some divisions and most years. BUT, this year they are a playoff team and are one of twelve squads with a chance. I fully expect them to beat the Vikings and have a tough rematch at Giants stadium, but in the least they prolong our season. We're probably not good enough to reach the ultimate goal, but on the bright side, we're not sitting home like most.

Going forward, i swear its not a lack of talent, but more a lack of coaching specifically on the offensive side of the ball. I would take our defense as is along w/ our offensive players. But, i do think we struggle w/ execution and more so play calling of the offensive side of the ball.

in any event its a miracle we get to play next week and has lees to do w/ our good play as it does w/ our good fortune. Happy New Year, lets enjoy it.