Since Brian Dawkins is pretty much the most beloved Philadelphia Eagle of all time and just recently had his number retired — and because he was absolutely awesome and should be in Canton before too long — how could I not dedicate this Friday to Reef the Lost Cauze's B. Dawk?
Showing posts with label brian dawkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brian dawkins. Show all posts
Friday, October 12, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Busy, So Here's Video of Mike Mauti and Brian Dawkins
My apologies for having no posts on Penn State defeating Illinois or the Eagles beating the Giants on Sunday Night Football in the most Andy Reid way possible on Brian Dawkins night. Believe me, I had plenty to say on both matters, but thanks to traveling to a conference for work, playing catch-up and having to work ahead because I have a wedding and a funeral to attend Friday and Monday, respectively, I just haven't had the time.
So here's video of Mike Mauti, this past weekend's Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, dominating against Illinois and Brian Dawkins doing awesome Brian Dawkins things on the night he was honored and had his number retired at Lincoln Financial Field. Enjoy.
Also, make sure to go read Mark Trible's post on Dawkins.
So here's video of Mike Mauti, this past weekend's Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, dominating against Illinois and Brian Dawkins doing awesome Brian Dawkins things on the night he was honored and had his number retired at Lincoln Financial Field. Enjoy.
Also, make sure to go read Mark Trible's post on Dawkins.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Monday, December 28, 2009
Is Macho Harris Cut Yet?
Because if he's not, he should do all us Eagles fans a favor and just kill himself.
Get the fuck off the field
And while you're at it, drop the stupid fucking nickname, because there's nothing macho about your game, Victor. Hitting a defenseless receiver after your teammate just intercepted a pass and returned it to midfield — no matter how annoying the rule itself is — to bring the ball all the way back inside the 5 is not macho. Fumbling not one but two kickoffs, with one of them leading to a touchdown, is not macho. And generally sucking all season long is not macho. Your name is Victor, you stupid jerk. And from here on out, I shall never refer to you as Macho again.
Back in September, I actually wrote this about Harris:
"Oh, and from what I saw,Macho Victor Harris looked like a real player. I think I'm going to like that guy."
I've never been more wrong in my entire life. I hate Victor Harris. Everything about him. His stupid nickname, the way he looks, his suspect returning, his terrible defense, everything. He somehow won the starting free safety job out of training camp and then has progressively gotten worse and worse each and every week. He's horrible at football, and that may be putting it kindly, and he's a moron to boot.
With the Eagles up 27-10 in the 3rd quarter, the Broncos were driving and looking like they were about to score. Then Asante Samuel did what he does best, picking off a pass and returning it to the 50. Only one problem: Victor Harris hit a defenseless Tony Scheffler, bringing the ball all the way back from the 50 to the 4. So instead of working a short field and being in good shape to put up more points, the Eagles were backed up, got stopped and had to punt. That flipped field position, as the Broncos started at the Eagles' 25 and scored to cut it to 27-17.
On the ensuing kickoff, Victor Harris was swinging the ball around so wildly that I could hear LeSean McCoy on the sidelines even telling him to tuck the damn thing away. He did not, got completely leveled, fumbled and the Broncos recovered, getting the ball at the Eagles' 16. Two plays later, Knowshon Moreno was prancing into the end zone, and a 17-point lead turned into a 3-point lead. Two boneheaded, backbreaking plays by Victor Harris, two Denver scores and a big lead cut to a thin margin.
To make matters worse, Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg completely went away from what was working in the first half — whether it was because of the Broncos or their own stupidity — and abandoned the run altogether. Because they are morons. In the first half, the Eagles torched the Broncos for 20 points and could have possibly put up even more. They were extremely balanced, working Brian Westbrook back into the game, getting Leonard Weaver his touches and giving LeSean McCoy some running room.
That opened up the passing game, allowing DeSean Jackson to make a couple of big catches and then when Denver started to take DeSean away, opened up the field for Brent Celek to run wild.
Celek completely killed the Broncos in that first half, getting wide open on a few occasions, making a sick one-handed catch to get going and finishing the half with 4 catches for 121 yards and touchdown, including three catches of more than 30 yards. The guy is having a Pro Bowl season and really should make it, but he probably won't because people are stupid. No matter. Celek has been huge for the Eagles, and he was huge in that first half. And Donovan McNabb was incredibly sharp, finding the open receiver seemingly every pass play, especially Celek. As a result, the Eagles held a 20-7 lead and looked generally unstoppable.
Then in the 3rd quarter, everything changed. Up by 13 points and looking to secure a win and put pressure on Minnesota for that 2nd seed, you'd expect a smart team to continue being balanced, relying even a little more on the run to help wear down the defense and run the clock. Instead, the Eagles do what they are wont to do from time to time and get pass-happy. Extremely pass-happy. On the first drive, McNabb hit Jeremy Maclin for 25 yards, then threw an interception. Two passes. On the second drive, the Eagles ran the ball three times — an 11-yard run by LeSean McCoy, four yards by McCoy and a four-year run by Westbrook. They also threw three times, completing just one pass, which happened to be the touchdown off the tipped pass from McNabb to Jason Avant. It was the only time the Eagles stayed balanced in the 2nd half, and it resulted in their only touchdown. Three runs, three passes, 7 points, 27-10 lead.
It was all downhill from there. From there on out, the Eagles went three-and-out four straight times, calling just two running plays on those four possessions. Two runs in four possessions, zero first downs. This is not rocket science. The Eagles refused to run, meaning the Broncos could just sit back and play the pass, which made the Eagles easy to defend, which resulted in three-and-out after three-and-out and a 17-point lead turning into a tie game.
And to make matters even worse, after Harris had already gift-wrapped 14 points to Denver with his boneheaded hit and terrible fumble, on his very next chance to return a kickoff, he fumbled again. Motherfucker just cost his team 14 points, just fumbled the last time he touched the ball. You'd think he's make sure to secure the ball, run with two hands on it the whole way if he had to. But he didn't. Instead, he again swung the ball wildly and fumbled. I wanted him to die a horrible death right then and there. Lucky for him, Victor Abiamiri was there to fall on it, but that play made it abundantly clear: Victor Harris should never again be allowed to touch a football. If I see him back to return just one more kick ever, I will lose it. Quintin Demps can't get healthy soon enough. And even if he doesn't, put someone — anyone — else back there. Because Victor Harris sucks, and should be put down. I hate him. I hate him so very much.
The way the second half was going, it had all the makings of an epic collapse. But once the Broncos finally climbed all the way back into it, tying the game at 20, the Eagles turned it on. And it's a good thing, because this team still has a chance to catch the Vikings and still has not wrapped up the division.
On the final drive, Jeremy Maclin made the play of the game, McNabb led the Eagles into the field goal range, and David Akers sealed the game. It was wild, and watching that second half was one of the most frustrating things all season, but they somehow pulled it out for their sixth straight win. That's a nice way to cap off Brian Dawkins' homecoming.
I have to say, watching him come out of that tunnel again and doing his thing made me miss him even more. Sure, once the game started and things got going, it was easy to forget about Dawkins and his homecoming, but watching the ineptitude of Victor Harris, the weak play of Sean Jones of late and the health issues hitting Qunitin Demps, not to mention the general poor play out of the safety position for Philadelphia this season, and well, it makes me miss the guy even more. Brian Dawkins didn't stand out on the field yesterday. He didn't have a great game. But he still led the Broncos in tackles, he still was firing up his troops on the sidelines and he certainly didn't do anything to hinder Denver's chances. He has made the Broncos a better defensive team. And he would have made the Eagles a much, much better defensive team this season. And no matter how many times we see it, that No. 20 Denver jersey will just never look right. Brian Dawkins belongs in Philadelphia. It was nice to see him back in the city that grew to love him and he grew to love right back, even if for just one game.
Oh, and Andy, you do know that Leonard Weaver is on this team and has played pretty well, right? Just making sure, because you seemed to completely forget that he existed in that second half.
And I hate Victor Harris. He should be cut. And shot. Along with Sav Rocca. I hate him too.
Get the fuck off the field
And while you're at it, drop the stupid fucking nickname, because there's nothing macho about your game, Victor. Hitting a defenseless receiver after your teammate just intercepted a pass and returned it to midfield — no matter how annoying the rule itself is — to bring the ball all the way back inside the 5 is not macho. Fumbling not one but two kickoffs, with one of them leading to a touchdown, is not macho. And generally sucking all season long is not macho. Your name is Victor, you stupid jerk. And from here on out, I shall never refer to you as Macho again.
Back in September, I actually wrote this about Harris:
"Oh, and from what I saw,
I've never been more wrong in my entire life. I hate Victor Harris. Everything about him. His stupid nickname, the way he looks, his suspect returning, his terrible defense, everything. He somehow won the starting free safety job out of training camp and then has progressively gotten worse and worse each and every week. He's horrible at football, and that may be putting it kindly, and he's a moron to boot.
With the Eagles up 27-10 in the 3rd quarter, the Broncos were driving and looking like they were about to score. Then Asante Samuel did what he does best, picking off a pass and returning it to the 50. Only one problem: Victor Harris hit a defenseless Tony Scheffler, bringing the ball all the way back from the 50 to the 4. So instead of working a short field and being in good shape to put up more points, the Eagles were backed up, got stopped and had to punt. That flipped field position, as the Broncos started at the Eagles' 25 and scored to cut it to 27-17.
On the ensuing kickoff, Victor Harris was swinging the ball around so wildly that I could hear LeSean McCoy on the sidelines even telling him to tuck the damn thing away. He did not, got completely leveled, fumbled and the Broncos recovered, getting the ball at the Eagles' 16. Two plays later, Knowshon Moreno was prancing into the end zone, and a 17-point lead turned into a 3-point lead. Two boneheaded, backbreaking plays by Victor Harris, two Denver scores and a big lead cut to a thin margin.
