Chundles

I'm officially nominating "Heartache Tonight" by the Eagles (as in Don Henley Eagles) as the theme song of the 2008 Eagles. Every game, without fail, the team causes themselves and all the fans out there far too much heartache than is healthy. Last night was no different.

The game started great, for a change, and within the first minute, the Eagles had an INT, which led to a quick rushing TD by DeSean Jackson. We typically spot the other team points, but last night, the Giants spotted us a TD. In typical fashion, however, the lead didn't stand long as Eli Manning marched his team down the field with a series of completions and 7-10 yard runs by Brandon Jacobs. That would be the theme of the night.

Because the Eagles either go 3 and out, or score quickly, the D was on the field for much of the 1st quarter--in fact, for much of the game, as the Giants held the ball for almost 40 minutes. Every time they got the ball, it seems like they scored. I only remember 2 punts. We couldn't stop the run, we didn't get to Manning, and their wideouts were open far too frequently. On the other side of the ball, despite a paltry 15 carries by the RBs all night, the Birds did put up 4 TDs and a field goal. A very very respectable performance that would win most weeks in the NFL. But not on this night. The D was terrible for the entire game, and when it mattered most, we couldn't get a couple yards to keep a drive alive.

Some people would say that we hung tough with the defending Super Bowl champs (just like we hung tough with the hot Cowboys in Week 2) and we should be happy. You know what I say? FUCK that. There's no consolation prize in the NFL, and last night's loss basically removes any chance we had to win the division--especially with our 0-3 record against NFC East opponents. There's nothing to feel good about.

What I don't understand is why the Eagles continue to be so reluctant to run the ball. If you haven't run the ball all game, do you honestly think the O-line is going to have the rhythm and confidence to get those crucial yards in the 4th quarter? OF COURSE NOT. Sure, the defense couldn't stop the Giants all night, but the real reason they were on the field for 40 minutes is that the Eagles either score quickly or go 3 and out. Why? Because we don't run the ball. We have one of the most talented RBs in the league, yet he only had 13 carries last night. It's insane! We did, however, run a reverse to Desean 3 times.

On top of this heartache, on a key Giants drive we gave them 30 yards as a result of two penalties. In a close game, shit like that matters. And it's not supposed to happen at home.

The curse of being an Eagles fan is this exact heartache. 4 TDs by the offense on a week the D gives up 36 points; not being able to run the ball when we need to; short offensive drives; stupid mistakes on special teams; bad playcalling. On that last point, actually, whoever has been calling the Eagles plays needs to stop, and turn the responsibility over to someone more capable. We had some success with Marty Morningwhig doing it, so if it's been Andy Reid this year, give it back to Marty. Enough already.

Next week, we play the lowly Bengals, who are without their star QB. Yes, it should be a win, but I'm not holding my breath. There will definitely be some heartache.

PS--When I was in college, we used to say that if PSU lost, so would the Eagles. And vice versa. Obviously there's no real correlation between the two, but we believed it anyway. It certainly was the truth last weekend. The Eagles likely lost their shot at winning the division, and PSU certainly lost their shot for a national title by being upset in Iowa.

Today, my wife and I voted for Barack Obama to become the 44th President of the United States. So did more than 65,000,000 Americans. And today, Barack Obama became President-Elect in as close to a landslide as you can get in this day and age. He won the entire Northeast, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, IOWA, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, the entire West Coast, Hawaii, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico.

America gets a bad rap--particularly over these last 8 years. We're bullies, we're ignorant, we're arrogant, we're fat, we're wasteful, we're racist, we're war mongers, etc., etc., etc. Some of that stuff is true for our national identity, but today, we did something that most nations have never done. We elected a minority to become our next President. For the first time since the latter years of Bill Clinton's Presidency, I'm proud to be an American, and I'm optimistic about the future. For myself, and my family.

In the primary, I voted for Hilary Clinton. Not because I liked her more, but because I didn't believe that Obama could win--based on his race, based on his experience, based on the mudslinging tactics of the GOP, and based on the fact that the Democrats screw everything up. I'm proud to say I was wrong. I'm glad I was wrong. All the red states on CNN's 2008 Election map (http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/) concern me (based on my assumptions about why they voted the way they did), but Obama ran a masterful campaign and won more than 100 Electoral College votes than he needed.

