Chundles

John Stewart made a good point last week about Wall Street's reaction to the first details on the bank bailout: who gives a sh*t what Wall Street thinks!?!?!

I agree. While it's overly simplistic to say Wall Street caused all the problems we're in the middle of, they certainly were a big part of it. If they don't want our money to help their businesses survive, than someone should have the courage to tell them to go F themselves. Put them in the unemployment queue and see what they think then.

The Obama Administration has been granted, by the American people, a chance to fix the giant mess we're in, so let's all shut up and give them a chance. Take some solace in the fact that decisions are being made based on fact and with input from a broad swath of experts. That's what the American people deserve, and that is oodles more than we got from the Cheney/Bush administration.

I read this morning that Caterpillar Corp. agreed to rescind some of the 22k layoffs they recently announced if the stimulus bill passes. This is bad.

Our economy needs a recalibration. Businesses that grew too quickly need to slow down; banks that lent money to the wrong people need to be more conservative; home buyers need to buy houses they can afford, US automakers need to learn how to innovate, etc.

What we don't need is to give these large, multinational, multibillion dollar organizations a reason to continue the status quo. If that's all the stimulus bill does, we'll be right back where we started whenever the money runs out. And next time, it'll be more expensive than it is today.

I know it's been more than 3 weeks since the Eagles lost the NFC Championship game to the Cardinals, but it took me a while to feel like talking about it. I was also busy setting up the new home for my Eagles blog--bloggingthebirds.blogspot.com.

In my first-ever blog post on the Eagles, I noted that I would track the highs and lows of the 2008 campaign. Little did I know that the 2008 season would epitomize so well what it means to be an Eagles fan. The season started with some promise, then they ripped my heart out, then they won a couple games in a row, then they ripped by heart out again with the Ravens and Bengals game, they they won a couple more in a row and got themselves back into contention, then they ripped my heart out yet again by losing to the Redskins in Week 16. And then, the NFL Gods sprinkled some pixy dust on the Eagles in Week 17 and they made the playoffs. It was a season of ups and downs, with the team breaking the franchise scoring record, but at times seeming so inept that the Lions could've beaten them.

By the time the playoffs rolled around, people were back on the wagon. Reid and McNabb were back in the playoffs, the Defense was dominating, and people were talking about the Eagles being this years version of the NY Giants. After a Wild Card win in Minnesota, and then a win at the Meadowlands against the defending Super Bowl champs, I honestly believed they had a chance.

Which brings me to the NFC Championship game, against the Cardinals. Yes, the Cardinals, who beat the favored Falcons in Phoenix, and then travelled to North Carolina and whooped the Panthers. While they were playing well, so were we, and so I liked our chances. I shouldn't have been so quick to forget the heartburn that this team caused me, as this game was the perfect microcosm of the entire 2008 season. All three units were miserable in the first half, and the Cardinals took a double digit lead into the second half. My heart was ripped out, and I was already planning for 2009. The team woke up during the short halftime break, however, and came out fired up. The defense started shutting down Kurt Warner and his offense, and McNabb lit the place up and pulled the Eagles back on top.

Late in the 4th quarter, the Cards got the ball back, trailing 25-24, and scored a TD and the 2pt conversion. 32-25 Cardinals. Heart palpitations on hold, as the Eagles got the ball back with plenty of time on the clock. Unfortunately, on par with the entire season, the offense couldn't get the job done, and the Cardinals advanced to their first Super Bowl in team history. Heart ripped out, again.

After watching the Cards play a solid game against the Steelers, I feel a little better about losing to them. But still, we were the better team, and we blew it with our crappy first half on all sides of the ball, and we blew it late in the 4th quarter with our shitty WRs and a QB who buckled with the entire offense on his shoulders.

Anyway, the team did have a good run this year. Afterall, we knocked both the Cowboys and the Giants out of the playoffs, and that feels good. But another year goes by with another team that's not the Eagles winning the Super Bowl. That sucks.

