By: KO Kelly
Do You Believe in Christmas Miracles?
Leaving the Superdome back in mid-November I thought our season was over. The team seemed to be in complete disarray without a handle on how to set the ship right. Two wins against bumbling divisional foes provided a little encouragement but those hopes were dashed once again with the overtime loss in Dallas and two top-tier opponents coming up next.
Somehow though, here we are at week 17 and we are still in the playoff hunt. We are down our starting QB once again but the swagger of 2017 is back. Foles’ performance has not always been perfect (see the 1st Quarter of the Texans game) but he has been getting the job done in the clutch (see the last drive of the Texans game).
As I noted last week, the players seem to be energized by Foles’ presence in the huddle and the wisdom he has gained over the years has provided a steady hand on the tiller over these last few weeks. It is yet to be seen if this magical run can continue into the playoffs, let alone Atlanta, but at the very least Foles is making the most of his time left in Philadelphia. He is not going down without a fight and in the town of Rocky – that is all that matters.
Now onto this week’s match-up. Fortunately for us, we face Washington who just cut one of their best defensive players (D.J. Swearinger) and are playing “Name that Washed-up QB” on offense. This game is certainly not going to be a walk in the park given the divisional rivalry and chance for Washington to play spoiler. However, this team has found their groove again and is not going to blow their chance at making a run in the playoffs.
Unfortunately for us, we need help from Chicago to make into the playoffs. The latest news indicates the Bears will be playing their starters as they are still in the position to claim the #2 seed in the NFC playoff picture (they need to win and have the Rams lose to the 49ers). There is a chance the Bears could lay off the gas in the second half if they find out the Rams are blowing out the 49ers, so this weekend we need to be sending out good vibes to our Birds plus the Bears, and the Bay Area 49ers (their stadium is in Santa Clara these days, so ‘Bay Area’ is both alliteratively and geographically appropriate).
The Bears will be conservative in what they show against the Vikings because they could be facing them again the following week in the Wildcard round of the playoffs but they will manage to muster up enough points and stave off the Cousins-led Vikings offense. Come Sunday evening, I foresee a Christmas Miracle for our Birds but no repeat miracle for the Vikings. They will have to wait until next year.
The Bears win this weekend, though, may prove to be their own undoing because this Foles-led Birds team is not one I would want to face in the playoffs. They are battle-tested and ready to re-prove doubters wrong.
Eagles Win 27-13
Bears Win 17 - 14
Record 9-7 clinch 6th Seed in the NFC Playoff Bracket
Friday, December 28, 2018
Friday, December 21, 2018
In Foles We Trust as Eagles Host Texans in a Must Win
By: KO Kelly
Déjà Foles: Eagles Leave LA with Another mid-December Victory over Rams
Is this a sign of good things to come? The last time we saw this story unfold there was a pretty Super ending!
I know I know, the guy who predicted a blow-out loss last week cannot jump on the Foles-wagon to Atlanta but after the most satisfying game of the year it is hard not to get excited again. Everything that did not click in the first 14 games seemed to finally come together in LA.
We stayed committed to a simplified and run-oriented game-plan. Foles got the ball in Jeffrey’s hands. The defense harassed Goff all night and made him look Eli Manning-esque. Most of all our Birds played like the hungry dogs we saw last year.
Now, not to add anything to the already ridiculous grumblings of a QB controversy but there is something about Foles that seems to energize the team more broadly than Wentz has been able to this year. Maybe it is the resurgence of underdog mentality manifested in Foles’ underdog story. Maybe the players step up more because Foles cannot make the same miraculous plays we have come to expect from Wentz. Or maybe it is much simpler, maybe it is love.
“You win in the 4th quarter by loving one another.”
That was the message Foles delivered on Sunday night after the upset victory against the Rams. Those words are very similar to the message he shared with his teammates in the huddle during the Super Bowl. Clearly this message resonates with the team because they are excited and supportive to have him back leading the team. This is not a knock on Wentz, it is merely a reflection of Foles’ wise-beyond-his-years perspective on this game and life.
Eagles great, Brian Dawkins, during his Hall of Fame speech talked about how he played the game as he would have expected any average Eagles’ fan to play the game if they had the talent and ability to play one NFL game that is, with wild enthusiasm, passion, and grit.
With that in mind, I encourage all of us to use this Christmas season to channel our inner Nick Foles and live life with more love. Imagine how much better your days will be when you focus on love and ignore the trivialities of life, the siren calls of your ego, the anger spewing from all forms of media.
You win in life by loving one another.
Stepping away from the kumbaya fire pit for a second, let’s discuss this week’s match-up against the Texans.
This one appeared to be another obvious loss given the Texans recent 9-game winning streak and our slump but after stumbling against the Colts two weeks ago and an unimpressive win against the paltry Jets – I am inclined to believe we have more than a decent shot in this game. If we stick to a similar game-plan from last week, I am confident our Birds will be able to out-match their defensive firepower. Watson is putting up some solid numbers in his 2nd year, so our defense will be tested again but at home in December – they are up for the challenge.
Our Birds will keep the playoff hopes alive for another week and fingers-crossed we see an upsets in Dallas and Detroit this weekend!
Eagles Win 24-16
Record 7-7
Déjà Foles: Eagles Leave LA with Another mid-December Victory over Rams
Is this a sign of good things to come? The last time we saw this story unfold there was a pretty Super ending!
I know I know, the guy who predicted a blow-out loss last week cannot jump on the Foles-wagon to Atlanta but after the most satisfying game of the year it is hard not to get excited again. Everything that did not click in the first 14 games seemed to finally come together in LA.
We stayed committed to a simplified and run-oriented game-plan. Foles got the ball in Jeffrey’s hands. The defense harassed Goff all night and made him look Eli Manning-esque. Most of all our Birds played like the hungry dogs we saw last year.
Now, not to add anything to the already ridiculous grumblings of a QB controversy but there is something about Foles that seems to energize the team more broadly than Wentz has been able to this year. Maybe it is the resurgence of underdog mentality manifested in Foles’ underdog story. Maybe the players step up more because Foles cannot make the same miraculous plays we have come to expect from Wentz. Or maybe it is much simpler, maybe it is love.
“You win in the 4th quarter by loving one another.”
That was the message Foles delivered on Sunday night after the upset victory against the Rams. Those words are very similar to the message he shared with his teammates in the huddle during the Super Bowl. Clearly this message resonates with the team because they are excited and supportive to have him back leading the team. This is not a knock on Wentz, it is merely a reflection of Foles’ wise-beyond-his-years perspective on this game and life.
Eagles great, Brian Dawkins, during his Hall of Fame speech talked about how he played the game as he would have expected any average Eagles’ fan to play the game if they had the talent and ability to play one NFL game that is, with wild enthusiasm, passion, and grit.
With that in mind, I encourage all of us to use this Christmas season to channel our inner Nick Foles and live life with more love. Imagine how much better your days will be when you focus on love and ignore the trivialities of life, the siren calls of your ego, the anger spewing from all forms of media.
You win in life by loving one another.
Stepping away from the kumbaya fire pit for a second, let’s discuss this week’s match-up against the Texans.
This one appeared to be another obvious loss given the Texans recent 9-game winning streak and our slump but after stumbling against the Colts two weeks ago and an unimpressive win against the paltry Jets – I am inclined to believe we have more than a decent shot in this game. If we stick to a similar game-plan from last week, I am confident our Birds will be able to out-match their defensive firepower. Watson is putting up some solid numbers in his 2nd year, so our defense will be tested again but at home in December – they are up for the challenge.
Our Birds will keep the playoff hopes alive for another week and fingers-crossed we see an upsets in Dallas and Detroit this weekend!
Eagles Win 24-16
Record 7-7
Saturday, December 15, 2018
What the Eagles Need to Do to Win Next Year
By: KO Kelly
Changes are Coming
In golf they use the term mulligan to denote a stroke following a poor shot that will not count against the golfer on their scorecard. This whole season is a mulligan for our Birds.
I cringe to think how the city and sports writers (present company humbly included) would be reacting if we had not won the Super Bowl earlier this year. We would be calling for Doug’s head (some already are), turning on Wentz (a small minority of morons are), and questioning Lurie’s decision to put Howie back in the driver’s seat (a handful are diverting the glory to Joe Doulgas instead).
Luckily, most of us are still able to recognize and appreciate the amazing run we had last year and are willing to give the organization a pass this year. Obviously, this is not the title-defending campaign we hoped for and my theory on the psychology of winning begetting more winning did not pan out. However, aside from the Saints’ game – this team continued to fight hard each week and although I hate to say it (because close only counts in horseshoes & hand grenades) – oftentimes they were just a handful of plays away from winning the game.
Do not misunderstand me, they were miles away from dominating teams like they did last year but generally they were in most games in the 4th quarter and could easily have 5 more wins (Carolina, Titans, Vikings, and both Cowboys games). Having said that, they were also close to losing a handful of other games (Falcons and Colts).
So what do they need to get back into 2017 form, here’s my Christmas wish list:
• Sit Carson for the rest of the season. He is banged up and needs time to relax and reflect. Statistically he is having a solid season but it does not feel that way. He has been a bit sloppier with the ball this year and his timing seems off. I still have faith in him as our franchise QB for the next decade but he needs time to get out of his head.
• Fire Mike Groh. I understand Doug calls the plays but Groh is not bringing anything to the table. He has a track record of dismal offensive production, so I have little confidence he will eventually become some guru here. We have too many offensive weapons for us not to be putting up 30 points a week.
• Bring back 2017 Doug. Last year, Doug would have gone for the 2-pt conversion after the late touchdown in last Sunday’s Dallas game. He would have trusted Carson to get it in there and then for the defense to shut down Dak & Co. Instead, he played it safe just like he saw the Jags play safe against the Patriots, which he swore he would not do and
we suffered the same fate: the big L.
• Fire the medical staff. Even before the most recent reports concerning Wentz’s back injury and the murmurs of concerns regarding our medical staff, I was calling for the firing of our strength and conditioning coaches. After the slew of injuries over the past two seasons, something needs to change in this area of player health. I am not sure if players are being rushed back from injury, misdiagnosed, improperly trained, or what but a full house cleaning would not be a bad start. While the fans want to see wins and stars on the field, we do not want to see Wentz go the route of Luck and lose him for a whole season.
• A lineman heavy draft. Howie dropped the ball on the Tate trade. We did not need another receiver, we needed better play-calling and a defensive tackle. The success of our defense is almost solely predicated on the pressure generated by the front four. We need a better and deeper front four than we had this year. Bennett has been an amazing addition and it would be great to see him return another year since we will likely lose Long but Ngata next to Cox is doing just that – nada. Jernigan and Barnett will be returning but I could see us potentially moving on from Graham, so we need to focus on defensive lineman (and offensive ones as well) in this year’s draft.
• Run the ball with Adams – full stop.
Luckily I know Jeffrey Lurie is an avid reader of Eagles Lincs, so these wishes are bound to come true. In truth, a lot of these are just obvious adjustments that will naturally manifest in their own unique way. I have trust in this organization to right this ship. In fact, I am of the belief that this down and depressing season will actually lead to a better long-term outcome for the franchise. If we were to have won some of those earlier but still sloppy games and had a chance to sneak into the playoffs only to get blown away by the Rams or Saints, we would not have as much impetus to make the changes we need to make. Changes will come from this disappointing campaign and they will be for the better.
As for this week’s game, it will likely be a bloodbath unless the legendary Nick “The Brady Slayer” Foles decides to dial up one of his signature head-scratching performances. Come to think of it, with a simplified game plan and a focus on the run game, we just may have a chance . . . nope, we will likely be destroyed again like in the Saints game.
Eagles Lose score not fit to print
Record 6-8
Changes are Coming
In golf they use the term mulligan to denote a stroke following a poor shot that will not count against the golfer on their scorecard. This whole season is a mulligan for our Birds.
I cringe to think how the city and sports writers (present company humbly included) would be reacting if we had not won the Super Bowl earlier this year. We would be calling for Doug’s head (some already are), turning on Wentz (a small minority of morons are), and questioning Lurie’s decision to put Howie back in the driver’s seat (a handful are diverting the glory to Joe Doulgas instead).
Luckily, most of us are still able to recognize and appreciate the amazing run we had last year and are willing to give the organization a pass this year. Obviously, this is not the title-defending campaign we hoped for and my theory on the psychology of winning begetting more winning did not pan out. However, aside from the Saints’ game – this team continued to fight hard each week and although I hate to say it (because close only counts in horseshoes & hand grenades) – oftentimes they were just a handful of plays away from winning the game.
Do not misunderstand me, they were miles away from dominating teams like they did last year but generally they were in most games in the 4th quarter and could easily have 5 more wins (Carolina, Titans, Vikings, and both Cowboys games). Having said that, they were also close to losing a handful of other games (Falcons and Colts).
So what do they need to get back into 2017 form, here’s my Christmas wish list:
• Sit Carson for the rest of the season. He is banged up and needs time to relax and reflect. Statistically he is having a solid season but it does not feel that way. He has been a bit sloppier with the ball this year and his timing seems off. I still have faith in him as our franchise QB for the next decade but he needs time to get out of his head.
• Fire Mike Groh. I understand Doug calls the plays but Groh is not bringing anything to the table. He has a track record of dismal offensive production, so I have little confidence he will eventually become some guru here. We have too many offensive weapons for us not to be putting up 30 points a week.
• Bring back 2017 Doug. Last year, Doug would have gone for the 2-pt conversion after the late touchdown in last Sunday’s Dallas game. He would have trusted Carson to get it in there and then for the defense to shut down Dak & Co. Instead, he played it safe just like he saw the Jags play safe against the Patriots, which he swore he would not do and
we suffered the same fate: the big L.
• Fire the medical staff. Even before the most recent reports concerning Wentz’s back injury and the murmurs of concerns regarding our medical staff, I was calling for the firing of our strength and conditioning coaches. After the slew of injuries over the past two seasons, something needs to change in this area of player health. I am not sure if players are being rushed back from injury, misdiagnosed, improperly trained, or what but a full house cleaning would not be a bad start. While the fans want to see wins and stars on the field, we do not want to see Wentz go the route of Luck and lose him for a whole season.
• A lineman heavy draft. Howie dropped the ball on the Tate trade. We did not need another receiver, we needed better play-calling and a defensive tackle. The success of our defense is almost solely predicated on the pressure generated by the front four. We need a better and deeper front four than we had this year. Bennett has been an amazing addition and it would be great to see him return another year since we will likely lose Long but Ngata next to Cox is doing just that – nada. Jernigan and Barnett will be returning but I could see us potentially moving on from Graham, so we need to focus on defensive lineman (and offensive ones as well) in this year’s draft.
• Run the ball with Adams – full stop.
Luckily I know Jeffrey Lurie is an avid reader of Eagles Lincs, so these wishes are bound to come true. In truth, a lot of these are just obvious adjustments that will naturally manifest in their own unique way. I have trust in this organization to right this ship. In fact, I am of the belief that this down and depressing season will actually lead to a better long-term outcome for the franchise. If we were to have won some of those earlier but still sloppy games and had a chance to sneak into the playoffs only to get blown away by the Rams or Saints, we would not have as much impetus to make the changes we need to make. Changes will come from this disappointing campaign and they will be for the better.
As for this week’s game, it will likely be a bloodbath unless the legendary Nick “The Brady Slayer” Foles decides to dial up one of his signature head-scratching performances. Come to think of it, with a simplified game plan and a focus on the run game, we just may have a chance . . . nope, we will likely be destroyed again like in the Saints game.
Eagles Lose score not fit to print
Record 6-8
Friday, December 7, 2018
Eagles Still 'In the Hunt' for NFC East Title Heading into Big D
By: KO Kelly
“So you’re telling me there’s a chance?!”
That’s how many of us are feeling about our Birds’ playoff hopes after our two wins in a row against hobbled divisional foes.
Those two - sloppy at times but nonetheless – wins have Eagles’ nation dreaming about a playoff berth for Christmas (and all the other winter holidays as well).
It will not be an easy road with three tough opponents over the next few weeks but it is feasible with a little help from an old friend . . . and long-time foe.
While I am not ruling out the Eagles catching fire in these last 4 weeks and running the table, I am also not banking on it. Our secondary, while serviceable, is still banged up. Hicks and Jernigan are slow in getting back on the field. It completely baffles me that we do not score +30 pts/game given our four talented wide receivers, a record-smashing TE and his understudy plus a budding run-game. I understand Wentz is still recovering but if we could just get out of our own way that would be a huge help (e.g. the two red-zone failures from Monday night).
But I digress, let’s get back to the friends/foes we need help from:
1) Frank Reich & the Colts – Dallas heads up to Indy next week for what we hope is a QB clinic from Luck and a second loss in a row for Jerry’s boys
2) The Giants – this week against Washington and the final game of the season against Dallas
If Washington loses this week, they are pretty much out of the picture and even if they don’t lose, with Mark Sanchez at QB – they are not going too far.
If Dallas loses one of these two games, it opens the doors for the Eagles to claim the NFC East crown even if they were to loss another game in the final three games. It would not be a pretty crown but it is still a ticket to the dance!
There are a couple other scenarios with the Vikings, Seahawks, and Panthers in the mix for the wild-card spots, but that was more “what-if” forecasting that I was willing to invest mine time in - so let’s just hope they all lose or tie for the next few weeks.
Now onto this week. I called a pretty good game last week with Tate’s break-out game, Ertz’s etching his name into the records books, and the exact score – so I am hopeful I will be as on point in this match-up.
With Dallas coming off the big win against the Saints, they are certainly feeling themselves a bit. I am sure our Birds are gaining confidence as well but given the trials and tribulations they have been through this year, I do not see them taking this game lightly.
The Dallas D has been much better of lately but now that we have figured out how to incorporate Tate into the offense and are relying on the run again, we are going to see the offensive explosion we have been waiting for. Wentz will have a few head-scratching moments but this will become one of his defining games where he orchestrates a masterful performance as the Eagles rally to come back from an early deficit.
As for the other QB on the field, Dak will unfortunately play decent as well. With our battered secondary and a focus on stopping Zeke, Dak will have opportunities to connect with his new favorite target Amari Cooper. He will come to know Kamu Grugier-Hill, though, when he gets sacked hard for a loss. (I am not huge fan of trash talk but is it trash talk if it is just the facts?!)
It would be nice if this were a Week 16 match-up because then there would be the chance that Ertz breaks Witten record in Dallas but alas we will have to settle for him scoring two monster touchdowns to end the first half and start the second.
At the end of the day, we will walk away with the W and some more swagger in our steps, which we will need as we then take on two of the hottest teams in the NFL: Rams & Texans.