Despite the masterful campaign Obama ran, and the good feeling that has engulfed much of our country and much of the world, Obama inherits a giant mess. We are in the middle of the worst financial crises since the Great Depression. Our national deficit is huge, banks have failed, people are losing their homes, millions of jobs have been shipped overseas, and our national savings rate has gone to shit. And don't forget that we're in 2 wars, our reputation abroad has been hammered, Russia is resurgent, Iran is on their way to obtaining weapons of mass destruction, Al-Qaeda is still...everywhere, China owns a huge portion of our national debt, we are too dependent on foreign oil, and climate change threatens the entire planet. Among other things.

We are facing a series of challenges that will not only require strong leadership, but also a national commitment to buckle down and see this through. Americans will have to make sacrifices and understand that many of the challenges we face cannot be fixed quickly--no matter who is in power. This is, in many ways, the most important time in the history of America. The stakes couldn't be higher--will we lead the world into a new era of prosperity, technological advancement and freedom, or will our power and influence slowly whither away, like that of our friends and allies across the Atlantic.

To my point above, during this crucial time, we made the risky choice and voted for change--change in terms of our national identity, our priorities, and our reputation and position of leadership around the world. I have no doubt that we elected the right man, who will assemble the right team and set the right priorities--to lead America. Only time will tell of course, but Barack Obama has my attention and support in a way that no President has in my lifetime, and I feel much better raising a child in this world than I did on November 3 and than I would have if John McCain won.

I'm honored to be part of this great country, I'm proud to have been a part of history, and I'm excited for the first truly 21st century President to assume his position.

Week 9 in Seattle was another game that was marked with a "W" as the Eagles and their fans reviewed the schedule before the season. As the season progressed, this became even more true with Seattle struggling mightily without their starting QB Matt Hassleback.

But, we're talking about the 2008 Philadelphia Eagles here, and the game started off accordingly. Eagles elect to receive, go 3 and out, and Seattle scores on their first play with the longest play from scrimmage in team history.

Fortunately, despite the slow start, the Eagles D got it together and dominated the rest of the game. And McNabb, who needs to figure out how to start faster, played a masterful 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter and finished with 349 yards passing and 2 TDs. And for a change, we got some great play from the TE position, with Brent Celek have a career day . A win is a win in the NFL, so that's what important. But this season's Eagles just cause me too much heartache.

Next week, we have the Giants at home in a game that matters. If we win, we'll be 6-3 and in the hunt for the division. If we lose, we'll be 0-3 in the division and barely in the hunt for a wildcard spot. I'll be rooting for my boys to win, but I don't have a lot of confidence that they won't lay an egg in this important game.

We shall see...

Every year after the Bye Week, it's always said how strong Andy Reid and the Eagles coming out of the break. Prior to this year, Reid was 9-0 after the Bye, which is very impressive. I get nervous when people bring stats like that up though, partially because I'm superstitious, and partially because no streak goes on forever. On that first point, when they said how unhittable Dennis Eckersly was in the 1988 World Series as Kirk Gibson limped to the plate, I called home run. But that's neither here nor there.

Playing the Falcons in Philly is one of the games that Eagles fans marked with a "W" before the season started. Since we lost to the Bears in Chicago and the Redskins at home, the margin of error in the games that we're supposed to win is almost nothing. We have to win them all, and we have to win some of the games we probably shouldn't.

The Birds didn't start strong on Sunday. McNabb looked Rusty, particularly his timing with WR Kevin Curtis, who got his first playing time this season after recovering from a sports hernia. Brian Westbrook, also returning from injury, was another story. Westbrook lit up the Falcons for 167 yards rushing (2 TDs) and another 40+ receiving. It's amazing how different the Eagles offense his with him on the field. McNabb warmed up as the game went on (and even got his first rushing TD of the season), the D had a couple takeaways, and the Eagles won 27-14. Unfortunately though, the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins all won as well, leaving the Eagles in sole possession of last place in the NFC East.

The next 3 weeks are crucial for the Eagles chances at making the playoffs. First we play Seattle on the road, then the Giants at home, and then the Bengals on the road. If we can win all 3 of these games, we will make up ground in the division b/c of who everyone else is playing. The Skins host the Steelers, have their bye, and then host the Cowboys. The Giants host the Cowboys, play us in Philly, and then play the Ravens at home. The Cowboys play the Giants, have their bye, and then play the Redskins. There is no longer any margin of error left for the Eagles--they are 0-2 in the division, and 3-3 in the conference--and I think they have to win all 3 of these next games to gain some ground and stay in the hunt. Unfortunately, the losses to the Bears and the Redskins put them at a disadvantage, because those are both games they should've won.

Seattle is 2-5 and is one of the worst teams in the league right now, so I expect the Eagles to win. But with this team, especially this year, you never know.

Back soon....

