Hello Friends!
I feel like I played in this past week’s game as I'm really sore from being involved in a minor fender bender Monday. Uncle Lou and I were coming home from his doctor's appointment when we got hit from behind while we were waiting at a stop sign. It could have been much worse, and we are fine, as is the young fella that was driving the other car; that is what's important. Be careful out there on the roads friends because it's crazy to say the least!
You know, this year our Philadelphia Eagles could have adopted that old song Just To Be Close To You by the Commodores as their theme song with the way our games have gone. Each and every week it seems the Eagles come so close and have a shot at getting a win, but something always happens to leave us on the losing end of things. Last week is a perfect example of what I'm talking about as the Eagles (to their credit) battled the Baltimore Ravens to the very end of the game. I have no complaints about Doug Pederson going for the two-point conversion to try to win the game, but I did not like the play call.
Ryan Matthews (whose praises I have sung all year) ran the ball down the Ravens throats all game long and when the game was on the line, the coach had Matthews standing on the sideline. Why not give the ball to the guy that put you in position to steal a win in the first place instead of attempting a pass? But I am extremely proud of the way the team fought against one of, if not, the toughest defense, in the league. In the end though, would have, could have doesn't cut it and the team must own up to these losses no matter how hard a pill it is to swallow.
I'll say this: the Eagles are a young team with a young, talented quarterback who has a very bright future. If the team makes the right moves in the offseason, there's a lot to be optimistic about for next year. In next week's final blog I will give you my take on what pieces the Eagles must add to get the team over the hump, but let's take a look at this week's contest against the New York Giants.
Three Things to Look for in This Week’s Game
- The Tale of Two Elis. Which Eli are we going to see Thursday night? Over the years the Eagles/Giants matchups have been some of the most exciting games with lots of drama. Two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning has had some awesome games vs. the Eagles, but then again, he's had some not so good games against the Birds. If (and that's a big if) the Eagles front four can get some heat on Eli he will get happy feet and possibly commit some mistakes and turn the ball over. But if the Eagles let him get comfortable, it will be a very long night for the home team Eagles. One thing you can never accuse Eli Manning of is a lack of durability as he has never missed a start in his very long career. At wide receiver Manning has a trio of outstanding playmakers who are having a great season and they will be a handful for the secondary of the Eagles. Victor Cruz, Sterling Sheppard and "All-World" Odel Beckham Jr. are as tough a test you can find, so it will be a huge challenge for the Birds defenders. Bottom line is: the defense must rattle Eli Manning to have a fighting chance in this game or we'll be hitting the egg nog early and often!
- Run, Forrest! Can the Eagles commit to the running game two weeks in a row? Last week against the toughest team to run the ball on, Ryan Matthews ran through, ran around and ran over the Ravens. That was something nobody expected, but it proved how you can be successful with a balanced attack. When you pound the rock it makes it much easier passing the ball, and it showed last week. Again this week, the birds will face a defense that's playing as well as anyone, which only proves how you can become good with the right off-season moves. Last year, this Giants defense was near or at the bottom of the league, but now they are a Top 5 unit. The credit has to go to their GM, Jerry Reese, who spent money like crazy ($200 million plus) to bring in top-notch free agents. Now, instead of being the laughing stock, they're the ones doing the laughing. Make no doubt about it, the New York Giants are a very good team and a team that no one wants to meet in the playoffs! That being said, I think with Lane Johnson coming back from his 10-game suspension, the Eagles can have some success in the run game. Darren Sproles will also be back and will help with the run game. I look for Zach Ertz to continue to blossom as he and Wentz are getting more comfortable with each other week to week. The key though is if Matthews runs with the intensity he did last week, then the Eagles just might steal one Thursday night. It would be a huge boost for a young team that is desperate for a win.
- "There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays." These last two games of the season are being played at Lincoln Financial Field, and the home crowd should be a big boost for the Eagles. As the team is heading into the offseason, it would mean a great deal if they could somehow win the two remaining games. As I mentioned before, this is a very young team and to end the season on a good note will be a huge confidence booster until training camp resumes next summer. Even though the team has absolutely no shot at the playoffs this year, I think the crowd is going to get behind them and will cheer them on to a win Thursday night. If not, my cardiologist, Dr. Louie Borgata, will never let me forget it since he's probably the biggest New York Giants fan I know!
Well, that will do it for this week friends. Please join me next week as I take a look at the next opponent: those dreaded Dallas Cowboys. I wish everyone a most Merry Christmas and a healthy, Happy New Year!
