Living in the state of Pennsylvania, while remaining a Philadelphia Eagles fan, can be a strong dose of pain and torture. We, as an Eagles family, are so starved for a Super Bowl championship, that we generally hate any franchise that has enjoyed this coveted success. Join this distaste with a franchise that has been so prominent and successful in our very own state, and it takes the dread and bad feelings to a whole new level. So it is with that concept in mind, that I have developed a parody of the beloved Here We Go Steelers song. It is with great pleasure that I present to you, the Here We Go Packers championship anthem.
Here we go
Here we go
Here we go, Packers, here we go
Green Bay's gonna win the Superbowl
Here we go
Cheer the Packers, yellow and green
Here we go
Attacking young girls, is naughty and mean
Here we go
We can lose, we know there's a chance
But Big Ben can't keep his little thing in his pants
Here we go
Here we go
Here we go, Packers, here we go
Green Bay's gonna win the Superbowl
Here we go
Coach McCarthy is ready for war
Here we go
Matthews blitzing to smash the man whore
Here we go
Gonna beat the black and the gold
And show Steeler nation that Hines Ward is too old
Here we go
Here we go
Here we go, Packers, here we go
Green Bay's gonna win the Superbowl
Here we go
Aaron Rodgers, attacks through the air
Here we go
Beat Polamalu and his dirty long hair
Here we go
If we can't score in a way that's legit
We'll take 15 yards from a Harrison hit.
Here we go
Here we go
Here we go, Packers, here we go
Green Bay's gonna win the Superbowl
Here we go
Fear the cheesehead, We're trapping a mouse
Here we go
Tomlin looks like the doctor on House
Here we go
When we win, we'll dance and we'll sing
Cause Steel City fans don't deserve a new ring
Here we go
Here we go
Here we go, Packers, here we go
Green Bay's gonna win the Super Bowl
Here we go.
Hail the Packers, the cream of the crop
Here we go
Teaching Ben, that no means to stop
Here we go
Win it all with the run or the pass
And shove the terrible towel straight up Dan Rooney's ass
HERE WE GO, PACKERS!!!! WOOOOOO!!!!!
THE FLAGRANT FOUL MOUTH
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Here We Go Packers Song
Labels:
Aaron Rodgers,
Big Ben,
Dan Rooney,
Green Bay Packers,
Hines Ward,
Mike McCarthy,
Mike Tomlin,
Philadelphia Eagles,
Pittsburgh Steelers,
Super Bowl,
terrible towel
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Five Reasons Why The Jets Will Defeat the Steelers In The AFC Championship
5. Old friends and current foes. More specifically referring to the Santonio Holmes factor. It is undeniable, that the former Super Bowl MVP and Pittsburgh Steeler, has an uncanny knack for making the big catch in the most difficult and crucial situation. Look for him, to once again, come up with a key grab down the field or perhaps in the endzone, when the Jets need it the most. And, of course, count on both feet being in bounds while in full control of the football.
4. Us against the world mentality. We, as football fans, all know that the desired path to the NFL promised land is not through a wild card slot and a flurry of hard fought road wars. But the physical and mental makeup of this New York Jets squad, seems not only like it is capable of accomplishing the feat but that it thrives on the challenge. Not only are they vocally confident, if not arrogant, but they continue to back up the boisterous ranting of coach Rex Ryan. They thrive in an underdog role, and remain steadfast and determined to prove all critics wrong. This constant edge and chip on their shoulder, is highly consistent with the classic characteristics of a Super Bowl football team.
3. War in the trenches part 1. The New York Jets offensive line is of the most effective, cohesive units in the game. Anchored by center Nick Mangold, the group remains a picture of consistency and has proven to be a valuable security blanket during the progression and development of young quarterback, Mark Sanchez. They are the unsung heroes of a ground attack that both allows the Jets to control the clock and provide manageable 3rd down situations and throwing opportunities for Sanchez.
The beasts up front are a perfect compliment to the Jets, two headed running machine. Look for the seemingly fresh legs of the revitalized LaDainian Tomlinson and the hard nosed grinding style of Shonn Greene, to have a more productive day than most experts think. They were one of two teams to gain over 100 yards against the Steelers on the ground this season, both of those efforts resulting in a Steeler loss. While Steeler fans will be quick to point out that they went to war without the great long haired one at safety in their previous match-up, my instincts tell me that they will run the ball effectively again, in spite of his return.