Since the Eagles got a week off, I decided to take one too. I needed it after the gut wrenching first 5 games of the season.

In week 6, the Birds snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by beating the Niners 40-26. While our total points, and the margin of victory, are both impressive, for 3 quarters of the game, it was much closer. The Birds at a 1-point lead after the first half, but the margin should've been 17 points were it not for a blocked FG and subsequent TD that happened as time expired. The second half didn't start well either, with the Birds giving up a quick 10 points to a Niners offense that was playing very well. After 3 quarters, the score was 26-17 in a game the Eagles absolutely had to win.

Something clicked in the 4th quarter though. McNabb was steady most of the game, completing nearly 2/3 of his passes, and throwing for 2TDs with one INT. It was the defense, though, that let the game get to 26-17. They couldn't stop the Niners in any facet: no pressure, Frank Gore had huge holes, and their passing game was solid. Either Mike Martz decided to stop running in the ball in the 4th quarter (doubtful), or the Eagles just finally figured out how to stop the Niners game plan. Doesn't really matter, but the D really turned up the heat in the 4th. The wreaked havoc on QB JT O'Sullivan and picked up a couple sacks. The run game was stopped in its tracks, and our CBs played well. The 55yd INT return for a touchdown by Juqua Parker didn't hurt either.

The weekend of the Niners game was a good one for all my sports teams, actually. The Phils were in the process of defeating the Dodgers, PSU won, USC won, and I won my pool at work ($140). Of all those things, however, I'm most happy about the Eagles win.

Andy Reid is historically strong coming out of the bye week, so I feel good about tomorrow's game against the Falcons. Especially with Westbrook back, and Kevin Curtis likely to see his first game action of the year. Again, though, it is a must win. Even though the Cowboys are in a slump, we must keep pace and win all the games we're supposed to.

I'm going to take a break from blogging the birds and try to provide a little comic relief on Tuesday night's Town Hall debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. Don't get me wrong, I am taking this election very seriously, as I'm in full agreement that it's by far the most important election of my lifetime. But come on. This shit is funny. So here goes nothing:

Tom Brokaw: Welcome to the 2nd Presidential Debate, this one a town-hall style with questions from the audience and ONline. Each candidate will have 2 minutes to respond, and then we'll have 1 minute follow-ups. Even though these long-winded politicians agreed to these terms, expect to hear frequent reminders from me about the rules, because they will break them. Man, do these two guys love to hear each other talk. Anyway, without further ado, please welcome the candidates.

[Applause]

Question #1, for Senator McCain. Senator McCain, with the global economic crises in full-swing, how will you fix it?

Senator McCain: Thank you Tom, and thank you to the Debate Commission, all my friends in attendance, all my friends fighting abroad, all my veteran friends at home (I love you and will take care of you) and thank you to all my friends watching at home. My friends, we need someone who will fix our economy. I knew Adam Smith, and he trained me on the principals of sound economic growth. I've done that before. I've fixed every financial crises our country has ever had. And I'm a proud American, and we're going to fight through this because, my friends, we're a proud country. Senator Obama will raise your taxes, no matter what he says. And I will buy your homes from you, and also cease all spending in Washington. God bless America.

Senator Obama: Thank you Tom, and I also want to thank the Commission and all Americans. This is a very important election, and there are some clear fundamental differences between the two candidates. John McCain wants to cut taxes for the rich, tax your employer-deducted health care premiums, and continue spending $10B per month fighting in Iraq. The last 8 years have been terrible, and we need change. Not top-down change, but bottom-up change. Elect me, and I'll make sure all of you work hard to fix our country. That's why I want to be the next President of the United States.

Senator McCain (Response): Well, just look at our records. I'm the maverick. I fought my party leaders. I vote against big government and big spending. And I will not raise taxes. That one will. That liberal over there who has the most liberal voting record in Congress. But not me. I know how to fix this economy. I've been doing this all my life, my friends. I'll bring change to Washington my friends.

Tom Brokaw: For the next question, we turn to foreign policy. Senator Obama, please tell us what the Obama Doctrine really is.

Senator Obama: The last 8 years haven't worked. We spend $10B in Iraq every month, and they have a $79B surplus. All the while, the Taliban is gaining strength in Afghanistan and we've made no progress in destroying Al Qaeda. We can't just go to war with everyone. We need to sit down over a cup of tea and talk. That's what I'll do. And one more thing. There will never be another Holocaust. I love Isreal, our strongest ally, and it will stay that way when I'm President.

