Over the past several days and leading up to Saturdays latest “Must Game” against the Dallas Cowboys, the media has joined in the “What if” conversation that’s been going on all over Philadelphia for much of the 2011 football season. “They’re still alive!” all the sports networks echo in unison, visualizing the now narrowed done scenario as to how the Philadelphia Eagles can get into the post-season. Never before has there been such hype in Philly over finishing 8-8.
Back in 1978, Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams recorded a duet together. “Too Much Too Little Too Late” was the title of the song. Even with all the hype surrounding this week’s matchup, the second meeting with the Cowboys; this probably is the title or theme for this Eagles season.
Mistakes and lost opportunity have played like a broken record and has been the makeup of the 2011Eagles. It’s easy to say “What if” as we look back at Atlanta, San Francisco, Buffalo, Chicago and Arizona. That’s not to say the Eagles “should have” won all five of those games (maybe, if they had played according to their roster) but two or three more wins changes the circumstances tremendously and we’re not having this conversation.
We criticized Juan Castillo and the defense all season long and now, with only two games left, they begin to gel and get that chemistry we thought a full off- season would have given. Now the team has been reduced to counting on other teams to do the things “they” should have done long ago, for themselves.
I think the Eagles will beat the Cowboys in Dallas but they will still need a ton of help. The Jets have to beat the Giants (both teams actually have a home game playing in the same stadium in New York) and then next week after an Eagles win over the Redskins at home, we’ll have to pull for the Giants, on the road no less, as they face this same Dallas team. These are all feasible possibilities but remember, the Cowboys and the N.Y. Giants are playing for the same thing as the Eagles, the Division Crown! There will be no Wild Card coming out of the NFC East!
Andy Reid says that Eagles defensive back Asante Samuel is still nursing a sore hamstring so Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who is feeling more and more at home, may see more time. So that helps a secondary that seems to really be coming together and the linebackers are getting into a groove of their own. The defensive line speaks for itself as they’ve been the only unit that has been reliable all year.
Quarterback Michael Vick had his best game against the Cowboys in their first meeting and looks to build on the momentum of the last two games after coming back from two badly busted ribs. And All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy (voting isn’t final) will have another stellar game.
Now, I’m the eternal optimist but I’m trying to be a realist here. Though the Giants will beat the Jets on Saturday they will not get past the Cowboys at home next week and that one game will do the Eagles in for 2011. In 1978 there was “The Miracle in the Meadowlands” and oddly enough, that Mathis and Williams duet came out that same year. This year though, there will be no miracle and Philadelphia will fall just short of the playoffs.
And as the song goes… “Yes, it’s over, call it a day, Sorry that it had to end this way, No reason to pretend, We knew it had to end some day, this way.
Too much, too little, too late to “fly” (my word) again with you, Too much, too little, too late to try again with you, We’re in the middle of ending something that we knew…It’s over…
Whatever chance we try, let’s face it why deny… It’s over.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!
This season was about gelling for the 2012 season. Didn’t you know?
The goal was to win at least 8 games and we’re 2 games from the goal.
Right on schedule…….
I mean, with limited OTA’s it’s like the league had something against our team.
How dare them give the other teams OTA’s and lock out our Eagles. No fair.
Think about the new scheme with the wide 9 and an offensive line coach as defensive coordinato. Yeah, the coaching changes was a problem even though the once pathetic 49ers brought in an all new coaching staff and are better than us with little player turnover….
We switched the MLB position, injecting a 4th round bum to lead the defense in the huddle. Along with letting a veteran Safety go in free agency with no proven hard nosed player right up the middle of the defense.
This year was about gelling…..Maybe we can take the next 2 seasons to gel even more.
It’s wonderful!
If it all fall in place….8-8 SWEET!
You wet blankets…..why dont you let it play out and use your vast journalist skills after that.Does anyone whos not 50 know what song your talking about. Nice job quoting the lyrics. Captain Obvious and his minion…..heres a song lyric that you should both learn about….JUMP IN THE FIRE!!!!
