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...