To make matters worse, Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg completely went away from what was working in the first half — whether it was because of the Broncos or their own stupidity — and abandoned the run altogether. Because they are morons. In the first half, the Eagles torched the Broncos for 20 points and could have possibly put up even more. They were extremely balanced, working Brian Westbrook back into the game, getting Leonard Weaver his touches and giving LeSean McCoy some running room.
That opened up the passing game, allowing DeSean Jackson to make a couple of big catches and then when Denver started to take DeSean away, opened up the field for Brent Celek to run wild.
Celek completely killed the Broncos in that first half, getting wide open on a few occasions, making a sick one-handed catch to get going and finishing the half with 4 catches for 121 yards and touchdown, including three catches of more than 30 yards. The guy is having a Pro Bowl season and really should make it, but he probably won't because people are stupid. No matter. Celek has been huge for the Eagles, and he was huge in that first half. And Donovan McNabb was incredibly sharp, finding the open receiver seemingly every pass play, especially Celek. As a result, the Eagles held a 20-7 lead and looked generally unstoppable.
Then in the 3rd quarter, everything changed. Up by 13 points and looking to secure a win and put pressure on Minnesota for that 2nd seed, you'd expect a smart team to continue being balanced, relying even a little more on the run to help wear down the defense and run the clock. Instead, the Eagles do what they are wont to do from time to time and get pass-happy. Extremely pass-happy. On the first drive, McNabb hit Jeremy Maclin for 25 yards, then threw an interception. Two passes. On the second drive, the Eagles ran the ball three times — an 11-yard run by LeSean McCoy, four yards by McCoy and a four-year run by Westbrook. They also threw three times, completing just one pass, which happened to be the touchdown off the tipped pass from McNabb to Jason Avant. It was the only time the Eagles stayed balanced in the 2nd half, and it resulted in their only touchdown. Three runs, three passes, 7 points, 27-10 lead.
It was all downhill from there. From there on out, the Eagles went three-and-out four straight times, calling just two running plays on those four possessions. Two runs in four possessions, zero first downs. This is not rocket science. The Eagles refused to run, meaning the Broncos could just sit back and play the pass, which made the Eagles easy to defend, which resulted in three-and-out after three-and-out and a 17-point lead turning into a tie game.
And to make matters even worse, after Harris had already gift-wrapped 14 points to Denver with his boneheaded hit and terrible fumble, on his very next chance to return a kickoff, he fumbled again. Motherfucker just cost his team 14 points, just fumbled the last time he touched the ball. You'd think he's make sure to secure the ball, run with two hands on it the whole way if he had to. But he didn't. Instead, he again swung the ball wildly and fumbled. I wanted him to die a horrible death right then and there. Lucky for him, Victor Abiamiri was there to fall on it, but that play made it abundantly clear: Victor Harris should never again be allowed to touch a football. If I see him back to return just one more kick ever, I will lose it. Quintin Demps can't get healthy soon enough. And even if he doesn't, put someone — anyone — else back there. Because Victor Harris sucks, and should be put down. I hate him. I hate him so very much.
The way the second half was going, it had all the makings of an epic collapse. But once the Broncos finally climbed all the way back into it, tying the game at 20, the Eagles turned it on. And it's a good thing, because this team still has a chance to catch the Vikings and still has not wrapped up the division.
On the final drive, Jeremy Maclin made the play of the game, McNabb led the Eagles into the field goal range, and David Akers sealed the game. It was wild, and watching that second half was one of the most frustrating things all season, but they somehow pulled it out for their sixth straight win. That's a nice way to cap off Brian Dawkins' homecoming.
I have to say, watching him come out of that tunnel again and doing his thing made me miss him even more. Sure, once the game started and things got going, it was easy to forget about Dawkins and his homecoming, but watching the ineptitude of Victor Harris, the weak play of Sean Jones of late and the health issues hitting Qunitin Demps, not to mention the general poor play out of the safety position for Philadelphia this season, and well, it makes me miss the guy even more. Brian Dawkins didn't stand out on the field yesterday. He didn't have a great game. But he still led the Broncos in tackles, he still was firing up his troops on the sidelines and he certainly didn't do anything to hinder Denver's chances. He has made the Broncos a better defensive team. And he would have made the Eagles a much, much better defensive team this season. And no matter how many times we see it, that No. 20 Denver jersey will just never look right. Brian Dawkins belongs in Philadelphia. It was nice to see him back in the city that grew to love him and he grew to love right back, even if for just one game.
Oh, and Andy, you do know that Leonard Weaver is on this team and has played pretty well, right? Just making sure, because you seemed to completely forget that he existed in that second half.
And I hate Victor Harris. He should be cut. And shot. Along with Sav Rocca. I hate him too.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I'm Gonna Really Miss This This Year
Today I got a text from one of my roommates that simply said: "If ur bored at work today look up dawkins weapon x video on NFL network with eisen … Then let depression set in."
Well, I'm bored at work, and I looked it up.
Yep, it's certainly depressing knowing that Brian Dawkins won't be doing his thing in an Eagles uniform this year. That Broncos uniform just won't ever look right.
Well, I'm bored at work, and I looked it up.
Yep, it's certainly depressing knowing that Brian Dawkins won't be doing his thing in an Eagles uniform this year. That Broncos uniform just won't ever look right.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Stewart Bradley Grounded on Flight Night
When the Eagles filled seemingly all the gaps the team had this offseason, the words Eagles and Super Bowl were beginning to get thrown around again. Jason Peters, Stacy Andrews, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Cornelius Ingram, Sean Jones, Leonard Weaver, Ellis Hobbs, Rashad Baker helped load a team that went to the NFC Championship game with even more talent. But with the loss of Brian Dawkins, the death of Jim Johnson and, now, the torn ACL of Stewart Bradley, can this team, specifically this defense, be expected to repeat its success of 2008?
While the loss of Dawk hurt the fans, the Eagles at least made moves to fill the void on the field: Quintin Demps has talent all over the place and Sean Jones, by all accounts, can play some damn fine football. Jim Johnson's battle with cancer forced him to step down as the defensive coordinator, and ultimately, took his life. No one knows how missing one of the greatest minds to ever grace the sidelines would truly affect the defense, but the Eagles' brass seemed confident that not all that much would change under Sean McDermott, who, after all, learned everything he knew from the man himself.
But now, with Bradley seemingly lost for the year, is the cumulative effect of these three things too much for the Eagles to overcome? The middle linebacker is an immensely important position, not just for his play but for getting the team lined up correctly and for making the play calls on the defense. Without Dawk, the most experienced playmaker on the defense, Johnson, the brains behind the madness, and Bradley, the quarterback in the linebacking corps — how are the Eagles going to adjust, communicate and play on defense this year?
This is not to say the Eagles can't have another great defense. As we've all seen over the years, the Birds don't value linebackers as much as other franchises in their defensive scheme, so the loss of Bradley may be one this team can handle rather easily. But that doesn't make this news any easier to take. Bradley is coming off a fantastic 2008 season, leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss, and he seemed to grow into a leadership role as the season wore on.
His loss will hurt. The question now becomes, who will take his spot? On the team's unofficial depth chart, Joe Mays is listed as the second-string middle linebacker. We've heard about the great camp Mays had last season, and his spot behind Bradley seems to confirm this guy can play a little bit. But Mays have very limited experience, so you have to wonder whether a team that considers itself serious contenders this year will feel comfortable starting what equates to a rookie at middle linebacker.
The other obvious choice would be Omar Gaither. Last year, Gaither had a disappointing season at weakside linebacker, losing his job to Akeem Jordan. However, two seasons ago, Gaither filled in admirably at middle linebacker, looking more comfortable in the middle then than he did on the outside last season. Perhaps he can move back inside and become the player the Eagles thought he could be.
It should be an interesting battle to see what shakes out, but this without question is a big blow to the defense that raises more questions than the team would have liked heading into training camp.
With no Dawkins, no Jim Johnson and now no Stewart Bradley, just what can we expect out of the defense in 2009?
While the loss of Dawk hurt the fans, the Eagles at least made moves to fill the void on the field: Quintin Demps has talent all over the place and Sean Jones, by all accounts, can play some damn fine football. Jim Johnson's battle with cancer forced him to step down as the defensive coordinator, and ultimately, took his life. No one knows how missing one of the greatest minds to ever grace the sidelines would truly affect the defense, but the Eagles' brass seemed confident that not all that much would change under Sean McDermott, who, after all, learned everything he knew from the man himself.
But now, with Bradley seemingly lost for the year, is the cumulative effect of these three things too much for the Eagles to overcome? The middle linebacker is an immensely important position, not just for his play but for getting the team lined up correctly and for making the play calls on the defense. Without Dawk, the most experienced playmaker on the defense, Johnson, the brains behind the madness, and Bradley, the quarterback in the linebacking corps — how are the Eagles going to adjust, communicate and play on defense this year?
This is not to say the Eagles can't have another great defense. As we've all seen over the years, the Birds don't value linebackers as much as other franchises in their defensive scheme, so the loss of Bradley may be one this team can handle rather easily. But that doesn't make this news any easier to take. Bradley is coming off a fantastic 2008 season, leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss, and he seemed to grow into a leadership role as the season wore on.
His loss will hurt. The question now becomes, who will take his spot? On the team's unofficial depth chart, Joe Mays is listed as the second-string middle linebacker. We've heard about the great camp Mays had last season, and his spot behind Bradley seems to confirm this guy can play a little bit. But Mays have very limited experience, so you have to wonder whether a team that considers itself serious contenders this year will feel comfortable starting what equates to a rookie at middle linebacker.