2. War in the trenches part 2. Frankly, I am amazed that the Steelers have been able to advance to this stage and keep Big Ben alive, with the presence of this glued together, makeshift offensive line. There is a strong possibility that this could be the week where the proverbial wheels come off of the rusty, ailing vehicle. Any fan that witnessed the Jets physically dominant 5 sack performance against Tom Brady last week, would understand why this is ample reason for concern. They played with a renewed intensity and vengeance that was displayed in constant pressure provided by linemen Shaun Ellis and Sione Pouha and with blitzes on the outside by Jason Taylor and Calvin Pace. While Ben is among the best I've ever seen at taking punishment and executing under pressure, he will be tested to a new level with less than sufficient protection up front. Look for the defensive onslaught to provide at least one key turnover, which will be one of the determining factors in the outcome of this game.
Labels:
Calvin Pace,
LaDainian Tomlinson,
Mark Sanchez,
New York Jets,
Nick Mangold,
Pittsburgh Steelers,
Rex Ryan,
Santonio Holmes,
Shaun Ellis,
Shonn Greene
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tashard Choice: Michael Vick's Biggest Fan
Dallas Cowboys running back Tashard Choice was star struck after his team's 30-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He approached Eagle's quarterback,Michael Vick, immediately following the game, and requested that Vick sign an autograph on one of his gloves. The obscure occurrence has all of Eagles nation wondering. Should we be flattered, amused, or just plain disturbed? To be continued.... On EBay.
Labels:
Dallas Cowboys,
Ebay,
Michael Vick,
Philadelphia Eagles,
Tashard Choice
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Things We Don't Want To Hear From Andy Reid After An Eagle's Loss
The pain and suffering endured by all Eagle's fans during an Andy Reid post game press conference is undeniable. It possesses an extra sting in the backside while viewing this pointless media event, after a tough loss. Reid sweats like a fat kid after high school phys ed class and appears to be more uncomfortable than a claustrophobic, trapped in the trunk of a vehicle. So, it is with great pleasure, for the sake of all fellow Eagles fans, that I give you the top things we don't want to hear from Andy Reid after a loss.
1. The Time Is Yours. The perspiring walrus always uses this phrase to let the media know that he is ready for their questions. In reality, he is neither ready nor willing to honestly or candidly answer anything. He avoids all problem issues with great resolve and has an annoying tendency to repeat a few key phrases that he feels are applicable to every football game. And while we are pondering the prospect of time. How about managing the damn clock and your timeouts for once?
2. We got out coached by so and so's team today. The bottom line is--- we all watched the game. The play calling was awful. The game management was piss poor. And not a single fan missed the fact that you refused to attempt a run or simple QB sneak in your 5 opportunities on 4th and inches. Throwing yourself under the bus only reminds us of long lost, losing days where we were under the fearless leadership of NFL coaching legend, Rich Kotite.
3. I'll criticize the officials if all of you pay my fines. Earth to Andy! Earth to Andy! You just got screwed! Your fans, players, and even management are tired of your emotionless responses to controversial in game activity. Lay it out there for your squad and just blast an official for a questionable call that may have cost you a game. We may not pay your fines but we do pay absurd amounts of money for tickets. It is imperative that our coach not seem like an aimless zombie from a night of the living dead flick.
4. We've got to do a better job with that. Obviously, this goes without saying. And it would hold true merit, if any of us actually believed that you would do something different next week to improve the situation. But we all know that you are going to have your quarterback throw 65 times per game, be left with no timeouts in the fourth quarter, and refuse to make game adjustments like a competent football coach. So please, stop building false hope for Eagles nation.
5. Any mention of any play that you challenged in your history as a head coach. Any pre game preparation should include the application of super glue to the red challenge flag, while attaching it to Reid's pocket. All, instant replay challenges should be handled by a lucky fan that is selected by random lottery from the stadium. Could they possibly lose any more challenges or create more ill advised decisions than Reid? I would surely bet not.
We should not gripe or complain about the overall success during Andy Reid's tenure as head football coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He has consistently led a playoff caliber squad for more than a decade and defined this program as the example of competitive consistency in the NFL. But we don't need a grumbling, groveling show of sorrow, while addressing your inadequacies after a loss. Nobody wants to hear a tape recorded list of excuses, that you spew following a tough defeat. A simple burst of we got our ass kicked and stunk up the joint is clearly sufficient. Now...... The time is yours.