I am looking forward to next year, as I think the team did make some great progress this year. Reid and McNabb will be back, we found a star in Desean Jackson, Westbrook should be healthy, and the Defense had a great year. In terms of personnel changes, I would bet that we see some new blood on the O-line, at TE, an RB that Reid trusts and can take some of the load off Westbrook, and likely a pass rushing D-lineman. And of course, if the opportunity comes to land a #1 WR who is not a sociopath, we should take it. The team still lacks a #1. I can guarantee you that either of the Cardinals starting WRs would've made the catch that Kevin Curtis didn't on the Eagles final drive of this season. I guarantee it.

Today, Barack Hussein Obama officially became the 44th President of the United States of America as the peaceful transfer of power from George W. Bush to President Obama took place on the world stage. On many levels, today is a new day. One filled with pride and hope--for America as a Nation, for Americans, and for nations and people all over the world who desire freedom, democracy, and prosperity.

The two primary focal points of today's ceremonies and the related media coverage were a)more than 40 years after the Civil Rights Act was passed, our Nation's first African American took office as President, and b)the last 8 years of war, recession, dogmatic policy, political nepotism, arrogant leadership and our crumbled reputation around the world are finally over.

Watching the Inaugural festivities over the weekend, I felt a strong sense of pride being an American. It was the same feeling I had on Election night, but only stronger given how close the moment was. Today, as I watched the Obama family take the stage in their final moments before the transition of power, my feelings swelled. For the first time in our history, someone who did not descend from Northwest Europe was going to be our President. Less than 200 years after blacks were slaves in this country, and slightly more than 40 years after they finally were granted rights on par with caucasians, a person of color was about to assume the highest office in our nation. None of the world's major countries--in Asia, Africa, South America or "enlightened" Europe--has ever elected a minority to its highest office. It took America to finally (hopefully once and for all) knock down the racial barriers and elect the best man for the job, regardless of his skin color. That in and of itself is reason to be proud.

Watching Obama and his family through the campaign, transition, and again yesterday, for some reason, I feel like I relate to them in ways I've never related to our President before. Perhaps it's my age and the fact that I have a family, but I suspect it's more than that. He's a relatively young person, more or less part of my generation. Given his background, he's also responsible for all the success he's experienced. No one gave him anything, and in fact, because of the color of his skin and his name, he likely faced challenges that only people of color can relate to. While his success thus far no doubt labels him an extraordinary person, he seems like a down to earth person, rooted in all the trappings (good and bad) of the modern world. And by raising two young daughters, I'm sure that as a husband and a father, he has faced, and will continue to face, many of the same challenges we all do. "Family Values" have been hijacked in America by the religious right, and I'm confident the Obama's will grasp the opportunity to set an example to all American families and take back the concept of family values from those who've used it for political game. After all, what happens in our homes and with our children is far more important than dogmatic politics.

Unlike many prior Presidents, Obama made a bold and clear departure from the previous administration in his Inauguration Speech. There were no unnecessary platitudes thrown Bush's way. In making this break, not only was Obama reinforcing the message of his campaign, but he was sending a message to all Americans, and people everywhere, that change had arrived. Implementing that change will be complex and will take time, but doing things differently--at home and abroad, with our words and with our actions, and in all segments of our lives and industries--will define his administration. For us to change, we must admit and accept, like President Obama said, our past unwillingness to make the hard decisions, and put in the effort required to get our country on a new path. Old arguments must fall by the wasteside, and we must adapt if we are to learn new ways to live and flourish in the modern age. We must do this for ourselves, our children, their children, and generations to come. Just like those who founded our nation did.

On those two key levels--the historic nature of our first African American President and the necessity for change--again, I am filled with pride and hope. Pride in our country, and hopeful that we elected the right leader to fix all that has gone awry over the last 8 years and establish the foundation that will take America into the coming decades and centuries. But yesterday also meant something deeply personal to me. The President's message of change, especially since the economic crises began in September, has been not just about government, but also about all of us as individuals. What can we do differently in our lives to help ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our country?