Eagles Win 38 - 24
Record 7-6
“So you’re telling me there’s a chance?!”
That’s how many of us are feeling about our Birds’ playoff hopes after our two wins in a row against hobbled divisional foes.
Those two - sloppy at times but nonetheless – wins have Eagles’ nation dreaming about a playoff berth for Christmas (and all the other winter holidays as well).
It will not be an easy road with three tough opponents over the next few weeks but it is feasible with a little help from an old friend . . . and long-time foe.
While I am not ruling out the Eagles catching fire in these last 4 weeks and running the table, I am also not banking on it. Our secondary, while serviceable, is still banged up. Hicks and Jernigan are slow in getting back on the field. It completely baffles me that we do not score +30 pts/game given our four talented wide receivers, a record-smashing TE and his understudy plus a budding run-game. I understand Wentz is still recovering but if we could just get out of our own way that would be a huge help (e.g. the two red-zone failures from Monday night).
But I digress, let’s get back to the friends/foes we need help from:
1) Frank Reich & the Colts – Dallas heads up to Indy next week for what we hope is a QB clinic from Luck and a second loss in a row for Jerry’s boys
2) The Giants – this week against Washington and the final game of the season against Dallas
If Washington loses this week, they are pretty much out of the picture and even if they don’t lose, with Mark Sanchez at QB – they are not going too far.
If Dallas loses one of these two games, it opens the doors for the Eagles to claim the NFC East crown even if they were to loss another game in the final three games. It would not be a pretty crown but it is still a ticket to the dance!
There are a couple other scenarios with the Vikings, Seahawks, and Panthers in the mix for the wild-card spots, but that was more “what-if” forecasting that I was willing to invest mine time in - so let’s just hope they all lose or tie for the next few weeks.
Now onto this week. I called a pretty good game last week with Tate’s break-out game, Ertz’s etching his name into the records books, and the exact score – so I am hopeful I will be as on point in this match-up.
With Dallas coming off the big win against the Saints, they are certainly feeling themselves a bit. I am sure our Birds are gaining confidence as well but given the trials and tribulations they have been through this year, I do not see them taking this game lightly.
The Dallas D has been much better of lately but now that we have figured out how to incorporate Tate into the offense and are relying on the run again, we are going to see the offensive explosion we have been waiting for. Wentz will have a few head-scratching moments but this will become one of his defining games where he orchestrates a masterful performance as the Eagles rally to come back from an early deficit.
As for the other QB on the field, Dak will unfortunately play decent as well. With our battered secondary and a focus on stopping Zeke, Dak will have opportunities to connect with his new favorite target Amari Cooper. He will come to know Kamu Grugier-Hill, though, when he gets sacked hard for a loss. (I am not huge fan of trash talk but is it trash talk if it is just the facts?!)
It would be nice if this were a Week 16 match-up because then there would be the chance that Ertz breaks Witten record in Dallas but alas we will have to settle for him scoring two monster touchdowns to end the first half and start the second.
At the end of the day, we will walk away with the W and some more swagger in our steps, which we will need as we then take on two of the hottest teams in the NFL: Rams & Texans.
Eagles Win 38 - 24
Record 7-6
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Have the Birds Found Their Groove?
By: KO Kelly
It was one thing for the Saints to obliterate us a couple weeks ago but to lose to Dallas, in prime time is inexcusable. What made it even more painful and all too familiar was Drew Brees’ impression of an Eagles’ quarterback forcing a bad throw resulting in a game-ending interception instead of a game-winning touchdown drive.
This makes our already difficult road to repeat as division champs that much more difficult. If Dallas had lost, we may have been able to survive a loss to the Rams or Texans but now we will more than likely need to win out to have a real chance at the division. However, I am not entirely opposed to the Cowboys brazenly waltzing into the playoffs only to get outclassed by the electric Rams offense or the vengeful Saints. The higher they climb now, the harder they fall later and all the sweeter the schadenfreude will be!
On the positive side, it sounds like the Eagles are finally finding their groove during practices again. Golden Tate mentioned this week’s practice was the best he has seen since joining the team. We have heard throughout the season that the practices have not lived up to the players’ or coaches’ expectations. How this is an issue on a team with many hungry veterans and vocal leaders is a bit baffling to me but at this point in the season, any step forward is a good one. Let’s hope this will be enough for them to remain competitive and on the right track for the rest of the season.
Luckily, our Birds have a banged up divisional foe coming to the Linc on Monday night, so we have another week to fine tune the motor for a final push. With Alex Smith out for the rest of the season and journeyman QB Colt McCoy (safe to assume no relation to LeSean) at the helm – Washington is not nearly as daunting of a game as it could have been just a few weeks ago. They are also down a handful of offensive linemen as well as RB Adrian Peterson. They will be eager to stop their two-game losing streak and salvage their once promising season, but Philadelphia is finally showing some fight in them and it doesn’t stop Monday night.
I expect a heavy dose of Josh Adams, which will open up the passing game for Wentz. Golden Tate will get his long-awaited coming out party and Ertz will have at least 7 receptions, breaking Westbrooks ’07 single season high of 90 receptions. From the defensive side - McCoy will be under severe pressure all night from Cox, Jernigan, & Co. Lastly, either special teams or one of our-off-the-streets CBs is going to make a big time play early in the game that keeps the house jumping all night!
It was one thing for the Saints to obliterate us a couple weeks ago but to lose to Dallas, in prime time is inexcusable. What made it even more painful and all too familiar was Drew Brees’ impression of an Eagles’ quarterback forcing a bad throw resulting in a game-ending interception instead of a game-winning touchdown drive.
This makes our already difficult road to repeat as division champs that much more difficult. If Dallas had lost, we may have been able to survive a loss to the Rams or Texans but now we will more than likely need to win out to have a real chance at the division. However, I am not entirely opposed to the Cowboys brazenly waltzing into the playoffs only to get outclassed by the electric Rams offense or the vengeful Saints. The higher they climb now, the harder they fall later and all the sweeter the schadenfreude will be!
On the positive side, it sounds like the Eagles are finally finding their groove during practices again. Golden Tate mentioned this week’s practice was the best he has seen since joining the team. We have heard throughout the season that the practices have not lived up to the players’ or coaches’ expectations. How this is an issue on a team with many hungry veterans and vocal leaders is a bit baffling to me but at this point in the season, any step forward is a good one. Let’s hope this will be enough for them to remain competitive and on the right track for the rest of the season.
Luckily, our Birds have a banged up divisional foe coming to the Linc on Monday night, so we have another week to fine tune the motor for a final push. With Alex Smith out for the rest of the season and journeyman QB Colt McCoy (safe to assume no relation to LeSean) at the helm – Washington is not nearly as daunting of a game as it could have been just a few weeks ago. They are also down a handful of offensive linemen as well as RB Adrian Peterson. They will be eager to stop their two-game losing streak and salvage their once promising season, but Philadelphia is finally showing some fight in them and it doesn’t stop Monday night.
I expect a heavy dose of Josh Adams, which will open up the passing game for Wentz. Golden Tate will get his long-awaited coming out party and Ertz will have at least 7 receptions, breaking Westbrooks ’07 single season high of 90 receptions. From the defensive side - McCoy will be under severe pressure all night from Cox, Jernigan, & Co. Lastly, either special teams or one of our-off-the-streets CBs is going to make a big time play early in the game that keeps the house jumping all night!
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Season of Thanksgiving
By: KO Kelly
Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year. It is a time for family and friends to gather together and share their appreciation for each other. It is a time to reflect on all the good in our lives and forget the bad for at least a day. It is also a time for assessing your NFL team’s playoff chances.
At this point in the season, there is enough tape to know the real contenders vs the great pretenders. This time last year at 9-1 we were firmly in the contenders category with some fans already planning their trips to Minnesota. However, this year our Birds are barely even pretending, which led to a very different atmosphere at the many Eagles’ faithful Thanksgiving tables yesterday.
There was frustration over the lack of offensive production. Sarcastic but somewhat serious offers to suit up in the secondary on Sunday. Shock over OC Mike Groh’s bewildering admission that it has been “challenging” to incorporate Golden Tate into the offense (Mike if you are reading, this is an example of what we call “Things you can think but cannot say out loud”!) Much disgust was expressed over the perceived lack of fight during the Saints’ game.
However, the most common sentiment was the disappointment in watching the “New Normal” play out a lot more like the dark days of Rich Kotite and Ray Rhodes than the beginning of a dynasty in the mold of Walsh, Noll, and yes even Belichick.
After last year’s magical season, we never anticipated having to deal with this type of reality so soon. Would we eventually lose? Yes. Would we eventually lose multiple games, in a row, at home? Yes. Would we eventually get blown out? Yes. But not this year, not all before week 12.
Or so we thought. However, that is the thing about any given football season, they are each surprising and unpredictable in their own special way, much like the seasons of our lives. These past two seasons, especially, offer two important lessons:
• When a group of individuals band together for a common cause in the face of immense adversity – immortal greatness can be achieved
• No matter what you have achieved in the past, nothing is given to you today or tomorrow
While our playoff chances still hang ever-so-slightly in the balance, let’s not focus on what we wanted this year to be. Instead, let’s remember why we watch football in the first place: for entertainment. We were thoroughly entertained last year and while it’s fair to get upset during the games this year, once it’s over – let’s just leave it at that. Remember, the highs would not feel as good without these lows.
Thankfully, this week our Birds will show a little more life and urgency as they put forth their best performance at home for the first time since September with a somewhat tense but definitive win against the Giants.
Eagles Win 24 - 17
Record 5-6
Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year. It is a time for family and friends to gather together and share their appreciation for each other. It is a time to reflect on all the good in our lives and forget the bad for at least a day. It is also a time for assessing your NFL team’s playoff chances.
At this point in the season, there is enough tape to know the real contenders vs the great pretenders. This time last year at 9-1 we were firmly in the contenders category with some fans already planning their trips to Minnesota. However, this year our Birds are barely even pretending, which led to a very different atmosphere at the many Eagles’ faithful Thanksgiving tables yesterday.
There was frustration over the lack of offensive production. Sarcastic but somewhat serious offers to suit up in the secondary on Sunday. Shock over OC Mike Groh’s bewildering admission that it has been “challenging” to incorporate Golden Tate into the offense (Mike if you are reading, this is an example of what we call “Things you can think but cannot say out loud”!) Much disgust was expressed over the perceived lack of fight during the Saints’ game.
However, the most common sentiment was the disappointment in watching the “New Normal” play out a lot more like the dark days of Rich Kotite and Ray Rhodes than the beginning of a dynasty in the mold of Walsh, Noll, and yes even Belichick.
After last year’s magical season, we never anticipated having to deal with this type of reality so soon. Would we eventually lose? Yes. Would we eventually lose multiple games, in a row, at home? Yes. Would we eventually get blown out? Yes. But not this year, not all before week 12.
Or so we thought. However, that is the thing about any given football season, they are each surprising and unpredictable in their own special way, much like the seasons of our lives. These past two seasons, especially, offer two important lessons:
• When a group of individuals band together for a common cause in the face of immense adversity – immortal greatness can be achieved
• No matter what you have achieved in the past, nothing is given to you today or tomorrow
While our playoff chances still hang ever-so-slightly in the balance, let’s not focus on what we wanted this year to be. Instead, let’s remember why we watch football in the first place: for entertainment. We were thoroughly entertained last year and while it’s fair to get upset during the games this year, once it’s over – let’s just leave it at that. Remember, the highs would not feel as good without these lows.
Thankfully, this week our Birds will show a little more life and urgency as they put forth their best performance at home for the first time since September with a somewhat tense but definitive win against the Giants.
Eagles Win 24 - 17
Record 5-6
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Eagles Back to the Role of Underdogs Against the Saints
The Eagles go on the road this Sunday as touchdown underdogs against the surging New Orleans Saints and for good reason. Their season is at the crossroads with a disappointing 4-5 record facing a team that has won its last eight games.
Things are so dire that Eagles Lincs sent KO Kelly on the road with the team to try and shake things up in the Big Easy. I am sure he will have some great insight into Sunday's game in next week's post win or lose.
For some added insight into the state of the Birds heading into this game, below in an email he sent me before he took off for New Orleans:
Hi Dave,
Hope your Saturday is going well. Please find below my post for this week:
This Sunday will mark the first time I attend an Eagles game and the opposing team's stadium. My college buddies and I planned this trip before the season and this was presumed to be a heavy-weight match with significant playoff implications.
Oh how the times have changed. One team is poised for a deep playoff run but unfortunately it does not looking like it will be our Birds, who are circling the proverbial bowl.
To be honest, this scenario plays out better for my nerves. If this was a playoff level game I would be stressed and unable to enjoy the experience. Instead, with a win being borderline miraculous, I can sit back and enjoy the game with my buddies.
Having said that, I will still be rooting my heart out for our boys but my hopes for this game are the lowest they have been in awhile.
They have the offensive weapons to go toe-to-toe with Brees & Co but do they have the gameplan? Our defense has been Swiss cheese recently and there's a good chance they give up more than 40 points. So while I do not like what I am about to do - I am predicting my first official Eagles loss of the season 45-24 and a chunk of those points will come in garbage time.
I am hoping this reverse psychology play will work with the universe and we will find ourselves refreshed and back on track. However, they have not shown consistency and it may take a season long march into the darkness to reclaim their position as a top tier team next year. The Patriots missed the playoffs after their first Super Bowl win, so all is not lost if this year goes the direction it appears to be heading.
So with that, let's focus on three positives:
We still have one of the best young QBs in the league
We still have a chance to sneak into the playoffs (queue Jim Mora screeching)
We are still the defending Super Bowl champs!!
As the chief editor for Eagles Linc, I decided to respond with some insight of my own:
Hey Kevin,
When Gramps (KO's grandfather and my dad) first signed on as a season ticket holder in 1961, he went into every Eagles' game with blind optimism that they would win because that was the result he expected. He always wanted to be a winner; win or lose. He never took into consideration that the Eagles were not good enough to win the games they were destined to lose.
I came into the picture at a very young age and always knew that our home team's capabilities as a perennial doormat in the NFC East were rather limited. I also quickly learned that wins were rare in the late 60's, early 70's even in the friendly confines of the Vet.
The 1980 NFC Championship against Dallas is still at the top of my list of the Bird's greatest hits (even above last season's SB win) given how this reversal of fortune changed the direction of the franchise moving forward.
Blind optimism is like fool's gold. As another gem of wisdom from your favorite uncle; Super Bowl hangovers are a bitch.
We still have a great team that is learning this fact the hard way. I am not closing out the book on this season, but the harsh reality of the situation took hold with Monday night's loss to a Cowgirls, who still stink.The Redskins are more than capable of imploding, but that has no real bearing on the Eagles' perplexing 4-5 start.
Bottom line, the Birds need nothing short of a miracle to pull off a win on Sunday on the road against the hottest team in the league. Conventional wisdom dictates they do not have a chance, but faith is a tie that binds!
The betting line has the Eagles listed as eight-point road underdogs. Super Bowl Champions eight-point underdogs! It just does not add up, but it is what it is.
At the very least, I am betting the Birds to cover. One interesting incident that has to be taken into consideration is Gramps' recent invocation into the matter with a cryptic 407 message that I received from his lofty place in Heaven. This tells me that Philly has a strong chance to actually win this game.
While I am preaching to the choir with the Deacon attached to this email, keep the faith!
I am channeling Jules on Sunday afternoon with the K-Man in the Big Easy. The end result of this crazy Bayou Voodoo is a wild Eagles' 34-31 victory that puts the Birds back in the NFC East title race with a Redskins' loss to Houston and the Cowboos' falter against Atlanta.
Kev, regardless of the outcome in the Big Easy have fun! This place kicked my ass more than once and it resulted in an Eagle tattoo on my left thigh that is a whole other story into itself.
Always remember...Keep the Faith,
Dave
Things are so dire that Eagles Lincs sent KO Kelly on the road with the team to try and shake things up in the Big Easy. I am sure he will have some great insight into Sunday's game in next week's post win or lose.
For some added insight into the state of the Birds heading into this game, below in an email he sent me before he took off for New Orleans:
Hi Dave,
Hope your Saturday is going well. Please find below my post for this week:
This Sunday will mark the first time I attend an Eagles game and the opposing team's stadium. My college buddies and I planned this trip before the season and this was presumed to be a heavy-weight match with significant playoff implications.
Oh how the times have changed. One team is poised for a deep playoff run but unfortunately it does not looking like it will be our Birds, who are circling the proverbial bowl.
To be honest, this scenario plays out better for my nerves. If this was a playoff level game I would be stressed and unable to enjoy the experience. Instead, with a win being borderline miraculous, I can sit back and enjoy the game with my buddies.
Having said that, I will still be rooting my heart out for our boys but my hopes for this game are the lowest they have been in awhile.
They have the offensive weapons to go toe-to-toe with Brees & Co but do they have the gameplan? Our defense has been Swiss cheese recently and there's a good chance they give up more than 40 points. So while I do not like what I am about to do - I am predicting my first official Eagles loss of the season 45-24 and a chunk of those points will come in garbage time.
I am hoping this reverse psychology play will work with the universe and we will find ourselves refreshed and back on track. However, they have not shown consistency and it may take a season long march into the darkness to reclaim their position as a top tier team next year. The Patriots missed the playoffs after their first Super Bowl win, so all is not lost if this year goes the direction it appears to be heading.
So with that, let's focus on three positives:
We still have one of the best young QBs in the league
We still have a chance to sneak into the playoffs (queue Jim Mora screeching)
We are still the defending Super Bowl champs!!
As the chief editor for Eagles Linc, I decided to respond with some insight of my own:
Hey Kevin,
When Gramps (KO's grandfather and my dad) first signed on as a season ticket holder in 1961, he went into every Eagles' game with blind optimism that they would win because that was the result he expected. He always wanted to be a winner; win or lose. He never took into consideration that the Eagles were not good enough to win the games they were destined to lose.
I came into the picture at a very young age and always knew that our home team's capabilities as a perennial doormat in the NFC East were rather limited. I also quickly learned that wins were rare in the late 60's, early 70's even in the friendly confines of the Vet.
The 1980 NFC Championship against Dallas is still at the top of my list of the Bird's greatest hits (even above last season's SB win) given how this reversal of fortune changed the direction of the franchise moving forward.
Blind optimism is like fool's gold. As another gem of wisdom from your favorite uncle; Super Bowl hangovers are a bitch.
We still have a great team that is learning this fact the hard way. I am not closing out the book on this season, but the harsh reality of the situation took hold with Monday night's loss to a Cowgirls, who still stink.The Redskins are more than capable of imploding, but that has no real bearing on the Eagles' perplexing 4-5 start.
