With the Pro Bowl to be played in Hawaii this Sunday, the National Football League can close the book (and possibly throw it at the New England Patriots) on the 2007 season, and look toward the 2008 campaign. As an Eagles fan, it is very clear that the balance of power in the NFC East has clearly shifted. The New York Giants won the Super Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys, despite another late season collapse, are a talented team with a young defense and great coaching staff. The Washington Redskins appear to be on the verge of hiring Steve Spagnuolo as their head coach after the former Eagles assistant held the most prolific offense in the history of the game to 14 points on Super Sunday. So what can the Birds do to keep this ever present window of opportunity from being sealed shut before ever reaching the promise land? Well, it is obvious the Eagles need play-makers. It has been obvious to the fans since the pre-and-post-T.O. eras. Obvious to Donovan McNabb, who has plead to his front office, through the media, for more impact players on several occasions since the season ended without a playoff berth for the second time in three seasons. But who are these "difference making" players? Well, many teams draft young players with a lot of potential and allow them to grow into their roles as very productive stars. While Philly has become adept at drafting "solid" players, no argument can be made that no STAR has been scouted and brought in on day one of the draft since Brian Westbrook was drafted in the third round out of Villanova in 2002. Since the draft is more of a building block for the future than it is an instant player-provider for the Eagles, many of the team's problems can be solved through free agency. The popular sentiment for "analysts" these days is that the free agent market is dead due to an incredible rise in the salary cap which allows teams to sign their stars before ever hitting the open market. While this is somewhat true, very good players are still available. After a bit of research, the following list, MY WISH LIST, if you will, is a group of players that I believe will propel the Eagles back to the top of the division, into the playoffs, and with a little luck, into the Super Bowl. (Note: it would be very easy to compose a list consisting of Tom Brady, Chad Johnson, Jason Witten, Ed Reed and Devin Hester, I am attempting to keep my wants and needs in the basis of reality. It would be very nice to acquire a Pro Bowl team, but it is not going to happen. Hopefully some of my suggestions do happen).
MY WISH LIST
1) Alan Faneca- Left Guard (Pittsburgh Steelers): Championships are won in the trenches, the New York Giants just proved that fact. It is also a fact that Andy Reid values offensive linemen as highly as he does quarterbacks, and they do not get much better than the All-Pro Faneca. Adding Faneca would give the Eagles the absolute best pair of guards in the league, and solidify a line that underachieved in 2007. The seven-time Pro Bowler would also add veteran leadership and be an anchor to the O-line once William Thomas retires and Jon Runyan's pain out-weighs his money, and he hangs up the cleats. This move would also allow for Todd Herremanns to move back to his natural position of offensive tackle, which opens up the possibility of using him at the tight end position in short yardage situations and to wear down the opposing D-line (Hey, the TEs can't block anyway, so why waste the time?). Playing the Giants twice a year, the Birds are going to need to be dominant up front in order to win those games as well as keep McNabb and Brian Westbrook healthy. This also gives Max Jean-Gilles more time to develop under one of the best at his position, and allows Reid to not be pressed into playing the still raw Winston Justice when William Thomas goes down.
2)Asante Samuel- Cornerback (New England Patriots): Lito Sheppard is a great big-play corner, when healthy. Sheldon Brown is one of the league's top hitters and does well in coverage. The Eagles D allowed fewer points than any other team in the division but took the ball away less than all three division rivals. The result? an 8-8 record. While the defense cannot be blamed for a majority of this team's problems, the Eagles need to take the ball away. The match-up possibilities are enough to make any Eagles fan giddy over the idea of adding the Pro Bowl corner. Being able to line Sheppard and Samuel up on the outside with Brown as the nickel would strike fear into any offensive coordinator. Moving Brown to safety (where I believe he is best suited) would solidify a big-play secondary. With Brian Dawkins in what could very well be his final season, and a big question mark at the strong safety position, Brown would do well in either spot, where he would be able to roam, ball hawk and do what he's best at, laying receivers and running backs out, on a more consistent basis. Asante Samuel's 16 interceptions in the past two seasons would also set the offense up with more possessions in better field position, something McNabb and company would gladly welcome.
3)Donte' Stallworth- Wide Receiver (New England Patriots): Yes, the former Eagle is under contract with the Super Bowl runners-up, but Stallworth is due an eight-million dollar roster bonus on March 1st, and with either a long-term deal or franchise tag in fellow receiver Randy Moss seeming imminent, New England will have a hard time justifying tying up so much money at one position, especially with the glaring holes in New England's defense. Stallworth will, in all likelihood, be released before he is due his $8 million guarantee. Bringing the speedy receiver back to Philly would create match-up problems on every level for a defense. Stallworth's DB-burning ability is exactly what Donovan McNabb has been asking for, and putting a healthy Stallworth on the outside allows for Kevin Curtis to move back to his natural position, slot receiver, where he will assume the Wes Welker-role as a fast match-up problem with good hands and big-play potential. With LJ Smith being designated the franchise tag earlier today, defenses will be left with a lot of tough decisions to make. Obviously, the number one concern of any defense will be to contain Brian Westbrook. But with the possibility of a three receiver set of Stallworth, Curtis and the inconsistent but effective Reggie Brown, defenses will have to lineup in the nickel set, meaning Westbrook will be able to slash his way through a smaller defense on running plays. Then when defenses bulk up to stop the run, that potent play-action pass we all came to know and love in 2006, deep to Donte', will make defenses fear their quick strike capabilities. AND IMAGINE THE SCREEN GAME! The conventional middle and side screens and swing passes to Westbrook, bubble-screens to Curtis in the slot (yes, I do believe Curtis and Welker are, in fact, the same player) and the WR screen to Stallworth which he could take to the house on any given attempt. Plus, as long as LJ is healthy and Brent Celek continues to develop, there are two pass-catching TEs defenses will not know how to handle. The addition of Stallworth could improve every aspect of the offense. While "reliable sources" have been whispering the names of Chad Johnson (trade), Larry Fitzgerald (if he opts out of his deal in 'Zona), and Roy Williams (supposedly wants out of Detroit), but as stated earlier, I would like to keep this wish list within the realm of reality.
Well, this is the first half of MY WISH LST. Check back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE, RIGHT?