Still talking about Dawk leaving!!?! Move on!!!
yeah, i’m sorry but i’ve never heard of the song or the artists that wrote it. then again i don’t own a record player and/or have plastic covered furniture. i think that reference is just obscure enough to alienate 95% of the people who read it. anyways, if anybody is looking for any last minute gift ideas for me, i’d like jerry jones to be quartered by 4 clydesdale at midfield, directly over that stupid star in “Jerry’s World.” the sight of which would be so graphic and visceral that the cheerleaders start a domino effect of projectile vomiting all over the field……I HATE THE COWBOYS, GO BIRDS!!!
Mylow, you claim to be a realist, and go on to fortune tell. That’s the direct opposite of realism. That’s bullshit. Merry christmas foolish scrooge
In the spirit of the christmas season, I would like see Andy Reid Fired today.
That would be a gift all of Philadelphia could enjoy.
We could go to sleep with visions of sugar plums and real draftpicks next year.
No more trading out of the first round.
No more drafting AARP players in the first round.
No more banning Linebacker from being drafted in the first round.
No more giving a division rival your first round pick.
No more high school sized defensive ends and wide recievers.
No more drafting Torn ACL guy.
No more drafting OUT of Position guy.
No more drafting “guy we can sign real cheap because he has no talent” guy.
Dear Andy Reid,
This has got to be the saddest day of my life…
I called you here today for a bit of bad news…
I won’t be able to route for you any more…
because of my obligations and the loses that you have…
We’ve been meeting here everyday …and since this is our last day together
I want to kick you just one more time…
when you turn and walk away…don’t look back…I want to remember just like this
Let’s just shake and say goodbye.
I had to meet you here today
theres just so many things to say
please don’t stop me til I’m thru
this is something I hate to do
we been meeting here so long
I guess what we done so much wrong
please Andy don’t you cry
lets just shake and say good bye
many years(13) have passed us bye
I’m gonna miss, you I cant lie,
I’ve got ties and so do you,
I just think this is the thing to do
It’s gonna hurt me I can’t lie,
maybe you’ll meet, you’ll meet another guy
understand me won’t you try try try try try
lets just kiss and say good bye
For the 95% young bucks go to youtube and type
The Manhattan-Lets just kiss and say goodbye.
to hear this classic…
classic stuff Mr. Bsm , I figured it out about half way, something lost though without the baritone
COME ON JETS!
DUMB ARTICLE BY THE WAY. HAVE FAITH IN YOUR TEAM BUDDY
Not to change the subject but watch out for this Panthers Offense the next few Seasons in the NFL.. Who do you stop…
QB Newton, RB’s Stewart or WIlliams, WR’s Smith, LaFell, Nanuu or TE’s Shockey and Olson …They have more talented,bigger,stronger skill players on Offense than the Eagles do … If D/C McDermott can get them to play half-decent Defense and they get their 5 injured Starters back on Defense, they will be a Playoff contender on 2012 .. Lot of upside with that Franchise
Giants 17-7 over the Jets at the Start of the 4th Quarter
Anyone think that Jets QB Sanchez can bring them back and keep the Eagles with a chance… I don’t.. The Post-Season is now out of question for the Eagles.. Hopefully they show some heart and still kick the Cowboys butts ..
Yeah and Cam passed Peyton for a rookie with the most passing yards. Panthers are going to be something to deal with if we have to play them in the future. The Jets may end up losing and the Giants will probably put us out. Game is prolly over and we can go ahead and call it the year. Actually we/AR Put us out earlier this year. PEACE I’m out this year; talk to you all next year during draft time. Have a good holiday and great new year.
Mark Sanchez is an absolute joke. It’s a shame I got my hopes up when the Eagles were 5-8 that they could actually make the playoffs.
sanchez is kolb…pure garbage. thought we still had a chance with jets on the 2 yard line
GOOD JOB HARRIS!