1. The Time Is Yours. The perspiring walrus always uses this phrase to let the media know that he is ready for their questions. In reality, he is neither ready nor willing to honestly or candidly answer anything. He avoids all problem issues with great resolve and has an annoying tendency to repeat a few key phrases that he feels are applicable to every football game. And while we are pondering the prospect of time. How about managing the damn clock and your timeouts for once?
2. We got out coached by so and so's team today. The bottom line is--- we all watched the game. The play calling was awful. The game management was piss poor. And not a single fan missed the fact that you refused to attempt a run or simple QB sneak in your 5 opportunities on 4th and inches. Throwing yourself under the bus only reminds us of long lost, losing days where we were under the fearless leadership of NFL coaching legend, Rich Kotite.
3. I'll criticize the officials if all of you pay my fines. Earth to Andy! Earth to Andy! You just got screwed! Your fans, players, and even management are tired of your emotionless responses to controversial in game activity. Lay it out there for your squad and just blast an official for a questionable call that may have cost you a game. We may not pay your fines but we do pay absurd amounts of money for tickets. It is imperative that our coach not seem like an aimless zombie from a night of the living dead flick.
4. We've got to do a better job with that. Obviously, this goes without saying. And it would hold true merit, if any of us actually believed that you would do something different next week to improve the situation. But we all know that you are going to have your quarterback throw 65 times per game, be left with no timeouts in the fourth quarter, and refuse to make game adjustments like a competent football coach. So please, stop building false hope for Eagles nation.
5. Any mention of any play that you challenged in your history as a head coach. Any pre game preparation should include the application of super glue to the red challenge flag, while attaching it to Reid's pocket. All, instant replay challenges should be handled by a lucky fan that is selected by random lottery from the stadium. Could they possibly lose any more challenges or create more ill advised decisions than Reid? I would surely bet not.
We should not gripe or complain about the overall success during Andy Reid's tenure as head football coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He has consistently led a playoff caliber squad for more than a decade and defined this program as the example of competitive consistency in the NFL. But we don't need a grumbling, groveling show of sorrow, while addressing your inadequacies after a loss. Nobody wants to hear a tape recorded list of excuses, that you spew following a tough defeat. A simple burst of we got our ass kicked and stunk up the joint is clearly sufficient. Now...... The time is yours.
Labels:
Andy Reid,
NFL,
Philadelphia Eagles,
Rich Kotite
Monday, November 8, 2010
Eagles Survive Horrific Officiating
Whenever Peyton Manning comes to town, you can be assured that the task at hand will be difficult enough. You expect precision in the passing game, dynamic adjustments to your defensive game plan and a recognition that no lead will ever be safe. What can never be prepared for, is the prospect that the game officials will give his Colts numerous opportunities to claw their way back into the ballgame.
Such, was painfully the case, Sunday evening at Lincoln financial field, as the Eagles outlasted the Colts in a 26-24 heart stopper. Michael Vick, in his return, threw for 218 yards and a touchdown, while also using his legs to rush for 74 yards and yet another score. Receiver Desean Jackson, also in a much anticipated return from injury, torched the Colts defense for 109 yards receiving on 7 catches, while also finding the endzone once. All while the Eagle defense admirably slowed an injury riddled Colt's offense, on the shoulders of cornerback Asante Samuel, who intercepted Peyton Manning twice.
But as any spectator would tell you, this game was never permitted to progress in its natural flow. Commissioner Goodell's Gestapo officials swayed game momentum and guaranteed the score of the game to be much closer than it should have been. What made matters worse is that each questionable call either removed points from the board or worked to sustain a Colts drive that had faltered.
The first half presented one of my favorite football official blunders , the blown instant replay call. A Manning to Wayne pass, which was clearly trapped to the ground, was ruled a catch on the field. A subsequent replay review served no justice in overturning the call, and propelled the Colts to a key scoring drive.
But this was only step one in the plethora of official follies. The NFL movement toward flag football was, once again, on full disgusting display. Another Colts drive should have been stopped to a halt as receiver Austin Collie was sandwiched in a clean, legal pop by Eagle safeties Kurt Coleman and Quintin Mikell. But Collie remained motionless, invoking a fear driven flag, thrown on the basis of the new defenseless receiver rule. Once again, this preserved an Indianapolis drive that resulted in 7 points.