Monday February 4, 2008. 11:52 A.M. I woke up with a splitting head ache after, from what I can remember, was a night of Super Bowl related festivities. I pour the first of many cups of coffee and turn on Sports Center while I try to remember the nightmare which woke me up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Suddenly, I remember the dream, and realize it wasn't an alcohol-induced nocturnal vision, but the stone sober truth. The New York Giants won Super Bowl XLII. I fought off the nausea to keep on watching ESPN to make sure they weren't just trying to trick the hang-over victims with little-to-no recollection of the events that may have transpired last night. But it remained true. So I switched to MSNBC. They were talking about some "Super Tuesday" nonsense which, from what I could tell had nothing to do with a parade down the streets of Boston. But the scroll across the bottom confirmed my fears, as it read NEW YORK GIANTS WIN SUPER BOWL XLII. There is no way this can be true, MSNBC must have been in on the joke, too. What is today? When is April-Fools Day? So I switched to the only reliable news source on television, FOX News. Once again, political jargon. But in the crawler across the bottom of the screen appeared the most sickening words these eyes have ever seen. NEW YORK GIANTS ARE SUPER BOWL XLII CHAMPIONS; ELI MANNING NAMED MVP. It's true. the New York freakin' Giants won the Super Bowl. Not only that, but they beat the greatest team ever assembled, the previously unbeaten New England Patriots. And Eli freakin' Manning is the MVP? So let me get this straight, the "quarterback" whose appearance reflects the number on his jersey, who threw four interceptions in week twelve against the Vikings, who MY defensive coordinator once described as timid against the pass rush was the MVP of a Super Bowl after orchestrating a game-winning, career-defining drive in the closing moments of the biggest game of his life? So basically what you're telling me is that in front of the largest television audience in Super Bowl history, Eli freakin' Manning succeeded where MY guy, Donovan McNabb not only failed, but did so miserably, and vomited in the process. This is the darkest, blackest day in the history of professional sports. Worse than the Black Sox scandal of 1919. Worse than Pete Rose getting banned from Major League Baseball for life. Worse than the MLB's steroid era. Worse than the NBA or NHL lock outs. Worse than Terrell Owens scoring a touchdown in the Linc earlier this year. Worse than Chris Benoit. I'm done with football.
Of course, I will never be done with football, but I am sure the majority of my four or five readers felt similarly upon realizing that Eli Manning and the New York Giants, who were left for dead until a shock of life was jolted in the team after a thrilling defeat in week seventeen against these same New England Patriots, had won a championship before the McNabb & Reid Eagles were able to get over their final obstacle. This is absolutely ridiculous. We finally got one up on New York after the Mets' monumental collapse propelled the Phills to the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years, and this is what happens four months later? I am yet to accept this as truth, still, on Tuesday. know it has been a while, but if anyone still reads this page and would like to try to convince me of the facts I invite yo to do so. I have now made myself dizzy with anger again, I have to go lay down.
I plan on getting back on track, posting with a lot more frequency in the coming weeks and months, so check the page everyday for new articles.
Of course, I will never be done with football, but I am sure the majority of my four or five readers felt similarly upon realizing that Eli Manning and the New York Giants, who were left for dead until a shock of life was jolted in the team after a thrilling defeat in week seventeen against these same New England Patriots, had won a championship before the McNabb & Reid Eagles were able to get over their final obstacle. This is absolutely ridiculous. We finally got one up on New York after the Mets' monumental collapse propelled the Phills to the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years, and this is what happens four months later? I am yet to accept this as truth, still, on Tuesday. know it has been a while, but if anyone still reads this page and would like to try to convince me of the facts I invite yo to do so. I have now made myself dizzy with anger again, I have to go lay down.
I plan on getting back on track, posting with a lot more frequency in the coming weeks and months, so check the page everyday for new articles.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Great Distraction
For the past week, the violent and pre-mature death of Washington Redskins' safety Sean Taylor has been front-page news around the nation. By now we all know the story, a 24-year old NFL star and new father was gunned in his own home by suspected burglars. But a lot of the talk in THIS city has been about why we, the public, seem to consider this tragic incident any more important, or any more newsworthy than any of the 300+ murders we as Philadelphians have seen in 2007. It could be as simple as our culture just lends itself to celebrity-obsession, and this is just another case of America being more intimately involved with the people on television than those living in our neighborhoods. But I think it's more complex than that. Today, sports are our common bond. In a nation divided over so much (political allegiances, race, news anchor preference, soft-drink loyalty...), we all love sports. Especially football. Quick check: name thirty-two United States senators. Ok, now name the thirty-two starting quarterbacks in the National Football League. No brainer, right?
We hear it all the time, "it's just a game". And that's true. Sports' main function in society is to entertain the masses. Entertainment is a very fancy word for distraction. Think about it. The aforementioned 300+ murders are a grave problem in our great city. But what is our main concern? Coach Andy Reid's play-calling and personnel decisions. Sports distract us from our mundane, often times depressing, existences. Last night's Monday Night Football game was my impetus's for this article, as I've been mulling over a way to relate the Sean Taylor Story to this blog, being as it is the top story in the nation at the moment. Back to last night's Pats/Ravens game. Being the Patriots mark that I am (no, I am not a traitor, I just appreciate teams who do what it takes to be great, rather than toiling in mediocrity while touting a resume` of almosts and calling their organization the "gold standard") I have been quite caught up in New England's pursuit of perfection. Needless to say, the game engulfed all of my attention. Sure, I had to re-write a paper for a history class in seven or so hours, and yeah, I am having some personal and emotional problems right now and, maybe I have had a mouse in my room for the past week, and, again, yes, I do live in America's most dangerous city. But last night, while watching the 4-7 Baltimore Ravens come less than yards away from de-railing the unbeaten New England Patriots' ride to a perfect regular season, nothing else mattered. All that I cared about was Willis McGahee pounding the Pats' D for three-and-a-half quarters, Rex Ryan calling an unnecessary timeout, Tom Brady leading yet another fourth quarter comeback, Baltimore's disciplinary breakdown, Jabar Gaffney's feet, Kyle Boller's near Doug Flutie-esque hail mary. That is all that went through my mind Monday night. So when people say that the death of Sean Taylor is no more tragic than those of the 300+ in this city over the past twelve months, it is somewhat un-true. Sean Taylor's murder effects us in ways which are almost indescribable. The great majority of us don't know the identities of those lost here in the city, or in other cities, or even of those fighting in Iraq. But we knew Sean Taylor. He was one of the many faces who lived in our bubble-world that protects us from everything that does not take place on a football field. Knowing now that our shelter can be penetrated by the same problems that exist outside of our television sets is rattling, to say the least. And now that we see not even our Great Distraction can keep us totally away from the coldness that is reality, this tragedy forces us, in some ways, to confront the issues from which we were seeking distraction.