The other obvious choice would be Omar Gaither. Last year, Gaither had a disappointing season at weakside linebacker, losing his job to Akeem Jordan. However, two seasons ago, Gaither filled in admirably at middle linebacker, looking more comfortable in the middle then than he did on the outside last season. Perhaps he can move back inside and become the player the Eagles thought he could be.
It should be an interesting battle to see what shakes out, but this without question is a big blow to the defense that raises more questions than the team would have liked heading into training camp.
With no Dawkins, no Jim Johnson and now no Stewart Bradley, just what can we expect out of the defense in 2009?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Reverend Rankings — My 5 Favorite Players: Eagles Defense
With basketball and hockey on hiatus for the summer and football still months away, there's nothing happening except the dog days of summer. So I'll be publishing my own personal lists of my five favorite players of the four major Philadelphia sports franchises.
View the first installment on the Phillies here, the second installment on the Sixers here and third installment on the Flyers here.
Let's face it, football is a completely different animal than baseball, hockey or basketball. For starters, there are 53 players the team, a thousand coaches and the players are more specialized than in any other sport. So, we're going to go in a little bit of a different direction with my favorite Eagles, picking my five favorite players on defense, five favorites on offense and maybe even go with my five favorite special teamers. Maybe. Today, we'll begin with the defense.
1. Eric Allen
As you will see, I have a strong affinity for cornerbacks, and during his prime, there was no finer cornerback ever to wear an Eagles uniform than Eric Allen. In seven seasons in Philadelphia, Allen made five Pro Bowls, amassed 34 interceptions and scored five touchdowns. He was widely regarded as one of the best corners in game, right up there with Rod Woodson and Deion Sanders at the time.
In 1989, he was second in the NFL with 8 interceptions, being named 1st Team All-Pro. In 1993, he had perhaps his finest season ever, recording 64 tackles, picking off 6 passes and returning an astounding four of them for touchdowns to lead the NFL in defensive touchdowns, and his 201 interception return yards were tops in the league as well. Included in that was his insane 94-yard interception return against the Jets where he ran about 201 yards alone after picking off Boomer Esiason.
It was quite possibly the most memorable play from my childhood. Eric Allen was an absolute beast and flat-out one of the most exciting players in football. I loved that guy.
And his standout days weren't limited to his time in Philadelphia. He made the Pro Bowl in 1994 and 95 with the Saints and picked off 6 passes in 2000 as a Raider, when he also led the NFL with three interception returns for touchdowns. For his career, Allen totaled 54 interceptions, eight touchdowns off interception returns and one on a fumble return, 734 tackles and six Pro Bowls in 217 games over 14 seasons.
To top things off, when the final four teams remaining in the 2003 playoffs were the Eagles, Bucs, Raiders and Titans. Working for ESPN, Allen was asked if the Eagles and Raiders wound up in the Super Bowl, who would he root for? His answer was something to the effect of that while he loved his time as a Raider, he grew up, became a man in Philadelphia, so he'd be going with the Eagles. That's good people right there.
Sadly, the Eagles didn't make it there, instead closing out Veterans Stadium in embarrassing fashion by losing to the Bucs. And I was there. It sucked. But Eric Allen was the man, and he is my favorite Philadelphia Eagle ever.
2. Brian Dawkins
If you are a Philadelphia Eagles fan, you love Brian Dawkins. Plain and simple. That's just a fact. There isn't a single Eagles fan alive that honestly can say they don't like, scratch that, love Dawkins. He is the greatest safety in the history of the franchise, bar-none, and he is one of the best at his position ever. There aren't many safeties in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but you bet your ass Brian Dawkins deserves his plaque in there. In his prime, he was Ronnie Lott with better coverage skills.
His numbers certainly say a lot: 183 games (182 of them started), 21 sacks, 34 interceptions, two interception returns for touchdowns, 32 forced fumbles, 16 fumble recoveries, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, 723 tackles, seven Pro Bowls, four 1st Team All-Pro status in 13 seasons, all in Eagles green. Sadly, we all know his 14th season won't be in Philadelphia, but he will be in town when the Broncos come to Philadelphia on Dec. 27 for the final home game at the Linc of the regular season.
As great as Brian Dawkins the player has been — and make no mistake about it, Brian Dawkins has been one of the greatest defensive players of all time — he was equally as valuable for his leadership, his understanding of the game and personalities. Donovan McNabb may have been proclaimed the leader publicly, but that locker room always belonged to Dawk. It was his defense. It was his team. For 13 seasons, Brian Dawkins was the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sure, as he has gotten older, he has lost a step here and there. He can't cover the way he used to. But ever since the day he showed up in Philadelphia out of Clemson, Brian Dawkins has given everything he has every last play he was out on that field. He led by example, never taking a play off, never passing the blame on those less talented than him. Brian Dawkins wasn't just the best safety in the game. He was our safety, Philadelphia's safety. Seeing him in a Broncos uniform just won't look right. It never will.
He may not be ours in the coming years, but really, honestly, Brian Dawkins will always be a Philadelphia Eagle. His ferocious hits, big interceptions and immaculate sacks will never be forgotten in this city. Never. He may not have won a Super Bowl here, but he certainly won our hearts.
3. William Thomas
When Tra Thomas tried to go by his first name, William, and forget Tra after already being a veteran, I was not happy. This city already had William Thomas, the outside linebacker who called Philadelphia home from 1991-1999. This city was only big enough for one Willie T. Thankfully, Tra gave up his futile crusade, going back to Tra since that's what everyone knew him as. And I was relieved, because as much as I like Tra Thomas, he doesn't compare with Willie T. in my book.
Thomas was the best linebacker I can recall at covering tight ends, and he definitely had the greatest set of hands of any linebacker I've ever seen. In his nine years with Eagles, Thomas accumulated 18 interceptions, including an absurd 7 in 1995, when he finished third in the entire NFL in picks. He made two Pro Bowls (1995 and 96), wracked up 595 tackles, 33 sacks one interception return for a touchdown, two fumble recoveries for touchdowns and a safety as an Eagle.
When it was time for him to go at the turn of the decade/century/millenium, I was heartbroken. Willie T. was by far my favorite holdover from the Buddy Ryan era. And the guy showed he still had some game in his two years in Oakland, nabbing another 6 interceptions in 2000 (seriously, how many other linebackers have picked off 13 passes in two seasons?) and three more in 2001. He finished his career with 37 sacks, 27 picks, four touchdowns and 728 tackles in 11 seasons.
The only other Eagles linebacker I can remember even coming anywhere near the vicinity of Willie T. as far as coverage skills are concerned is Carlos Emmons, a guy who just missed the cut on this list for me. But Willie T. is the standard all cover linebackers are measured by for me, because the guy was simply the best.
4. Troy Vincent
Unlike the guys mentioned above, Troy Vincent, born in nearby Trenton, N.J., came to Philadelphia via free agency in 1996 already having established himself as a fine cornerback in four seasons as a Miami Dolphin. But it was during his eight years in Philadelphia that Vincent became a premier defensive back in the National Football League as both a tremendous player and an outstanding leader.
Troy played in 118 regular season games as an Eagle, starting all 118 of them. He racked up 28 interceptions, a touchdown, 425 tackles, 4.5 sacks and five straight Pro Bowl appearances from 1999-2003. He led the league with seven picks in 1999 and was named 1st Team All-Pro in 2002. Essentially, the guy was a lock-down corner who Jim Johnson could count on each and every snap.
As great an innovator and coordinator that Jim Johnson was/is with his aggressive, blitzing scheme, it was Troy Vincent and the next guy on this list that allowed Johnson to whip up those crazy schemes. He knew he could leave Troy and Bobby Taylor all alone on an island, and he knew no matter what, those two guys weren't going to get beat deep. I never once felt worried with a healthy Troy in man coverage. Not once.
He was an outstanding player that finished with 47 picks, three touchdowns and 738 tackles over 15 years, playing the bulk of that with the Birds. And he was an incredible tutor for the likes of Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard, drafted by the Eagles to replace Bobby and Troy. He never once complained about getting shoved out the door. He understood it. He was aging, and his replacements were ready. Class act. Great teammate. And great player.
Oh, and he did this:
*~* 1996 vs. Cowboys - J. Willis to T. Vincent 103 yd int *~*
That was one of the coolest endings to a game ever, even if James Willis had no business lateralling that ball to Troy. Sweet.
5. Bobby Taylor
The other half of Bobby and Troy, Taylor was the lesser known corner of the two among outsiders, but he was darn good in his own right. And the man was never better than when he faced big-time receivers. He was Michael Irvin's personal nemesis, always shutting down the loudmouth Dallas wideout. It was that Emmitt guy that gave the Eagles problems.
The knock on Bobby was that he was never really a great tackler, which is true. Bobby couldn't touch Troy Vincent or Eric Allen in tackling acumen, but he also wasn't really horrible at it – you know, like Deion. Even so, Taylor didn't shy from contact. He was an aggressive, bump and run corner who always played his best when going against physical receivers like Irvin and Terrell Owens.
Overshadowed by Troy, Bobby only made one Pro Bowl, that coming in 2002. But he was certainly just as much of a reason that those late '90s defenses under Jim Johnson were so successful. Along with Dawkins and Vincent, Taylor made up a formidable secondary that allowed Johnson to be so creative.
In his nine years in Philadelphia, Bobby recorded 317 tackles, 19 interceptions and two touchdowns. He also added two sacks and countless games shutting down the bigger receivers in the game. As good as Sheldon and Lito were together, and as exciting as it is to have Sheldon and Asante, Bobby and Troy were the best duo I've ever seen at corner.