Senator McCain: Senator Obama just doesn't understand my friends. I do. I've been there. I fought in a war and have solved every major foreign policy crises my whole life. My hero Teddy Roosevelt said to "speak softly and carry a big stick." I know how to do that. I know how to kill Osama bin Laden. I'll speak softly and carry a big stick. Everyone will know that. We're a proud country, and to all our veterans, I love you and I'll take care of you. We'll win the war in Iraq with our heads held high. Not like Senator Obama wants to do--come home in defeat. That can never happen with our strong military. My friends, I know how to fix this and I will.

Senator Obama (Response): Well thank you for the kind words John, but you keep repeating lies. Just going back to the taxes, let me be clear: "95% of Americans will see no tax increase." On foreign policy, we must solve this through energy, and we must bring the fight to Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Senator McCain thinks I'm green behind the years, and you know what? I haven't been doing this all my life. But I'm smart and handsome, well educated, have a beautiful family, and we need some change in this country.

Tom Brokaw: OK, we have time for one more question. Please tell us what you don't know.

Senator McCain: Tom, thanks. And thanks to all my friends out there. This is an important election. I'm the maverick, and I know how to fix the problems our country faces. Just like my hero Ronald Reagan did. I know how to work across the aisle with Democrats and bring change to Warshington. And on foreign policy, Senator Obama just doesn't understand. We have a big dick this great country of ours, and we need to swing it. That's how to restore our reputation abroad--beat the shit out of people and disregard everything our allies tell us. My friends, I know how to do that. I've been doing it all my life. And Israel will always be our friend and ally and there will never be another Holocaust. I know how to bring peace to the Middle East. I've visited obscure countries you've never heard of and know how to make them allies of ours. That one over there? He doesn't understand. He won't be a strong hand at the tiller. I will, my friends. And that's why I'm ready to be your next President.

Senator Obama: Well, thanks again John. And thanks Tom. But I don't know why you keep saying the things you do. Under an Obama administration, 95% of you won't see an increase in your taxes. I will restore our reputation abroad. And I will take care of Main Street while I reign in Wall Street. We don't need 8 more years of the same. Senator McCain voted with President Bush 95% of the time. Those policies don't work. We need change in this country, and Joe Biden and I are the right team to bring that change. But don't forget--it has to come from the bottom up--so be prepared to sacrifice. My wife Michelle (Hi Michelle, I love you) keeps me in line, and she'll have me working too. So get ready. Thank you.

Tom Brokaw: Thank you Senators. You may now begin your awkward and unauthentic embraces of not only one another, but also of me and the audience members. Good night, and don't forget to join us for the third and final faux-debate.

Another must-win game, another loss by the Eagles. WTF can I say? I'm tired of the disappointment, the inconsistency, being outcoached, the emotional highs and lows, and most importantly, of the losing.

After a miserable road game loss to the Bears the previous week, one would think that the Eagles would've come out with a better effort than they did in their 23-17 loss to the Redskins yesterday. One would think, but apparently none of the Eagles coaches or veteran leaders thought.

In their two wins against the Rams and the Steelers, and in their loss to the Cowboys, the Eagles looked like they were the real deal. In their last two losses, however, the Eagles looked unmotivated, hurt, and poorly coached. I shouldn't be saying those things about a team that's been to 4 NFC title games, and a Super Bowl, this decade. They should know how to win a tough game on the road, protect a 2 TD lead at home against a division foe, and stop what by all accounts is a middle-of-the-road offense.

Typically, Philly fans unload their frustrations after a loss on McNabb, but he doesn't deserve the blame in this game. The D couldn't stop the Skins at all, our WRs dropped some key passes, and we had no running attack. That's why we lost--nothing else. I'd of course love to see Donovan lead the team to a victory in the 4th quarter, but those days might be long gone for Donovan. I don't know.

Like I said, I don't pin this loss on McNabb at all. But I'm beginning to lose faith. He needs to put this team on his shoulders like he used to do, and figure out a way to win. Instead, he looks so goddamn nonchalant all the time, and it rubs off on the rest of his teammates. Maybe it comes from Andy Reid? Again, I don't know.

We're 5 weeks into what I thought was a very promising season, and the Eagles are a long shot to make the playoffs. I don't give a shit that the Phillies made the NLCS. Philly is an Eagles town, and I bleed green. Next week, we have the Niners on the road. The last time the team travelled to SF, my wife's water broke and I didn't get to use the tickets I had. They kicked some ass that day though. I'm not sure if I'd even take free tickets to this game, cause they'll probably lose and I'll be out the $40 parking fee and whatever I drop on food and beer.

Bunk. That's all I have to say.