We hear it all the time, "it's just a game". And that's true. Sports' main function in society is to entertain the masses. Entertainment is a very fancy word for distraction. Think about it. The aforementioned 300+ murders are a grave problem in our great city. But what is our main concern? Coach Andy Reid's play-calling and personnel decisions. Sports distract us from our mundane, often times depressing, existences. Last night's Monday Night Football game was my impetus's for this article, as I've been mulling over a way to relate the Sean Taylor Story to this blog, being as it is the top story in the nation at the moment. Back to last night's Pats/Ravens game. Being the Patriots mark that I am (no, I am not a traitor, I just appreciate teams who do what it takes to be great, rather than toiling in mediocrity while touting a resume` of almosts and calling their organization the "gold standard") I have been quite caught up in New England's pursuit of perfection. Needless to say, the game engulfed all of my attention. Sure, I had to re-write a paper for a history class in seven or so hours, and yeah, I am having some personal and emotional problems right now and, maybe I have had a mouse in my room for the past week, and, again, yes, I do live in America's most dangerous city. But last night, while watching the 4-7 Baltimore Ravens come less than yards away from de-railing the unbeaten New England Patriots' ride to a perfect regular season, nothing else mattered. All that I cared about was Willis McGahee pounding the Pats' D for three-and-a-half quarters, Rex Ryan calling an unnecessary timeout, Tom Brady leading yet another fourth quarter comeback, Baltimore's disciplinary breakdown, Jabar Gaffney's feet, Kyle Boller's near Doug Flutie-esque hail mary. That is all that went through my mind Monday night. So when people say that the death of Sean Taylor is no more tragic than those of the 300+ in this city over the past twelve months, it is somewhat un-true. Sean Taylor's murder effects us in ways which are almost indescribable. The great majority of us don't know the identities of those lost here in the city, or in other cities, or even of those fighting in Iraq. But we knew Sean Taylor. He was one of the many faces who lived in our bubble-world that protects us from everything that does not take place on a football field. Knowing now that our shelter can be penetrated by the same problems that exist outside of our television sets is rattling, to say the least. And now that we see not even our Great Distraction can keep us totally away from the coldness that is reality, this tragedy forces us, in some ways, to confront the issues from which we were seeking distraction.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?!?!?
No. But damn, that was close. But how about deja vu? Tell me if this sounds familiar: The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the New England Patriots by three points. Philadelphia's quarterback threw 3 touchown passes and three interceptions, and Greg Lewis scored. Tom Brady was pressured but never rattled and the New England defense took the ball away when it really mattered. Familiar? I thought so, too. Years later, in a different city with a different quarterback the outcome is still the same: The NFL's "gold standard" franchise is defeated by the platnium-filled dynasty that is the New England Patriots. But this one was a little different, was it not? A.J. Feeley, once again filling in for the injured Donovan McNabb, put up almost identical statistics to Donovan McNabb's on that fateful day in February of 2005. But unlike Donovan, A.J. is not being accused of choking (figuratively or literally) against the heavily favored Pats, but praised for his overall play and forgiven for his several errant passes which ultimately cost the Eagles their chance at derailing New England's pursuit of perfection. But why? Maybe it's because Feeley has not started in over two seasons and actually over-achieved Sunday night, unlike McNabb, who clearly did not perform to the height of his abilities in Super Bowl XXXIX, nor has he for much of the 2007 season. But there may be more than just an understanding of the disparity between the two players' talent. Maybe we just do not like Donovan McNabb. We don't like his "whining" and his "don't blame me" attitude. And maybe we blame Donny, if only partially, for exiling Terrell Owens, easily the best receiver McNabb has ever thown to, to the hated Dallas Cowboys. And he still harps on getting booed on draft day. Personally, I would be willing to over look all of that if McNabb were to win a championship for this city, a feat that seems impossible with a 13-16 record as a strater dating back to Super Bowl 39 (not including the win against Miami last week, as prior to McNabb's injury, the Eagles were trailing). But I digress. The story right now is that the 22+ point underdog Philadelphia Eagles went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest NFL teams ever assembled and nearly pulled off the semingly impossible. But unfortunately, you don't get point for trying, and the Eagles now sit in the cellar of the NFC East, tied with the Washington Redskins at 5-6.
But this loss to New England, unlike the last one, did not crush the dreams of a city. Infact, it may have re-ignited them. With the combination of playing with heart, Andy Reid's aggressive game plan, the defense holding an offensive juggernaut to 24 points, and the "mediocre receivers" finding a way to get open (Greg Lewis- 4 Rec. 88 yds. 2 TD, Reggie Brown- 5 Rec. 45 yds. 1 TD, Kevin Curtis 5 Rec. 71 yds.) against the NFL's sixth rated pass defense, this team has a chance to get on a run similar to last season's turnaround orchestrated by Garcia & Co. But the key will be consistency, the intangible that has been missing all season. The Birds can't afford to forget to cover T.O. again, or give up another 12 sacks to the G-Men or get off to a slow start in New Orleans or overlook the Buffalo Bills. Nor can they afford to get away from running the ball. Passing 42 times was a necessity to keep up with the Pats' offense and because New England's D clearly had one goal- containing Brian Westbrook, who was held to 92 total yards on 24 touches and a rushing TD (3.83 YPT). But consistency in play calling, as well as level of play will be a necessity for this team to get on a roll and secure a wild card spot. Granted, Reid cannot call onside kicks and flea flickers and WR option-passes every week for the next five games, but he needs to stay aggressive. The Giants are heading into their annual second-half nose dive, and the rest of the conference (except for Dallas and Green Bay) is not very good, and four of the final five games are against teams ahead of the Eagles in the conference standings. This is very do-able. But only if the Birds play with the fire and heart that nearly knocked off the league's best this past Sunday night. The Eagles have now proven that, on any given week, they can play on a level with the week's best. Here's hoping they put it all together in the next five weeks.
Two closing notes. On the lighter side of the NFL, how bad is John Madden? I don't care if he is a legendary coach and the name sake of the best video game in the history of digital entertainment, he is a terrible color commentator. He's worse than Joe Buck in the booth. Absolutely dreadful.