Bottom line, the Birds need nothing short of a miracle to pull off a win on Sunday on the road against the hottest team in the league. Conventional wisdom dictates they do not have a chance, but faith is a tie that binds!
The betting line has the Eagles listed as eight-point road underdogs. Super Bowl Champions eight-point underdogs! It just does not add up, but it is what it is.
At the very least, I am betting the Birds to cover. One interesting incident that has to be taken into consideration is Gramps' recent invocation into the matter with a cryptic 407 message that I received from his lofty place in Heaven. This tells me that Philly has a strong chance to actually win this game.
While I am preaching to the choir with the Deacon attached to this email, keep the faith!
I am channeling Jules on Sunday afternoon with the K-Man in the Big Easy. The end result of this crazy Bayou Voodoo is a wild Eagles' 34-31 victory that puts the Birds back in the NFC East title race with a Redskins' loss to Houston and the Cowboos' falter against Atlanta.
Kev, regardless of the outcome in the Big Easy have fun! This place kicked my ass more than once and it resulted in an Eagle tattoo on my left thigh that is a whole other story into itself.
Always remember...Keep the Faith,
Dave
Friday, November 9, 2018
Eagles’ Act II Begins on Sunday Night
By: KO Kelly
After the mind-boggling fourth quarter collapse against Carolina a couple weeks ago, I needed to take two bye weeks myself. When I left the stadium after that game, I was not even angry. I was completely dumbstruck. Luckily, they were able to pull out the win against the Jaguars in merry old London but it was not nearly as convincing at times as we would have liked.
Nevertheless, I am hopeful last week’s bye gave the players a chance to rest, unwind, and prepare for a new half. Same for the coaches. The chemistry of last year’s brain trust of Pederson/Reich/DeFillipo has been absent all season. I severely underestimated the effect of losing both in the off-season. Granted there have been health issues across the offense but even so, the play-calling has not lived up to the potential of Wentz & Co. With any luck, Pederson used the bye to travel back in time a la Austin Powers to retrieve his mojo.
On the defensive side, we may see Jernigan return within the next couple weeks, which is a more significant game-changer than the Tate acquisition. We won the Super Bowl last year in no small part because of the strength and depth of our defensive line. Schwartz’s defense is predicated on getting pressure from the front four. With injuries and a weaker supporting cast this year (bring back Beau!), the defensive line has not been as disruptive, which has a trickle-down effect on our linebackers and secondary. Mills getting burnt is not as bad when the QB is already on his back.
Luckily, the NFC East is still very much up for the taking and with our hated rivals - the Cowboys - coming to town this Sunday night, we can start laying our claim to that title.
After their magical run in 2016, the Cowboys have reverted back to their old ways of losing. Always highly touted by the national media, they will continue to be perennial losers as long as they are still micro-managed by Jerry Jones. (I will admit it would have been difficult to choose sides in the Jones v Goodell battle had it escalated any further).
They haven’t accomplished anything impressive in the past two decades and their entire city was shown up by a kicker at last Spring’s draft. C’mo’n man - now that’s just pathetic. If it were not for their bandwagon fans, I would potentially feel sorry for them - like the Browns or Bengals or Lions. But those August front-runners, who conveniently disappear (just like their team) in the winter keep my hate for the Cowboys dialed up to a 10.
So what’s my bold prediction for Sunday Night football at the Linc in all black . . . 42-3 Eagles - something kind of like this.
Record 5-4
After the mind-boggling fourth quarter collapse against Carolina a couple weeks ago, I needed to take two bye weeks myself. When I left the stadium after that game, I was not even angry. I was completely dumbstruck. Luckily, they were able to pull out the win against the Jaguars in merry old London but it was not nearly as convincing at times as we would have liked.
Nevertheless, I am hopeful last week’s bye gave the players a chance to rest, unwind, and prepare for a new half. Same for the coaches. The chemistry of last year’s brain trust of Pederson/Reich/DeFillipo has been absent all season. I severely underestimated the effect of losing both in the off-season. Granted there have been health issues across the offense but even so, the play-calling has not lived up to the potential of Wentz & Co. With any luck, Pederson used the bye to travel back in time a la Austin Powers to retrieve his mojo.
On the defensive side, we may see Jernigan return within the next couple weeks, which is a more significant game-changer than the Tate acquisition. We won the Super Bowl last year in no small part because of the strength and depth of our defensive line. Schwartz’s defense is predicated on getting pressure from the front four. With injuries and a weaker supporting cast this year (bring back Beau!), the defensive line has not been as disruptive, which has a trickle-down effect on our linebackers and secondary. Mills getting burnt is not as bad when the QB is already on his back.
Luckily, the NFC East is still very much up for the taking and with our hated rivals - the Cowboys - coming to town this Sunday night, we can start laying our claim to that title.
After their magical run in 2016, the Cowboys have reverted back to their old ways of losing. Always highly touted by the national media, they will continue to be perennial losers as long as they are still micro-managed by Jerry Jones. (I will admit it would have been difficult to choose sides in the Jones v Goodell battle had it escalated any further).
They haven’t accomplished anything impressive in the past two decades and their entire city was shown up by a kicker at last Spring’s draft. C’mo’n man - now that’s just pathetic. If it were not for their bandwagon fans, I would potentially feel sorry for them - like the Browns or Bengals or Lions. But those August front-runners, who conveniently disappear (just like their team) in the winter keep my hate for the Cowboys dialed up to a 10.
So what’s my bold prediction for Sunday Night football at the Linc in all black . . . 42-3 Eagles - something kind of like this.
Record 5-4
Sunday, October 21, 2018
The Streak Begins
By KO Kelly
A week ago today, the City of Philadelphia breathed a collective sigh of relief and rejoiced in the further dismantling of the already crumbling 2018 season for NY Giants. Our Birds came out with a statement game and as Coach Pederson mentioned in his post-game locker room speech, this win should serve as the spark they were needed to propel their title-defense campaign for the rest of season.
Wentz had his best game of the year and is off to a better statistical start than last year, which is amazing considering he is only nine months out from serious knee surgery. The chemistry he has with Jeffery, Ertz, and Agholor is likely to only improve from here, so get used to the return of +30-pts games. Clement and Smallwood performed well and have another chance to prove their mettle this weekend. With any lucky, they will have stellar outings and continue to quiet the doubters who contend we need to bring in a big-name running back before the trade deadline.
Speaking of running backs, though, we have to give credit where credit is due. Saquon Barkley was absolutely brilliant last Thursday. He runs the way Jay Ajayi thinks he is running when he hits the hole. Barkley also seems like a decent guy - he anti-OBJ - which makes it even harder to dislike him. He is going to be a nightmare for us for quite some time but luckily as long as Eli “Wait-I-Am-Allowed-to-Throw-the-Ball-Deep?” Manning is still their quarterback we are in good shape.
Now onto this week’s opponent: the Carolina Panthers.
This week last year we were still fuming from the infamous Pete Morelli Yellow Flag Festival, where he penalized the Eagles 10x more than the Panthers during our week 6 visit to Charlotte. Well, it seems the tables may have turned this year because in addition to the game being played at the Linc, there is also reason to believe the refs may be more favorable to us this time around. All I is a clean game with minimal interference from the zebras, oh and possibly the head of Pete Morelli on a silver platter! I mean really, does this guy even know that roughing the passer call on Barnett’s SACK of Cam Floppin’ was outrageous.
But I digress. This was our first real test last year after our week 2 loss against the Chiefs and will serve as a similar barometer for whether or not this year’s team is back on track. The Panthers are a lukewarm 3-2 with a recent loss to the Redskins and a nail-biter with the Giants. They may have cooled off after their somewhat hot start but they are still seen as real contenders in the NFC, especially with the Falcons sitting at 2-4 and the Bucs cratering back to reality.
McCaffery is having a strong season and will pose a significant threat to our banged-up defense. Cam won’t have much time to get the ball in his hands, though, because our front four will be putting pressure on him all afternoon. I am also going to call again for our first pick-6 of the season (eventually I will get it right). There will be some garbage points at the end but the Panthers offense will look mediocre for most of the game.
Wentz & Co will continue to connect through the air and on the ground as he puts up 4 TDs for the first time since the Rams game last year (note: he also threw for 4 TDs in week 7 last year against the Redskins). With the attention on Jeffery and Ertz, expect Matthews or Goedert to step up in this game. After this game, we will begin to forgive and forget the terrible football we suffered through in September as we Fly Eagles Fly on the road to Wembley!
Eagles win 35-17
Record 4-3
A week ago today, the City of Philadelphia breathed a collective sigh of relief and rejoiced in the further dismantling of the already crumbling 2018 season for NY Giants. Our Birds came out with a statement game and as Coach Pederson mentioned in his post-game locker room speech, this win should serve as the spark they were needed to propel their title-defense campaign for the rest of season.
Wentz had his best game of the year and is off to a better statistical start than last year, which is amazing considering he is only nine months out from serious knee surgery. The chemistry he has with Jeffery, Ertz, and Agholor is likely to only improve from here, so get used to the return of +30-pts games. Clement and Smallwood performed well and have another chance to prove their mettle this weekend. With any lucky, they will have stellar outings and continue to quiet the doubters who contend we need to bring in a big-name running back before the trade deadline.
Speaking of running backs, though, we have to give credit where credit is due. Saquon Barkley was absolutely brilliant last Thursday. He runs the way Jay Ajayi thinks he is running when he hits the hole. Barkley also seems like a decent guy - he anti-OBJ - which makes it even harder to dislike him. He is going to be a nightmare for us for quite some time but luckily as long as Eli “Wait-I-Am-Allowed-to-Throw-the-Ball-Deep?” Manning is still their quarterback we are in good shape.
Now onto this week’s opponent: the Carolina Panthers.
This week last year we were still fuming from the infamous Pete Morelli Yellow Flag Festival, where he penalized the Eagles 10x more than the Panthers during our week 6 visit to Charlotte. Well, it seems the tables may have turned this year because in addition to the game being played at the Linc, there is also reason to believe the refs may be more favorable to us this time around. All I is a clean game with minimal interference from the zebras, oh and possibly the head of Pete Morelli on a silver platter! I mean really, does this guy even know that roughing the passer call on Barnett’s SACK of Cam Floppin’ was outrageous.
But I digress. This was our first real test last year after our week 2 loss against the Chiefs and will serve as a similar barometer for whether or not this year’s team is back on track. The Panthers are a lukewarm 3-2 with a recent loss to the Redskins and a nail-biter with the Giants. They may have cooled off after their somewhat hot start but they are still seen as real contenders in the NFC, especially with the Falcons sitting at 2-4 and the Bucs cratering back to reality.
McCaffery is having a strong season and will pose a significant threat to our banged-up defense. Cam won’t have much time to get the ball in his hands, though, because our front four will be putting pressure on him all afternoon. I am also going to call again for our first pick-6 of the season (eventually I will get it right). There will be some garbage points at the end but the Panthers offense will look mediocre for most of the game.
Wentz & Co will continue to connect through the air and on the ground as he puts up 4 TDs for the first time since the Rams game last year (note: he also threw for 4 TDs in week 7 last year against the Redskins). With the attention on Jeffery and Ertz, expect Matthews or Goedert to step up in this game. After this game, we will begin to forgive and forget the terrible football we suffered through in September as we Fly Eagles Fly on the road to Wembley!
Eagles win 35-17
Record 4-3
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Eagles Need a Statement Game
By KO Kelly
Very few of us - if any - foresaw the Eagles season starting off this way. After a miserable preseason we all hoped was part of masterful misdirection plan to hide our real campaign to defend our title - we have continued to see sloppy and inconsistent play from our Birds.
We originally chalked it up to Foles’ high variance play and believed once Carson Wentz was back, things would come together. Wentz has performed much better these past two weeks but unfortunately it has not been enough. There have been too many mistakes (e.g. costly pass interference penalties, red-zone fumble), missed opportunities (e.g. not scoring after turnovers, not stopping three 4th downs in over-time), and just plain bad luck (e.g. Bennett’s roughing the passer, Vikings’ Joseph’s 64-yd TD).
Last year’s team wasn’t exactly lucky when you consider all the key injuries we suffered but many things did fall in our favor last year that are just not happening this year (e.g. Elliott’s 61-yd field goal, Julio Jones slipping in the end-zone). Having said that, we are just a few plays away from being 4-1 right now. If Ajayi does not fumble within the 5-yd line last week, that game potentially goes the other way. If we stop any of those three 4th downs in Tennessee, we win that game. Close does not count in the NFL, though, so we just need to play better.
I am not going to dwell on the bad. There are plenty of those writers discussing those concerns. In the pre-season I said there would be weeks like this, so I am going to heed my own advice and focus on three things to be thankful for:
• Wentz appears to have shaken off any lingering rust as is getting in mid-season form
• We are in the NFC East, which can be won by a 10-6 / 9-7 team
• Aside from the Rams and the Saints, the NFC in general is pretty wide-open
Now onto this week’s match-up against the much-despised albeit woefully inept NY Giants. I thought Eli might go on a revenge tour this year to demonstrate how wrong McAdoo was in benching him but the same old, cement-for-shoes Eli is still causing a good chunk of the NY metro area to have heartburn every Sunday. Luckily for them, they will be able to enjoy this weekend since they will have all day tomorrow to digest the pain they are about to be dished tonight.
I have tried to reel in my homerism in my first several predictions - (“Really?” you might be asking, “Those were tempered predictions?”) - but this week I am throwing logic and reason to the wind. The Eagles need a big win to change their momentum and what would be better for this team and city right now than a complete dismantling of a hated divisional rival in their own home.
Carson is going to put on a show that will earn him player of the week accolades and Clement will quiet down the clamoring to mortgage our future for a featured back. The defense will harass Eli all night and we will see our first pick-6 of the season. We still have a long uphill battle ahead of us but just like last year, beating the Giants will provide a spark for the rest of the season.
Eagles win 31 - 0
Record 3-3
Editor's Note
KO is looking for a long night for Giants' fans, but I do not think we will get a chance to go to bed early tonight. After slipping past New York last season on a 61-yard field goal in the first meeting of the year, the Birds got into gear for their Super Bowl run. Look for another tight matchup this time around to keep things interesting until the fourth quarter before Philly finally plays to form.
Very few of us - if any - foresaw the Eagles season starting off this way. After a miserable preseason we all hoped was part of masterful misdirection plan to hide our real campaign to defend our title - we have continued to see sloppy and inconsistent play from our Birds.
We originally chalked it up to Foles’ high variance play and believed once Carson Wentz was back, things would come together. Wentz has performed much better these past two weeks but unfortunately it has not been enough. There have been too many mistakes (e.g. costly pass interference penalties, red-zone fumble), missed opportunities (e.g. not scoring after turnovers, not stopping three 4th downs in over-time), and just plain bad luck (e.g. Bennett’s roughing the passer, Vikings’ Joseph’s 64-yd TD).
Last year’s team wasn’t exactly lucky when you consider all the key injuries we suffered but many things did fall in our favor last year that are just not happening this year (e.g. Elliott’s 61-yd field goal, Julio Jones slipping in the end-zone). Having said that, we are just a few plays away from being 4-1 right now. If Ajayi does not fumble within the 5-yd line last week, that game potentially goes the other way. If we stop any of those three 4th downs in Tennessee, we win that game. Close does not count in the NFL, though, so we just need to play better.
I am not going to dwell on the bad. There are plenty of those writers discussing those concerns. In the pre-season I said there would be weeks like this, so I am going to heed my own advice and focus on three things to be thankful for:
• Wentz appears to have shaken off any lingering rust as is getting in mid-season form
• We are in the NFC East, which can be won by a 10-6 / 9-7 team
• Aside from the Rams and the Saints, the NFC in general is pretty wide-open
Now onto this week’s match-up against the much-despised albeit woefully inept NY Giants. I thought Eli might go on a revenge tour this year to demonstrate how wrong McAdoo was in benching him but the same old, cement-for-shoes Eli is still causing a good chunk of the NY metro area to have heartburn every Sunday. Luckily for them, they will be able to enjoy this weekend since they will have all day tomorrow to digest the pain they are about to be dished tonight.
I have tried to reel in my homerism in my first several predictions - (“Really?” you might be asking, “Those were tempered predictions?”) - but this week I am throwing logic and reason to the wind. The Eagles need a big win to change their momentum and what would be better for this team and city right now than a complete dismantling of a hated divisional rival in their own home.
Carson is going to put on a show that will earn him player of the week accolades and Clement will quiet down the clamoring to mortgage our future for a featured back. The defense will harass Eli all night and we will see our first pick-6 of the season. We still have a long uphill battle ahead of us but just like last year, beating the Giants will provide a spark for the rest of the season.
Eagles win 31 - 0
Record 3-3
Editor's Note
KO is looking for a long night for Giants' fans, but I do not think we will get a chance to go to bed early tonight. After slipping past New York last season on a 61-yard field goal in the first meeting of the year, the Birds got into gear for their Super Bowl run. Look for another tight matchup this time around to keep things interesting until the fourth quarter before Philly finally plays to form.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Eagles Face Familiar Foes with Some New Faces
By: KO Kelly
Last week’s meltdown against the Titans wasn’t due to the return of 2016 Agholor or the ghosts of Asomugha/ Williams/Fletcher in the secondary or our porous o-line. No, it was my fault. Like Big Red used to say, “It’s starts with me”. Both of our losses this year have occurred while I was also on the road. I was aware of our home record when I am at the games (2-0) but I didn’t realize the responsibility I was shouldering this year for road games. I will act more responsibly next Thursday when we travel to the Meadowlands and stay in Philly.
Additionally, it did not help that I built up last week’s match-up as a game to remember. I was just trying to be creative in my writing. I did not expect the Titans to actually deliver on my prediction of it being a close and memorable game. I mean really - who would have thought they would go for and convert three fourth downs . . . in a row . . . within field goal range . . . in overtime! That takes some serious huevos. Even in defeat an Eagles fan can appreciate that. So let’s give credit where credit is due, the Titans - after disappearing for a while in the middle - did not give up and willed their way to victory.
It should have been a joyful memory as the game where the Eagles offense found their groove with the return of Jeffrey and the continued progression of Wentz’s recovery but alas it will be a painful memory of defeat snatched from the hands of victory. Luckily it was an out-of-conference game and should not have too much of an effect on playoff standings.
This week’s match-up, however, has serious playoff implications for two teams thought to be clear NFC favorites only a month ago. Who would have predicted that with 4 games under their belts, these teams would not even collectively have that many wins?