There you have it, my five favorite Eagles defenders of all time. I know there aren't any linemen here, but honestly, none jumped out at me. I loved Hugh Douglas in his prime, and Andy Harmon was always a favorite. Of course there's Reggie and Jerome and Clyde, but during those early years, as you can tell, Eric Allen and William Thomas were my guys. Seth Joyner and Byron Evans were guys I also loved, along with the likes of Sheldon, Emmons, Trotter (I was furious when they let him go the first time), Tim Hauck, Michael Zordich and the list can go on. But in the end, there really wasn't any question. These are my five favorites, hands down.
View the first installment on the Phillies here, the second installment on the Sixers here and third installment on the Flyers here.
Let's face it, football is a completely different animal than baseball, hockey or basketball. For starters, there are 53 players the team, a thousand coaches and the players are more specialized than in any other sport. So, we're going to go in a little bit of a different direction with my favorite Eagles, picking my five favorite players on defense, five favorites on offense and maybe even go with my five favorite special teamers. Maybe. Today, we'll begin with the defense.
1. Eric Allen
As you will see, I have a strong affinity for cornerbacks, and during his prime, there was no finer cornerback ever to wear an Eagles uniform than Eric Allen. In seven seasons in Philadelphia, Allen made five Pro Bowls, amassed 34 interceptions and scored five touchdowns. He was widely regarded as one of the best corners in game, right up there with Rod Woodson and Deion Sanders at the time.
In 1989, he was second in the NFL with 8 interceptions, being named 1st Team All-Pro. In 1993, he had perhaps his finest season ever, recording 64 tackles, picking off 6 passes and returning an astounding four of them for touchdowns to lead the NFL in defensive touchdowns, and his 201 interception return yards were tops in the league as well. Included in that was his insane 94-yard interception return against the Jets where he ran about 201 yards alone after picking off Boomer Esiason.
It was quite possibly the most memorable play from my childhood. Eric Allen was an absolute beast and flat-out one of the most exciting players in football. I loved that guy.
And his standout days weren't limited to his time in Philadelphia. He made the Pro Bowl in 1994 and 95 with the Saints and picked off 6 passes in 2000 as a Raider, when he also led the NFL with three interception returns for touchdowns. For his career, Allen totaled 54 interceptions, eight touchdowns off interception returns and one on a fumble return, 734 tackles and six Pro Bowls in 217 games over 14 seasons.
To top things off, when the final four teams remaining in the 2003 playoffs were the Eagles, Bucs, Raiders and Titans. Working for ESPN, Allen was asked if the Eagles and Raiders wound up in the Super Bowl, who would he root for? His answer was something to the effect of that while he loved his time as a Raider, he grew up, became a man in Philadelphia, so he'd be going with the Eagles. That's good people right there.
Sadly, the Eagles didn't make it there, instead closing out Veterans Stadium in embarrassing fashion by losing to the Bucs. And I was there. It sucked. But Eric Allen was the man, and he is my favorite Philadelphia Eagle ever.
2. Brian Dawkins
If you are a Philadelphia Eagles fan, you love Brian Dawkins. Plain and simple. That's just a fact. There isn't a single Eagles fan alive that honestly can say they don't like, scratch that, love Dawkins. He is the greatest safety in the history of the franchise, bar-none, and he is one of the best at his position ever. There aren't many safeties in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but you bet your ass Brian Dawkins deserves his plaque in there. In his prime, he was Ronnie Lott with better coverage skills.
His numbers certainly say a lot: 183 games (182 of them started), 21 sacks, 34 interceptions, two interception returns for touchdowns, 32 forced fumbles, 16 fumble recoveries, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, 723 tackles, seven Pro Bowls, four 1st Team All-Pro status in 13 seasons, all in Eagles green. Sadly, we all know his 14th season won't be in Philadelphia, but he will be in town when the Broncos come to Philadelphia on Dec. 27 for the final home game at the Linc of the regular season.
As great as Brian Dawkins the player has been — and make no mistake about it, Brian Dawkins has been one of the greatest defensive players of all time — he was equally as valuable for his leadership, his understanding of the game and personalities. Donovan McNabb may have been proclaimed the leader publicly, but that locker room always belonged to Dawk. It was his defense. It was his team. For 13 seasons, Brian Dawkins was the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sure, as he has gotten older, he has lost a step here and there. He can't cover the way he used to. But ever since the day he showed up in Philadelphia out of Clemson, Brian Dawkins has given everything he has every last play he was out on that field. He led by example, never taking a play off, never passing the blame on those less talented than him. Brian Dawkins wasn't just the best safety in the game. He was our safety, Philadelphia's safety. Seeing him in a Broncos uniform just won't look right. It never will.
He may not be ours in the coming years, but really, honestly, Brian Dawkins will always be a Philadelphia Eagle. His ferocious hits, big interceptions and immaculate sacks will never be forgotten in this city. Never. He may not have won a Super Bowl here, but he certainly won our hearts.
3. William Thomas
When Tra Thomas tried to go by his first name, William, and forget Tra after already being a veteran, I was not happy. This city already had William Thomas, the outside linebacker who called Philadelphia home from 1991-1999. This city was only big enough for one Willie T. Thankfully, Tra gave up his futile crusade, going back to Tra since that's what everyone knew him as. And I was relieved, because as much as I like Tra Thomas, he doesn't compare with Willie T. in my book.
Thomas was the best linebacker I can recall at covering tight ends, and he definitely had the greatest set of hands of any linebacker I've ever seen. In his nine years with Eagles, Thomas accumulated 18 interceptions, including an absurd 7 in 1995, when he finished third in the entire NFL in picks. He made two Pro Bowls (1995 and 96), wracked up 595 tackles, 33 sacks one interception return for a touchdown, two fumble recoveries for touchdowns and a safety as an Eagle.
When it was time for him to go at the turn of the decade/century/millenium, I was heartbroken. Willie T. was by far my favorite holdover from the Buddy Ryan era. And the guy showed he still had some game in his two years in Oakland, nabbing another 6 interceptions in 2000 (seriously, how many other linebackers have picked off 13 passes in two seasons?) and three more in 2001. He finished his career with 37 sacks, 27 picks, four touchdowns and 728 tackles in 11 seasons.
The only other Eagles linebacker I can remember even coming anywhere near the vicinity of Willie T. as far as coverage skills are concerned is Carlos Emmons, a guy who just missed the cut on this list for me. But Willie T. is the standard all cover linebackers are measured by for me, because the guy was simply the best.
4. Troy Vincent
Unlike the guys mentioned above, Troy Vincent, born in nearby Trenton, N.J., came to Philadelphia via free agency in 1996 already having established himself as a fine cornerback in four seasons as a Miami Dolphin. But it was during his eight years in Philadelphia that Vincent became a premier defensive back in the National Football League as both a tremendous player and an outstanding leader.
Troy played in 118 regular season games as an Eagle, starting all 118 of them. He racked up 28 interceptions, a touchdown, 425 tackles, 4.5 sacks and five straight Pro Bowl appearances from 1999-2003. He led the league with seven picks in 1999 and was named 1st Team All-Pro in 2002. Essentially, the guy was a lock-down corner who Jim Johnson could count on each and every snap.
As great an innovator and coordinator that Jim Johnson was/is with his aggressive, blitzing scheme, it was Troy Vincent and the next guy on this list that allowed Johnson to whip up those crazy schemes. He knew he could leave Troy and Bobby Taylor all alone on an island, and he knew no matter what, those two guys weren't going to get beat deep. I never once felt worried with a healthy Troy in man coverage. Not once.
He was an outstanding player that finished with 47 picks, three touchdowns and 738 tackles over 15 years, playing the bulk of that with the Birds. And he was an incredible tutor for the likes of Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard, drafted by the Eagles to replace Bobby and Troy. He never once complained about getting shoved out the door. He understood it. He was aging, and his replacements were ready. Class act. Great teammate. And great player.
Oh, and he did this:
*~* 1996 vs. Cowboys - J. Willis to T. Vincent 103 yd int *~*
That was one of the coolest endings to a game ever, even if James Willis had no business lateralling that ball to Troy. Sweet.
5. Bobby Taylor
The other half of Bobby and Troy, Taylor was the lesser known corner of the two among outsiders, but he was darn good in his own right. And the man was never better than when he faced big-time receivers. He was Michael Irvin's personal nemesis, always shutting down the loudmouth Dallas wideout. It was that Emmitt guy that gave the Eagles problems.
The knock on Bobby was that he was never really a great tackler, which is true. Bobby couldn't touch Troy Vincent or Eric Allen in tackling acumen, but he also wasn't really horrible at it – you know, like Deion. Even so, Taylor didn't shy from contact. He was an aggressive, bump and run corner who always played his best when going against physical receivers like Irvin and Terrell Owens.
Overshadowed by Troy, Bobby only made one Pro Bowl, that coming in 2002. But he was certainly just as much of a reason that those late '90s defenses under Jim Johnson were so successful. Along with Dawkins and Vincent, Taylor made up a formidable secondary that allowed Johnson to be so creative.
In his nine years in Philadelphia, Bobby recorded 317 tackles, 19 interceptions and two touchdowns. He also added two sacks and countless games shutting down the bigger receivers in the game. As good as Sheldon and Lito were together, and as exciting as it is to have Sheldon and Asante, Bobby and Troy were the best duo I've ever seen at corner.
There you have it, my five favorite Eagles defenders of all time. I know there aren't any linemen here, but honestly, none jumped out at me. I loved Hugh Douglas in his prime, and Andy Harmon was always a favorite. Of course there's Reggie and Jerome and Clyde, but during those early years, as you can tell, Eric Allen and William Thomas were my guys. Seth Joyner and Byron Evans were guys I also loved, along with the likes of Sheldon, Emmons, Trotter (I was furious when they let him go the first time), Tim Hauck, Michael Zordich and the list can go on. But in the end, there really wasn't any question. These are my five favorites, hands down.