I'd like to offer condolences to the family of Washington Redskins' safety Sean Taylor. Taylor, 24, was shot in his home Monday night and died early this morning.
But this loss to New England, unlike the last one, did not crush the dreams of a city. Infact, it may have re-ignited them. With the combination of playing with heart, Andy Reid's aggressive game plan, the defense holding an offensive juggernaut to 24 points, and the "mediocre receivers" finding a way to get open (Greg Lewis- 4 Rec. 88 yds. 2 TD, Reggie Brown- 5 Rec. 45 yds. 1 TD, Kevin Curtis 5 Rec. 71 yds.) against the NFL's sixth rated pass defense, this team has a chance to get on a run similar to last season's turnaround orchestrated by Garcia & Co. But the key will be consistency, the intangible that has been missing all season. The Birds can't afford to forget to cover T.O. again, or give up another 12 sacks to the G-Men or get off to a slow start in New Orleans or overlook the Buffalo Bills. Nor can they afford to get away from running the ball. Passing 42 times was a necessity to keep up with the Pats' offense and because New England's D clearly had one goal- containing Brian Westbrook, who was held to 92 total yards on 24 touches and a rushing TD (3.83 YPT). But consistency in play calling, as well as level of play will be a necessity for this team to get on a roll and secure a wild card spot. Granted, Reid cannot call onside kicks and flea flickers and WR option-passes every week for the next five games, but he needs to stay aggressive. The Giants are heading into their annual second-half nose dive, and the rest of the conference (except for Dallas and Green Bay) is not very good, and four of the final five games are against teams ahead of the Eagles in the conference standings. This is very do-able. But only if the Birds play with the fire and heart that nearly knocked off the league's best this past Sunday night. The Eagles have now proven that, on any given week, they can play on a level with the week's best. Here's hoping they put it all together in the next five weeks.
Two closing notes. On the lighter side of the NFL, how bad is John Madden? I don't care if he is a legendary coach and the name sake of the best video game in the history of digital entertainment, he is a terrible color commentator. He's worse than Joe Buck in the booth. Absolutely dreadful.
I'd like to offer condolences to the family of Washington Redskins' safety Sean Taylor. Taylor, 24, was shot in his home Monday night and died early this morning.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
BACK WITH A VENGEANCE
22-60. A season riddled by turmoil both in the front office, on the ice and in the locker room yielded a record of 22-48-12 for the Philadelphia Flyers, the worst in team history. But unlike other teams in town, the Flyers did not wallow in their woeful season, did not whine about injuries or make excuses for their apparent failings. Rather, the Philadelphia front office re-built, and retooled the city's most decorated franchise back into contention. The groundwork was layed in February of last season by trading for goaltender Martin Biron, and again in April, by trading Peter Forsberg for Scottie Upshall and Ryan Parent. The rebuilding process continued through the offseason, as general manager Paul Holmgren traded the underachieving and enigmatic defenseman Joni Pitkanen, along with Geoff Sanderson, for ruuged veteran defenseman Jason Smith, and potential star-in-the-making Joffrey Lupol. The also traded the draft pick they received from the Forsberg trade back to Nashville for defenseman Kimo Timonen and explosive wing-man Scott Hartnell. But the big catch was 5'10" 179-pound centerman Danny Briere. The bona fide superstar had been speculated to be a target of the Flyers since mid-season, and they landed him on July 2, 2007. Through all the trades and signings and re-signings the Flyers created a team that, for the first time, could compete in the "New NHL". The combination of athleticism, speed, skill, leadership and out-right tougness has become the talk of this sports-orientated town.
As of today, the Philadelphia Flyers are 11-6, good enough for first place in the Atlantic Division and third overall, in the Eastern Conference. But what is impressive about this team is not the turn-around of record, but the new style and attitude with which the Flyguys are playing. Marty Biron is the goaltender Philadelphia has been searching for since the retirement of the legendary Ron Hextall. Despite having faced 495 shots (second most in the NHL), Biron has been spectacular, posting a 2.23 goals against average, as well as a .935 save percentage, sixth best in the league. The one piece of the puzzle that has been missing from some very good Flyers teams, teams that could have been great, was goaltending. Now with a solid stopper between the pipes, this team has the foundation from which championships are built. (To put Biron's early-season numbers into perspective, Martin Brodeur has a GAA of 2.77, a SV% of .891 and has faced 349 shots. Biron also has 2 shutouts to Brodeur's 0).
The re-vamped defense has not been stupendous, but they have certainly improved, and the determination with which the defense is playing makes the catastrophe that was last season, but a distant memory. Lead by team captain Jason Smith, this unit is fearless, and boast three players with at least 30 blocked shots through the first 17 games. (Jason Smith-55, Lasse Kukkonen-37, Kimmo Timonen-33). And make no mistake about it, there is no action that proves toughness and willingness to sacrifice more than getting infront of a rubber biscuit traveling up too 100 miles per hour. But its just not blocking shots and hitting and protecting the goalie. These D-Men can move the puck. Braydon Coburn can flat out fly. Jason Smith is an excellent passer and has the distinct ability to control the puck, and the game, under pressure. Kimmo Timonen leads the team in ice time and is third on the team in assists. Randy Jones is also a hybrid, mixing his physical play and defensive responsibilities with a touch for creating big plays. The defense has finally achieved balance. There is no Chris Therien or Mike Rathje (let's hope he can't come back. Nothing personal, but that man cannot play). The balance that mixes the muscle and toughness that every defenseman needs with real hockey ability. Sharp passing, steady handling, quick shot release. Once this D gels, it could be the league's top unit.
The offense has also be re-worked. No more are the days of a Legion of Doom type team, depending on one line to dominate the score shhet. This unit, too, has achieved balance. There is a lot of skill in this offense. Danny Briere is a premier scorer. He creates chances on every shift. Simon Gagne is a great finisher, and hopefully the recent concussions don't cut Gagne short, as he is just reaching his prime and developing a complete game. Jeff Carter's unique wrist shot can create a goal from antwhere on the ice, and his more aggressive play this season has yielded great results- 7 goals, 4 assists, +8. Joffrey Lupol is third on the team in points and leads the team in hits, he is a prime example of this team's new approach. RJ Umberger and Mike Knuble's large frames create mismatches against some of the league's top D-men, and the need to keep them out of the front of the net opens up a lot of room for their linemates on the outside, much the way John LeClair was able to do in his prime.