The parade of inadequacy continued as a Michael Vick to Brent Celek touchdown score was negated by a holding call. And at the risk of becoming redundant, the list goes on and on with a crew of officials who seemed destined to determine the outcome of this football game. But the crown jewel of needless intervention occurred late in the 4th quarter on the second to last Colts drive. Eagles defensive end Trent Cole swatted the football from an unsuspecting Manning causing a fumble that should have put the contest on ice. But the slippery yellow flag reared its ugly head again, as game officials deemed a sliding hand to Manning's head, to be worthy of a personal foul. Once again, the Colts scored after the mishap, closing the gap to two points with mere minutes to play.
Thankfully, for the safety of my home and television set, the Birds were able to withstand a final drive by Manning, and prevail. But that should not excuse the atrocious officiating nor the ever expanding rule set, that threatens to destroy pro football as we know it. I'm not asking to sacrifice the health or safety of the present league participants. I'm just saying, in dramatic fashion, that league officials should be permitted to use some discretion and common sense, while managing the game.
NFL football is defined by intensity and violent physical contact. Players sign enormous contracts with this risk in mind and fans continue to spend their hard earned money to witness it in its purest form. To continually tamper with this premise creates an unwelcome farce and will ultimately destroy the allure and tradition of the game
Such, was painfully the case, Sunday evening at Lincoln financial field, as the Eagles outlasted the Colts in a 26-24 heart stopper. Michael Vick, in his return, threw for 218 yards and a touchdown, while also using his legs to rush for 74 yards and yet another score. Receiver Desean Jackson, also in a much anticipated return from injury, torched the Colts defense for 109 yards receiving on 7 catches, while also finding the endzone once. All while the Eagle defense admirably slowed an injury riddled Colt's offense, on the shoulders of cornerback Asante Samuel, who intercepted Peyton Manning twice.
But as any spectator would tell you, this game was never permitted to progress in its natural flow. Commissioner Goodell's Gestapo officials swayed game momentum and guaranteed the score of the game to be much closer than it should have been. What made matters worse is that each questionable call either removed points from the board or worked to sustain a Colts drive that had faltered.
The first half presented one of my favorite football official blunders , the blown instant replay call. A Manning to Wayne pass, which was clearly trapped to the ground, was ruled a catch on the field. A subsequent replay review served no justice in overturning the call, and propelled the Colts to a key scoring drive.
But this was only step one in the plethora of official follies. The NFL movement toward flag football was, once again, on full disgusting display. Another Colts drive should have been stopped to a halt as receiver Austin Collie was sandwiched in a clean, legal pop by Eagle safeties Kurt Coleman and Quintin Mikell. But Collie remained motionless, invoking a fear driven flag, thrown on the basis of the new defenseless receiver rule. Once again, this preserved an Indianapolis drive that resulted in 7 points.
The parade of inadequacy continued as a Michael Vick to Brent Celek touchdown score was negated by a holding call. And at the risk of becoming redundant, the list goes on and on with a crew of officials who seemed destined to determine the outcome of this football game. But the crown jewel of needless intervention occurred late in the 4th quarter on the second to last Colts drive. Eagles defensive end Trent Cole swatted the football from an unsuspecting Manning causing a fumble that should have put the contest on ice. But the slippery yellow flag reared its ugly head again, as game officials deemed a sliding hand to Manning's head, to be worthy of a personal foul. Once again, the Colts scored after the mishap, closing the gap to two points with mere minutes to play.
Thankfully, for the safety of my home and television set, the Birds were able to withstand a final drive by Manning, and prevail. But that should not excuse the atrocious officiating nor the ever expanding rule set, that threatens to destroy pro football as we know it. I'm not asking to sacrifice the health or safety of the present league participants. I'm just saying, in dramatic fashion, that league officials should be permitted to use some discretion and common sense, while managing the game.
NFL football is defined by intensity and violent physical contact. Players sign enormous contracts with this risk in mind and fans continue to spend their hard earned money to witness it in its purest form. To continually tamper with this premise creates an unwelcome farce and will ultimately destroy the allure and tradition of the game
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Labels:
Asante Samuel,
Austin Collie,
Commissioner Goodell,
Desean Jackson,
Indianapolis Colts,
Kurt Coleman,
Michael Vick,
Peyton Manning,
Philadelphia Eagles,
Quintin Mikell,
Reggie Wayne,
Trent Cole
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Late Game Coma Proves Fatal For Eagles
It was the same old story Sunday afternoon in Nashville. The only twist was a depressing, unhappy ending, leaving a rotten taste in the mouths of the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans. The schizophrenic personality of this team once again flipped on a dime as the Eagles dropped a seemingly winnable contest, 37-19, to the Tennessee Titans.