After losing a shoot-out with the Rams last Thursday, the Vikings are in a near do or die situation. They haven’t won since week 1 (vs the Niners) and are likely still recovering from their embarrassing outing against the Bills two weeks ago. Speaking of embarrassing, remember when the Vikings came to the Linc last year heavily favored by all the major media outlets and oddsmakers and then were summarily Skol’ed out of town to the tune of 38-7? Good times!
This time around they will have a real QB at the helm (Hey Kirk, you like that shout-out?) who has a history of putting up big numbers against our Birds. Paired with one of the three offensive masterminds (DeFilippo) from Wentz’s break-out 2017 campaign, I do not foresee Cousins’ track record against us slowing down.
Fortunately, Wentz will continue his upward surge with a masterful performance that will silence the doubters and restore confidence in this beleaguered city that hasn’t won a Super Bowl in 8 long months! The defense will look better throughout most of the game - pressuring Cousins’ and forcing some turnovers but they will give up some garbage points in the 4th quarter, which will rightfully annoy all of us who are hoping for a 38-7 repeat.
Eagles win 35 - 21
(Record 3-2)
Last week’s meltdown against the Titans wasn’t due to the return of 2016 Agholor or the ghosts of Asomugha/ Williams/Fletcher in the secondary or our porous o-line. No, it was my fault. Like Big Red used to say, “It’s starts with me”. Both of our losses this year have occurred while I was also on the road. I was aware of our home record when I am at the games (2-0) but I didn’t realize the responsibility I was shouldering this year for road games. I will act more responsibly next Thursday when we travel to the Meadowlands and stay in Philly.
Additionally, it did not help that I built up last week’s match-up as a game to remember. I was just trying to be creative in my writing. I did not expect the Titans to actually deliver on my prediction of it being a close and memorable game. I mean really - who would have thought they would go for and convert three fourth downs . . . in a row . . . within field goal range . . . in overtime! That takes some serious huevos. Even in defeat an Eagles fan can appreciate that. So let’s give credit where credit is due, the Titans - after disappearing for a while in the middle - did not give up and willed their way to victory.
It should have been a joyful memory as the game where the Eagles offense found their groove with the return of Jeffrey and the continued progression of Wentz’s recovery but alas it will be a painful memory of defeat snatched from the hands of victory. Luckily it was an out-of-conference game and should not have too much of an effect on playoff standings.
This week’s match-up, however, has serious playoff implications for two teams thought to be clear NFC favorites only a month ago. Who would have predicted that with 4 games under their belts, these teams would not even collectively have that many wins?
After losing a shoot-out with the Rams last Thursday, the Vikings are in a near do or die situation. They haven’t won since week 1 (vs the Niners) and are likely still recovering from their embarrassing outing against the Bills two weeks ago. Speaking of embarrassing, remember when the Vikings came to the Linc last year heavily favored by all the major media outlets and oddsmakers and then were summarily Skol’ed out of town to the tune of 38-7? Good times!
This time around they will have a real QB at the helm (Hey Kirk, you like that shout-out?) who has a history of putting up big numbers against our Birds. Paired with one of the three offensive masterminds (DeFilippo) from Wentz’s break-out 2017 campaign, I do not foresee Cousins’ track record against us slowing down.
Fortunately, Wentz will continue his upward surge with a masterful performance that will silence the doubters and restore confidence in this beleaguered city that hasn’t won a Super Bowl in 8 long months! The defense will look better throughout most of the game - pressuring Cousins’ and forcing some turnovers but they will give up some garbage points in the 4th quarter, which will rightfully annoy all of us who are hoping for a 38-7 repeat.
Eagles win 35 - 21
(Record 3-2)
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Remember the Titans
By KO Kelly
Everyone has a handful of movies that no matter how many times you have seen them, if one starts playing on TV you will stop what you are doing and settle in to watch it for the umpteenth time. Remember the Titans is one of those movies for me.
Remember the Titans is a phenomenal portrayal of a changing time and how each individual has their role to play in making the world a better, more productive place. There is no room for excuses, only action towards a goal greater than yourself. There is joy and wickedness; triumph and disaster; integrity and cowardice; redemption and despair. Basically, if you have not seen this move yet - turn on the TV in whatever cave you live in and watch it tonight.
Speaking of Titans, with two wins against seemingly stout divisional rivals, they are starting to separate from the pack and priming themselves for another playoff run. A win against the defending Super Bowl Champs would certainly raise their expectations, so our Birds need to focus on this game and not look ahead to two upcoming conference battles against the plummeting but still potent Vikings and hapless but hated Giants.
Mariota - the dream quarterback of former Eagles HC Chip Kelly (no relation) - has struggled with injuries and his number one receiving threat is seeking a trade. However, with his offensive line getting healthy, his lead tailback Henry running with a chip on his shoulder, and a depleted Eagles secondary - No. 8 will put on a show at home that makes Eagles fans begrudgingly agree with Kelly’s assessment. Luckily, our own franchise QB is healthy and back on the field again.
In some ways the return of Wentz was not as amazing as we all would have hoped for (1 TD, 2 Turnovers & 89.9 rating) but in a much more meaningful way it was everything we could have asked for. Wentz is back on the field only 9 months after his devastating knee injury and is leading this offense with the same energy and passion as his MVP-level campaign last year. Was there some rust on a few of his throws and reads, sure. But with Jeffrey and Ajayi returning this week as well - Wentz will once again start putting on his weekly quarterback clinics.
The Eagles defense once again performed exceedingly well in the red-zone, limiting T.Y. Hilton to a mere 50-yds and no touchdowns (much to the chagrin of fantasy owners such as myself). But with the injury to McLeod and their tendency not to play as well on the road - this will be a tough game for Jim Schwartz’s unit. (Note: if a sea of green takes over Nissan Stadium - this prediction is voided and instead the Eagles defensive line will feast!)
The Eagles will ultimately come away the win this weekend but we will certainly remember the Titans as one of the better and more challenging teams we play this year.
Eagles win 24 - 21
(Record 3-1)
Everyone has a handful of movies that no matter how many times you have seen them, if one starts playing on TV you will stop what you are doing and settle in to watch it for the umpteenth time. Remember the Titans is one of those movies for me.
Remember the Titans is a phenomenal portrayal of a changing time and how each individual has their role to play in making the world a better, more productive place. There is no room for excuses, only action towards a goal greater than yourself. There is joy and wickedness; triumph and disaster; integrity and cowardice; redemption and despair. Basically, if you have not seen this move yet - turn on the TV in whatever cave you live in and watch it tonight.
Speaking of Titans, with two wins against seemingly stout divisional rivals, they are starting to separate from the pack and priming themselves for another playoff run. A win against the defending Super Bowl Champs would certainly raise their expectations, so our Birds need to focus on this game and not look ahead to two upcoming conference battles against the plummeting but still potent Vikings and hapless but hated Giants.
Mariota - the dream quarterback of former Eagles HC Chip Kelly (no relation) - has struggled with injuries and his number one receiving threat is seeking a trade. However, with his offensive line getting healthy, his lead tailback Henry running with a chip on his shoulder, and a depleted Eagles secondary - No. 8 will put on a show at home that makes Eagles fans begrudgingly agree with Kelly’s assessment. Luckily, our own franchise QB is healthy and back on the field again.
In some ways the return of Wentz was not as amazing as we all would have hoped for (1 TD, 2 Turnovers & 89.9 rating) but in a much more meaningful way it was everything we could have asked for. Wentz is back on the field only 9 months after his devastating knee injury and is leading this offense with the same energy and passion as his MVP-level campaign last year. Was there some rust on a few of his throws and reads, sure. But with Jeffrey and Ajayi returning this week as well - Wentz will once again start putting on his weekly quarterback clinics.
The Eagles defense once again performed exceedingly well in the red-zone, limiting T.Y. Hilton to a mere 50-yds and no touchdowns (much to the chagrin of fantasy owners such as myself). But with the injury to McLeod and their tendency not to play as well on the road - this will be a tough game for Jim Schwartz’s unit. (Note: if a sea of green takes over Nissan Stadium - this prediction is voided and instead the Eagles defensive line will feast!)
The Eagles will ultimately come away the win this weekend but we will certainly remember the Titans as one of the better and more challenging teams we play this year.
Eagles win 24 - 21
(Record 3-1)
Friday, September 21, 2018
Eagles' Fans Await the Return of the King
By KO Kelly
Last Sunday I was traveling back from West Virginia after a 3-day camping trip/bachelor party and missed the entire Eagles game. And from what I read, it sounds like half the team did not show up for the game either.
The injury bug we caught last year has continued to wreak havoc in these first two weeks. It was one thing not to have Carson Wentz on the field but to be missing Jeffrey, Sproles, Ajayi, and now Wallace - it is no wonder this offense has been inconsistent at best. And while the defense had a pair of take-aways and sacks, they missed on two major plays from which we never recovered. Lest not forget, Elliott’s 42-yd field goal miss. He should only be able attempt +50-yd field goals. I just have more confidence in him for at that range.
Having said all that, this team keeps fighting. They may look sloppy at times but they do not give up. They were in it until the end of the game - they just need more of a spark on offense. Luckily, that spark returns this week in the form of Carson Wentz. After watching from the sidelines as his teammates made history in the playoffs, he will certainly be fired up to reclaim his rightful throne.
Before we move onto this week’s match-up, though, let’s take a moment to once again thank Foles for stepping up when his team needed him. He wasn’t impressive this pre-season or through either of these two first games but his run last year will go down in the history books as one of the most spectacular performances by any quarterback - let alone a backup.
As an amateur armchair psychologist, it is my unprofessional opinion that Foles suffers from a form of Impostor Syndrome, which is “the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications”. Many people experience this feeling at some point in their lives but imagine if you just won the Super Bowl as the back-up. Even for someone as talented as Foles, it would be hard to follow-up that act, especially knowing this team belongs to Carson. It was a tall order to fill last year and I am happy we started off 1-1 this year.
Now onto this week’s game. We have the rising sensei vs former student. The 2016 #2 overall pick vs 2012 #1 overall pick. If these teams were in mid-season form - it would have the possibility of being a real shoot-out. However, after last week’s shellacking, Schwartz is going to have his men ready attack. Luck is going to be chased around all afternoon by Cox & Co and with star receiver T.Y. Hilton potentially side-lined, there will be limited options.
As for the Eagles’ offense, I expect Carson to come out hungry and aggressive. He will take some time to settle in but once he does, he is going to re-establish himself as the rising star in this league. This is also the game were Clement further cements himself as the chief workhouse in our running attack. Ajayi has splash but I am not confident in his durability.
Eagles win 35 - 10
(Record 2-1)
Last Sunday I was traveling back from West Virginia after a 3-day camping trip/bachelor party and missed the entire Eagles game. And from what I read, it sounds like half the team did not show up for the game either.
The injury bug we caught last year has continued to wreak havoc in these first two weeks. It was one thing not to have Carson Wentz on the field but to be missing Jeffrey, Sproles, Ajayi, and now Wallace - it is no wonder this offense has been inconsistent at best. And while the defense had a pair of take-aways and sacks, they missed on two major plays from which we never recovered. Lest not forget, Elliott’s 42-yd field goal miss. He should only be able attempt +50-yd field goals. I just have more confidence in him for at that range.
Having said all that, this team keeps fighting. They may look sloppy at times but they do not give up. They were in it until the end of the game - they just need more of a spark on offense. Luckily, that spark returns this week in the form of Carson Wentz. After watching from the sidelines as his teammates made history in the playoffs, he will certainly be fired up to reclaim his rightful throne.
Before we move onto this week’s match-up, though, let’s take a moment to once again thank Foles for stepping up when his team needed him. He wasn’t impressive this pre-season or through either of these two first games but his run last year will go down in the history books as one of the most spectacular performances by any quarterback - let alone a backup.
As an amateur armchair psychologist, it is my unprofessional opinion that Foles suffers from a form of Impostor Syndrome, which is “the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications”. Many people experience this feeling at some point in their lives but imagine if you just won the Super Bowl as the back-up. Even for someone as talented as Foles, it would be hard to follow-up that act, especially knowing this team belongs to Carson. It was a tall order to fill last year and I am happy we started off 1-1 this year.
Now onto this week’s game. We have the rising sensei vs former student. The 2016 #2 overall pick vs 2012 #1 overall pick. If these teams were in mid-season form - it would have the possibility of being a real shoot-out. However, after last week’s shellacking, Schwartz is going to have his men ready attack. Luck is going to be chased around all afternoon by Cox & Co and with star receiver T.Y. Hilton potentially side-lined, there will be limited options.
As for the Eagles’ offense, I expect Carson to come out hungry and aggressive. He will take some time to settle in but once he does, he is going to re-establish himself as the rising star in this league. This is also the game were Clement further cements himself as the chief workhouse in our running attack. Ajayi has splash but I am not confident in his durability.
Eagles win 35 - 10
(Record 2-1)
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Falcons at Eagles Battle of the Birds Free Pick
By KO Kelly
The kick-off to the 2018 season is less than 24 hrs. away. The 7-month drought of meaningful football is finally over! While there were some bright spots this preseason - DeAndre Carter (read his story and just try not to root for him), Shelton Gibson, Jordan Mailata, etc. - in general it was certainly one to forget.
Just imagine for a second how unbearable we Eagles fans would be right now if we were not still basking in Super Bowl glory. I shudder at the thought of that level of discontent - over meaningless games! Luckily, tonight we will watch a Super Bowl banner being unfurled at the Linc and any lingering grumblings from the past 4 weeks will be completely jettisoned from our memories.
Speaking of memories, do you remember how you felt at the beginning of last season and probably most seasons before it?
If you are like me, then you knew last year - like all other years before it - was finally going to be our year. Any green-blooded fan worth their weight in cheese steaks knows it is their civic duty to believe this year things will be different. This time of year is when the city’s hopes and dreams for the upcoming season would rise like the Phoenix out of the ashes of five decades of disappointment. Even Septa would start sounding like Confucius with their inspirational “Every Fall, We Rise” banners emblazoned on their trains and buses.
But last year was different - it actually was our year! Did it play out like any of us dreamers expected? No - it played out better. For the city of Rocky to live through their own Rocky moment - there could be no better story.
With that said, I wasn’t going to let that perfect storyline stop me from attempting to write a better story arc for this season! That is until I realized it would ultimately just end up being me predicting a 19-0 season, which is fun to dream about but tedious to read.
[Although, to be completely honest, I really do think they have a shot at running the tables and pulling off an even more improbable Super Bowl run than last year. They will be doubted throughout the season due to injuries, personnel changes, and other weak excuses they steam-rolled over last year. This will fuel their fire to repeat and make them eager to shutdown doubters at every turn of the road. So just remember where you heard this wholly-unsupported and completely outlandish prediction first!]
So instead, as our fearless leader Doug would assert, let’s take it one game at a time.
The first game in our campaign to defend our title is against a familiar foe: the Atlanta Falcons.
After falling short in January, the Falcons will try to make an early statement - both to the Eagles and the NFC in general. However, the energy in the Linc after they drop the Super Bowl banner will ignite the defense as they begin their night-long shellacking of Ryan, Jones, and any other Falcon who has their eyes set on the endzone.
Foles will continue to knock off some rust in the first quarter but with support from our stable of running backs, any early misfires will be neutralized. And remember, no booing - Foles is the reigning Super Bowl MVP after all.
Throughout the rest of the game, Foles will rely heavily on Ertz and Goedert, hitting both of them for jaw-dropping TDs. We will see some good runs from Clement and Ajayi but it will be mighty mouse - Sproles - who gets the TD in his triumphant return to the field.
It will be a hard-fought game with points left on the field and missed opportunities but the score will send the message that the Eagles are a force to be reckoned with this season. There will be no doubt they are ready to fight tooth and nail to defend their title. And we are not even at full health yet!
Eagles win 21 - 6
Record (1 - 0)
The kick-off to the 2018 season is less than 24 hrs. away. The 7-month drought of meaningful football is finally over! While there were some bright spots this preseason - DeAndre Carter (read his story and just try not to root for him), Shelton Gibson, Jordan Mailata, etc. - in general it was certainly one to forget.
Just imagine for a second how unbearable we Eagles fans would be right now if we were not still basking in Super Bowl glory. I shudder at the thought of that level of discontent - over meaningless games! Luckily, tonight we will watch a Super Bowl banner being unfurled at the Linc and any lingering grumblings from the past 4 weeks will be completely jettisoned from our memories.
Speaking of memories, do you remember how you felt at the beginning of last season and probably most seasons before it?
If you are like me, then you knew last year - like all other years before it - was finally going to be our year. Any green-blooded fan worth their weight in cheese steaks knows it is their civic duty to believe this year things will be different. This time of year is when the city’s hopes and dreams for the upcoming season would rise like the Phoenix out of the ashes of five decades of disappointment. Even Septa would start sounding like Confucius with their inspirational “Every Fall, We Rise” banners emblazoned on their trains and buses.
But last year was different - it actually was our year! Did it play out like any of us dreamers expected? No - it played out better. For the city of Rocky to live through their own Rocky moment - there could be no better story.
With that said, I wasn’t going to let that perfect storyline stop me from attempting to write a better story arc for this season! That is until I realized it would ultimately just end up being me predicting a 19-0 season, which is fun to dream about but tedious to read.
[Although, to be completely honest, I really do think they have a shot at running the tables and pulling off an even more improbable Super Bowl run than last year. They will be doubted throughout the season due to injuries, personnel changes, and other weak excuses they steam-rolled over last year. This will fuel their fire to repeat and make them eager to shutdown doubters at every turn of the road. So just remember where you heard this wholly-unsupported and completely outlandish prediction first!]
So instead, as our fearless leader Doug would assert, let’s take it one game at a time.
The first game in our campaign to defend our title is against a familiar foe: the Atlanta Falcons.
After falling short in January, the Falcons will try to make an early statement - both to the Eagles and the NFC in general. However, the energy in the Linc after they drop the Super Bowl banner will ignite the defense as they begin their night-long shellacking of Ryan, Jones, and any other Falcon who has their eyes set on the endzone.
Foles will continue to knock off some rust in the first quarter but with support from our stable of running backs, any early misfires will be neutralized. And remember, no booing - Foles is the reigning Super Bowl MVP after all.
Throughout the rest of the game, Foles will rely heavily on Ertz and Goedert, hitting both of them for jaw-dropping TDs. We will see some good runs from Clement and Ajayi but it will be mighty mouse - Sproles - who gets the TD in his triumphant return to the field.
It will be a hard-fought game with points left on the field and missed opportunities but the score will send the message that the Eagles are a force to be reckoned with this season. There will be no doubt they are ready to fight tooth and nail to defend their title. And we are not even at full health yet!
