AFC North Headline Of The Day...

Well, despite the fact that Donovan McNabb and "several other Eagles veterans" didn't know an NFL game could end in a tie, that's just how their game against our next kill, Cincy, ended. And yes, as I mentioned earlier, the game could've gone Cincy's way. Granted, a 47 yard field goal isn't exactly a chip shot. But still, in the waning seconds to have that chance, and blow it, has to hurt. Then again, when you're already 1-8, what's another loss or in fact, a tie?

I'm not sure we can get anything helpful from this game. I didn't see it, but it certainly didn't sound like the Bengals got dominated. But, I mean, they did only manage to score 13 points despite intercepting Donovan McNabb THREE times. Does this mean Cincy's a formidable foe? Probably not. Does this mean we have to be weary of Ryan Fitzpatrick? Probably not (though he did pass for a respectable 261 yards, including one TD). Does mean that they'll be beat up for the game we've got against them in three days? Doubtful (again, I did not see the Eagles game so I can't say this definitively). So then, what? Just something else to laugh about, I guess.

I kind of have to give it to 'em, though. They were 1-8, which meant there was absolutely nothing to play for in this one except dignity. And yet, they still played one of those NFC East "powerhouses" hard for 60 minutes of regulation and 15 of OT. That's more than I can say for the Rams.

Well neither Cincy nor Philly were winners yesterday, but these links sure are today...

The MMCNY in full effect [PSaMP]

Hell hath no fury like a shitload of gamblers scorned [Sports Crackle Pop]

Speaking of being irate...I'd hate to be Norv Turner today...or ever for that matter. Good thing you replaced Marty Schottenheimer with a winner, San Diego (Yes, Vern. Before you even say it, I'm aware of last season's 11-5 record and playoff success...this is for entertainment purposes) [Tirico Suave]

Whoa, I think Peter King is saying the Steelers have a shot in the playoffs. Weird (see paragraph 5) [SI.com]

Jim Fassel, like the Gods, must be crazy [ESPN]

YES! I'll probably fail out of law school once I get this...but that was going to happen anyway, right? [Hugging Harold Reynolds]

What A Difference An Opponent Can Make...

Ok, anybody looking to buy the URL - www.PerhapsWeGaveTheSteelersOffensiveLineTooMuchCredit.com, forget it. Unless you'd like to fight me for it.

By the way, what you don't see in the picture above is that the Offensive Line is collectively handing Ben to the Eagles Defense on that silver platter.

Wow, NINE SACKS! Ben was sacked, NINE TIMES! I mean, say what you want about his lack of foresight to throw the damn ball away, it's pretty tough to do anything as a QB when Broderick Bunkley is in your face two seconds after you snap the ball.

Anyways, this is going to be brief, because I'm trying to put this one behind me. Bottom line - the Defense kept us in a game we had no business being in, and the Offense squandered just about every opportunity we had to capitalize on momentum swings.

You know who had a good game? Jeff Reed. Two tries, two strikes, one from 53 yards! Proof positive that beer, does in fact equal strength. Also, Troy Polamalu. Dude, a one armed interception, his third through three games. Man, thank god he's back. It's just unfortunate he can't teach Ike Taylor how to do the same. Oh, and what about Bryant McFadden? Sure, both he and Face Me Ike let the Eagles complete an assload of 2-3 yard passes. But hey, second game starting, second game with an INT. Plus, that goatee he's got growing there is looking chiseled. Goatee = power.

Beyond that, the story was failure at every turn. Honestly, the best looking drive may have been the last one in which Byron Leftwich (color me real surprised) led us. Was Ben more hurt than we thought? Maybe. But if he wasn't before, he definitely is now.

Here's a list of people who I will not be talking to this week...

1. Chris Kemoeatu - Hey, dude - how about you don't move before the snap?

2. Kendall Simmons - Don't think I didn't see you completely miss on that Gaither sack (least I think it was the Gaither sack).