The theme was much the same as in previous weeks where the Birds appeared to be in complete control in the first half of play. Similar to the games against the 49ers and Lions, the Eagles kept the Titans off balance with a steady dose of Lesean McCoy on the ground and catching the ball out of the backfield. All the while, featuring an efficient, ball control passing attack with Kevin Kolb, who was operating without premier deep threat Desean Jackson. But unlike the standard script, the defensive second half nap caused a nauseating collapse.
The Eagles defensive unit did an admirable job of containing the leagues most dangerous weapon, Chris Johnson. They stacked the line of scrimmage with extra muscle in the box and provided little running room for Johnson, who managed only 66 yards from 24 carries. On most weeks, playing against an average corps of receivers and an aging QB in Kerry Collins, it would have been more than enough to secure a victory. But, today, with the mere flip of a switch, the Titans smash mouth, vanilla offense began to systematically derail the Eagle's young secondary with an aerial assault.
Kerry Collins appeared to magically turn back the clock and second year receiver, Kenny Britt, looked every bit the role of a pro bowl receiver. That is just how awful this Eagles defense was in the second half of play. Britt torched them in horrific fashion for a career high 225 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. Safeties Nate Allen and Quintin Mikell took turns demonstrating their inadequacies in coverage. Both allowed Britt to easily step behind them on multiple occasions and lacked the recovery speed to make plays on the deep ball.
This display was particularly disturbing as we look toward a game against the Indianapolis Colts after the bye week. If this defense struggled with the deadly attack of Collins to Britt, how will they respond when faced with Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne? The high powered Colts offense not only features multiple options at wide receiver but also has a fuctional running attack .
As we move to the comfort of a much needed bye week, Eagles fans look for some type of encouraging reassurance. Maybe it comes from the theory that most NFC teams are sailing in the same boat of mediocrity. Most of your division leaders are in a struggle to stay over .500 and only the Atlanta Falcons have reached 5 wins, prior to the Sunday late games. And this is the same Falcons team that the Eagles exposed to have plenty of defensive flaws of their own.
I have never been one to hang my hat on the look how bad the rest of the league is card. History has shown that certain teams will pull their act together and take shape as legitimate playoff contenders. If the Eagles have any aspirations of reaching this goal, they will need to consistently play two complete halves of football. Anything less will only strive to improve their position in next years NFL draft.
The theme was much the same as in previous weeks where the Birds appeared to be in complete control in the first half of play. Similar to the games against the 49ers and Lions, the Eagles kept the Titans off balance with a steady dose of Lesean McCoy on the ground and catching the ball out of the backfield. All the while, featuring an efficient, ball control passing attack with Kevin Kolb, who was operating without premier deep threat Desean Jackson. But unlike the standard script, the defensive second half nap caused a nauseating collapse.
The Eagles defensive unit did an admirable job of containing the leagues most dangerous weapon, Chris Johnson. They stacked the line of scrimmage with extra muscle in the box and provided little running room for Johnson, who managed only 66 yards from 24 carries. On most weeks, playing against an average corps of receivers and an aging QB in Kerry Collins, it would have been more than enough to secure a victory. But, today, with the mere flip of a switch, the Titans smash mouth, vanilla offense began to systematically derail the Eagle's young secondary with an aerial assault.
Kerry Collins appeared to magically turn back the clock and second year receiver, Kenny Britt, looked every bit the role of a pro bowl receiver. That is just how awful this Eagles defense was in the second half of play. Britt torched them in horrific fashion for a career high 225 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. Safeties Nate Allen and Quintin Mikell took turns demonstrating their inadequacies in coverage. Both allowed Britt to easily step behind them on multiple occasions and lacked the recovery speed to make plays on the deep ball.
This display was particularly disturbing as we look toward a game against the Indianapolis Colts after the bye week. If this defense struggled with the deadly attack of Collins to Britt, how will they respond when faced with Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne? The high powered Colts offense not only features multiple options at wide receiver but also has a fuctional running attack .