Eagles win 21 - 6
Record (1 - 0)
Saturday, September 1, 2018
When Will Carson Wentz be Back Under Center?
The Eagles' four preseason games were completely forgettable since the main storyline for the Super Bowl Champs is the return of Carson Wentz as the team's starting quarterback. Philadelphia fans will be eternally indebted to Nick Foles as the MVP of Super Bowl LII, but that is yesterday's news on the eve of the 2018 NFL regular season and this Thursday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
News reports out of the Novacare Complex said that the team's head coach Doug Pederson was going to make his decision on which of these two quarterbacks would get the start in Week 1. He also stated that he might decide to keep that decision private for the time being. Friday came and went and we still do not know if Wentz will be medically cleared in time to resume his role with the starting offense just five days from now.
I personally believe that Foles will get the call against Atlanta and possibly against Tampa Bay in Week 2. Wentz is far too valuable an asset to risk when it comes to the health of his recently reconstructed left knee and Foles has more than proved that he can lead this team to victory despite his less than stellar play in the preseason.
The NFL did the Eagles a huge favor by scheduling the Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans in the first four weeks of the season. They could possibly beat all three of those teams with Nate Sudfeld under center. That is actually meant to be a compliment for the team's third-string quarterback.
With an eye to the future, Pederson might want to wait until Week 5 to give Wentz his job back when Philly plays host to the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 7 in a late start at the Linc. For now, the only thing we know for sure is that Christian Hackenberg will not be under center against Atlanta after failing to latch on as the Eagles' fourth-string quarterback.
Speaking of links, the one below is to a recent article I wrote for ScoresandStats.com covering Wentz's impending return to the field.
LINK: 2018 NFL Quarterback ‘Best Bet’ Prop Picks
News reports out of the Novacare Complex said that the team's head coach Doug Pederson was going to make his decision on which of these two quarterbacks would get the start in Week 1. He also stated that he might decide to keep that decision private for the time being. Friday came and went and we still do not know if Wentz will be medically cleared in time to resume his role with the starting offense just five days from now.
I personally believe that Foles will get the call against Atlanta and possibly against Tampa Bay in Week 2. Wentz is far too valuable an asset to risk when it comes to the health of his recently reconstructed left knee and Foles has more than proved that he can lead this team to victory despite his less than stellar play in the preseason.
The NFL did the Eagles a huge favor by scheduling the Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans in the first four weeks of the season. They could possibly beat all three of those teams with Nate Sudfeld under center. That is actually meant to be a compliment for the team's third-string quarterback.
With an eye to the future, Pederson might want to wait until Week 5 to give Wentz his job back when Philly plays host to the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 7 in a late start at the Linc. For now, the only thing we know for sure is that Christian Hackenberg will not be under center against Atlanta after failing to latch on as the Eagles' fourth-string quarterback.
Speaking of links, the one below is to a recent article I wrote for ScoresandStats.com covering Wentz's impending return to the field.
LINK: 2018 NFL Quarterback ‘Best Bet’ Prop Picks
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Life is Magic
By KO Kelly
This past weekend my girlfriend and I went to see former Eagles long-snapper Jon Dorenbos perform at the Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia in his aptly named new show “Life is Magic”.
For those of you who know do not know Jon’s story, when he was a teenager his father murdered his mother. He then spent the next year or so in a foster home before he and his sister moved in with his aunt. Magic became a key component of his therapy and he kept at it all through his professional football career and was even a finalist on America’s Got Talent a few years ago.
Jon’s stage presence is a little rough compared to a more traditional, polished stage magician but his humor, personality, and genuineness make up for any of shortcomings. The show also includes a lot of personal history and Eagles-related material, which makes it especially entertaining for the Philly faithful.
The true magic of the show, though, is found not in his tricks but in his story and message. If anyone had an excuse to throw in the towel on life, he surely did. And it sounds like for a while that’s exactly what he was doing. But he didn’t give up. He kept moving forward. He took his hits and he turned his hard work into opportunities. Success and happiness are not guaranteed in life but with a mindset of persistence and gratitude - they are much easier to obtain.
He has a few more shows in September in the greater Philadelphia area that I highly recommend. You are sure to walk away inspired.
This past weekend my girlfriend and I went to see former Eagles long-snapper Jon Dorenbos perform at the Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia in his aptly named new show “Life is Magic”.
For those of you who know do not know Jon’s story, when he was a teenager his father murdered his mother. He then spent the next year or so in a foster home before he and his sister moved in with his aunt. Magic became a key component of his therapy and he kept at it all through his professional football career and was even a finalist on America’s Got Talent a few years ago.
Jon’s stage presence is a little rough compared to a more traditional, polished stage magician but his humor, personality, and genuineness make up for any of shortcomings. The show also includes a lot of personal history and Eagles-related material, which makes it especially entertaining for the Philly faithful.
The true magic of the show, though, is found not in his tricks but in his story and message. If anyone had an excuse to throw in the towel on life, he surely did. And it sounds like for a while that’s exactly what he was doing. But he didn’t give up. He kept moving forward. He took his hits and he turned his hard work into opportunities. Success and happiness are not guaranteed in life but with a mindset of persistence and gratitude - they are much easier to obtain.
He has a few more shows in September in the greater Philadelphia area that I highly recommend. You are sure to walk away inspired.
The Tale of Two Nicks
By KO Kelly
“It was the best of times it was the worst of times” - sums up last season for the Eagles and their most recent opponent, the Cleveland Browns.
While the Eagles were making history with their first Super Bowl victory, the Browns were etching their names in the history books as well. They became only the second team in NFL history to lose all 16 regular season games (the ‘08 Lions being the first to “accomplish” this feat).
However, based on Thursday night’s performance you may have thought the roles were reversed. The Browns came out with energy and excitement, ready to get this season started. Whereas our defending champs continued to look sloppy and inconsistent - especially the first team offense.
After seeing the best of Nick Foles last season, we are now seeing some of the of his worst tape since that forgetful season with the Rams. And there are three good reasons for this:
It’s the pre-season!
Planning and play-calling are significantly scaled back and the stakes are much lower. The primary goals of the pre-season are to: knock off the rust, assess young and developmental players, and avoid serious injuries. It would be nice to see Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles live up to that moniker but it isn’t necessary.
Our main offensive weapons are side-lined
Jeffrey, Agholor, Hollins, Sproles, Ajayi, and Clement did not play Thursday night plus Jason Peters is still waiting in the wings. Judging Foles and forecasting the Eagles 2018 season based on his recent performance with this supporting cast is as useful as Jay Cutler lined up as a wideout in the Wildcat formation (i.e. not very useful).
Quicksand
All my fellow The Replacements fans know the scene I am talking about. For the unfortunate souls who have not had the viewing pleasure of beholding this masterpiece, which is impressive given how often it’s shown on TBS, let me set up the scene.
In a fictional football league, the professional players have gone on strike with 4 games remaining. In order to keep the season going, the owners have hired replacement players. After an ugly loss, the Washington Sentinels are preparing for their second game with replacements and Coach McGinty (Gene Hackman) - in an effort to help his ragtag group bond - asks them to share their fears. After a few false starts, QB Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves) shares his fear: quicksand.
“You're playing and you think everything is going fine. Then one thing goes wrong. And then another. And another. You try to fight back, but the harder you fight, the deeper you sink. Until you can't move... you can't breathe... because you're in over your head. Like quicksand.”
Not only is Nick Foles basically real-life Shane Falco to the Nth degree - you cannot convince me this thought pattern was not going through Foles’ head on Thursday night. Two terrible interceptions, a fumble, and a safety are textbook definition quicksand.
Nick Foles is probably one of the most controversial and perplexing players in NFL history.
He has had some of the highest highs (Super Bowl MVP) and the lowest lows (being cut by Jeff Fisher on TV).
He was unceremoniously traded out of Philadelphia but will now never have to buy a drink here again.
He is one of the most humble and down-to-earth guys off the field and a ruthless competitor on it (calling the Philly Special . . . on 4th down . . . in the Super Bowl . . . shortly after Brady fails on his gadget play).
He is both frustrating and inspiring. In one game he’s a mere commoner in the next he’s a god among men.
Foles’ career continues to offer a great lesson on life: neither your highs nor lows are permanent. Enjoy the good times and power through the bad. The only direction is forward.
If I must take the worst of Nick Foles to get the best of him - I will make that deal every single time.
“It was the best of times it was the worst of times” - sums up last season for the Eagles and their most recent opponent, the Cleveland Browns.
While the Eagles were making history with their first Super Bowl victory, the Browns were etching their names in the history books as well. They became only the second team in NFL history to lose all 16 regular season games (the ‘08 Lions being the first to “accomplish” this feat).
However, based on Thursday night’s performance you may have thought the roles were reversed. The Browns came out with energy and excitement, ready to get this season started. Whereas our defending champs continued to look sloppy and inconsistent - especially the first team offense.
After seeing the best of Nick Foles last season, we are now seeing some of the of his worst tape since that forgetful season with the Rams. And there are three good reasons for this:
It’s the pre-season!
Planning and play-calling are significantly scaled back and the stakes are much lower. The primary goals of the pre-season are to: knock off the rust, assess young and developmental players, and avoid serious injuries. It would be nice to see Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles live up to that moniker but it isn’t necessary.
Our main offensive weapons are side-lined
Jeffrey, Agholor, Hollins, Sproles, Ajayi, and Clement did not play Thursday night plus Jason Peters is still waiting in the wings. Judging Foles and forecasting the Eagles 2018 season based on his recent performance with this supporting cast is as useful as Jay Cutler lined up as a wideout in the Wildcat formation (i.e. not very useful).
Quicksand
All my fellow The Replacements fans know the scene I am talking about. For the unfortunate souls who have not had the viewing pleasure of beholding this masterpiece, which is impressive given how often it’s shown on TBS, let me set up the scene.
In a fictional football league, the professional players have gone on strike with 4 games remaining. In order to keep the season going, the owners have hired replacement players. After an ugly loss, the Washington Sentinels are preparing for their second game with replacements and Coach McGinty (Gene Hackman) - in an effort to help his ragtag group bond - asks them to share their fears. After a few false starts, QB Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves) shares his fear: quicksand.
“You're playing and you think everything is going fine. Then one thing goes wrong. And then another. And another. You try to fight back, but the harder you fight, the deeper you sink. Until you can't move... you can't breathe... because you're in over your head. Like quicksand.”
Not only is Nick Foles basically real-life Shane Falco to the Nth degree - you cannot convince me this thought pattern was not going through Foles’ head on Thursday night. Two terrible interceptions, a fumble, and a safety are textbook definition quicksand.
Nick Foles is probably one of the most controversial and perplexing players in NFL history.
He has had some of the highest highs (Super Bowl MVP) and the lowest lows (being cut by Jeff Fisher on TV).
He was unceremoniously traded out of Philadelphia but will now never have to buy a drink here again.
He is one of the most humble and down-to-earth guys off the field and a ruthless competitor on it (calling the Philly Special . . . on 4th down . . . in the Super Bowl . . . shortly after Brady fails on his gadget play).
He is both frustrating and inspiring. In one game he’s a mere commoner in the next he’s a god among men.
Foles’ career continues to offer a great lesson on life: neither your highs nor lows are permanent. Enjoy the good times and power through the bad. The only direction is forward.
If I must take the worst of Nick Foles to get the best of him - I will make that deal every single time.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Will ‘Boo-Birds’ Become an Extinct After This Season?
By KO Kelly
What was your reaction to last Thursday’s game against the Steelers?
Were you excited for football to return? Frustrated by the team’s performance? Intrigued by some of the new and young players? Relieved no one was seriously injured? Preoccupied with re-watching the Super Bowl instead (my plan for the 4th preseason game)?
I was at the game. Back in the seats where I had most recently watched our Eagles demolish the Vikings. Where I have watched close to 100 games over the past 15 years. Where I have experienced some the highest and lowest moments in my Eagles fandom (from 4th & 26th to Jake Delhomme hoisting the Halas Trophy.)
But there was something different about the energy in the stadium last Thursday. Everyone was certainly happy to be back at the Linc to watch our Birds. Everyone was riding high on the expectations for this year’s team but there was something else in the air. Or to be more precise, there was something missing from the stadium’s atmosphere: the subtle yet pervasive presence of anticipatory grief.
Anticipatory grief is the feeling of loss prior to the occurrence of a dreaded event. In most cases, this feeling is associated with the death of a close one but for Eagles’ fans this feeling has long been associated with the fear that we would never see our beloved Birds win a Super Bowl.
For Eagles’ fans, no matter how much the team won or how well they played - there was the persistent worry over the other shoe dropping. One loss or even just one ugly win, would ignite the chorus of concern from the Boo-Birds:
“This coach can’t win when in the big games”
“These players aren’t ready for the post-season”
“There goes another season down the drain”
Having had our dreams dashes many times over the years, we resisted being too hopeful and came to expect the worst. Many found solace in negativity.
Well, that mentality was shattered when Foles & Co led us to the Promised Land. The wishes and what if’s of many were realized. The shoes dropped all throughout the year but it did not stop them during the regular season and they were not going to let it stop them in the Super Bowl.
Will the team eventually falter? Yes. Will Eagles’ fans boo? Most certainly yes. However, early signs indicate those boo’s won’t be as serious or insecure as in years past. Fans are confident and excited for this season. And deservedly so because - spoiler alert: season preview sneak peak - this year will be better than last year!
What was your reaction to last Thursday’s game against the Steelers?
Were you excited for football to return? Frustrated by the team’s performance? Intrigued by some of the new and young players? Relieved no one was seriously injured? Preoccupied with re-watching the Super Bowl instead (my plan for the 4th preseason game)?
I was at the game. Back in the seats where I had most recently watched our Eagles demolish the Vikings. Where I have watched close to 100 games over the past 15 years. Where I have experienced some the highest and lowest moments in my Eagles fandom (from 4th & 26th to Jake Delhomme hoisting the Halas Trophy.)
But there was something different about the energy in the stadium last Thursday. Everyone was certainly happy to be back at the Linc to watch our Birds. Everyone was riding high on the expectations for this year’s team but there was something else in the air. Or to be more precise, there was something missing from the stadium’s atmosphere: the subtle yet pervasive presence of anticipatory grief.
Anticipatory grief is the feeling of loss prior to the occurrence of a dreaded event. In most cases, this feeling is associated with the death of a close one but for Eagles’ fans this feeling has long been associated with the fear that we would never see our beloved Birds win a Super Bowl.
For Eagles’ fans, no matter how much the team won or how well they played - there was the persistent worry over the other shoe dropping. One loss or even just one ugly win, would ignite the chorus of concern from the Boo-Birds:
“This coach can’t win when in the big games”
“These players aren’t ready for the post-season”
“There goes another season down the drain”
Having had our dreams dashes many times over the years, we resisted being too hopeful and came to expect the worst. Many found solace in negativity.
Well, that mentality was shattered when Foles & Co led us to the Promised Land. The wishes and what if’s of many were realized. The shoes dropped all throughout the year but it did not stop them during the regular season and they were not going to let it stop them in the Super Bowl.
Will the team eventually falter? Yes. Will Eagles’ fans boo? Most certainly yes. However, early signs indicate those boo’s won’t be as serious or insecure as in years past. Fans are confident and excited for this season. And deservedly so because - spoiler alert: season preview sneak peak - this year will be better than last year!
Friday, August 10, 2018
Is Nate Sudfeld the Eagles Backup Quarterback of the Future?
The Eagles won Super Bowl LII with a backup quarterback, so you would have to think that this is a pretty important spot on the team's final 53-man roster. That backup just so happened to be Nick Foles, who had already proven himself to be a starter in this league during his first stint in Philly as the team's third-round pick in the 2012 draft. Foles played so well in that title game that he walked away with Super Bowl MVP honors.
In a perfect world, Nick would play out his NFL days as the backup to franchise quarterback Carson Wentz. These two proved to be the perfect tag team in that Super Bowl run with Foles picking up the slack when Wentz went down with a season-ending knee injury. The reality of the NFL dictates that, at best, Foles plays out the final year of his contract and moves on to his next team with hopes of resuming his NFL career as a starter.
There is also the chance that Howie Roseman receives an offer he cannot refuse in terms of trading Foles to another team for a high draft pick. This happened in Wentz's rookie year when the Eagles traded their starting quarterback Sam Bradford to Minnesota for a first round pick. Carson was elevated to the role of starter and the rest is history.
The bottom line when it comes to the Eagles' current situation at quarterback is the need to develop a player that can fill the role of backup on a long-term basis. If Foles stays in town for the entire 2018 season, this discussion can be delayed a bit. However, it cannot be delayed forever.
This brings up the notion that third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld is capable of filling that role. He was drafted by the Birds in the sixth round of the 2012 draft out of Indiana. Under the guidance of Doug Pederson and Frank Reich in his rookie year, he must have made a good impression on the former career backup quarterbacks to land a spot on the roster. His first live action in a NFL regular season game came in Week 17 last year against Dallas. He completed 19 of his 23 passing attempts for 134 yards in the Eagles' meaningless 6-0 loss.
Heading into this preseason, Wentz is still on the mend from knee surgery and Foles has been hampered with neck spasms. This gives Sudfeld the perfect opportunity to prove that he can fill that role as backup. He took a step in the right direction with a decent performance in Thursday night's 31-14 loss to Pittsburgh in Philly's first preseason game.
Sudfeld threw a pair of scoring strikes, including a 63-yard touchdown pass to Shelton Gibson. He also connected with rookie tight end Dallas Goedert on a 15-yard score. In two quarters of play, he went 10-for-14 for 140 yards, but his night was blemished with a pair of interceptions to go along with the two touchdown throws.
The former Hoosier appears to have the skills to play at the next level and he is in the perfect system to hone those skills to possibly thrive in the NFL. Quarterback is the most coveted position in the NFL and there are more than a few teams in the league that would kill to have the Eagles' current depth.
As much as I would love to keep Foles as the perfect backup to Wentz, his true value to the team could be in the form of a trade. While I am not convinced that Sudfeld is the answer for filling his shoes, it is far more important that Pederson thinks he is.
In a perfect world, Nick would play out his NFL days as the backup to franchise quarterback Carson Wentz. These two proved to be the perfect tag team in that Super Bowl run with Foles picking up the slack when Wentz went down with a season-ending knee injury. The reality of the NFL dictates that, at best, Foles plays out the final year of his contract and moves on to his next team with hopes of resuming his NFL career as a starter.