But the embodyment of this team's turnaround, and really the centerpiece of their success is 22-year old assistant captain Mike Richards. Richards was a top prospect when drafted him 24th overall in the 2004 entry draft. After a respectable rookie season in 2005-06, recording 11 goals and 23 assists as a part of the checking line. But a rough sophmore campaign left many wondering if Richards would go the way of so many other highly-touted Flyers prospects and disappoint the organization. But, just like the Flyers marketing campaign, Mike Richards is BACK WITH A VENGEANCE. Through 17 games Richards leads the team in goals (10), points (20), game-winning goals (3), short-handed goals (3), shots taken (48) and face off percentage (52.5). He also contributes to every phase of the game. Along with scoring, Richards is constantly matched up against the opponent's top line and given the unenviable task of shutting down their best playmakers (the Crosbys, the Jagrs, the Lecavaliers of the league). This task carries over in to special teams, as he is the top offensive penalty killer. Not only does his play great short-handed defense, but he creates plays in these situations, as he leads the league in short handed goals with three. Then on power plays he plays the point, as his heavy shot, 20/20 ice vision and overall hockey IQ allow coach John Steven to utilize 4 offensemen on the man advantage. Combine all of these skills with a willingness to sacrifice and lay out to clear a puck or block a shot, the ability to lay a big clean hit on the opposition, the fearlessness he displays by dropping the gloves against some of the league's best fighters are the intangibles that make Richards the face of this team. In Mike Richards there is every quality that has turned this team around, and every quality that will make him the next great captain in Philadelphia Flyers history.
This team has the potential to be great. The potent mix management has created with speed and grit, skill and toughness, youthful exuberance and veteran leadership is developing into a championship hockey cocktail. The season is still young, and we've all seen the Flyers play great in the first half of seasons and nosedive just before the playoffs and get eliminated in the first round. But this team looks different. They feel different. This new energy, new heart. Not to mention, they're entertaining as hell. They're fast, they score, they hit, they fight. What else could we ask for in this city?
As of today, the Philadelphia Flyers are 11-6, good enough for first place in the Atlantic Division and third overall, in the Eastern Conference. But what is impressive about this team is not the turn-around of record, but the new style and attitude with which the Flyguys are playing. Marty Biron is the goaltender Philadelphia has been searching for since the retirement of the legendary Ron Hextall. Despite having faced 495 shots (second most in the NHL), Biron has been spectacular, posting a 2.23 goals against average, as well as a .935 save percentage, sixth best in the league. The one piece of the puzzle that has been missing from some very good Flyers teams, teams that could have been great, was goaltending. Now with a solid stopper between the pipes, this team has the foundation from which championships are built. (To put Biron's early-season numbers into perspective, Martin Brodeur has a GAA of 2.77, a SV% of .891 and has faced 349 shots. Biron also has 2 shutouts to Brodeur's 0).
The re-vamped defense has not been stupendous, but they have certainly improved, and the determination with which the defense is playing makes the catastrophe that was last season, but a distant memory. Lead by team captain Jason Smith, this unit is fearless, and boast three players with at least 30 blocked shots through the first 17 games. (Jason Smith-55, Lasse Kukkonen-37, Kimmo Timonen-33). And make no mistake about it, there is no action that proves toughness and willingness to sacrifice more than getting infront of a rubber biscuit traveling up too 100 miles per hour. But its just not blocking shots and hitting and protecting the goalie. These D-Men can move the puck. Braydon Coburn can flat out fly. Jason Smith is an excellent passer and has the distinct ability to control the puck, and the game, under pressure. Kimmo Timonen leads the team in ice time and is third on the team in assists. Randy Jones is also a hybrid, mixing his physical play and defensive responsibilities with a touch for creating big plays. The defense has finally achieved balance. There is no Chris Therien or Mike Rathje (let's hope he can't come back. Nothing personal, but that man cannot play). The balance that mixes the muscle and toughness that every defenseman needs with real hockey ability. Sharp passing, steady handling, quick shot release. Once this D gels, it could be the league's top unit.
The offense has also be re-worked. No more are the days of a Legion of Doom type team, depending on one line to dominate the score shhet. This unit, too, has achieved balance. There is a lot of skill in this offense. Danny Briere is a premier scorer. He creates chances on every shift. Simon Gagne is a great finisher, and hopefully the recent concussions don't cut Gagne short, as he is just reaching his prime and developing a complete game. Jeff Carter's unique wrist shot can create a goal from antwhere on the ice, and his more aggressive play this season has yielded great results- 7 goals, 4 assists, +8. Joffrey Lupol is third on the team in points and leads the team in hits, he is a prime example of this team's new approach. RJ Umberger and Mike Knuble's large frames create mismatches against some of the league's top D-men, and the need to keep them out of the front of the net opens up a lot of room for their linemates on the outside, much the way John LeClair was able to do in his prime.
But the embodyment of this team's turnaround, and really the centerpiece of their success is 22-year old assistant captain Mike Richards. Richards was a top prospect when drafted him 24th overall in the 2004 entry draft. After a respectable rookie season in 2005-06, recording 11 goals and 23 assists as a part of the checking line. But a rough sophmore campaign left many wondering if Richards would go the way of so many other highly-touted Flyers prospects and disappoint the organization. But, just like the Flyers marketing campaign, Mike Richards is BACK WITH A VENGEANCE. Through 17 games Richards leads the team in goals (10), points (20), game-winning goals (3), short-handed goals (3), shots taken (48) and face off percentage (52.5). He also contributes to every phase of the game. Along with scoring, Richards is constantly matched up against the opponent's top line and given the unenviable task of shutting down their best playmakers (the Crosbys, the Jagrs, the Lecavaliers of the league). This task carries over in to special teams, as he is the top offensive penalty killer. Not only does his play great short-handed defense, but he creates plays in these situations, as he leads the league in short handed goals with three. Then on power plays he plays the point, as his heavy shot, 20/20 ice vision and overall hockey IQ allow coach John Steven to utilize 4 offensemen on the man advantage. Combine all of these skills with a willingness to sacrifice and lay out to clear a puck or block a shot, the ability to lay a big clean hit on the opposition, the fearlessness he displays by dropping the gloves against some of the league's best fighters are the intangibles that make Richards the face of this team. In Mike Richards there is every quality that has turned this team around, and every quality that will make him the next great captain in Philadelphia Flyers history.