3. Willie Colon - I didn't like you before. I don't like you now. And I honestly think we should try replacing you with Max Starks. What's the worst that could happen? Nine sacks? Oh wait, that just happened...

4. Willie Parker - Ok, not totally your fault. But seriously, bounce it to the outside?

5. Mike Tomlin - Where was Lawrence Timmons? Rashard Mendenhall? The Offensive playcalling? I mean, what?

6. "Special" Teams - Quintin Demps' stat line - 2 returns, 59 yards. Who the hell is Quintin Demps? Come on, Ligashesky. Sort it out, man. Jeff Reed should not have to make tackles on kick returns.

7. Ben - Ben, Ben, Ben. Let's talk. I know shit is rough right now. You're getting hit more than you'd like. And your shoulder's hurt. I get it, man. I feel you. But here's a tip - sometimes you just have to throw the ball away. Like, when you're in your own end zone and after three seconds you have nowhere to go and are being chased by three rabid Eagles pass rushers. That, my friend, is a good time to throw the ball away. And by throw it away, I do not mean intentionally ground it so they get two points. Just so we're clear. But like I said, not nearly as much your fault as some other people (see 1, 2 and 3). Also, here's a head's up, when you let the play clock run all the way down, the Defense knows when you're snapping the ball and can time themselves accordingly.

Besides that, was I the only one that had a flashback to last year's Jets game when the Eagles tried a flea flicker? Man, that could've been real embarrassing. Oh wait, that game actually was real embarrassing. Whatever. Next week we've got our currently most threatening AFC North rival. We've got six days to ready ourselves. Let's hope we use it wisely. And Ben, heal up real quick. We can't win any big games if we can't move the ball. Can't rely on the running game every time...sad, but true. And I'm not even going to mention how both Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb were out at one point during that game. Oops, guess I just did.

I just want to leave you with one final thought - remember last December's Jacksonville game? Remember how we were down by 15 points going into the 4th quarter and came back to almost win it? Where was that offense today? I thought when we added Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed things would only get better.

Let's discuss...

PS - Is it wrong for me to say that I miss Russ Grimm?

Well, At Least The Browns Lost...

Full game recap post to come. But let me just be the first to say (here, that is) - that sucked. At no point in that game did I feel like we had any idea what we were doing on Offense. And one thing's for sure, at least 3/5 of the Offensive Line didn't either. Thank you very much Willie Colon, Kendall Simmons and Chris Kemoeatu (I'm real disappointed in you, dude). Oh, and Ben...listen man, you should probably learn to get rid of the ball quicker. I mean, I'm not sayin'...I'm just sayin'.

Until I get my act together, feel free to express your frustrations in the comments.

PS - Before I forget, Tobiathan did an excellent job liveblogging this game! I'm sorry it was a loss, because he probably didn't enjoy it as much as he could have if we won. But he's a master liveblogger. If you didn't catch it, be sure to stop by next Sunday. The dude is like Al Michaels AND John Madden rolled into one (in a good way, though).

But yeah, see subject line for a silver lining to this black cloud.

/I'll just be over here in the fetal position crying if you need me...

Let Me Clip, Your Dirty Wings...

Gold star to whomever tells me what song that's from. And no Googling, jagoffs. Do this one eau naturale.

Anyways, we've talked about it all week - this Sunday is what we should consider our first true test of the '08 season. We head to the City of Angst Brotherly Love for a high stakes duel with the Killadelphia Eagles. The OTHER dirty birds of the North (original dirty birds of North = Ravens) are 1-1, but have already put up 38 points in two consecutive weeks. Alright, so one of those weeks they had the Rams, against whom even my little sister could put up 38 points. But don't let that fool you into thinking that they don't have an efficient offense.

So this week, I'll be watching for...