Friday, March 6, 2009
I Know Brian Dawkins, and You, My Friend, Are No Brian Dawkins
Apparently, the Eagles have signed Sean Jones, a 27-year-old strong safety who has played all three of his NFL seasons with the Browns.
Yesterday on Daily News Live, Paul Domowitch said Jones is strictly a strong safety, so this officially means Quintin Mikell will be moving to free safety to try and fill the considerable shoes that Brian Dawkins vacated. We all know Mikell is a damn fine football, but what of this Sean Jones character?
Well, for starters, he went to Georgia. Let's hope he's a lot better at his job than Reggie Brown is at his. In all honesty, I don't know dick about Jones, but he did put up impressive numbers his first two season in the league. Rumor has it he had a down year last season because he was coming off an injury, and you know, he played for the fucking Cleveland Browns.
It certainly sounds like a smart move for the Eagles, who definitely needed to secure a starter for this season at safety. Hopefully Mikell will have no problems transitioning to free safety. I suspect he won't.
And while Sean Jones could very well turn out to be a good player for the Eagles, he sure as shit ain't Brian Dawkins. And that's why no one really gives a crap about this. Plus, even with Dawk departing, the Eagles have much, much bigger concerns to address. Like left tackle. You know, the position that is the most vital in protecting the quarterback—a quarterback who just so happens to have a history of getting injured. Oh, and then there's running back. And tight end. And wide receiver. And a pass rusher that can actually play the run as well.
But why bother with that? Let's let an all-time great go, giving us another unnecessary hole to fill, and then fill that first. I mean, who needs a left tackle anyway?
Update: Maybe I should be more excited. A jerk is praising Sean Jones:
Fucking piece of shit ass franchise bitch ass mother fucking cold ass whore, Eagles.
Picking up Sean Fucking Jones. Fuck that. How the hell was this possible? Nobody watches the Browns. How the hell could anyone have known that Sean Jones is a fucking badass safety?
AND WHY THE FUCK DIDN’T MANKOK FUCKING RESIGN FUCKING SEAN FUCKING JONES. FUCK SHIT ASS.
/passes out
Badass safety, huh? Me likes the sound of that.
Yesterday on Daily News Live, Paul Domowitch said Jones is strictly a strong safety, so this officially means Quintin Mikell will be moving to free safety to try and fill the considerable shoes that Brian Dawkins vacated. We all know Mikell is a damn fine football, but what of this Sean Jones character?
Well, for starters, he went to Georgia. Let's hope he's a lot better at his job than Reggie Brown is at his. In all honesty, I don't know dick about Jones, but he did put up impressive numbers his first two season in the league. Rumor has it he had a down year last season because he was coming off an injury, and you know, he played for the fucking Cleveland Browns.
It certainly sounds like a smart move for the Eagles, who definitely needed to secure a starter for this season at safety. Hopefully Mikell will have no problems transitioning to free safety. I suspect he won't.
And while Sean Jones could very well turn out to be a good player for the Eagles, he sure as shit ain't Brian Dawkins. And that's why no one really gives a crap about this. Plus, even with Dawk departing, the Eagles have much, much bigger concerns to address. Like left tackle. You know, the position that is the most vital in protecting the quarterback—a quarterback who just so happens to have a history of getting injured. Oh, and then there's running back. And tight end. And wide receiver. And a pass rusher that can actually play the run as well.
But why bother with that? Let's let an all-time great go, giving us another unnecessary hole to fill, and then fill that first. I mean, who needs a left tackle anyway?
Update: Maybe I should be more excited. A jerk is praising Sean Jones:
Fucking piece of shit ass franchise bitch ass mother fucking cold ass whore, Eagles.
Picking up Sean Fucking Jones. Fuck that. How the hell was this possible? Nobody watches the Browns. How the hell could anyone have known that Sean Jones is a fucking badass safety?
AND WHY THE FUCK DIDN’T MANKOK FUCKING RESIGN FUCKING SEAN FUCKING JONES. FUCK SHIT ASS.
/passes out
Badass safety, huh? Me likes the sound of that.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Linking It All Together
I have to admit, I'm a little depressed. In the past week, Philadelphians have lost the greatest safety to ever roam the city, a beloved winger and been forced to witness a former No. 1 overall pick face the Phils in a foreign uniform. These things can be traumatic to the psyche of us fans.
Man, it's been a rough week. Last night, I even took a break from watching sports to get some wings, drink some beer and test my trivia. Then I won two games of NHL '09 after a week hiatus, pissing off two of roommates in the process. It cleared my head momentarily, but in all honesty, I don't have much going on in the old noggin right now, so I link.
-Henry Abbott is a mad man. I mean, actually trying to make sense of the NBA's traveling rules/enforcement? Damn. Check it out here, here, here, here and here. Damn.
-If you don't know, now you know: I'm a huge Ween fan. True story. And seeing Deaner chill with Chris Paul makes me love them even more.
-Some love for Shane Clark.
I hope Clark, along with Dante and Dwayne, can go out with a big bang.
-I agree, Ahmad Nivins is the best college player in Philadelphia.
Hell, I'd argue he's the best player in the A-10.
-Upon news of Terrell Owens' release from the Cowboys, one jerk comes to T.O.'s defense.
-Another jerk doesn't feel the same way.
-A-Roid needs surgery.
-The Bat will be attending the ring ceremony.
-Who's madder: Don Nelson or Shoals?
I'm pretty sure this whole Nellie idea can't work out well.
-Classic:
-Now that's a good prank:
Man, it's been a rough week. Last night, I even took a break from watching sports to get some wings, drink some beer and test my trivia. Then I won two games of NHL '09 after a week hiatus, pissing off two of roommates in the process. It cleared my head momentarily, but in all honesty, I don't have much going on in the old noggin right now, so I link.
-Henry Abbott is a mad man. I mean, actually trying to make sense of the NBA's traveling rules/enforcement? Damn. Check it out here, here, here, here and here. Damn.
-If you don't know, now you know: I'm a huge Ween fan. True story. And seeing Deaner chill with Chris Paul makes me love them even more.
-Some love for Shane Clark.
I hope Clark, along with Dante and Dwayne, can go out with a big bang.
-I agree, Ahmad Nivins is the best college player in Philadelphia.
Hell, I'd argue he's the best player in the A-10.
-Upon news of Terrell Owens' release from the Cowboys, one jerk comes to T.O.'s defense.
-Another jerk doesn't feel the same way.
-A-Roid needs surgery.
-The Bat will be attending the ring ceremony.
-Who's madder: Don Nelson or Shoals?
I'm pretty sure this whole Nellie idea can't work out well.
-Classic:
-Now that's a good prank:
Monday, March 2, 2009
What a Way to Go Out
Just watch:
Ladies and gentlemen, every single thing in this video occurred during the 2008 season. Yeah, tell me that guy can't still play. Dawk is the greatest.
Ladies and gentlemen, every single thing in this video occurred during the 2008 season. Yeah, tell me that guy can't still play. Dawk is the greatest.
I'm so mad I could punch a baby
Brian Dawkins is no longer a Philadelphia Eagle and I am absolutely furious. Now I know it has already been talked about 1,000 times and even written about on this site, but I am just now coming out of the daze and shock of it all. I also know the NFL is a business and that especially in this day and age NO ONE can expect to stay with one team their entire career. I mean, if the Emmitt was a Cardinal and Jerry was a Bronco, then why am I surprised that Brian is a Bronco as well?
Well I guess the fact that Dawkins played pretty well last year is part of the reason I am so shocked. I mean the guy did make the Pro Bowl and he sure as hell made a difference on the field. There were games last year when Brian Dawkins was the best player on the field, like the Pittsburgh game. He was a playmaker and leader on that team and that is something that Andy Reid can not argue with. It seems to be clear that he has a little something left in his tank.
The other reason that I can not believe it is the simple fact that when I think about the Philadelphia Eagles, the first person I think about is Brian Dawkins. The man was the Eagles. I have been blessed with the fact that my father has had season tickets to the team since well before I was alive. I have been going go games regularly since I was 5 years old. In the past decade, I have wanted to get to every Eagles game and be in my seat an hour before kickoff for one reason. That reason is to watch Brian Dawkins. The man comes out to warms up and you can feel his energy. You know that he is going to give every ounce of his being to that game. Sometimes you wonder if he will even make it to kickoff, with the enthusiasm that he brings to the field that early. He starts yelling, dancing, getting the crowd into a frenzy by 12:05 on every 1 o'clock start.
That is just warm-ups. I can not think of another player that you want to see run out of the tunnel. You never know what he is going to do. The guy runs on emotions. The last game against Dallas, when he came out of the tunnel and stopped after 10 steps and blew kisses to each side of the field, gave me a chill. For a moment I thought, is this the last time he will come out of that tunnel, and then I shook my head no and reminded myself that the man was a Pro Bowler. There was no way they could let him go.
After every touchdown the Eagles score, the Eagles fight song is played throughout the stadium. Usually, that is left for the fans to sing, because why would the players in this day and age care about a fight song? Frankly, I doubt that Donovan could even tell you one line of that song. Every time it is played though, there is one player standing at midfield on the sidelines, singing along and flapping his arms and pumping his fist. B Dawk was that man. I have never heard a player yell out E-A-G-L-E-S, but you know Brian did on that sidelines when he would pump his fist to the letters. The man just did not care about football, he cared about Eagles football.