As we move to the comfort of a much needed bye week, Eagles fans look for some type of encouraging reassurance. Maybe it comes from the theory that most NFC teams are sailing in the same boat of mediocrity. Most of your division leaders are in a struggle to stay over .500 and only the Atlanta Falcons have reached 5 wins, prior to the Sunday late games. And this is the same Falcons team that the Eagles exposed to have plenty of defensive flaws of their own.
I have never been one to hang my hat on the look how bad the rest of the league is card. History has shown that certain teams will pull their act together and take shape as legitimate playoff contenders. If the Eagles have any aspirations of reaching this goal, they will need to consistently play two complete halves of football. Anything less will only strive to improve their position in next years NFL draft.
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Labels:
Chris Johnson,
Indianapolis Colts,
Kenny Britt,
Kerry Collins,
Kevin Kolb,
Lesean McCoy,
Nate Allen,
Peyton Manning,
Philadelphia Eagles,
Quintin Mikell,
Reggie Wayne,
Tennessee Titans
Friday, October 1, 2010
Vick Goes Hero To Goat With Sunday Flop
You can almost feel the euphoria and feelings of adoration for Michael Vick in the city of brotherly love. Three straight dynamite performances, including one near flawless clinic last week, have the boisterous locals ready to hand over the keys to the city. Vick has looked every part of a complete, polished version of his younger Pro Bowl self. But just how far will the bandwagon support travel, if he fails miserably on Sunday?
While both starting quarterbacks have done their absolute best to downplay any hype for Sunday's divisional rivalry, not a soul is buying the company line. They know very well just how much is at stake when they square off and would relish nothing more than to outperform the other while leading their team to victory. It is a game of vindication, a long awaited time for both stars to prove the exact reason that the are or should have been the right man for the job. For McNabb this is the big stage opportunity to prove to Philadelphia fans and Eagle's management that he always was the proper captain of the ship and that Andy Reid's pass happy system failed him in the end. While Vick looks to reward the organization for taking an enormous risk on him and his badly damaged reputation, by proving that moving McNabb was just the first order of business in building a championship team.
It almost seems unfair to place such an unreasonable amount of pressure on Vick for one built up showdown. By all rights he should not have to bear the burden of a decade of festering and misplaced anger toward McNabb. He was not a part of the organization when Donovan was viciously jeered when drafted by Philadelphia. Vick was never a part of those NFC Championship losses and surely never was in the Super Bowl huddle when McNabb vomited from exhaustion or nerves. So why would a man who shares none of the history nor pain be forced to bear that burden? Why would a quarterback who was firmly in place as a backup up until a week ago be expected to overshadow a potential Hall of Fame quarterback? Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Philadelphia sports in a nutshell. The field general could be Joe Montana himself and these fans would talk about this game 20 years for now if he fell on his face and was out dueled by McNabb.
Don't believe me? Can't imagine that emotions could sway so quickly and intensely from month to month, game to game and day to day there? Just ask Jolly ole Saint Nick and his sack full of presents and mouthful of snowballs, how it feels to get a warm Philadelphia welcome. Or perhaps survey Michael Irvin as to how he felt to hear obnoxious cheers as he was embedded in the Vet turf wondering if he would ever walk again. Look, I'm a passionate Philadelphia sports fan and my intention is not to stereotype all of us as unsupportive or cold hearted human beings. But what I will guarantee you is that this city does not permit lame excuses for failure in its sports teams. And if you want any shot to survive the storm, you better have skin thicker than your standard swamp alligator.
For further proof of volatility, consider the fact that many merchandising shops and fans refused to sell or buy Michael Vick jerseys after his initial signing in Philadelphia. There was a somewhat ignorant NFL fan subculture that would isolate you for buying and wearing one of the Eagle green number 7 jerseys. The brave souls would be forced to deal with harsh dog pound comments and even be pressured to look over their shoulders for signs of PETA supporters hiding in the crowd. But success and winning are always the ultimate equalizer in this sport. Those same sports gift shops are now making a precious mint on Vick merchandise and have even run the real risk of having demand outweigh supply for his jersey. And it has even been predicted that it could slide it's way, by seasons end, into the NFL's top ten wanted list.