There is also the chance that Howie Roseman receives an offer he cannot refuse in terms of trading Foles to another team for a high draft pick. This happened in Wentz's rookie year when the Eagles traded their starting quarterback Sam Bradford to Minnesota for a first round pick. Carson was elevated to the role of starter and the rest is history.
The bottom line when it comes to the Eagles' current situation at quarterback is the need to develop a player that can fill the role of backup on a long-term basis. If Foles stays in town for the entire 2018 season, this discussion can be delayed a bit. However, it cannot be delayed forever.
This brings up the notion that third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld is capable of filling that role. He was drafted by the Birds in the sixth round of the 2012 draft out of Indiana. Under the guidance of Doug Pederson and Frank Reich in his rookie year, he must have made a good impression on the former career backup quarterbacks to land a spot on the roster. His first live action in a NFL regular season game came in Week 17 last year against Dallas. He completed 19 of his 23 passing attempts for 134 yards in the Eagles' meaningless 6-0 loss.
Heading into this preseason, Wentz is still on the mend from knee surgery and Foles has been hampered with neck spasms. This gives Sudfeld the perfect opportunity to prove that he can fill that role as backup. He took a step in the right direction with a decent performance in Thursday night's 31-14 loss to Pittsburgh in Philly's first preseason game.
Sudfeld threw a pair of scoring strikes, including a 63-yard touchdown pass to Shelton Gibson. He also connected with rookie tight end Dallas Goedert on a 15-yard score. In two quarters of play, he went 10-for-14 for 140 yards, but his night was blemished with a pair of interceptions to go along with the two touchdown throws.
The former Hoosier appears to have the skills to play at the next level and he is in the perfect system to hone those skills to possibly thrive in the NFL. Quarterback is the most coveted position in the NFL and there are more than a few teams in the league that would kill to have the Eagles' current depth.
As much as I would love to keep Foles as the perfect backup to Wentz, his true value to the team could be in the form of a trade. While I am not convinced that Sudfeld is the answer for filling his shoes, it is far more important that Pederson thinks he is.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Eagles Shed Their Underdog Tag as NFC Favorites
Earlier today I turned on NFL Network just as it was starting the replay of the 2017 NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and the underdog Eagles. Still caught up in the euphoria of that magical Super Bowl run, I completely forgot that the Vikings marched right down the field on their opening drive to take an early 7-0 lead in that game after head coach Doug Pederson decided to defer getting the ball first until the second half.
As a life-long Eagles’ fan, I have been trained to expect the worse and hope for the best. I am sure that deep in the recess of my mind I was thinking ‘here we go again’ even though I picked the Birds to win that game.
You have to keep in mind that I was at the Vet when the Philly blew an early 10-0 lead in sub-zero temperatures against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose the 2002 NFC Championship Game. The Bucs came into that game 0 and forever in games played under 40 degrees.
The following season against Carolina at home at the Linc in the 2003 NFC title game, I watched the Panthers’ defense completely dominate Philly in a 14-3 loss. Even after the Eagles beat Atlanta in their fourth-straight trip to the conference championship, I was just waiting for the next shoe to drop against New England in Super Bowl XXXIX and it did.
I fully understood why Philadelphia had gained a reputation for having some of the most angry and inhospitable fans in the NFL even though they were living in the City of Brotherly Love. It is one thing to lose when you are expected to. Losing games on one of the NFL’s biggest stage, such as the conference title game on your home field as clear favorites is a hard pill to swallow.
The 2017 Eagles rallied as underdogs when their leader Carson Wentz was lost for the season in Week 14. In just his second year in the NFL, he was in the midst of a performance that made him a virtual lock to win league MVP.
Taking absolutely nothing away from Nick Foles (who I had previously anointed Philly’s franchise quarterback in his first stint with the team), the big gun from North Dakota State had found a way to quickly instill a winning mentality in this team. This new-found confidence was heavily fed by Pederson as one of the most unassuming, yet highly effective head coaches in this league in just his second year at the helm.
New England may have Belichick and Brady, but moving forward I would rather be a fan of a team that boasts the Pederson/Wentz combo. As my new cohort in crime at Eagles Lincs, KO Kelly would say, “It is time for Eagles’ fans to start embracing the ‘New Norm’.”
No shit the Eagles are favored to win the NFC Championship this season. They should be! You should also know by now that this homer is going ‘all in’ on a successful defense of last season’s NFL title. I have to…it is the New Norm!
As a life-long Eagles’ fan, I have been trained to expect the worse and hope for the best. I am sure that deep in the recess of my mind I was thinking ‘here we go again’ even though I picked the Birds to win that game.
You have to keep in mind that I was at the Vet when the Philly blew an early 10-0 lead in sub-zero temperatures against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose the 2002 NFC Championship Game. The Bucs came into that game 0 and forever in games played under 40 degrees.
The following season against Carolina at home at the Linc in the 2003 NFC title game, I watched the Panthers’ defense completely dominate Philly in a 14-3 loss. Even after the Eagles beat Atlanta in their fourth-straight trip to the conference championship, I was just waiting for the next shoe to drop against New England in Super Bowl XXXIX and it did.
I fully understood why Philadelphia had gained a reputation for having some of the most angry and inhospitable fans in the NFL even though they were living in the City of Brotherly Love. It is one thing to lose when you are expected to. Losing games on one of the NFL’s biggest stage, such as the conference title game on your home field as clear favorites is a hard pill to swallow.
The 2017 Eagles rallied as underdogs when their leader Carson Wentz was lost for the season in Week 14. In just his second year in the NFL, he was in the midst of a performance that made him a virtual lock to win league MVP.
Taking absolutely nothing away from Nick Foles (who I had previously anointed Philly’s franchise quarterback in his first stint with the team), the big gun from North Dakota State had found a way to quickly instill a winning mentality in this team. This new-found confidence was heavily fed by Pederson as one of the most unassuming, yet highly effective head coaches in this league in just his second year at the helm.
New England may have Belichick and Brady, but moving forward I would rather be a fan of a team that boasts the Pederson/Wentz combo. As my new cohort in crime at Eagles Lincs, KO Kelly would say, “It is time for Eagles’ fans to start embracing the ‘New Norm’.”
No shit the Eagles are favored to win the NFC Championship this season. They should be! You should also know by now that this homer is going ‘all in’ on a successful defense of last season’s NFL title. I have to…it is the New Norm!
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
The Neuroscience of Success and the New Norm
By KO Kelly
Last week, the former coach of the NY Giants - Ben McAdoo - offered up his prognostications on how the NFC East will play out this season. He has a great deal of faith in his old team; primarily because he doubts the abilities of the other three teams. Here’s what he had to say about our beloved Birds:
“I think Philly, how much success has Philly had? I think they are going to have a hard time handling success.”
Take a second Eagles’ fans to cool off after this incendiary take. While the messenger may not be the most qualified person to talk about success given his recent track record with it - there is still some merit in his message.
First, though, let’s go back 15 years to when Jeffrey Lurie made his infamous statement about the Eagles being the “Gold Standard” of franchises in the NFL. While the Eagles likely were the “Gold Standard” in some areas at the time (i.e. new stadium, front office operations/analytics, green & community initiatives, etc); in the one category that truly matters in the “Gold Standard” conversation - Super Bowl titles - Lurie had nothing to showcase.
Fans and commentators across the country aptly mocked his statement by pointing out the Eagles were not even the “Gold Standard” in their own state, let alone the entire NFL. Eagles fans, still recovering from their heart-wrenching loss to the NFC-title-snatching Buccaneers in January of the same year, were skeptical of Lurie’s comment and to paraphrase Rod Tidwell demanded Lurie “Show us the Trophy!”
Somewhat ironically, the taunts and jeers related to the “Gold Standard” only grew louder, even as the Eagles went on to three NFC title games over the next six seasons, because each season ended the same way: no parade down Broad Street.
They had more success as a group than any other Eagles team in decades but fell short of the ultimate goal in no small part because of egotism from a few prima donnas. They were fun to watch but they did not have the same team chemistry as the 2017 squad. They didn’t know how to handle success and the burden of bringing home the Lombardi Trophy was too much to bear. So yes, McAdoo’s comments have merit - for the Eagles of the early 2000s.
The 2018 squad, though, they are different. Decades of coming up short-handed may still be there but they are not trying to live up to being the “Gold Standard” of the NFL anymore. They are too busy working on creating a “New Norm” of playing winning football in February, which they have a good shot at accomplishing because of something called the “Winner Effect”.
Namely, when an individual wins in a contest the brain releases testosterone and dopamine, which in addition to making the individual feel good in present, “changes their brains structure and chemical makeup” over time. Therefore, when an individual overcomes one set of obstacles they become both psychologically and biologically more prepared to face the next challenge. Simply put, winning begets winning.
Does this sound familiar? It should - it explains how all of the 2017 setbacks added up to the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory. Every time a key player went down and the rest of the team stepped up, their brains were re-wired for success. They entered the playoffs battle-tested and ready for their next challenge. Outsiders may have doubted them but they had the “Winner Effect” literally coursing through their veins.
In his follow-up to McAdoo’s comments Coach Pederson stated, “It’s my job to make sure they don’t get complacent and we stay hungry and there is an edge.” The injured players returning to the field plus the free agents will prevent complacency from settling in; Jason Kelce will bring the hunger; and the edge will come from the championship experience they gained last year.
While there will be plenty of stories about a Super Bowl hangover or Coach Pederson being exposed or Carson’s performance potentially slipping - this team knows how to win and more importantly knows they are winners. These Birds aren’t the “Gold Standard”, they’re the “New Norm”.
Last week, the former coach of the NY Giants - Ben McAdoo - offered up his prognostications on how the NFC East will play out this season. He has a great deal of faith in his old team; primarily because he doubts the abilities of the other three teams. Here’s what he had to say about our beloved Birds:
“I think Philly, how much success has Philly had? I think they are going to have a hard time handling success.”
Take a second Eagles’ fans to cool off after this incendiary take. While the messenger may not be the most qualified person to talk about success given his recent track record with it - there is still some merit in his message.
First, though, let’s go back 15 years to when Jeffrey Lurie made his infamous statement about the Eagles being the “Gold Standard” of franchises in the NFL. While the Eagles likely were the “Gold Standard” in some areas at the time (i.e. new stadium, front office operations/analytics, green & community initiatives, etc); in the one category that truly matters in the “Gold Standard” conversation - Super Bowl titles - Lurie had nothing to showcase.
Fans and commentators across the country aptly mocked his statement by pointing out the Eagles were not even the “Gold Standard” in their own state, let alone the entire NFL. Eagles fans, still recovering from their heart-wrenching loss to the NFC-title-snatching Buccaneers in January of the same year, were skeptical of Lurie’s comment and to paraphrase Rod Tidwell demanded Lurie “Show us the Trophy!”
Somewhat ironically, the taunts and jeers related to the “Gold Standard” only grew louder, even as the Eagles went on to three NFC title games over the next six seasons, because each season ended the same way: no parade down Broad Street.
They had more success as a group than any other Eagles team in decades but fell short of the ultimate goal in no small part because of egotism from a few prima donnas. They were fun to watch but they did not have the same team chemistry as the 2017 squad. They didn’t know how to handle success and the burden of bringing home the Lombardi Trophy was too much to bear. So yes, McAdoo’s comments have merit - for the Eagles of the early 2000s.
The 2018 squad, though, they are different. Decades of coming up short-handed may still be there but they are not trying to live up to being the “Gold Standard” of the NFL anymore. They are too busy working on creating a “New Norm” of playing winning football in February, which they have a good shot at accomplishing because of something called the “Winner Effect”.
Namely, when an individual wins in a contest the brain releases testosterone and dopamine, which in addition to making the individual feel good in present, “changes their brains structure and chemical makeup” over time. Therefore, when an individual overcomes one set of obstacles they become both psychologically and biologically more prepared to face the next challenge. Simply put, winning begets winning.
Does this sound familiar? It should - it explains how all of the 2017 setbacks added up to the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory. Every time a key player went down and the rest of the team stepped up, their brains were re-wired for success. They entered the playoffs battle-tested and ready for their next challenge. Outsiders may have doubted them but they had the “Winner Effect” literally coursing through their veins.
In his follow-up to McAdoo’s comments Coach Pederson stated, “It’s my job to make sure they don’t get complacent and we stay hungry and there is an edge.” The injured players returning to the field plus the free agents will prevent complacency from settling in; Jason Kelce will bring the hunger; and the edge will come from the championship experience they gained last year.
While there will be plenty of stories about a Super Bowl hangover or Coach Pederson being exposed or Carson’s performance potentially slipping - this team knows how to win and more importantly knows they are winners. These Birds aren’t the “Gold Standard”, they’re the “New Norm”.
Monday, July 2, 2018
Gratitude for All
By: KO Kelly
Thank you, Uncle Dave, for inviting me to contribute to Eagles Lincs. This has been your passion project for the past nine seasons and I am excited to join the editorial staff for the 10th season of Eagles Lincs. I look forward to exploring this year’s campaign and sharing my perspective on our Birds through the lens of psychology, theology, management, conspiracy, and general fan shenanigans.
Today, though, I want to talk about something we all probably want more of and can never give too much of: gratitude.
To start off with the obvious, Eagles fans around the world will be forever thankful to the 2017 squad for their resilience, determination, integrity, and ability to deliver one of the most breathtaking and magical seasons in NFL history. If a Hollywood producer received a script outlining the 2017 season, they would have rejected it for being too cliched or outright hokum:
Young star-quarterback breaks out on the scene and leads his team to victory after victory even as key veterans around him fall to injury until finally he too succumbs to the injury bug. All seems lost, until a familiar journeyman quarterback with flashes of brilliance on his resume rises to the occasion. With doubt thundering down upon him like a freight train, he delivers one of the most spectacular upsets in sports history. Goliath is slayed and fifty-two years of defeat are washed away in a flood of green right down Broad Street.
No that story would have been deemed too unbelievable. Let’s make another Pirates of the Caribbean instead - Johnny Depp still being relevant is much more believable.
But I digress . . .
The outpouring of love and gratitude from the fans for the 2017 team has been rivalled only by the mutual appreciation and respect those players have demonstrated. They understood what a Super Bowl victory would mean to the city. They embraced the Philadelphia’s underdog mantra, put our demons and shortcomings on their backs, and demonstrated what a group of committed individuals can accomplish when they ignore ego and focus on a common goal. So,
Thank you, Nelson Agholor, for turning the jeers of 2016 into cheers in 2017.
Thank you, Brent Celek, for developing the younger TEs at the expense of your own playing time.
Thank you, Brandon Brooks, for being open about your anxiety issues and tackling them in public.
Thank you, Lane Johnson, for laying off the juice :)
Thank you, Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, and Torrey Smith for standing up for what you believe in and putting your money, time, and efforts on the line.
Thank you to Carson Wentz and Nick Foles for serving as great role models for all generations.
Thank you, Doug Pederson, for being the coach Philadelphia never knew we wanted and for turning doubts into results.
Thank you, Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman, for providing the pieces to this magical season.
Thank you for being a team I can wholeheartedly root for again. Admittedly, there were some lukewarm years of fandom towards the end of the Reid era and the Kelly era (no relation) quickly turned bitter. But now, with Doug at the helm, I am confident there will be much more to celebrate for quite some time.
Having said this though, throughout the upcoming season there will be rough patches. We will falter but in those times we must not fall back on our negative ways. The Boo Birds have flown the coop - we are champions now! If last year’s team taught us anything - it is that we must approach life with grit and determination.
Therefore, each week regardless of outcome, write down three things that went well for the Eagles. Do this for your own life as well. Accumulate positive momentum, be thankful for your challenges, and enjoy the journey - that’s where you spend 99% of your time anyway.
Thank you, Uncle Dave, for inviting me to contribute to Eagles Lincs. This has been your passion project for the past nine seasons and I am excited to join the editorial staff for the 10th season of Eagles Lincs. I look forward to exploring this year’s campaign and sharing my perspective on our Birds through the lens of psychology, theology, management, conspiracy, and general fan shenanigans.
Today, though, I want to talk about something we all probably want more of and can never give too much of: gratitude.
To start off with the obvious, Eagles fans around the world will be forever thankful to the 2017 squad for their resilience, determination, integrity, and ability to deliver one of the most breathtaking and magical seasons in NFL history. If a Hollywood producer received a script outlining the 2017 season, they would have rejected it for being too cliched or outright hokum:
Young star-quarterback breaks out on the scene and leads his team to victory after victory even as key veterans around him fall to injury until finally he too succumbs to the injury bug. All seems lost, until a familiar journeyman quarterback with flashes of brilliance on his resume rises to the occasion. With doubt thundering down upon him like a freight train, he delivers one of the most spectacular upsets in sports history. Goliath is slayed and fifty-two years of defeat are washed away in a flood of green right down Broad Street.
No that story would have been deemed too unbelievable. Let’s make another Pirates of the Caribbean instead - Johnny Depp still being relevant is much more believable.
But I digress . . .
The outpouring of love and gratitude from the fans for the 2017 team has been rivalled only by the mutual appreciation and respect those players have demonstrated. They understood what a Super Bowl victory would mean to the city. They embraced the Philadelphia’s underdog mantra, put our demons and shortcomings on their backs, and demonstrated what a group of committed individuals can accomplish when they ignore ego and focus on a common goal. So,
Thank you, Nelson Agholor, for turning the jeers of 2016 into cheers in 2017.
Thank you, Brent Celek, for developing the younger TEs at the expense of your own playing time.
Thank you, Brandon Brooks, for being open about your anxiety issues and tackling them in public.
Thank you, Lane Johnson, for laying off the juice :)
Thank you, Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, and Torrey Smith for standing up for what you believe in and putting your money, time, and efforts on the line.
Thank you to Carson Wentz and Nick Foles for serving as great role models for all generations.
Thank you, Doug Pederson, for being the coach Philadelphia never knew we wanted and for turning doubts into results.
Thank you, Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman, for providing the pieces to this magical season.
Thank you for being a team I can wholeheartedly root for again. Admittedly, there were some lukewarm years of fandom towards the end of the Reid era and the Kelly era (no relation) quickly turned bitter. But now, with Doug at the helm, I am confident there will be much more to celebrate for quite some time.
Having said this though, throughout the upcoming season there will be rough patches. We will falter but in those times we must not fall back on our negative ways. The Boo Birds have flown the coop - we are champions now! If last year’s team taught us anything - it is that we must approach life with grit and determination.