This team has the potential to be great. The potent mix management has created with speed and grit, skill and toughness, youthful exuberance and veteran leadership is developing into a championship hockey cocktail. The season is still young, and we've all seen the Flyers play great in the first half of seasons and nosedive just before the playoffs and get eliminated in the first round. But this team looks different. They feel different. This new energy, new heart. Not to mention, they're entertaining as hell. They're fast, they score, they hit, they fight. What else could we ask for in this city?
More Good Than Bad, But It's Still Going To Be Ugly
Clinton Portis ran for 137 yards. Jason Campbell completed 68% of his passes for 215 yards and 3 touchdowns. James Thrash (yes, THAT James Thrash) caught 5 balls for 85 yards and 2 TDs. Washington won the time of possession battle. The Eagles lost 2 fumbles. Kevin Curtis recorded 20 receiving yards and no TDs. Trent Cole was held sackless for the second consecutive week. But somehow, someway The Philadelphia Eagles managed to beat the Washington Redskins on Sunday, 33-25. McNabb, fighting innacuracy and shoulder soreness, managed to corale the troops and put up 20 points in the fourth quarter en route to a come-from-behind, possibly season saving victory. The key play was a Donovan McNabb screen pass over the middle to Brian Westbrook, who proceded to out run every Washington defender, with the help of Jon Runyan and Shawn Andrews, to the goal line in true season-saving-punt-return-against-the-Giants fashion. There were some other positive signs as well. Despite the aformentioned struggles, McNabb was able to connect on 20 of 28 passes for 251 yards and 4 TDs. LJ Smith finally seems to be making progress, as he was able to contribute for a larger part of the game than has been the case in previous weeks, and finished the day with 4 catches for 49 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Although the defense gave up big yards and allowed James Thrash to be productive for the first time... ever, the D came up big when it had to and forced and recovered two fourth quarter fumbles, and held Washington to field goals on two drives that each ended inside the Eagles 5-yard line. And the special teams didn't turn the ball over or give up a TD, a victory for the unit.
But Washington didn't exactly play as if they were interested in making their week 11 showdown in Dallas worth a share of the NFC East lead. The 'Skins committed 11 penalties, contributing to each of the Eagles scoring drives, as well as stalling their own. Washington tight end Chris Cooley got called for a false start on 3rd & goal from the Eagles' 2, on a play in which Philly was not able to substitute their goal-line package creating great confusion which could have easily lead to a Washington TD had Cooley not flinched. The Redskins also fumbled twice and missed an extra point in the first quarter, which lead coach Joe Gibbs to opt for a 2-point conversion mid-way through the second quarter, and the subsequent failure erased even more points off the board.
This season, one cannot harp on the negative, though. Especially in victory. Maybe McNabb did miss open receiver after open receiver. Maybe the defense did give up nearly 160 rushing yards. Maybe James Thrash (yes, again, THAT James Thrash) did make our secondary look like swiss cheese. But at this point all that matters is the final score, 33-25 good guys. Reggie Brown made 5 catches and scored his first TD of the year. Westbrook racked up 183 total yards and 3 scores. Quintin Mikell, starting his first game at strong saftey, recorded 8 tackles and forced a fumble (oh Sean Considine, we hardly knew thee...). All positive signs for a team looking toward the future. And make no mistake about it, this team is looking toward the future. Of course, nobody in the organization will admit to this, as they should not, but why then, would the Philadelphia Eagles use their first draft pick to add a quarterback, if the focus is on the here and now?
The truth is, this season is going to be a struggle. After next week's game against Miami every game will be a struggle. Yes, I know the cliche`, every game is a struggle. But I do not see how the Eagles, with their current level of play, can be anything but the underdog in the remaining games. At New England, Seattle, NY Giants, at Dallas, at New Orleans and Buffalo. The defence is wearing down more every week. McNabb, although he is obviously making great strides in recovering from last year's ACL tear, takes more hits every week, and complained of shoulder stiffness coming into the second half against Washington. Westbrook seems to be running on all cylinders right now, but we all know how his Pro Bowl-caliber seasons can turn into injured reserve-disappointments rather quickly.
More than anything, the remaining seven games will be a proving ground for every player on this roster, as I do not believe this is a secure job on this team, besides Shawn Andrews and (a healthy) Brian Westbrook. Can McNabb lead this team back to respectability, and is he worth the investment, going forward? If not, is it time to get Kevin Kolb a few snaps? Are Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis the outside receivers this team needs, and are they worth their long-term contracts? How many more seasons can Jon Runyan play through at his size and age? Is William Thomas coming back, and if he isn't, than is Winston Justice better than he played a month ago in the Meadowlands? How much have Jason Avant and Hank Baskett developed in their second season? Can Jevon Kearse justify his salary with at least one solid game? Ditto Darren Howard. Is Trent Cole an every-down end? How good are Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson? Is Omar Gaither a middle linebacker? Is Chris Gocong a linebacker, period? How many more games can Brian Dawkins give the Eagles everything he has without giving up the ability to walk? Do we have a suitable replacement at either safety position?
The remaining seven games will produce answers. If the majority of the answers to these questions are "yes" then re-building in the post-McNabb era will not be as painful as projected. If "no" then there could be several gloomy seasons followed by blown high draft picks ahead. Here's to hoping for the former.
But Washington didn't exactly play as if they were interested in making their week 11 showdown in Dallas worth a share of the NFC East lead. The 'Skins committed 11 penalties, contributing to each of the Eagles scoring drives, as well as stalling their own. Washington tight end Chris Cooley got called for a false start on 3rd & goal from the Eagles' 2, on a play in which Philly was not able to substitute their goal-line package creating great confusion which could have easily lead to a Washington TD had Cooley not flinched. The Redskins also fumbled twice and missed an extra point in the first quarter, which lead coach Joe Gibbs to opt for a 2-point conversion mid-way through the second quarter, and the subsequent failure erased even more points off the board.
This season, one cannot harp on the negative, though. Especially in victory. Maybe McNabb did miss open receiver after open receiver. Maybe the defense did give up nearly 160 rushing yards. Maybe James Thrash (yes, again, THAT James Thrash) did make our secondary look like swiss cheese. But at this point all that matters is the final score, 33-25 good guys. Reggie Brown made 5 catches and scored his first TD of the year. Westbrook racked up 183 total yards and 3 scores. Quintin Mikell, starting his first game at strong saftey, recorded 8 tackles and forced a fumble (oh Sean Considine, we hardly knew thee...). All positive signs for a team looking toward the future. And make no mistake about it, this team is looking toward the future. Of course, nobody in the organization will admit to this, as they should not, but why then, would the Philadelphia Eagles use their first draft pick to add a quarterback, if the focus is on the here and now?