1. Lay Down The Law
If there's one thing we don't do well, it's defend those quick passes (you all remember the Patriots killing us slowly with Wes Welker last December). But with Lawrence Timmons patrolling the flat, perhaps we can keep those two or three yard gains to just two or three yards. Sure, Brian Westbrook is shifty. But he's not going to run you over, you know that. So keep your eyes on his chest and as soon as he gets the ball, give him a pop in the mouth to remember (ala last year's hit on Chad Ocho Cinco...and his greeeeeel).

2. Send in the Wreckingball
Ok, I'm a little uneasy even saying this given his fumbling problems and Tomlin's apparent reluctance to use him regularly, but this week, we need to get Rashard Mendenhall involved. The Eagles love to blitz, no secret there. So how do you handle that? Run it down their throats. And not just run it, but run it with the bigger, stronger, Wreckingball. Of course, this is in tandem with the fast one, Willie Parker. Can't have one without the other. If Wreckingball gets going, then start looking for those big plays. Especially because Philly's on a short week after getting pounded for 41 points on Monday. They may be relatively recovered, but they can't be completely 100%.

3. Help Ike, Help You
Sure, the Eagles like to dink and dunk, but make no mistake - they can throw the ball down the field just as easily. And if the dink and dunk method is working, this is even more apropos. Desean Jackson is a fast little bugger. Reminds me of Dante Hall or Devin Hester. I don't have much faith that Ike Taylor or Bryant McFadden can cover him all alone. So they'll need Troy and Ryan Clark to support them as much as possible. If for no other reason than to whisper sweet nothings a little encouragement/wisdom in their ears from time to time.

Other than that, I'll be watching the Filthy Philly crowd to see what kind of antics they can dream up. That should be one of the most entertaining parts of the game, actually. I'm psyched already. They need to start playing these games quicker.

Thoughts? Predictions on score? Can I interest you in a Pat's cheesesteak, perhaps?

And as usual, for the domestically savvy among us, check out TheStarterWife's Friday Football Foodie. This week, Parmesan Crisps, Blue Cheese Potatoes and Chris Cooleys. Mmmm, sounds yummy. I mean, all heterosexual here. Move along, Brady Quinn...

The Battle for PA...

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Miles apart, literally and figuratively. We eat Primanti's and drink Iron City. They eat Pat's cheesesteaks (with whiz) and drink Yuengling. But for all of our differences, we're really not so different. At least in some respects.

For instance, contrary to how it may seem, we're both from Pennsylvania. I mean, that's gotta count for something, right? Also, we both know what it's like to experience the futility of a Major League Baseball franchise. And then who can forget, we're both from Pennsylvania. Yeah, I got nothin'...

Our football teams, however, while similar on Defense, diverge when it comes to Offense. The Eagles run that West Coast style and our Steelers, well, we like to run the ball. Philly relies almost exclusively on Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Sure, it's nice when Greg Lewis, Hank Baskett, and most recently, Desean Jackson can be a major factor. But that's more the exception than the rule.

Brian Westbrook is a running back (I guess), a wide receiver, a tight end and though I've never seen it, it wouldn't surprise me if they let him throw a few rocks as well. He's currently 14th overall in rushing yards, while part of a 3-way tie for 1st in rushing TDs. And I don't have the numbers on it, but I'm willing to bet he's high up on the list for all purpose yards. Not to mention front of the line for the kiddie coaster.

Then, there's Donovan McNabb. He's primarily a pocket, high percentage passer. But a damn good one at that. Behind a line that could make even Tommy Maddox look like Joe Montana (ok, now I'm talking crazy). Through two games this season, he's 2nd in the league in passing yards, 6th in the league in QB rating (a respectable 114.1), and part of a six way tie for 2nd in the league in passing TDs.

Of course, in case you hadn't checked recently, Big Ben is #1 in QB rating, tied for 3rd in TD passes, and um, 20th in passing yards. But never mind that. Willie Parker is 3rd in the league in rushing yards, whilst also tied for 1st in rushing TDs thanks to that disgusting game he had against the Texans.