Therefore, each week regardless of outcome, write down three things that went well for the Eagles. Do this for your own life as well. Accumulate positive momentum, be thankful for your challenges, and enjoy the journey - that’s where you spend 99% of your time anyway.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Eagles Lincs Expands its Editorial Staff
I started this blog several years ago as a tribute to my Dad as a long-time suffering Eagles’ fan. He was a season ticket holder from 1961 through the 2002 season when the Birds ripped our hearts out in that stunning loss to Tampa Bay in the NFC Championship.
I was at that game to witness what is still the most devastating loss that I have endured as an Eagles' fan. I will never forget watching Ronde Barber return a Donovan McNabb interception the length of the field for a touchdown to seal the trip to the Super Bowl for Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers. I will also never forget the image of 100-plus Philadelphia policemen on horses circling the field with about 500 fans left in the stands at the end of the final Eagles' game ever played at Veterans Stadium.
My Dad left this earth in 2004 having never savored the sweet taste of victory at the game’s highest level. However, he loved his Eagles and stood tall to cheer them on through some other tough losses and more than a few bleak seasons. His season tickets were sold to a business associate and friend of the family. As the years passed, my brother-in-law Maurice and nephew (and Godson) Kevin still had access to two of the tickets at the Birds' new digs in the Linc. Through some Divine intervention and two costly seat licenses, two of the four tickets were eventually returned to the family to continue my Dad's legacy with this team.
The dream of Super Bowl glory was finally realized this past February and just this past weekend things really hit home when Maurice, Kevin and my sister Judy had the opportunity to get their pictures taken with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Kevin also sent me a picture of him wearing a Super Bowl ring while donning a #20 Brian Dawkins’ jersey. It does not get any better than that.
With Maurice and Kevin gearing up for the 2018 NFL season and the Eagles’ title defense, I decided to reach out to my nephew to see if he would be interested in writing some posts for Eagles Lincs. I know that my Dad was one of the biggest knucklehead Eagles’ fans in the world and Kevin has followed right in his footsteps.
Living in the Philadelphia area and going to all the home games makes him extremely qualified to write about our beloved Birds. I am also excited about the unique twist he will bring to the table. Kevin is not afraid to voice his true opinion and (no pun intended) ruffle some feathers from time to time.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with him on this endeavor as we try and expand the scope and reach of the site. Together, our goal is to provide our loyal readers with some keen insight into the team from a true fan's perspective. The fact that Kevin does have the inside track as a season ticket holder should vastly improve the quality of the site. I will still be around in my designated role as the ultimate homer with my picks and predictions for each week's game.
I was at that game to witness what is still the most devastating loss that I have endured as an Eagles' fan. I will never forget watching Ronde Barber return a Donovan McNabb interception the length of the field for a touchdown to seal the trip to the Super Bowl for Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers. I will also never forget the image of 100-plus Philadelphia policemen on horses circling the field with about 500 fans left in the stands at the end of the final Eagles' game ever played at Veterans Stadium.
My Dad left this earth in 2004 having never savored the sweet taste of victory at the game’s highest level. However, he loved his Eagles and stood tall to cheer them on through some other tough losses and more than a few bleak seasons. His season tickets were sold to a business associate and friend of the family. As the years passed, my brother-in-law Maurice and nephew (and Godson) Kevin still had access to two of the tickets at the Birds' new digs in the Linc. Through some Divine intervention and two costly seat licenses, two of the four tickets were eventually returned to the family to continue my Dad's legacy with this team.
The dream of Super Bowl glory was finally realized this past February and just this past weekend things really hit home when Maurice, Kevin and my sister Judy had the opportunity to get their pictures taken with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Kevin also sent me a picture of him wearing a Super Bowl ring while donning a #20 Brian Dawkins’ jersey. It does not get any better than that.
With Maurice and Kevin gearing up for the 2018 NFL season and the Eagles’ title defense, I decided to reach out to my nephew to see if he would be interested in writing some posts for Eagles Lincs. I know that my Dad was one of the biggest knucklehead Eagles’ fans in the world and Kevin has followed right in his footsteps.
Living in the Philadelphia area and going to all the home games makes him extremely qualified to write about our beloved Birds. I am also excited about the unique twist he will bring to the table. Kevin is not afraid to voice his true opinion and (no pun intended) ruffle some feathers from time to time.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with him on this endeavor as we try and expand the scope and reach of the site. Together, our goal is to provide our loyal readers with some keen insight into the team from a true fan's perspective. The fact that Kevin does have the inside track as a season ticket holder should vastly improve the quality of the site. I will still be around in my designated role as the ultimate homer with my picks and predictions for each week's game.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Eagles Make the Most of Limited Draft Picks
The only downside to winning the Super Bowl is falling all the way to the No. 32 pick in the first round of the draft. However, I would not mind if the Eagles had the last pick of the first round in the draft every year. The one thing that Philly fans have come to expect from the team's recent drafts under the guidance of Howie Roseman, as the mastermind behind player personnel moves, is some wheelin' and dealin' with the picks he has.
Because of past trades, the Eagles did not have any draft picks in the second or third round in last week's draft. Instead of reaching for a player they wanted at the end of the first round, they traded out of the No. 32 pick with Baltimore to gain some more leeway in their overall draft strategy. The end result was five new Birds joining the nest.
Philadelphia Eagles 2018 Draft Class:
Rd 2, Pick 17 (49) Dallas Goedert-Tight End
Rd 4, Pick 25 (125) Avonte Maddox- Cornerback
Rd 4, Pick 30 (130) Josh Sweat- Defensive End
Rd 6, Pick 32 (206) Matt Pryor- Offensive Tackle
Rd 7, Pick 15 (233) Jordan Mailata- Offensive Tackle
To be honest, I have not read one thing about how the Eagles' draft was graded by any so-called NFL expert. I, personally am going to give it an A+ given the picks the Eagles had and the picks they made.
When you establish yourself as the best NFL team in the league, drafts are all about maintaining your depth of talent. Zach Ertz is one of my favorite players on the team, so backing him up with another young tight end that can mirror some of his skills is a great move. Adding depth to the defensive secondary is equally important and Roseman and Co. stayed true to the original game plan of building this team from the inside out on both sides of the ball with a trio of linemen.
The Eagles are the reining Super Bowl Champions and the best team in the league until one of the other 31 teams prove me wrong. Chalk this draft up to the best team making the right moves to make it better.
Because of past trades, the Eagles did not have any draft picks in the second or third round in last week's draft. Instead of reaching for a player they wanted at the end of the first round, they traded out of the No. 32 pick with Baltimore to gain some more leeway in their overall draft strategy. The end result was five new Birds joining the nest.
Philadelphia Eagles 2018 Draft Class:
Rd 2, Pick 17 (49) Dallas Goedert-Tight End
Rd 4, Pick 25 (125) Avonte Maddox- Cornerback
Rd 4, Pick 30 (130) Josh Sweat- Defensive End
Rd 6, Pick 32 (206) Matt Pryor- Offensive Tackle
Rd 7, Pick 15 (233) Jordan Mailata- Offensive Tackle
To be honest, I have not read one thing about how the Eagles' draft was graded by any so-called NFL expert. I, personally am going to give it an A+ given the picks the Eagles had and the picks they made.
When you establish yourself as the best NFL team in the league, drafts are all about maintaining your depth of talent. Zach Ertz is one of my favorite players on the team, so backing him up with another young tight end that can mirror some of his skills is a great move. Adding depth to the defensive secondary is equally important and Roseman and Co. stayed true to the original game plan of building this team from the inside out on both sides of the ball with a trio of linemen.
The Eagles are the reining Super Bowl Champions and the best team in the league until one of the other 31 teams prove me wrong. Chalk this draft up to the best team making the right moves to make it better.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
The Eagles' Road Back to the Super Bowl is Set
The complete 2018 NFL regular season schedule was released earlier this week so we now know the path the Eagles will have to navigate to get back to the playoffs for a chance to defend their 2017 Super Bowl title.
It all starts on Thursday, Sept.6 at the Linc with a rematch of last season's Divisional Round game against Atlanta that started Philly's Super Bowl run. The Eagles have already been opened as home favorites in that game by more than a field goal and I like their chances to win that game by a couple of touchdowns. Carson Wentz makes a successful return to the starting lineup by throwing for three touchdowns and running for one more in that opening day romp.
Week 2 features a road game against Tampa Bay followed by a home game against Indianapolis in Week 3. When you add in a Week 4 road game against Tennessee, I have Philly sporting a nifty 4-0 record when it faces another playoff opponent from last season in a scheduled 4:25 p.m. start at home against Minnesota on Sunday, Oct. 7. The matchup in the NFC title game was never close and, while the Vikings will be a much tougher out this time around, I have the Eagles once again coming out on top.
With a road game against the New York Giants in Week 6 followed by home games against Carolina, Jacksonville and Dallas (the game against the Jaguars is in London), I have the Eagles going on the road the face New Orleans in Week 11 with a record of 8-1. I am not sure when that one loss will occur, by my guess would be when the Eagles are out of the country. I am going to give the benefit of the doubt that the Saints are still playing like they were last season to hand the Eagles their second loss of the season.
Looking ahead to the stretch run of the regular season, I have the Birds stumbling one more time (possibly on the road against the Los Angeles Rams) to match last season's mark of 13-3. This was obviously a very quick look at the 2018 schedule since we still have five months to go before Atlanta comes to town, but I am pretty confident that Philadelphia is going be one of the top two teams in the NFC to give itself a legitimate shot to successfully defend its NFL title.
It all starts on Thursday, Sept.6 at the Linc with a rematch of last season's Divisional Round game against Atlanta that started Philly's Super Bowl run. The Eagles have already been opened as home favorites in that game by more than a field goal and I like their chances to win that game by a couple of touchdowns. Carson Wentz makes a successful return to the starting lineup by throwing for three touchdowns and running for one more in that opening day romp.
Week 2 features a road game against Tampa Bay followed by a home game against Indianapolis in Week 3. When you add in a Week 4 road game against Tennessee, I have Philly sporting a nifty 4-0 record when it faces another playoff opponent from last season in a scheduled 4:25 p.m. start at home against Minnesota on Sunday, Oct. 7. The matchup in the NFC title game was never close and, while the Vikings will be a much tougher out this time around, I have the Eagles once again coming out on top.
With a road game against the New York Giants in Week 6 followed by home games against Carolina, Jacksonville and Dallas (the game against the Jaguars is in London), I have the Eagles going on the road the face New Orleans in Week 11 with a record of 8-1. I am not sure when that one loss will occur, by my guess would be when the Eagles are out of the country. I am going to give the benefit of the doubt that the Saints are still playing like they were last season to hand the Eagles their second loss of the season.
Looking ahead to the stretch run of the regular season, I have the Birds stumbling one more time (possibly on the road against the Los Angeles Rams) to match last season's mark of 13-3. This was obviously a very quick look at the 2018 schedule since we still have five months to go before Atlanta comes to town, but I am pretty confident that Philadelphia is going be one of the top two teams in the NFC to give itself a legitimate shot to successfully defend its NFL title.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Eagles Lincs NFL Mock Draft 1.0
In an effort to expedite my first mock draft ahead of the actual 2018 NFL Draft in Dallas on April 26-28, I have decided to jump to the last pick of the first round which is normally reserved for the previous season's Super Bowl Champion.
I have to be honest when it comes to this year's draft. I am woefully behind the curve since the Eagles are picking last in the first round. In previous years, I would normally be immersed in charting all the top prospects, breaking down Philly's biggest needs and grading the players that might be on the board when Howie Roseman and Co. go on the clock. This year, I am still busy watching the replay of Super Bowl LII and pinching myself to let me know that the final score was in the Eagles' favor.
Two years ago, it was classic Roseman wheelin' and dealin' to land Carson Wentz with the second overall pick. If you would go back over my draft posts on this blog for the 2016 proceedings, you would find that I was not too keen on what the Birds gave up to get their franchise quarterback. You would also realize why I am doing what I do and Roseman does what he does.
Last year's draft filled a big hole in the defensive line with the addition of Derek Barnett. He did not win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but he was instrumental in helping the Eagles win their first Super Bowl title in 52 years. I had Philly taking running back Dalvin Cook with that pick, but he ended up going to Minnesota early in the second round.
Looking ahead to this year's draft, the buzz in town is that the Eagles are taking a very close look at LSU running back Derrius Guise at No. 32. There is a chance he will be off the board by then given that quite a few mock drafts have him going earlier in the round. However, if is is on the board when Philly goes on the clock in Big D with the last pick of the first round, Guise would be my top pick as well.
Last year's amazing Super Bowl run through the top teams in the league proved that you can never have too many backs running the ball. I love Jay Ajayi as the lead back and Corey Clement proved he can play at the next level. We might even see long-time veteran Darren Sproles using his soon-to-be 35-year old legs to make some more plays for the Birds.
The addition of Guise would make an already potent running game that much better considering that Philly was ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards per game last season. Building a team from the inside out on both sides of the ball and churning up the clock with the run are two of the main reasons why Philadelphia is the current NFL Super Bowl Champion. From what I have seen from Guise during his playing days for LSU, he could go a long way towards helping the Eagles stay at the top of the heap in their title defense.
I have to be honest when it comes to this year's draft. I am woefully behind the curve since the Eagles are picking last in the first round. In previous years, I would normally be immersed in charting all the top prospects, breaking down Philly's biggest needs and grading the players that might be on the board when Howie Roseman and Co. go on the clock. This year, I am still busy watching the replay of Super Bowl LII and pinching myself to let me know that the final score was in the Eagles' favor.
Two years ago, it was classic Roseman wheelin' and dealin' to land Carson Wentz with the second overall pick. If you would go back over my draft posts on this blog for the 2016 proceedings, you would find that I was not too keen on what the Birds gave up to get their franchise quarterback. You would also realize why I am doing what I do and Roseman does what he does.
Last year's draft filled a big hole in the defensive line with the addition of Derek Barnett. He did not win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but he was instrumental in helping the Eagles win their first Super Bowl title in 52 years. I had Philly taking running back Dalvin Cook with that pick, but he ended up going to Minnesota early in the second round.
Looking ahead to this year's draft, the buzz in town is that the Eagles are taking a very close look at LSU running back Derrius Guise at No. 32. There is a chance he will be off the board by then given that quite a few mock drafts have him going earlier in the round. However, if is is on the board when Philly goes on the clock in Big D with the last pick of the first round, Guise would be my top pick as well.
Last year's amazing Super Bowl run through the top teams in the league proved that you can never have too many backs running the ball. I love Jay Ajayi as the lead back and Corey Clement proved he can play at the next level. We might even see long-time veteran Darren Sproles using his soon-to-be 35-year old legs to make some more plays for the Birds.
The addition of Guise would make an already potent running game that much better considering that Philly was ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards per game last season. Building a team from the inside out on both sides of the ball and churning up the clock with the run are two of the main reasons why Philadelphia is the current NFL Super Bowl Champion. From what I have seen from Guise during his playing days for LSU, he could go a long way towards helping the Eagles stay at the top of the heap in their title defense.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Eagles Tweak Roster for Another Super Bowl Run
The good news about winning a Super Bowl is being world champs in arguably the top sports league around the globe. I am sure I would get some push back from die-hard basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer fans out there, but even people that do not follow sports have a passing interest in the NFL and more importantly the biggest single-day sports event of the year.
The bad news about winning a Super Bowl is you have nowhere to go but down unless you win another one the following season. While every Eagles' fan has a strong appreciation for what this season's group of players were able to accomplish, keeping this exact same group intact for another run in 2018 is not feasible given the complexities of the NFL's salary cap system.
Winning a Super Bowl can be a very costly proposition as evident in Philadelphia's cap situation heading into the offseason. Team vice president and the chief architect behind this team's roster, Howie Roseman will really earn his keep this year as he tries to keep the team competitive enough to make another championship run.
The Eagles were well over the current NFL salary cap heading into the league's new business year, so right off the bat there were cap casualties including wide receiver Torrey Smith, who was traded just weeks after the parade on Broad Street. Also gone are tight ends' Brent Celek and Trey Burton to free up cap space. More recently, Philly decided to part ways with Vin Curry after failing to come to terms on a restructured contract.
The biggest editions to the team were defensive end Michael Bennett, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and wide receiver Mike Wallace. Roseman was also able to work his magic in restructuring deals for a few current players to free up some more space within the cap, most notably tight end Zach Ertz.
One of the biggest reasons the Eagles were able to make that huge leap from a 7-9 record in 2016 to Super Bowl glory this past season was Roseman's decision to build this team from the inside out along with the help of head coach Doug Pederson. Philly has one of the best offensive and defensive fronts in the NFL which allow the rest of the team to excel at their positions as well.
Looking ahead to this year's draft, the Eagles have the 32nd pick in the first round followed by two picks in the fourth round and one in each of the final three rounds. They will probably go with the best available player with each selection regardless of position to add even more depth to this championship roster.
The biggest question mark heading into next season will be the health of Carson Wentz's rebuilt left knee, but if Nick Foles is still on the roster he has more than proven he is a very capable backup. The ground game will be anchored by Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement with LeGarrette Blount moving on. Wallace could fill the spot Smith vacated at wide receiver and do not be surprised if the Eagles draft a tight end with their first round pick as the new backup to Ertz. Cornerback Patrick Robinson has also found employment elsewhere, but look for second-year vet Sidney Jones to step up his game after missing most of his rookie season due to injury.
Roseman will continue to tweak Philadelphia's roster with additions and subtractions here and there. You never know what kind of future deals he is likely to pull off given his keen instinct for filling the team's most pressing needs. In the final analysis, Eagles' fans waited 51 years to see our beloved Birds win their first Super Bowl title. I am sure we can easily wait 10 months to add a second world title to the mix.
The bad news about winning a Super Bowl is you have nowhere to go but down unless you win another one the following season. While every Eagles' fan has a strong appreciation for what this season's group of players were able to accomplish, keeping this exact same group intact for another run in 2018 is not feasible given the complexities of the NFL's salary cap system.
Winning a Super Bowl can be a very costly proposition as evident in Philadelphia's cap situation heading into the offseason. Team vice president and the chief architect behind this team's roster, Howie Roseman will really earn his keep this year as he tries to keep the team competitive enough to make another championship run.
The Eagles were well over the current NFL salary cap heading into the league's new business year, so right off the bat there were cap casualties including wide receiver Torrey Smith, who was traded just weeks after the parade on Broad Street. Also gone are tight ends' Brent Celek and Trey Burton to free up cap space. More recently, Philly decided to part ways with Vin Curry after failing to come to terms on a restructured contract.
The biggest editions to the team were defensive end Michael Bennett, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and wide receiver Mike Wallace. Roseman was also able to work his magic in restructuring deals for a few current players to free up some more space within the cap, most notably tight end Zach Ertz.