Part of this is a call to public service. But for me, at this amazing moment in our history coupled with the confluence of things going on in my life, I've never felt more motivated and inspired to change myself. Change has to come from within--no one can be forced to make changes they're not ready for or do not want themselves. The only thing we, as individuals, can control is our own actions. My actions and efforts will be directed at becoming a better person, a better husband, a better father, a better family member, a better member of the human race, and a better leader and team member at work. In my efforts, I don't intend to leave any stones unturned. As with our new administration, everything is up for re-evaluation.

I am confident not only in my ability to change, but also in the capacity for all of us to change. This moment in my life and our history, and our new President, have inspired me to do so. I know the same is true for millions of others as well. While there's no time like the present, I'm also looking forward to the amazing change that we will all create over the coming days, months and years. It's a new day, we are on a new path, and we will make our own history.

As Rich Hoffman pointed out on philly.com this morning, there are 6 Eagles for whom Sunday will be their 5th NFC Championship with the team. Those 6 are McNabb, Dawkins, Tra Thomas, John Runyan, Correll Buckhalter (injured during two, but still on the team) and David Akers.

None of these men can be considered young any more by NFL standards, but they are hungry, I guarantee it. They've gotten close before, only to have the window slammed shut before either getting to the Super Bowl, or in 2005, after winning the Championship game only to lose a close game in the Super Bowl.

All these guys, with the exception of Buckhalter (not his fault), play important roles on the field and are respected veterans off it. Other guys will have to step up and make plays no doubt, but the experience and leadership of this group could be the difference on Sunday. Or at least it's an assurance that the team will show up and not lay an egg.

We'll see.

As Andy Reid, Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins and others prepare for their 5th NFC Championship game, here's my take on what they need to do to win.

1. Protect the QB. Arizona is coming in to the game confident. They won their first game on the East Coast last weekend, their D picked off Jake Delhomme 5 times, and they finally found a running game. Because their playing at home, the only aspect of this that the Eagles need to be especially prepared for is their Defense. They're feeling emboldened and will no doubt attempt a variety of things to get to McNabb. Reid has to gameplan for this, and the O-line has to play well. In all likelihood, that means keeping them off balance with a mix of running and pass plays, and also beating the blitz and converting 3rd downs. Besides TDs, home crowds love sacks and turnovers, so we need to stay cool and balanced, and pick them apart.

2. Defensive status quo. With just a couple exceptions, the D has been playing well all season long. This is especially true since Thankgiving, since which the team has surrendered only 8 TDs and held opponents to 12 points on average in the 6 games. If they play as well as they have been, they should have no problem stopping Arizona's running game, forcing them to pass, and opening up Warner for pressure that he can't handle. If this happens, the rest will take care of itself, no matter how well Boldin and Fitzgerald play.

3. Limit dropped passes. The Eagles offense has not been playing great, but they've been getting the job done by playing better than their opponents--particularly since the Playoffs started. Arizona will likely score some points--their QB is after all a HOF'er who has had an exceptional year--so we're going to need to play better than we did last week to win the game. Conditions should allow for that given the weather in Arizona. Our WRs need to make some of the catches they dropped last week, and as I said above, the team needs to be able to convert 3rd downs like we did last week against the Giants. I think there's the possibility of the offense breaking out and having a big game, but I'm not counting on it.

If these three things happen, the Eagles win the game. The Cards will not fall easily--they only lost 2 games at home all season, and didn't lose at home until Week 12 when the Giants came to town. The Eagles are an experienced group, so I have no doubt they're doing the right amount of prep and aren't taking the Cards lightly. We just need to execute on Sunday and we just might make it back to the Super Bowl. How about that?!?!?!?!

Aside from the pixie dust the NFL Gods blew the Eagles way in Week 17, it's interesting to look at how the Eagles have managed to turn their season around.

First off, when s**t goes bad, the QB, especially our QB, takes the lion share of the blame. Therefore, when things go well, he deserves the lion share of the credit as well, hence the media onslaught of "McNabb is back" stories over the last few weeks. Yes, McNabb has elevated his game since Thanksgiving, but people are overreacting. He's actually been pretty consistent this year. He's part of the reason they're playing so well, but by no means the only one.