But what worries me is this - we're built to stop the run first, blitz second (hmm, maybe those are one and the same for us), and defend the pass, last. The Eagles hardly do anything you could call "running the ball," and their passing game tends to favor quick passes, which just may allow McNabb to avoid a blitz and exploit one of our bigger weaknesses.

Anyways, I think what I'm getting at is - unlike our first two, this one's going to be a real game. And none too soon if you ask me. We have played pattycake with a couple of 1st graders these past two weeks. Now, it's time to tango with some bigger fish. In fact, if you believe the media pundits, a Super Bowl contender. Or something like that.

So we've already talked about it a little bit in the comments this week, but what do you guys think? Formidable foe? Worthy opponent? Or just next in line to get popped in the mouth?

Oh yeah, and it sounds like Deshea's going to miss his 2nd game in a row. Bryant McFadden better wear his big boy pants again. He's on notice.

It's Always Sunny In Filthadelphia...

Anyone who's ever come in contact with an Eagles fan knows that they're an excitable bunch (read: bunch of ex-cons). In general, they have very strong opinions, peppered with just the right amount of profanity and references to the movie, Rocky. Believe me, I went to college with them. Some of my best friends are Eagles fans (yes, I'm in therapy). They are an irrational people.

So poking them into a fit of rage sure ain't difficult. But it can be fun.

And being that it's Eagles week, I'd like to give you 10 things you can say that, in theory, should push a Birds fan over the line. You know, just in case the occasion ever presents itself [this weekend].

Let's begin...

1. TEEE-OOOO TO, TO, TO!
2. Didn't Marky Mark play for the Eagles?
3. Should I get cheese or whiz?
4. Sports hernia? Whatever, McNabb's feelings were just hurt.
5. Hey, why's everybody booing?
6. Mike Mamula, what's he up to?
7. XXXIX, they won that one, right?
8. So, how many people do you think have been shot today?
9. Oh, so you're responsible for Mike Golic!
10. Go Cowboys!

Even still, for all their assholishness, they'll probably be good hosts this weekend. I'd bring a taser or some pepper spray just to be sure, though.

Yo, Adrian!

Thoughts, anyone?

WHO Has The Best Fans?

Hey, remember the time Fox Sports said Eagles fans were the best fans in the NFL?

Well, ESPN says screw that. Steelers nation is where it's at. Probably in infinitely more hilarious terms, though. 'Cause, you know, ESPN is pretty much awesome...and stuff.

Perhaps this is the reason Eagles fans couldn't carry the day (see image above)...

/I thought this was worth a weekend post

Holy Active Free Agency Batman...

There's been so many moves this off season, even Michael Jackson's head would be spinning (get it? because he's got lots of moves...yeah me neither).

I'm not going to try and touch 'em all, although I've done pretty well thus far. But there are a few recent moves I'll take a moment to discuss. Beginning with one of the latest, Donte Stallworth to the Patriots.

Honestly, from a team standpoint, one can't help but worry about the Eagles. Considering Andy Reid's recent off field troubles, and all the names they're letting slip away this off season, unless the Eagles brass knows something we don't all know, things could be rough for them next season. Stallworth is just the latest in this exodus. Earlier this month the Eagles let celebrated backup Jeff Garcia go to Tampa, Safety Michael Lewis went to the 49ers, and yesterday Corner Roderick Hood went to Arizona.

Plus, Donovan McNabb is coming off of a season in which he only played in close to half of the team's games due to injury...not that he's been super healthy in the last FEW seasons even.

Nonetheless, Stallworth is the biggest blow. Although Reggie Brown proved to be a pretty good target last season, and LJ Smith can be a pretty reliable TE, the power of the Eagles west coast offense could be somewhat in jeopardy. Look for them to use their first round pick on a quick wideout (maybe Ted Ginn?) to give Donovan some help in spreading out the field, bolstering their otherwise fledgling offense.

Turn for the worse: Re-signing backup AJ Feeley for three more years...why?

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