One of the biggest reasons the Eagles were able to make that huge leap from a 7-9 record in 2016 to Super Bowl glory this past season was Roseman's decision to build this team from the inside out along with the help of head coach Doug Pederson. Philly has one of the best offensive and defensive fronts in the NFL which allow the rest of the team to excel at their positions as well.
Looking ahead to this year's draft, the Eagles have the 32nd pick in the first round followed by two picks in the fourth round and one in each of the final three rounds. They will probably go with the best available player with each selection regardless of position to add even more depth to this championship roster.
The biggest question mark heading into next season will be the health of Carson Wentz's rebuilt left knee, but if Nick Foles is still on the roster he has more than proven he is a very capable backup. The ground game will be anchored by Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement with LeGarrette Blount moving on. Wallace could fill the spot Smith vacated at wide receiver and do not be surprised if the Eagles draft a tight end with their first round pick as the new backup to Ertz. Cornerback Patrick Robinson has also found employment elsewhere, but look for second-year vet Sidney Jones to step up his game after missing most of his rookie season due to injury.
Roseman will continue to tweak Philadelphia's roster with additions and subtractions here and there. You never know what kind of future deals he is likely to pull off given his keen instinct for filling the team's most pressing needs. In the final analysis, Eagles' fans waited 51 years to see our beloved Birds win their first Super Bowl title. I am sure we can easily wait 10 months to add a second world title to the mix.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
An Early Look at the Eagles’ 2018 Draft
The annual NFL Draft over the past two seasons played an integral role in the Eagles’ recent run to their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. At the top of the list was a series of trades that allowed Philadelphia to select quarterback Carson Wentz with the second overall pick of the 2016 draft. This gave the Eagles stability at their most important position. What Wentz has been able to accomplish in his first two seasons has laid the groundwork for a potential Super Bowl run every season he remains under center.
Going back to the 2016 draft, this was the first time that the duo of team vice president Howie Roseman and head coach Doug Pederson worked together on the personnel decisions for the team. Fast forward to the team’s second pick in the fifth round when it selected TCU offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai. He stepped in for Jason Peters early in the season and stepped up his game to fill a huge hole in the offensive line. In the seventh round they added safety Jalen Mills, who has gone on to become a key addition to the defensive secondary.
Moving on to last year’s draft, the Eagles went with defensive end Derek Barnett in the first round. Playing on one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, he made enough plays as a rookie to justify such a high pick. Cornerback Sidney Jones was a reach in the second round given his injury status, but he is the type of player that can make a huge contribution next season and hopefully for years to come. Mack Hollins was added in the fourth round to give the wide receiving corps some additional depth. He ended the regular season with 16 receptions for 226 yards and one score. This was well down the list on the team’s stat list, but productive none the less.
Turning to this year’s draft, Philly will have to wait until the final pick of the first round to go on the clock. One of the biggest areas of need would be on the offensive line even if Peters returns as the starting left tackle. Roseman and Pederson have done an excellent job of building this team from the inside out with a solid line on both sides of the ball.
Given that the Eagles will not pick again until the fourth round, their first-round pick could be the best available player at any number of positions. Some draft gurus have Philly taking Georgia running back Sony Michel at No. 32, but I still believe that it will be an addition up front. I would not rule out a defensive end or linebacker to add even more depth to one of the team’s strongest areas.
When it comes to the first of two fourth-round picks, I could see Pederson going with the best tight end on the board. Zack Ertz has developed into one of the best players at that position in the NFL, but Brent Celek is getting up there in years and early reports have Trey Burton testing the free agent market.
After that, it will come down to the best available player for the remainder of the picks, which include the second pick in the fourth round as well as two fifth-round picks and one more in the sixth. The dynamic duo of Roseman and Pederson have quite a bit less to work with in their third draft together, but the confidence level is rather high that they will make the most of the situation.
Going back to the 2016 draft, this was the first time that the duo of team vice president Howie Roseman and head coach Doug Pederson worked together on the personnel decisions for the team. Fast forward to the team’s second pick in the fifth round when it selected TCU offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai. He stepped in for Jason Peters early in the season and stepped up his game to fill a huge hole in the offensive line. In the seventh round they added safety Jalen Mills, who has gone on to become a key addition to the defensive secondary.
Moving on to last year’s draft, the Eagles went with defensive end Derek Barnett in the first round. Playing on one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, he made enough plays as a rookie to justify such a high pick. Cornerback Sidney Jones was a reach in the second round given his injury status, but he is the type of player that can make a huge contribution next season and hopefully for years to come. Mack Hollins was added in the fourth round to give the wide receiving corps some additional depth. He ended the regular season with 16 receptions for 226 yards and one score. This was well down the list on the team’s stat list, but productive none the less.
Turning to this year’s draft, Philly will have to wait until the final pick of the first round to go on the clock. One of the biggest areas of need would be on the offensive line even if Peters returns as the starting left tackle. Roseman and Pederson have done an excellent job of building this team from the inside out with a solid line on both sides of the ball.
Given that the Eagles will not pick again until the fourth round, their first-round pick could be the best available player at any number of positions. Some draft gurus have Philly taking Georgia running back Sony Michel at No. 32, but I still believe that it will be an addition up front. I would not rule out a defensive end or linebacker to add even more depth to one of the team’s strongest areas.
When it comes to the first of two fourth-round picks, I could see Pederson going with the best tight end on the board. Zack Ertz has developed into one of the best players at that position in the NFL, but Brent Celek is getting up there in years and early reports have Trey Burton testing the free agent market.
After that, it will come down to the best available player for the remainder of the picks, which include the second pick in the fourth round as well as two fifth-round picks and one more in the sixth. The dynamic duo of Roseman and Pederson have quite a bit less to work with in their third draft together, but the confidence level is rather high that they will make the most of the situation.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Hey Philly, Buy that Eagle a Beer!
Before Philadelphia’s amazing run to its first Super Bowl title in franchise history even got out of the gate, Eagles’ right tackle Lane Johnson made the following statement back in August in an interview with ESPN.
“I have a lot to prove to this city. I think if we have a few big years and make the playoffs, if we win a Super Bowl, I’m giving out beer to everybody.”
Following Sunday’s amazing 41-33 victory against New England and against all odds as underdogs throughout the entire postseason, the good folks at Bud Light backed him up by announcing that they would buy everyone in Philadelphia a beer via Thursday’s celebration parade.
Philadelphia should be the ones buying this entire team a beer. Multiple beers for the rest of the time that each member of this team remains in the City of Brotherly Love. In fact, I would go as far to say that the entire 53-man active roster, anyone on IR, the practice squad, coaching staff and anyone else employed by Jeffrey Lurie and the Eagles organization should never have to buy a drink again at any drinking establishment inside the five-county Philadelphia area. Throw in my old stompin’ ground in the Lehigh Valley, South Jersey and the entire state of Delaware for good measure.
The 2017 Eagles accomplished what 51 other team rosters could not. Two teams came close in 1980 and 2004 with Super Bowl appearances, but neither of those squads could seal the deal with everything on the line even with their starting quarterback (Ron Jaworski in ’80 and Donovan McNabb in ’04) on the field.
There were a few other good runs over the years, but somewhere along the line they all came up short.
I was hoping for a NFC East title this season after new head coach Doug Pederson led this team to seven wins in 2016 with first-year quarterback Carson Wentz at the helm. In my wildest dreams, I never expected to add a NFC Championship to the mix, let alone that oh so elusive Super Bowl title.
The 2017 Philadelphia Eagles will go down as being one of the best ‘teams’ to ever win a world title in the true sense of what being a team is all about. New England head coach Bill Belichick became well known for his simple mantra of ‘know your role, do your job’ and the Eagles followed that edict to a tee to beat the Patriots at their own game.
There are no egos on the 2017 Eagles. There are a number of great players, but no superstars that put their individual goals ahead of the collective goals of the group. You never heard a world from LeGarrette Blount when the Eagles traded for Jay Ajayi. Carson Wentz went out of his way to help Nick Foles prepare for this epic run while it seems apparent that Tom Brady did his best to run his backup Jimmy Garoppolo out of town.
Change is inevitable in the NFL and next season’s roster is bound to have a few new faces and a few missing from this year’s team. You wish you could hold time in a bottle and keep everything the same. However, that will (and probably should not) be the case.
The good news is that the basic core of this team will remain intact along with its heart and its sole. Doug Pederson should immediately be given a long-term contract (or at least longer than his current deal) and Howie Roseman should be given a huge raise. Signing existing free agents already on the team should be a top priority as opposed to shopping the market for players from other teams and keeping Nick Foles on the roster until Carson Wentz is 100 percent ready to go should be the plan at the quarterback position.
It is going to be a fun offseason for Eagles’ fans even if we have to wait until the 32nd pick of the first round of the draft for Philly to be ‘on the clock’. Wouldn’t you just love that to be the case every single year.
“I have a lot to prove to this city. I think if we have a few big years and make the playoffs, if we win a Super Bowl, I’m giving out beer to everybody.”
Following Sunday’s amazing 41-33 victory against New England and against all odds as underdogs throughout the entire postseason, the good folks at Bud Light backed him up by announcing that they would buy everyone in Philadelphia a beer via Thursday’s celebration parade.
Philadelphia should be the ones buying this entire team a beer. Multiple beers for the rest of the time that each member of this team remains in the City of Brotherly Love. In fact, I would go as far to say that the entire 53-man active roster, anyone on IR, the practice squad, coaching staff and anyone else employed by Jeffrey Lurie and the Eagles organization should never have to buy a drink again at any drinking establishment inside the five-county Philadelphia area. Throw in my old stompin’ ground in the Lehigh Valley, South Jersey and the entire state of Delaware for good measure.
The 2017 Eagles accomplished what 51 other team rosters could not. Two teams came close in 1980 and 2004 with Super Bowl appearances, but neither of those squads could seal the deal with everything on the line even with their starting quarterback (Ron Jaworski in ’80 and Donovan McNabb in ’04) on the field.
There were a few other good runs over the years, but somewhere along the line they all came up short.
I was hoping for a NFC East title this season after new head coach Doug Pederson led this team to seven wins in 2016 with first-year quarterback Carson Wentz at the helm. In my wildest dreams, I never expected to add a NFC Championship to the mix, let alone that oh so elusive Super Bowl title.
The 2017 Philadelphia Eagles will go down as being one of the best ‘teams’ to ever win a world title in the true sense of what being a team is all about. New England head coach Bill Belichick became well known for his simple mantra of ‘know your role, do your job’ and the Eagles followed that edict to a tee to beat the Patriots at their own game.
There are no egos on the 2017 Eagles. There are a number of great players, but no superstars that put their individual goals ahead of the collective goals of the group. You never heard a world from LeGarrette Blount when the Eagles traded for Jay Ajayi. Carson Wentz went out of his way to help Nick Foles prepare for this epic run while it seems apparent that Tom Brady did his best to run his backup Jimmy Garoppolo out of town.
Change is inevitable in the NFL and next season’s roster is bound to have a few new faces and a few missing from this year’s team. You wish you could hold time in a bottle and keep everything the same. However, that will (and probably should not) be the case.
The good news is that the basic core of this team will remain intact along with its heart and its sole. Doug Pederson should immediately be given a long-term contract (or at least longer than his current deal) and Howie Roseman should be given a huge raise. Signing existing free agents already on the team should be a top priority as opposed to shopping the market for players from other teams and keeping Nick Foles on the roster until Carson Wentz is 100 percent ready to go should be the plan at the quarterback position.
It is going to be a fun offseason for Eagles’ fans even if we have to wait until the 32nd pick of the first round of the draft for Philly to be ‘on the clock’. Wouldn’t you just love that to be the case every single year.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Eagles Head into Super Bowl LII with a Zero Margin for Error
I have covered this Sunday’s Super Bowl LII showdown between our beloved Philadelphia Eagles and the reigning champion New England Patriots from every possible angle in more than a dozen articles I have written for my various sports betting sites over the past two weeks. One of my goals in this thorough analysis of stats, facts and trends was to find a way that the Eagles could finally bring home a Super Bowl title against a team that has made a habit of winning world titles over the past 18 seasons with Bill Belichick in place as the team’s head coach and Tom Brady under center as quarterback.
This may be a rather obvious conclusion, but the only way I see Philly winning this game is with a mistake-free performance that is capable of scoring more than 24 points while holding New England to no more than this exact same amount. This means no interceptions, no fumbles, no bad penalties. It also means that head coach Doug Pederson must orchestrate a perfect game plan and quarterback Nick Foles has to execute it. It also means that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz must find a way to keep constant pressure on Brady with just his front four rushers to keep as many players in coverage as possible. Finally, if the Eagles are finally going to taste Super Bowl glory, they will have to play a full 60 minutes of football or longer in overtime if necessary to seal the deal.
Playing with a zero margin of error is not easy to do against the Cleveland Browns let alone the New England Patriots, but that does not mean that Philly cannot pull off that third upset in a row. More than a few fans at Sunday’s game were expecting to cheer on the hometown Vikings and we all know how that turned out.
I have stopped short of making an actual prediction of which team wins this game since I honestly believe this matchup is too close to call. My homer pick would be the Eagles, but there is a reason why New England is going for its sixth Super Bowl in the Belichick/Brady era. The one pick I will make is that the final score will be 28-24. For my complete game preview of Super Bowl LII in one of my articles for SportsBettingStats.com, please check out the link below.
LINK: Super Bowl LII Game Preview
This may be a rather obvious conclusion, but the only way I see Philly winning this game is with a mistake-free performance that is capable of scoring more than 24 points while holding New England to no more than this exact same amount. This means no interceptions, no fumbles, no bad penalties. It also means that head coach Doug Pederson must orchestrate a perfect game plan and quarterback Nick Foles has to execute it. It also means that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz must find a way to keep constant pressure on Brady with just his front four rushers to keep as many players in coverage as possible. Finally, if the Eagles are finally going to taste Super Bowl glory, they will have to play a full 60 minutes of football or longer in overtime if necessary to seal the deal.
Playing with a zero margin of error is not easy to do against the Cleveland Browns let alone the New England Patriots, but that does not mean that Philly cannot pull off that third upset in a row. More than a few fans at Sunday’s game were expecting to cheer on the hometown Vikings and we all know how that turned out.
I have stopped short of making an actual prediction of which team wins this game since I honestly believe this matchup is too close to call. My homer pick would be the Eagles, but there is a reason why New England is going for its sixth Super Bowl in the Belichick/Brady era. The one pick I will make is that the final score will be 28-24. For my complete game preview of Super Bowl LII in one of my articles for SportsBettingStats.com, please check out the link below.
LINK: Super Bowl LII Game Preview
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Eagles Hoping the Third Time is the Charm
The Eagles’ run all the way to Super Bowl LII has captivated football fans all across the nation given the obstacles they had to overcome just to get there. They have one last hurdle to clear to become unlikely world champions, but it is easily the biggest obstacle they will have to get over, under, through or around to achieve this loftiest of goals.
This is the same team that only won seven games last season with rookie head coach Doug Pederson at the helm and rookie quarterback Carson Wentz under center. The outlook for the 2017 season was positive, but Philadelphia was the third-favorite just to win the NFC East behind Dallas and New York. The Eagles got tripped up in Kansas City against Andy Reid and Co. to open their schedule at 1-1, but the next loss did not come until Week 13 against Seattle and the rest is history. Meanwhile, the Cowboys faltered in the absence of Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott to finish 9-7 and the Giants never even got out of the gate with a 3-13 record on the year.
The loss of Wentz to injury and the subsequent ascension of former Eagles’ starter Nick Foles to the man running the show on offense was supposed to result in an early exit from the playoffs as the top seed in the NFC. I was the one that proclaimed Foles the Eagles’ franchise quarterback of the future following his breakout season in 2013, but little did I know that then-coach Chip Kelly had alternative plans for that position. Fole's NFL career faltered over the next few seasons until he returned to the nest this past offseason. Wentz has obviously stepped up to fill that role for hopefully the next decade and beyond, but I could not be happier for Andy Reid’s third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
All told, the Eagles have a chance to finally win that elusive Super Bowl title in their third trip to the NFL’s biggest stage. They never showed up against Oakland in their trip to the Super Bowl following the 1980 season after head coach Dick Vermeil had that team wound tighter than a two-dollar watch. The Super Bowl appearance in the 2004 season looked good on paper with a 24-21 loss to New England, but the eventual outcome of that game was never really in doubt.
The odds have been stacked against Philly throughout the postseason and the underdog role suits this team well. The one encouraging thought about facing Bill Belichick’s Patriots with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady under center is the fact that this duo’s only two losses in the Super Bowl along with their five victories came against a NFC East team that was given no chance to win either game. If Foles can take a page out of Eli Manning’s two magical Super Bowl performances against New England, then the third time just might be the charm.
This is the same team that only won seven games last season with rookie head coach Doug Pederson at the helm and rookie quarterback Carson Wentz under center. The outlook for the 2017 season was positive, but Philadelphia was the third-favorite just to win the NFC East behind Dallas and New York. The Eagles got tripped up in Kansas City against Andy Reid and Co. to open their schedule at 1-1, but the next loss did not come until Week 13 against Seattle and the rest is history. Meanwhile, the Cowboys faltered in the absence of Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott to finish 9-7 and the Giants never even got out of the gate with a 3-13 record on the year.
The loss of Wentz to injury and the subsequent ascension of former Eagles’ starter Nick Foles to the man running the show on offense was supposed to result in an early exit from the playoffs as the top seed in the NFC. I was the one that proclaimed Foles the Eagles’ franchise quarterback of the future following his breakout season in 2013, but little did I know that then-coach Chip Kelly had alternative plans for that position. Fole's NFL career faltered over the next few seasons until he returned to the nest this past offseason. Wentz has obviously stepped up to fill that role for hopefully the next decade and beyond, but I could not be happier for Andy Reid’s third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
All told, the Eagles have a chance to finally win that elusive Super Bowl title in their third trip to the NFL’s biggest stage. They never showed up against Oakland in their trip to the Super Bowl following the 1980 season after head coach Dick Vermeil had that team wound tighter than a two-dollar watch. The Super Bowl appearance in the 2004 season looked good on paper with a 24-21 loss to New England, but the eventual outcome of that game was never really in doubt.
The odds have been stacked against Philly throughout the postseason and the underdog role suits this team well. The one encouraging thought about facing Bill Belichick’s Patriots with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady under center is the fact that this duo’s only two losses in the Super Bowl along with their five victories came against a NFC East team that was given no chance to win either game. If Foles can take a page out of Eli Manning’s two magical Super Bowl performances against New England, then the third time just might be the charm.
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