Why the Giants passing on 1st down deep in their zone with a 13 point Lead.. Talk about stupid play-calling .. See it happens with many teams…
Neither the Jet or Giants deserve a Playoff spot they way their playing..
Yeah Pauly but I’d rather the jets win for our sake buddy.
Jets stink.
Eagles’ now going to roll the cowboys who will be offering very little resistance. So don’t read too much into the upcoming 35-10 Eagles’ win….
BTW Paulman…how did Skelton do today against a good D? 50% and 3 ints. (as predicted thank you)
Vick still stinks. All day and he’s thrown 2 high…the scramble throw was pure bs….and how much time did he have before the face mask? 10 seconds?
He’s going to have all day and his wry will be wide open everywhere as the Cowboys are just thinking about next week. Are the boys even going to throw a pass?
OMG McGee in? LOL
Vick better throw for 400 and 4 tis
I
That’s all she wrote for the 2011 Eagles Season, but to be honest, I didn’t even expect them to even have the chance once they lost to the Cardinals last month… Well let’s finish up strong and finish the season 8-8 and have some positives to build on for 2012.. There is still a lot to be gained and players to see over these final 2 games as they get a good luck who remains moving forward..
remember folks, in order of importance, it’s 1) Paulman’s ego 2) Paulman’s ego 3) Paulman’s ego 4) Paul Mancini’s ego and 5) The Eagles
This game should be all about getting McCoy the rushing title.
Wow…another GREAT Vick pass. Almost a pick 6. He’s really good eh?
Is it wrong that when Vick’s in the grasp I’m yelling, “blow out his knee!”
Its a good Christmas wish non?
My ego had nothing to do with this Eagles Season’s failure Schiller,, This 2011 Team was so inconsistent from Summer Camp thry 3/4 of the Regualr Season, that to be honest, they did not deserve to even make the Playoffs and I stated this 3-4 weeks ago, it was nice to see them play better the last few weeksn and a couple of the teams in front of them stumble coming down the stretch, but it is what it is and I was one of th every few who did not buy into the “hype” and stated numerous times, that this team would be a work in progress with so many new players,coaches and schemes all happening at once (and with no OTA’s either).. It was very obvious to me way back in Pre-Season that this Team and the Coaches were going to struggle and I stated such many times much to the chagrin to many of you.. I kept reading and hearing , hey it’s only Pre-Season and it doesn;t matter.. And I am not talking about whther you win or lose in Pre-Season, I am talking about playing with energy,passion and sense of urgency and we really didn;t see it for an entire 60 minutes until the season was about 1/2 over…way too little and way too late..
see Paul – even in a post about it not being about you – you can’t stop yourself – “I was one of the few who did not buy into….” “it was very obvious to me”
And preseason had nothing to do with why the Eagles aren’t in the playoffs. You crack me up
yawn… Just lose the last two already for the best pick will ya? Nah, they’ll win both and crow about how they finished the season strong and next season has so much promise. Same bat time, same bat channel…
That’d be funny Maybe. Both teams trying to lose this game.
Wait. That actually kinda looks what they are trying to do. I hope its on purpose!
You are not a very good Student of the game of Football, Schiller…
well Vinnie – the Eagles coaches are the only ones to have anything to gain by a win today. The Eagles team will benefit in no way by a win today or next week but the coaches have everything to lose.
Personally, I have no interest in seeing the HC, OC, DC back but they will be.
Again, we’ve been here before, Groundhogs Day
Great drive before the half by Vick and the Eagles.. Maclin showing some toughness coming back after taking a few hits and a real cheap shot by Spencer.. If not for Avant Fumble, it would be 21-0 with the Eagles scoring like a 100 points versus the Ryan Brothers Schemes in 2 1/2 games.. Crazy..
Paul that’s odd, how have you been able to assess my knowledge of football?