So after hearing his words from the weekend, you know the guy does not want to be in Denver. He wants to be in Philly, but Andy, Joe, and Jeff fucked him over. They showed that it is a business and that loyalty means nothing to them. You can give everything you got and be one of the best at your position, but there is no love for you. I'm not sure the exact figure the Eagles are under the salary cap but I know it is pretty significant number. I know that if anyone in NFL history deserved to be overpaid it would be Brian Dawkins too. I also know that given the chance I would punch Andy Reid, Jeffrey Lurie, and Joe Banner in the face and then spit on them. They really make it hard at times to be a fan of that team.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Site News
Just a heads up to anyone that has become accustomed to the semi-regular writing schedule of this site: Things are about to change.
Due to the economy completely going in the shitter and my company laying people off left and right, my real job is going to require quite a bit more of my time. This means, unfortunately, that I won't be able to write much, if at all, during the day. Therefore, I'll be doing my best to write at night and keep up to date, but unfortunately, the posts are going to continue to decline. I'd expect about one a day. Maybe sometimes more, maybe sometimes less. We'll see. But the frequency won't be as high as it once was. This sucks immensely, but what can I do? I'm a slave to the man. Damn the man.
On worse notes, Brian Dawkins is no longer an Eagle. Frankly, it's just not right. Brian Dawkins is easily the most beloved Philadelphia Eagles of my lifetime, the greatest Eagle ever. The fact that he will not spend his entire career in Philadelphia is a travesty.
I love Brian Dawkins. I'm going to miss him so much. It sucks that he is gone. I don't want to even accept it. But as they say, life goes on. Unfortunately, that life now does not include Brian Dawkins roaming the secondary for the Eagles. There's so much more to say, but to be honest, I'm too depressed to even begin to elaborate. Brian Dawkins is more of a man than Andy Reid, Joe Banner and Jeffrey Lurie combined. Granted, five years is a long time to sign a 35-year-old whose best days are behind him, but if ever there was a guy worth overpaying, it is Brian Dawkins. He deserves nothing but the best. When the Eagles play the Broncos this upcoming season, I'm going to cry. Like a baby. Because seeing Brian Dawkins visit Philadelphia in an opposing jersey just isn't right. And it could have been avoided. But it wasn't.
Fuck the Eagles for throwing him aside. Best of luck B-Dawk. You are the greatest. See you in the Hall of Fame.
Due to the economy completely going in the shitter and my company laying people off left and right, my real job is going to require quite a bit more of my time. This means, unfortunately, that I won't be able to write much, if at all, during the day. Therefore, I'll be doing my best to write at night and keep up to date, but unfortunately, the posts are going to continue to decline. I'd expect about one a day. Maybe sometimes more, maybe sometimes less. We'll see. But the frequency won't be as high as it once was. This sucks immensely, but what can I do? I'm a slave to the man. Damn the man.
On worse notes, Brian Dawkins is no longer an Eagle. Frankly, it's just not right. Brian Dawkins is easily the most beloved Philadelphia Eagles of my lifetime, the greatest Eagle ever. The fact that he will not spend his entire career in Philadelphia is a travesty.
I love Brian Dawkins. I'm going to miss him so much. It sucks that he is gone. I don't want to even accept it. But as they say, life goes on. Unfortunately, that life now does not include Brian Dawkins roaming the secondary for the Eagles. There's so much more to say, but to be honest, I'm too depressed to even begin to elaborate. Brian Dawkins is more of a man than Andy Reid, Joe Banner and Jeffrey Lurie combined. Granted, five years is a long time to sign a 35-year-old whose best days are behind him, but if ever there was a guy worth overpaying, it is Brian Dawkins. He deserves nothing but the best. When the Eagles play the Broncos this upcoming season, I'm going to cry. Like a baby. Because seeing Brian Dawkins visit Philadelphia in an opposing jersey just isn't right. And it could have been avoided. But it wasn't.
Fuck the Eagles for throwing him aside. Best of luck B-Dawk. You are the greatest. See you in the Hall of Fame.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Monty Gee, Andy Reid and Piling on the Mets
It's been a busy work day for the Reverend, on a Friday of all days. Bullshit. But I haven't forgotten about NFC Championship game number 5. It's on. Against Arizona. Who the Eagles beat soundly on Thanksgiving. Do it again. Just two more wins.
And to fire you up, here's Monty Gee:
And Andy Reid:
And Stephen Colbert shitting on the Mets:
And if none of that fires you up, Brian Dawkins.
LET'S GO BIRDS!!!!!!
And to fire you up, here's Monty Gee:
And Andy Reid:
And Stephen Colbert shitting on the Mets:
And if none of that fires you up, Brian Dawkins.
LET'S GO BIRDS!!!!!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
a picture says a thousand words
i really don't feel like writing much. i'm just enjoying the ride at this point. brian dawkins has willed me to win three separate weeks of fantasy basketball this season, that's how much he cares. what a guy. i don't know how he can be denied.
but without further ado, lets just relive some of the more glorious moments in life...
i'll be honest, this is one of my favorite pictures of all time. maybe my favorite. as much as i hate joe buck, hearing him call this play and then having enough brains just to be quiet for a couple seconds and letting the crowd just roar over the tv, that's a top-3 sports moment in my lifetime. the only one who liked this play more is jeff thomason, am i right people?
let's bring it home for jerome.
but without further ado, lets just relive some of the more glorious moments in life...
i'll be honest, this is one of my favorite pictures of all time. maybe my favorite. as much as i hate joe buck, hearing him call this play and then having enough brains just to be quiet for a couple seconds and letting the crowd just roar over the tv, that's a top-3 sports moment in my lifetime. the only one who liked this play more is jeff thomason, am i right people?
let's bring it home for jerome.
Friday, January 9, 2009
I have thoughts?
I have opinions about what may or may not happen in the playoff matchup of the Philadelphia Eagles visiting the New York Giants. I believe that the Eagles will win. Although, Angelo Cataldi's pick this morning on WIP of the Eagles winning if L.J. Smith does not play and them losing by three if L.J. steps foot on the field has a lot of merit as well.
I will give you now my only two reasons why I believe the Eagles will defeat the Giants.
1. Plaxico shot himself. That alone takes away the best offensive player the Giants had. The Eagles' cornerbacks can cover any one of the Giants' receivers one on one. With Plaxico, they had no shot of man coverage. Since he does not play anymore, the Eagles can stack the box and send the house on blitzes, thus making Eli do the Eli Face.
B. Brian Dawkins. Sometimes just looking at that man, you got to believe that he just will not let them lose.
Those are it. Brian Dawkins and Plaxico Burress. The only reasons needed to why the Eagles will win.
Also, here is what I hope will happen. Andy Reid, sensing that Brian Westbrook has been a bit banged up and slow the past few weeks, uses Buckhalter in the running game and does not give up on the running game. While on the subject of Andy, PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE, if the wind is bad, do not start the game by throwing 3 straight times.
Brandon Jacobs will try to jump over an Eagles defender and someone, Weapon X???, will jolt up into the air and blast one of his testicles into oblivion.
Donovan "prevails" again and runs for the sure first down.
Brian Westbrook gets Antonio Pierce in single coverage.
The teacher, the real Jim Johnson, outlasts the student, Spags, in the second week in a row of a Philadelphia disciple being highlighted in the playoffs.
The Giants fans go home cold, bitter, and pissed off and on.
A final note, myself and Donovan McNabb share a lot of things in common. I once wore number 5. I broke my ankle playing football a week after he broke his ankle playing football. I was at the NFC championship game in 2005, just like him. We are both underappreciated and we both do not like running. I have been called an idiot and a moron in newspapers and online, as has Donovan. Unfairly at times on that last one for Donovan. We both have cursed at TO.
So anyway, as someone with a lot in common with Donovan McNabb, if you are using the benching as motivation and continue to play good enough to win, then that's just great, but if you are just whining because your feelings are hurt, then just shut up. The whole they didn't get benched though comment about the defensive line of the Giants was just amazing and not really needed. [Ed note: It was a joke.]Just drop it in the media.
And for the hell of it, I hate Robbie Gould and I wish his leg fell off.
I will give you now my only two reasons why I believe the Eagles will defeat the Giants.
1. Plaxico shot himself. That alone takes away the best offensive player the Giants had. The Eagles' cornerbacks can cover any one of the Giants' receivers one on one. With Plaxico, they had no shot of man coverage. Since he does not play anymore, the Eagles can stack the box and send the house on blitzes, thus making Eli do the Eli Face.
B. Brian Dawkins. Sometimes just looking at that man, you got to believe that he just will not let them lose.
Those are it. Brian Dawkins and Plaxico Burress. The only reasons needed to why the Eagles will win.
Also, here is what I hope will happen. Andy Reid, sensing that Brian Westbrook has been a bit banged up and slow the past few weeks, uses Buckhalter in the running game and does not give up on the running game. While on the subject of Andy, PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE, if the wind is bad, do not start the game by throwing 3 straight times.
Brandon Jacobs will try to jump over an Eagles defender and someone, Weapon X???, will jolt up into the air and blast one of his testicles into oblivion.
Donovan "prevails" again and runs for the sure first down.
Brian Westbrook gets Antonio Pierce in single coverage.
The teacher, the real Jim Johnson, outlasts the student, Spags, in the second week in a row of a Philadelphia disciple being highlighted in the playoffs.
The Giants fans go home cold, bitter, and pissed off and on.
A final note, myself and Donovan McNabb share a lot of things in common. I once wore number 5. I broke my ankle playing football a week after he broke his ankle playing football. I was at the NFC championship game in 2005, just like him. We are both underappreciated and we both do not like running. I have been called an idiot and a moron in newspapers and online, as has Donovan. Unfairly at times on that last one for Donovan. We both have cursed at TO.
