PHI 48, ARI 20

As I mentioned two posts back, I was not able to catch the Thanksgiving Day PHI/ARI game. However, BFF Angi who works for the NFL was kind enough to phone and text me with periodical updates during my family’s encore viewing of ‘The Notebook.’ Every time the Blackberry went off, I prepared myself to be angry. When she called to say there was an interception I was like, “Damn you Donovan.” Then she explained that we had intercepted an Arizona pass. When she called to say. You’re on the 3, I was like, “And what we couldn’t get into the end zone, right?” Then she explained that we walked right in…

I’m rather disappointed in myself. I typically come out of my Eagles funks in enough time to be positive about the next game. Perhaps because it was a short week, I didn’t have enough recovery time ;) I’m glad they won — we needed it, especially because we have the Giants again next week. We had the first game seriously within reach though, so I’m hoping we can close the deal this time.

Record: 6-5-1

Comcast, NFLN & cable fascism

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Yes, Mussolini… because I’m trying to illustrate a point here.

I was talking with a friend this past weekend about how stinky he thought it was that the NFL Network is holding Thursday Night Football hostage. Can’t really get mad about ESPN carrying the Monday games (except for the fact that I can’t watch in my cable-less bedroom) because it’s basic cable, and you pretty much have to have basic cable to watch anything on TV these days. But the NFL Network? Most cable carriers don’t even offer it. And if they do, it’s at the premium level. I would have to seriously upgrade ($$$) my basic package or get a satellite to get NFLN — and even if I wanted to pay for that, I couldn’t because I live in a condo that doesn’t permit it.

I remember when everyone was switching over to digital cable a few years back… I tried to hold on to my analog cable and in turn Comcast held my HBO’s for ransom. I had like 4 of them and then one day they cut me back to 1 and sent me a letter that said, “If you ever wanna see your HBO Comedy again… you’ll give us $45 more dollars a month… and a learjet.” Now, typically I don’t negotiate with terrorists, but how was I gonna live without HBO Comedy and HBO Latino? (What? I like to get buzzed and giggle at the dubbing ;)

Comcast is so gangsta. I mean they basically demanded that the NFL give them a financial interest in NFLN before they would carry the network in all its markets. In the hood, I believe that’s called ‘points on the package’ (I learned that on ‘The Wire’).

I’m especially bothered this week because on Thursday I’m going to be at the crib with family for Thanksgiving and the Eagles have Arizona at home. I won’t be able to go out to watch the game, and I really need to see how the team recovers from Sunday’s mess…

But I won’t see it, will I?

I think both companies are wrong and the real losers are the fans. Damn u cable fascists.

PHI 7, BAL 36

For this edition of the Happy Eagles/Sad Eagles Chronicles I thought I’d just post the text message convo I just had with my cousin Derrick. He’s a huge Redskins fan and so we talk — or should I say *text* — smack back and forth to each other on Sundays. He grew up and lives right outside of Philly in So. Jersey, which makes it doubly weird that he wasn’t drafted into Eagles Nation, but whatevs…

I’m sitting in Chicago O’Hare on a layover and was in transit for most of the PHI/BAL game but I got a text from D as I was sipping on my mocha frappuccino and as soon as I saw his name, I knew it was gonna be bad. Below is the correspondence… Continue reading →

PHI 13, CIN 13

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No really. A tie?

I guess that’s about right. I never want my team to lose, but they damn sure didn’t deserve to win today. I mean, they tied Cincinnatti — who had an identical record to the Giants — if you’re dyslexic… Man, I know so many brackets are jacked up right now. Hahaha gamblers… ;)

My mama always told me that if I didn’t have anything nice to say then I should say it loudly and enunciate. So here goes: I DON’T KNOW IF I’VE EVER BEEN THIS DISAPPOINTED IN AN EAGLES SEASON. And no, I’m not exaggerating. When we lost in the Superbowl, of course I was upset about that. But I didn’t feel that way all season. And during the seasons when McNabb was hurt, we knew early that it was gonna be a struggle to compete. I had no expectations. Anything good that happened was a pleasant surprise (i.e. Jeff Garcia). But this year with a healthy McNabb, the addition of Asante Samuel, the promise of DeSean Jackson… we had a 3-win streak a few weeks back and I was sooo excited about this team. But the manner in which we’ve lost the games we’ve lost this year has been hard to swallow. No shut-outs, no poundings… and no 3rd down conversions… Just not doing the little things we need to do to get it done. Continue reading →

PHI 31, NYG 36

What’s the opposite of a fan club?

Because whatever it is, I’m gonna start one for Andy Reid. To say he was severely outcoached by Coughlin would be the understatement of the year. Despite the bad challenges and the overwhelming deficit in time of possession and yardage, the game was still within reach with less than 2 minutes to go. Then he called those two dumb-ass running plays in the 4th quarter. I’m so glad I don’t have an alcohol problem. Because if I did, tonite would have been bad. BAD.

Thing with the Eagles is this, it ain’t always pretty. In fact, most of the times it’s not pretty. But our ability to keep it close and come up with clutch plays is what has always kept us afloat. I’m watching the post-game press conference and he’s being very gracious, but I gotta believe Donovan knew those last two play calls were bad ones. I think his 1 rush may have netted more yards than Westbrook did all nite. I understand the concept of trying to present a well balanced offense, but in those situations, you gotta dance with the chick you came with. Who would have blamed McNabb if he just acted like he didn’t hear them and carried the ball himself?… Of course I know you can’t do that in pro sports, but you know every now and then every NFL QB thinks about pulling a ‘Willie Beamon’.

Exhale.

There were a couple really good plays tonite. #10 looked sharp. And that Kevin Curtis (at least I think it was Curtis ;) clutch TD catch — Go White Lightnin’!!! And I can’t forget about the nice rushing pickup by #5. But tell me this, am I the only one who thinks that sometimes even Donovan forgets he can still run? I miss that part of his game. That Greg Lewis fair catch contact call was a rookie mistake. But the onus for this loss belongs to Andy Reid.

Which is why I’m applying for his job tomorrow.

Record: 5-4

“I’m at WIP in Philly-natti…”

OK, so yes I know that was a really lame title.

But I wanted to share one other cool thing that happened this weekend. The manager of the club where I was working, Steve Trevelise, has a sports talk radio show on WIP 610 AM in Philadelphia. During the weekend, we got to talking about my love for the Eagles and the Happy/Sad Eagles Chronicles here at You’re Welcome, and he invited me to be a regular guest throughout the remainder of the season. Cool, huh? Steve is a Giants fan and so I don’t think it’s really fair that he gets to be on sports talk radio in Philly ;) but I’m excited about the show. It comes on Friday overnites, so hopefully if things pan out and I don’t embarrass myself too badly, I’ll post some of the clips here or on the main site. We’ll talk about Eagles football and comedy, and why I’m not working any clubs in Philly… (This last agenda item was suggested by me and as yet, has not been signed off on by Steve ;)

Oh and Steve also gave me this amazing reference book/collector’s item:

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It lists every player and chronicles every season from the beginning of the franchise thru our 2004 Superbowl season. I know, right… THANKS STEVE!

K, I’m tired so I’m gonna grab a quick nap and rest up for the NYG/Philly game tonite. Talk soon, –E