Through all of the plot lines and anticipation, the truth remains that both quarterbacks will likely play very well come 4:15 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. In all likelihood the game will be decided on defense, by the turnover battle, or logically, who protects their signal caller the best. But the inevitable truth is that one of these competitors in this early season sideshow will walk away with a highly coveted victory for their team , their fans and their egos. And if either one of them answered in an honest, candid fashion, they would tell you that this game means damn near as much as any one they have participated in outside of playoff competition. For Vick this is the ultimate opportunity to provide another belt notch for what could be seen as one of the best sports comebacks of our generation. But let he not look too far ahead, for he is expected to first fulfill a hefty obligation to this city. Any failure to do so could leave him feeling like Santa Claus with no sleigh to escape.
While both starting quarterbacks have done their absolute best to downplay any hype for Sunday's divisional rivalry, not a soul is buying the company line. They know very well just how much is at stake when they square off and would relish nothing more than to outperform the other while leading their team to victory. It is a game of vindication, a long awaited time for both stars to prove the exact reason that the are or should have been the right man for the job. For McNabb this is the big stage opportunity to prove to Philadelphia fans and Eagle's management that he always was the proper captain of the ship and that Andy Reid's pass happy system failed him in the end. While Vick looks to reward the organization for taking an enormous risk on him and his badly damaged reputation, by proving that moving McNabb was just the first order of business in building a championship team.
It almost seems unfair to place such an unreasonable amount of pressure on Vick for one built up showdown. By all rights he should not have to bear the burden of a decade of festering and misplaced anger toward McNabb. He was not a part of the organization when Donovan was viciously jeered when drafted by Philadelphia. Vick was never a part of those NFC Championship losses and surely never was in the Super Bowl huddle when McNabb vomited from exhaustion or nerves. So why would a man who shares none of the history nor pain be forced to bear that burden? Why would a quarterback who was firmly in place as a backup up until a week ago be expected to overshadow a potential Hall of Fame quarterback? Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Philadelphia sports in a nutshell. The field general could be Joe Montana himself and these fans would talk about this game 20 years for now if he fell on his face and was out dueled by McNabb.
Don't believe me? Can't imagine that emotions could sway so quickly and intensely from month to month, game to game and day to day there? Just ask Jolly ole Saint Nick and his sack full of presents and mouthful of snowballs, how it feels to get a warm Philadelphia welcome. Or perhaps survey Michael Irvin as to how he felt to hear obnoxious cheers as he was embedded in the Vet turf wondering if he would ever walk again. Look, I'm a passionate Philadelphia sports fan and my intention is not to stereotype all of us as unsupportive or cold hearted human beings. But what I will guarantee you is that this city does not permit lame excuses for failure in its sports teams. And if you want any shot to survive the storm, you better have skin thicker than your standard swamp alligator.
For further proof of volatility, consider the fact that many merchandising shops and fans refused to sell or buy Michael Vick jerseys after his initial signing in Philadelphia. There was a somewhat ignorant NFL fan subculture that would isolate you for buying and wearing one of the Eagle green number 7 jerseys. The brave souls would be forced to deal with harsh dog pound comments and even be pressured to look over their shoulders for signs of PETA supporters hiding in the crowd. But success and winning are always the ultimate equalizer in this sport. Those same sports gift shops are now making a precious mint on Vick merchandise and have even run the real risk of having demand outweigh supply for his jersey. And it has even been predicted that it could slide it's way, by seasons end, into the NFL's top ten wanted list.
Through all of the plot lines and anticipation, the truth remains that both quarterbacks will likely play very well come 4:15 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. In all likelihood the game will be decided on defense, by the turnover battle, or logically, who protects their signal caller the best. But the inevitable truth is that one of these competitors in this early season sideshow will walk away with a highly coveted victory for their team , their fans and their egos. And if either one of them answered in an honest, candid fashion, they would tell you that this game means damn near as much as any one they have participated in outside of playoff competition. For Vick this is the ultimate opportunity to provide another belt notch for what could be seen as one of the best sports comebacks of our generation. But let he not look too far ahead, for he is expected to first fulfill a hefty obligation to this city. Any failure to do so could leave him feeling like Santa Claus with no sleigh to escape.
Labels:
Andy Reid,
Donovan McNabb,
Hall of Fame,
Joe Montana,
Lincoln Financial Field,
Michael Irvin,
Michael Vick,
NFC,
NFL,
Philadelphia Eagles,
Pro Bowl,
Super Bowl
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