So anyway, as someone with a lot in common with Donovan McNabb, if you are using the benching as motivation and continue to play good enough to win, then that's just great, but if you are just whining because your feelings are hurt, then just shut up. The whole they didn't get benched though comment about the defensive line of the Giants was just amazing and not really needed. [Ed note: It was a joke.]Just drop it in the media.
And for the hell of it, I hate Robbie Gould and I wish his leg fell off.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
I'm Sorry Donovan
Ed note. In no way does this post reflect the views of the Reverend Paul Revere. Frankly, I think Arkansas Fred is a complete backstabbing fraud. I don't like Arkansas Fred, and I was this close to pulling this post.
A strange feeling has been brewing in me for the past few months and it has finally occurred to me what is that feeling. At first, I thought it was sinus pressure or a head cold, then I assumed it was just gas built up in my body. Now I know otherwise. I do not like Donovan McNabb.
First, let me say this. I have always been a Donovan guy. Since they drafted him, the man has gotten nothing but love from me. I have stuck up for him when others complained about his inaccuracy or his penchant to stay in the pocket. I explained to anyone that would listen last year that the man tore his ACL the year before and it takes a full 18 months before someone recovers 100% from that injury. I loved the guy. I really did. I wore my number 5 jersey out of respect to countless Eagles games and always gave him my biggest ovations during introductions. I think he is a great quarterback and is by far the best quarterback on the Eagles roster. Kevin Kolb is not even close to being in his class. Jeff Garcia was a product of a good system where Andy Reid changed his play calling to feature Brian Westbrook and the running game. I was there for Donovan's first start, a win versus the Redskins, and I will be there for his last start as an Eagle. He has been too good of a player not to respect him.
After saying all that, I do not like Donovan McNabb. I just don't. I'm sorry. I am not saying this after a shitty game where he is pulled. I am saying this after he has been on fire and led his team back to the playoffs. The man does not get it. He honestly does not get it. Now, I'm sorry the Dirty Thirty are a bunch of morons and went up to New York to boo you. I'm sorry that Ed Rendell openly asked the Eagles to draft Ricky Williams. I am sorry that people at times get a little impatient when a five yard pass is thrown directly at a players foot for the hundredth time. No one can change that, but God dammit we can at least forgive it and not bring it up every fucking press conference. If you want to be here, that is great. I would love for the guy to stay. Kevin Kolb is a complete waste of a draft pick. That was bullshit, and we all know it. Every other press conference we hear, people left me for dead and I survived , or some crap like that. Frankly, it is getting on my nerves.
The man takes too much shit personally. So what if a bunch of drunk idiots boo a bad pass. You do not have to hold it against them. Talk to Ron Jaworski, ask him how much he was booed in his career. I'm sure it was just as much as you. You do not hear him making snide remarks and acting like he is better then everybody. Just stop making comments, say something nice about the fans for once, who come every game and back the team no matter what and no matter where. Also, if you see an open lane now and again, take it. It is the playoffs and you are going to be in a windy stadium. Take the sure first down instead of trying to throw the ball fifty yards downfield into double coverage. It's fine to just move the chains and keep the ball in your possession.
If you have time, have a talk with Brian Dawkins. That man gets it. That man understands that these fans come every week to make a statement and to back the Eagles as best they can. When he acknowledged the crowd during introductions in the Cowboy game, my heart sank a bit. I do not want to picture an Eagles game without Dawkins running all over the field giving it everything he has. I really do not want to picture an Eagles game without Donovan. There is not a quarterback I would want to see lead the Eagles down the field. I just wish he did not have to be such a douche about it.
A strange feeling has been brewing in me for the past few months and it has finally occurred to me what is that feeling. At first, I thought it was sinus pressure or a head cold, then I assumed it was just gas built up in my body. Now I know otherwise. I do not like Donovan McNabb.
First, let me say this. I have always been a Donovan guy. Since they drafted him, the man has gotten nothing but love from me. I have stuck up for him when others complained about his inaccuracy or his penchant to stay in the pocket. I explained to anyone that would listen last year that the man tore his ACL the year before and it takes a full 18 months before someone recovers 100% from that injury. I loved the guy. I really did. I wore my number 5 jersey out of respect to countless Eagles games and always gave him my biggest ovations during introductions. I think he is a great quarterback and is by far the best quarterback on the Eagles roster. Kevin Kolb is not even close to being in his class. Jeff Garcia was a product of a good system where Andy Reid changed his play calling to feature Brian Westbrook and the running game. I was there for Donovan's first start, a win versus the Redskins, and I will be there for his last start as an Eagle. He has been too good of a player not to respect him.
After saying all that, I do not like Donovan McNabb. I just don't. I'm sorry. I am not saying this after a shitty game where he is pulled. I am saying this after he has been on fire and led his team back to the playoffs. The man does not get it. He honestly does not get it. Now, I'm sorry the Dirty Thirty are a bunch of morons and went up to New York to boo you. I'm sorry that Ed Rendell openly asked the Eagles to draft Ricky Williams. I am sorry that people at times get a little impatient when a five yard pass is thrown directly at a players foot for the hundredth time. No one can change that, but God dammit we can at least forgive it and not bring it up every fucking press conference. If you want to be here, that is great. I would love for the guy to stay. Kevin Kolb is a complete waste of a draft pick. That was bullshit, and we all know it. Every other press conference we hear, people left me for dead and I survived , or some crap like that. Frankly, it is getting on my nerves.
The man takes too much shit personally. So what if a bunch of drunk idiots boo a bad pass. You do not have to hold it against them. Talk to Ron Jaworski, ask him how much he was booed in his career. I'm sure it was just as much as you. You do not hear him making snide remarks and acting like he is better then everybody. Just stop making comments, say something nice about the fans for once, who come every game and back the team no matter what and no matter where. Also, if you see an open lane now and again, take it. It is the playoffs and you are going to be in a windy stadium. Take the sure first down instead of trying to throw the ball fifty yards downfield into double coverage. It's fine to just move the chains and keep the ball in your possession.
If you have time, have a talk with Brian Dawkins. That man gets it. That man understands that these fans come every week to make a statement and to back the Eagles as best they can. When he acknowledged the crowd during introductions in the Cowboy game, my heart sank a bit. I do not want to picture an Eagles game without Dawkins running all over the field giving it everything he has. I really do not want to picture an Eagles game without Donovan. There is not a quarterback I would want to see lead the Eagles down the field. I just wish he did not have to be such a douche about it.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Could this be the week of weeks???
It is now 10 am and I have been pacing around the house for two hours already. I'm too excited to sleep and I sure as hell can not sit still. The past week has been amazing if not brilliant, for the most part. If things go as planned it could be capped off with a win in the grand daddy of them all, THE ROSE BOWL. Now let me start first with last Sunday.
Last Sunday, a friend of mine called me and asked me to get rid of his other buddies' tickets to the Eagles versus Dallas game. He said to get what you can get and they just wanted to get rid of the tickets. The tickets were $90 seats in the second row of the end zone facing 95. Needless to say, they were decent seats. So I called Rev. and I called Silver Fox among a few people. I offered them the seats leaving the price open to negotiations. I said $50 to $60 dollars for the seats. Both of them passed on the tickets. They both passed on cheap tickets to an EAGLES versus Cowboys game. I was stunned to say the least. I ended up calling our other buddy, or Rev's enemy. I offered him the tickets and he purchased two seats to this game for $40 total. That is a 180 dollar value of tickets for $40.
As I was waiting for him outside the gate to the stadium, I was standing next to Donovan's father. Now from all the years of hearing about his mom and dad, I know Donovan's dad when I see him. I was 100% positive it was him. The gate we enter the Linc is right next to the valet parking lot, so he was standing waiting for another member of his suite party I assumed. Now, I did not say anything to the guy as I waited. I thought about saying something complimentary about his son because I have always been a Donovan guy. I think Kevin Kolb is an idiot and is a waste of a pick that could have been something to help out Donovan. After a few minutes, a black Escalade pulls up and Mr. McNabb went over to the car.
Who comes out but Donnie's wife and she brought the famous twins. As Mr. McNabb struggled to set up a double wide baby stroller, I glanced over occasionally, but did not stare like some fans who stopped and strained their bodies over a rail to try and stare at the babies. I thought I was being polite. After five minutes, the McNabb family finally was ready to move into the stadium and they all passed in front of me. First of all, I do not know what Donovan finds attractive in his wife. I do not see it. I'm sorry. Finally, after ten people passed Mr. McNabb walked by. Now, I'm not sure what I said, but I decided to try and be supportive of Donovan. I said something like, "I hope your son comes back next year." That was it. Well, I might as well have called Mr. McNabb a douchebag with the look he gave me. I got a combination of the Evil and Snake Eyes in one. I was taken aback. He never stopped, he just glanced quickly, but from that encounter, I realized that Donovan's dad is a jerk.
As for the game, it was the third greatest Eagles game I have ever been to. Number one and two are the NFC championship and the playoff win against the Lions. It was amazing. I have not screamed and laughed so hard in years. From the moment the final scores of the 1 o'clock games were texted [Ed note: by me] to me and the fans all around found out, it was mayhem. The team came out of the helmet and they introduced the defense. Saving the best for last, as usual, Brian Dawkins was finally introduced. As he waved the fog in the air and did his danced, he ended it by blowing kisses to each side of the stadium. If this was Dawk's last game, then God dammit I was going to do everything I could to help and 70 thousand other people thought the same way.
It was loud. Cowboy fans were being yelled at and objects tossed in their direction. Then the Eagles brought out the blind kid, Timmy Kelly, to sing the National Anthem. Dallas never had a shot. Granted, I was worried when they marched down and kicked their first field goal, but that feeling did not last long. Thanks to a vicious defense and Tony Romo's decision to suck at life, the game was over by halftime. The party had started. The chants of Dallas sucks, ROOMMMMMMMOOOOO ROOOOMMMMOOOOOO, and dusted out of the closet the TO, TO, TOOOOOOO, TO TOOOOOOO. That last chant was accompanied by a middle finger baton wave. It was glorious and they heard every word of it. Dallas straight up got raped by Philadelphia and we all laughed with delight.