On another note. I must give props to Nate Allen . I have buried this guy for 2 years. He was timid and couldnt cover. But the last few weeks he has showed me something. He may be a player after all.
Nate Allen is playing like a man today! Think about it its been about a year since the injury so i think hes fully fully recovered at this point of the year.. Big hits big tackles, instinctive, just like we were seeing before he got hurt for the year.. its good to see this…
schiller – I’m sure you know this but a refresher may help. The preseason exists for 1 reason. It gives coaches a means to evaluate talent in an environment that cannot be replicated in practice. The wins or losses have little or no meaning, it’s about evaluating talent and how they do or don’t play as a team knowing this is generally considered to be the ultimate team sport, this is important.
During the preseason, it was easy to see that the Eagles played much like they did during a majority of the regular season and was a very good preview / indicator of their play as a team. With that in mind, I would wholeheartedly disagree with your statement “And preseason had nothing to do with why the Eagles aren’t in the playoffs”
To be dead serious, I really think this team has just gotten the playbook down on the defensive end. The players have just realized what there roles are and where they should be on the field, because again we had a shortened off season. You cant expect a team to come out blazing with all these new players and new coaches… this year is a wash, theyre most likely bringing all these guys back possibly except steve smith who should have never been signed in the first place, they should have gotten plaxico burress.. but thats the past now..
Why do we have Chad Hall?
Draft position means shit if you dont pick the right player. So it really doesnt matter if you pick 8th or 20th. Just pick the right player.
I agree Dag
He plays an important role. Needed for the one “why do we have ________?” question per game.
Vick just isn’t quite taking enough time to throw. Just 2 or 3 more seconds and I’m sure he’s find someone.
NICE KICK HENERY!!!! HE JUST PROVED HIMSELF IN MY BOOK
dag – if your point is that you can get a bum no matter what number you pick, your right however, an 8th pick gives you more choices of the premier players to choose from than the 20th and the odds of getting a good player are better.
Mccoy Hurt… smh.. we dont need him going down with any type of serious acl injury or something like that… just rest him he has nothing else to prove… let him go to his first probowl
14 in a row by the Rookie Kicker Henery who has improved as the Season has gone along (as has the Punter) ..
Forever it;s worth, if this Eagle Defense contiues to shut down the Cowboys offense here in final quarter, they will most likely move up to about the 8th Ranked Overall Defense in the NFL so if all of you Castillo Hhaters want to put that in your pipe and smoke it…
Actually, the odds of getting a pro bowl player are just about the same in every round once you get past the top 3 picks.
I don;t know where the study was, but I remember reading it somewhere. % of starters from each and every round is surprisingly equal. Statistically, there is barely any difference between pick 5 and round 5….or further.
So, unless a team is losing to try to get a top 3 selection, that strategy is useless.
That being said, what I know would;t be useless would be for the Birds to be getting some young players game experience here. Why is Ronnie Brown running the ball? Is Lewis hurt? If not it should be him. Give the kids some reps. Kafka should be in at this point.
Vick looks like crap anyway. His last 3 passes have come from the McNabb school of bouncing passes.
is that the 5th bounced pass in a row? What is the point of him out there and moping off the field with his head down. Malcontent.
Im hoping for 3 number 2 picks next year. Ours, Arizona and one for Asante. But we probably will get a 3rd round pick for Asante.
Is there any reason to have McCoy and VIck in the game at this point,,
Let’s see QB Kafka, RB Lewis, forget about Stats, let’s get a look at some of the younger players and no sense in getting starters injured (vick has taken some shots today and has cooled down in the 2nd half, he’s holding the ball too damn long)
Desean will be back with the eagles next year. The birds will not let him go, trust me. Dont listen to any of what the media says. He ll be an eagle, hes not gonna get the exact amount he wants but it will be pretty close to it. And its well deserved. Hes been our deep threat and makes this offense go..