The truth is, this season is going to be a struggle. After next week's game against Miami every game will be a struggle. Yes, I know the cliche`, every game is a struggle. But I do not see how the Eagles, with their current level of play, can be anything but the underdog in the remaining games. At New England, Seattle, NY Giants, at Dallas, at New Orleans and Buffalo. The defence is wearing down more every week. McNabb, although he is obviously making great strides in recovering from last year's ACL tear, takes more hits every week, and complained of shoulder stiffness coming into the second half against Washington. Westbrook seems to be running on all cylinders right now, but we all know how his Pro Bowl-caliber seasons can turn into injured reserve-disappointments rather quickly.
More than anything, the remaining seven games will be a proving ground for every player on this roster, as I do not believe this is a secure job on this team, besides Shawn Andrews and (a healthy) Brian Westbrook. Can McNabb lead this team back to respectability, and is he worth the investment, going forward? If not, is it time to get Kevin Kolb a few snaps? Are Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis the outside receivers this team needs, and are they worth their long-term contracts? How many more seasons can Jon Runyan play through at his size and age? Is William Thomas coming back, and if he isn't, than is Winston Justice better than he played a month ago in the Meadowlands? How much have Jason Avant and Hank Baskett developed in their second season? Can Jevon Kearse justify his salary with at least one solid game? Ditto Darren Howard. Is Trent Cole an every-down end? How good are Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson? Is Omar Gaither a middle linebacker? Is Chris Gocong a linebacker, period? How many more games can Brian Dawkins give the Eagles everything he has without giving up the ability to walk? Do we have a suitable replacement at either safety position?
The remaining seven games will produce answers. If the majority of the answers to these questions are "yes" then re-building in the post-McNabb era will not be as painful as projected. If "no" then there could be several gloomy seasons followed by blown high draft picks ahead. Here's to hoping for the former.
Monday, November 5, 2007
"And It Just Got Worse" (Warning: the possibly incoherent ramblings of an angry fan)
"And it just got worse." As he always does, the legendary Merrill Reesesaid it better than anybody else could have. What else was there to say about Terrell Owens, public enemy number one in Philadelphia, scampered for 45 yards on a catch and run from Tony Romo early in the third quarter to increase Dallas' lead to 28-7. And it got even worse from there. The final score was 38-17, and it was not that close. The Eagles scored their second touchdown with 5:51 left in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard pass from Donovan McNabb to Hank Baskett. To put that into perspective, Brad Johnson was quarterbacking the Cowboys at this time, as Dallas head coach Wade Phillips decided the game was getting a little too scrappy to put his $67.5 million dollar investment after going completing 20 of 25 passes for 324 yards and 3 TDs. Romo did throw an interception, as Lito Sheppard jumped in front of a pass intended for Patrick Crayton, but it did not matter as Donovan McNabb turned the ball back over when he threw a ball into double coverage and it was caught by Ken Hamlin. The Cowboys went on to score a Touchdown after three straight runs up the middle by Marion Barber, who, inexplicably, is still not the Cowboys announced starting running back, despite having more carries, yards, touchdowns and yards per rush than Julius Jones, who still tops the team's depth chart.
Not much can really be said about this prime-time beat-down. The Cowboys proved they are the class of the NFC. The Eagles proved they are not contenders. Tony Romo proved to be worth every penny on his new contract, which pays him more than any other QB in the conference. Andy Reid proved he is incapable of leading this team and preparing them to play. And now the Birds stand at 3-5, with 3 losses in the division, and virtually no hope of a playoff birth. Unlike most weeks I am not going to put this game under a microscope and analyze what exactly went wrong. Honestly, the reason behind this is because the story of last night's game was simple: A pretty good team but a very bad team. Sure there were plays that may have shifted the momentum. Had McNabb not decided to force a ball into double coverage over the middle while attempting to run a two-minute drill right after Lito Sheppard intercepted Tony Romo and gave the offense a chance to tie the game before halftime, maybe this could have been a contest. Maybe if the Eagles had decided to establish the running game early then McNabb would not have fumbled after being sacked on the first play from scrimmage and spotted Dallas an easy 7-point lead within the first five minutes of play. But it all may not have mattered.
As the New England Patriots proved in the hour-or-so leading up to the Dallas/Philly matchup, talent is what matters, and the Cowboys are by far the most talented team in the NFC, and easily the more talented team on the field last night. Jason Witten took a bone-crunching hit and had his helmet torn off but managed 20-yards after contact because he is an excellent tight end, far better than anybody on the Eagles. Terrell Owens broke tackles and out ran the entire defense en route to a 45-yard touchdown reception that reminded an entire city why we loved him so much. Tony Romo escaped at least one sack on every drive and found open receiver after open receiver for big gains (in an oh-so-very young-Donovan way) on supposed "broken plays". Playmakers. Dallas has them on defense, too. Anthony Henry recorded his NFL-leading fifth interception last night. DeMarcus Ware recorded 1.5 of his 7 sacks last night. Ken Hamlin recorded his third interception of the season when he ended the Eagles' again futile attempt at a two-minute drill. Greg Ellis has 5.5 sacks. Players pitching it from every position. That has been the difference this season and it will continue to be the differnce until a change in personnel philosophy is made. Other teams draft players and sign free agents to make their team better, while Philadelphia drafts and signs low-cost players who will fit "our system". The system is clearly malfunctioning. It has become quite apparent that the Eagles aren't able to plug any player in to any position and get the production that a player with more talent was able to provide. Dhani Jones for Carlos Emmons? Reggie Brown for Terrell Owens? Winston Justice for William Thomas? Sean Considine for Michael Lewis? Matt McCoy for any other linebacker in the history of football? Even Kevin Curtis, who has been moderately productive this season, provides nothing close to the threat that was Donte` Stallworth. The list could go on.
While under-whelming under-achievements cannot be sole blamed on the coaching staff, namely head coach Andy Reid, it must be pointed out that this is Reid's team. Reid chose every single player on the roster because he felt they could fill a need for this team. Few of them have. What's worse is that it seems Reid has lost the ear of his players. Watch the games. Who is playing at the highest level they can? Westbrook? Yes. Dawkins? Obviously, although he's missed substantial time. Trent Cole? He looks like he's hustling on every snap. Jon Runyan? Sure, he's always been a gamer, but he's hurt and aging. Sheldon Brown? He's been one of the lone bight spots of this team. Who else? I hate to questin a player's heart, for I have no idea what is going on internally, but if anybody else is playing to their full potential they do not belong on an NFL roster.