To top it off, Brian Dawkins played like a super hero. The way Weapon X has played his whole career. Decking people, causing fumbles, sacking the quarterback. He was everywhere and anywhere. If he does not come back next year, I will probably cry. I am not joking. Let him stay as long as he wants and they better retire his number the moment he does retire. It would be a shame if they didn't.
That brings us to today. The past four days have been a haze. I'm still not sure what has happened. 2008 has been a hell of a year and today I think 2009 will start with a bang. I hate USC. I do not like Pete Carroll. I'm sick of every sportscaster in America telling me how USC will destroy Penn State. Well today is the day we find out who is right. Today is another chance for Joe Pa to prove America wrong. Today we witness the last game of D Will, Deon, and Jordan. God bless them and what they did for that University.
I just received a call from a buddy at the Rose Bowl. He told me it is the greatest thing he has ever witnessed and they just arrived. He parked next to a USC fan with a Dodgers bumper sticker. He also told me Ki-Jana Carter called one of the people at his tailgate asking to hang out. That's got to be a good sign for the day ahead. FUCK CALIFORNIA.
Last Sunday, a friend of mine called me and asked me to get rid of his other buddies' tickets to the Eagles versus Dallas game. He said to get what you can get and they just wanted to get rid of the tickets. The tickets were $90 seats in the second row of the end zone facing 95. Needless to say, they were decent seats. So I called Rev. and I called Silver Fox among a few people. I offered them the seats leaving the price open to negotiations. I said $50 to $60 dollars for the seats. Both of them passed on the tickets. They both passed on cheap tickets to an EAGLES versus Cowboys game. I was stunned to say the least. I ended up calling our other buddy, or Rev's enemy. I offered him the tickets and he purchased two seats to this game for $40 total. That is a 180 dollar value of tickets for $40.
As I was waiting for him outside the gate to the stadium, I was standing next to Donovan's father. Now from all the years of hearing about his mom and dad, I know Donovan's dad when I see him. I was 100% positive it was him. The gate we enter the Linc is right next to the valet parking lot, so he was standing waiting for another member of his suite party I assumed. Now, I did not say anything to the guy as I waited. I thought about saying something complimentary about his son because I have always been a Donovan guy. I think Kevin Kolb is an idiot and is a waste of a pick that could have been something to help out Donovan. After a few minutes, a black Escalade pulls up and Mr. McNabb went over to the car.
Who comes out but Donnie's wife and she brought the famous twins. As Mr. McNabb struggled to set up a double wide baby stroller, I glanced over occasionally, but did not stare like some fans who stopped and strained their bodies over a rail to try and stare at the babies. I thought I was being polite. After five minutes, the McNabb family finally was ready to move into the stadium and they all passed in front of me. First of all, I do not know what Donovan finds attractive in his wife. I do not see it. I'm sorry. Finally, after ten people passed Mr. McNabb walked by. Now, I'm not sure what I said, but I decided to try and be supportive of Donovan. I said something like, "I hope your son comes back next year." That was it. Well, I might as well have called Mr. McNabb a douchebag with the look he gave me. I got a combination of the Evil and Snake Eyes in one. I was taken aback. He never stopped, he just glanced quickly, but from that encounter, I realized that Donovan's dad is a jerk.
As for the game, it was the third greatest Eagles game I have ever been to. Number one and two are the NFC championship and the playoff win against the Lions. It was amazing. I have not screamed and laughed so hard in years. From the moment the final scores of the 1 o'clock games were texted [Ed note: by me] to me and the fans all around found out, it was mayhem. The team came out of the helmet and they introduced the defense. Saving the best for last, as usual, Brian Dawkins was finally introduced. As he waved the fog in the air and did his danced, he ended it by blowing kisses to each side of the stadium. If this was Dawk's last game, then God dammit I was going to do everything I could to help and 70 thousand other people thought the same way.
It was loud. Cowboy fans were being yelled at and objects tossed in their direction. Then the Eagles brought out the blind kid, Timmy Kelly, to sing the National Anthem. Dallas never had a shot. Granted, I was worried when they marched down and kicked their first field goal, but that feeling did not last long. Thanks to a vicious defense and Tony Romo's decision to suck at life, the game was over by halftime. The party had started. The chants of Dallas sucks, ROOMMMMMMMOOOOO ROOOOMMMMOOOOOO, and dusted out of the closet the TO, TO, TOOOOOOO, TO TOOOOOOO. That last chant was accompanied by a middle finger baton wave. It was glorious and they heard every word of it. Dallas straight up got raped by Philadelphia and we all laughed with delight.
To top it off, Brian Dawkins played like a super hero. The way Weapon X has played his whole career. Decking people, causing fumbles, sacking the quarterback. He was everywhere and anywhere. If he does not come back next year, I will probably cry. I am not joking. Let him stay as long as he wants and they better retire his number the moment he does retire. It would be a shame if they didn't.
That brings us to today. The past four days have been a haze. I'm still not sure what has happened. 2008 has been a hell of a year and today I think 2009 will start with a bang. I hate USC. I do not like Pete Carroll. I'm sick of every sportscaster in America telling me how USC will destroy Penn State. Well today is the day we find out who is right. Today is another chance for Joe Pa to prove America wrong. Today we witness the last game of D Will, Deon, and Jordan. God bless them and what they did for that University.
I just received a call from a buddy at the Rose Bowl. He told me it is the greatest thing he has ever witnessed and they just arrived. He parked next to a USC fan with a Dodgers bumper sticker. He also told me Ki-Jana Carter called one of the people at his tailgate asking to hang out. That's got to be a good sign for the day ahead. FUCK CALIFORNIA.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Just When I Think I'm Out
Un-fucking-believable. The team that couldn't get one yard. The team that couldn't beat the Bengals. The team that benched its quarterback. The team that refused to run. The team that choked away an important game just last week is in the playoffs. Playoffs?!?
I mean, after choking it away against the Redskins, did anyone really think the Eagles had a chance to be a playoff team? I sure as shit didn't. I knew there was no way, no how that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after dropping three in a row, were going to lose to the Raiders at home. Only they did. And I watched the crap out of it.
Earlier in the day, Arkansas Fred called me to let me know a friend of his was trying to get rid of his tickets to the Eagles game. I respectfully declined, deciding not to spend any money on a team that was going to come up just short yet again—a strong enough finish to keep the status quo but not good enough to mean anything. Plus, I was still at my parents' house visiting, and I was all settled to watch the game with my dad.
While that decision can be argued, the one plus was I got to watch as the Bucs completed their masterful job of collapsing. Once 9-3, Tampa was now 9-6. And then, after failing on a 4th down conversion up 24-21, Michael Bush, the third-string running back for Oakland, took the first play 67 yards to the house. Suddenly, it was 28-24 Oakland in the fourth quarter, and I was going nuts. The very next play from scrimmage, Jeff Garcia threw a pick. Then, with his team down 7 and no timeouts left, he took a sack—the only thing he couldn't do—to end the game.
Yeah, that's the same guy moron Eagles fans wanted to keep and have start over Donovan. You people are retarded. Add Garcia and company's masterful choke job with the Bears loss and all the sudden, the Eagles controlled their own fate once again. And this time, they did not let it slip through their fingers.
Andy Reid, the man I love to hate, coached quite possibly the best game I've ever seen him coach. He committed to the run, mixed in his passes and really just managed a beautiful game. The defense was brilliant, the offense efficient, and the special teams solid.
The Eagles played the perfect game, while the Cowboys folded like a deck of cards. Donovan was fantastic, throwing beautiful passes, like that perfect one to DeSean and a great touch pass to Brent Celek. Correll Buckhalter finally got some touches … and did a ton with them. His 59-yard catch and run was huge, and his touchdown catch really put the game out of reach. And the offensive line was nearly perfect, keeping McNabb clean and punishing the Dallas defensive line.
But this game was dictated by Jim Johnson and that ferocious defense. All day long, the Cowboys looked confused, unsure of themselves and beaten. Receivers were running wrong routes, linemen was getting confused on blocking schemes, and the quarterback, oh, Tony Romo, made Doug Pederson look like Joe Montana.
Tony Romo is a fraud. Reporters, writers, analysts, write that down. There's no two ways about it. In the playoffs, Romo is 0-2. In December, the Cowboys, led by No. 9, are horrendous every year. The guy is jittery, afraid of taking hits, and yesterday, he made some of the worst throws I've ever seen. The guy is a joke. Enough with all the knob-slobbing already. Tony Romo is an absolute fraud. Yesterday, he proved that once again.
It's hard to say anyone on the defense didn't play great, but Trent Cole, Chris Clemons, Brian Dawkins and Broderick Bunkley particularly stood out to me. Bunk was all over the field, even as a d-tackle, disrupting plays left and right. Cole was routinely hitting Romo, Clemons was flying off the edge and, oh by the way, had a touchdown and a forced fumble. And Dawk had two incredible strips, both of which were returned by his teammates for touchdowns.
Anyone who's watched Dawk his entire career knows the guy has lost a step or two. He can't cover like he used to. But man, the guy can still play. He's proved that the past few weeks, and he did it again yesterday. As did everyone on that defense. They played incredible.
I honestly thought, going into the game, that the Eagles were going to choke again once everything fell in place for them. But they didn't. Andy, Marty and Jim coached the perfect game. The offense, defense and special teams played the perfect game. And now, suddenly, unbelievably the Eagles are in the playoffs. Frankly, I'm stunned.
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