First, let's take a quick look at McNabb's season. His 2008 regular season stats are telling, but don't reveal the entire story. 3900+ yards, 23 TDs to 11 INTs, 60.4% completion rate with an 86.4 QB Rating. He had more pass attempts and more yards than he's ever had in his career, and his completion percentage was his 3rd best. All solid numbers, but nothing spectacular.

The low points of the season were Week 4 against the Bears, Week 5 against the Redskins, Week 12 against Baltimore, and Week 16 against the Redskins.

In Week 4, McNabb threw 41 passes in a relatively tight game against the Bears in Chicago. This was the game in which the Eagles could not convert a 1st and 4 from the Bears 4 yard line in the 4th quarter. Earlier in the game, they had to settle for a FG after 2nd and 4 from the Chicago 6. And don't forget, Kyle Orton looked like Tom Brady in this game. A week later against the Redskins, the Eagles jumped out to a 14 point lead in the 1st quarter, but the team attempted only 18 rushes throughout the game, and the Redskins rushed for 189 yards.

The team then went on a run and won 3 of 4, losing only to the Giants in a game where we gave up 200+ rushing yards and 36 points.

Then came the next series of low points. First, the now infamous tie in Cincinnati. McNabb threw 58 passes in that game and even with 5 full quarters of play, the team only attempted 16 rushes. 16. When any NFL defense knows exactly what you're going to do on offense (run v. pass), it's very hard to win. The following week in Baltimore, McNabb was benched after an 8/18 half in which he threw 2 INTs, yet the team was losing only 10-7 at halftime. Baltimore is arguably the team that screws up opposing QBs more than anyone, so only being down 3 points at halftime on the road was not a crises. McNabb was benched though, and the Eagles went on to lose 36-7. They attempted a whopping total of 16 rushing attempts in this game.

Beginning on Thanksgiving, the Birds started yet another run beating the Cardinals, the Browns, and the Giants. The resurgence was no doubt led by the Defense, as they had 4 TOs against the Cardinals and held them to 25 rushing yards. The next week, they held the Plaxico-less Giants to barely more than 200 yards offense and 14 points. The following week, they held the Browns to 10 points.

They were back in the Playoff hunt, ready for a Week 16 game against the out-of-it Redskins. The results? A 10-3 loss in which the only TD came on an 18 yard drive by the Skins after a McNabb fumble. Rushing attempts by the Eagles this game? 16. Seemingly, they were out of the Playoffs.

And then we all remember what happened in week 17. We destroyed the Cowboys, led by 2 defensive touchdowns and 5 turnovers.

Through it all, and even into the playoffs, McNabb hasn't been perfect, but he's been consistent, especially given that he generally does not have the chance to run a balanced offense. When he does--like he has more or less since Thanksgiving--the results are clear. The Eagles are 6-1 since that game. And they are 9-3 since their Week 6 win in San Francisco.

The team, however, has not been as consistent, hence them being out of the playoffs going into Week 17. The won games against good teams, and lost some games they should've won. The D periodically hasn't been able to stop the run. We've gotten almost no production from the TE position. And our WRs have far too many dropped passes. In the games we lost, all these factors came into play. And in the games we won, they didn't.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Offensive Line--the group that is typically the most unsung in the NFL. Without Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews all season, the O-line managed to only give up 23 sacks. By way of comparison, in 10 games in 2006, they gave up 21 sacks, and in 9 games in 2005, they gave up 19. The OL is protecting their QB, and McNabb has learned how to take advantage of that protection..

So there you go. Donovan's is back--he's healthy and confident and playing the way he did before TO and injuries killed a couple years there. But football is a team sport in every sense of the word, and all units of the team (all aspects of the organization, actually) are doing their jobs very well.

Kickoff of the NFC Championship game is just about 72 hours from now. My expectations are low, but I'm excited as heck. No one expected the Eagles to make it back after the year they've had, and they've pulled it off. I love it!