No good can be taken from the loss to Dallas. Change must be made. The only positive I saw Sunday night was from the crowd, and their mass-exodus early in the third quarter. But that is not enough. The only way to convince the front office that to attack all they care about, their wallets. While an all out Eagles boycott will never happen, some measures need to be taken by the fans that will wake up Jeffrey Lurie and make him realize something needs to be done. Fire Reid. Fire Marty. Fire Joe Banner. Cut McNabb. Cut Jevon Kearse. Do something that will prove to us you care half as much as we do. That, of course, is a lie. But create the illusion. Create a winner again. You did it before. But that process will be a long road. The future at QB is a project. There are no playmakers in the receiving corps. The O-Line, specifically Thomas and Runyan, will be gone by the time Kold develops. Ditto for Westbrook. The D-Line is young, but Kearse and Darren Howard are simply warm bodies. Takeo Spikes is solid but will be gone long before this team is great again. Gaither is not a middle linebacker. Gocong is developing, but doesn't seem to have a nack for big plays. Considine is useless. The great Brian Dawkins will retire without a championship ring. This team has no prospect of getting better and now with eight games to play and virtually nothing to play for (except individual jobs), every fan who emerses themselves in this team and plans their Sunday around the game and bleeds green and hates Dallas and would die happily as long as it were one day after a Super Bowl victory must ask themselves, how much worse will this get?
Not much can really be said about this prime-time beat-down. The Cowboys proved they are the class of the NFC. The Eagles proved they are not contenders. Tony Romo proved to be worth every penny on his new contract, which pays him more than any other QB in the conference. Andy Reid proved he is incapable of leading this team and preparing them to play. And now the Birds stand at 3-5, with 3 losses in the division, and virtually no hope of a playoff birth. Unlike most weeks I am not going to put this game under a microscope and analyze what exactly went wrong. Honestly, the reason behind this is because the story of last night's game was simple: A pretty good team but a very bad team. Sure there were plays that may have shifted the momentum. Had McNabb not decided to force a ball into double coverage over the middle while attempting to run a two-minute drill right after Lito Sheppard intercepted Tony Romo and gave the offense a chance to tie the game before halftime, maybe this could have been a contest. Maybe if the Eagles had decided to establish the running game early then McNabb would not have fumbled after being sacked on the first play from scrimmage and spotted Dallas an easy 7-point lead within the first five minutes of play. But it all may not have mattered.
As the New England Patriots proved in the hour-or-so leading up to the Dallas/Philly matchup, talent is what matters, and the Cowboys are by far the most talented team in the NFC, and easily the more talented team on the field last night. Jason Witten took a bone-crunching hit and had his helmet torn off but managed 20-yards after contact because he is an excellent tight end, far better than anybody on the Eagles. Terrell Owens broke tackles and out ran the entire defense en route to a 45-yard touchdown reception that reminded an entire city why we loved him so much. Tony Romo escaped at least one sack on every drive and found open receiver after open receiver for big gains (in an oh-so-very young-Donovan way) on supposed "broken plays". Playmakers. Dallas has them on defense, too. Anthony Henry recorded his NFL-leading fifth interception last night. DeMarcus Ware recorded 1.5 of his 7 sacks last night. Ken Hamlin recorded his third interception of the season when he ended the Eagles' again futile attempt at a two-minute drill. Greg Ellis has 5.5 sacks. Players pitching it from every position. That has been the difference this season and it will continue to be the differnce until a change in personnel philosophy is made. Other teams draft players and sign free agents to make their team better, while Philadelphia drafts and signs low-cost players who will fit "our system". The system is clearly malfunctioning. It has become quite apparent that the Eagles aren't able to plug any player in to any position and get the production that a player with more talent was able to provide. Dhani Jones for Carlos Emmons? Reggie Brown for Terrell Owens? Winston Justice for William Thomas? Sean Considine for Michael Lewis? Matt McCoy for any other linebacker in the history of football? Even Kevin Curtis, who has been moderately productive this season, provides nothing close to the threat that was Donte` Stallworth. The list could go on.
While under-whelming under-achievements cannot be sole blamed on the coaching staff, namely head coach Andy Reid, it must be pointed out that this is Reid's team. Reid chose every single player on the roster because he felt they could fill a need for this team. Few of them have. What's worse is that it seems Reid has lost the ear of his players. Watch the games. Who is playing at the highest level they can? Westbrook? Yes. Dawkins? Obviously, although he's missed substantial time. Trent Cole? He looks like he's hustling on every snap. Jon Runyan? Sure, he's always been a gamer, but he's hurt and aging. Sheldon Brown? He's been one of the lone bight spots of this team. Who else? I hate to questin a player's heart, for I have no idea what is going on internally, but if anybody else is playing to their full potential they do not belong on an NFL roster.
No good can be taken from the loss to Dallas. Change must be made. The only positive I saw Sunday night was from the crowd, and their mass-exodus early in the third quarter. But that is not enough. The only way to convince the front office that to attack all they care about, their wallets. While an all out Eagles boycott will never happen, some measures need to be taken by the fans that will wake up Jeffrey Lurie and make him realize something needs to be done. Fire Reid. Fire Marty. Fire Joe Banner. Cut McNabb. Cut Jevon Kearse. Do something that will prove to us you care half as much as we do. That, of course, is a lie. But create the illusion. Create a winner again. You did it before. But that process will be a long road. The future at QB is a project. There are no playmakers in the receiving corps. The O-Line, specifically Thomas and Runyan, will be gone by the time Kold develops. Ditto for Westbrook. The D-Line is young, but Kearse and Darren Howard are simply warm bodies. Takeo Spikes is solid but will be gone long before this team is great again. Gaither is not a middle linebacker. Gocong is developing, but doesn't seem to have a nack for big plays. Considine is useless. The great Brian Dawkins will retire without a championship ring. This team has no prospect of getting better and now with eight games to play and virtually nothing to play for (except individual jobs), every fan who emerses themselves in this team and plans their Sunday around the game and bleeds green and hates Dallas and would die happily as long as it were one day after a Super Bowl victory must ask themselves, how much worse will this get?
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