CHIRPING BIRDS- Week 15

My opinion on the Eagles victory over the New York Giants last night..

1st division win  last night..the Eagles needed a win badly- not that it will matter this season, but psychologically, for next year. Beating Dallas next week will give the birds a 7-9 record- same as last year-and with two home and division victories, makes the end of the season a little less bitter.The Cowboys will have nothing to play for, since they have already clinched the NFC East crown and the number 1 seed in the playoffs. The Giants should still get in, but they will have to work harder for a playoff berth and they don't clinch on the Eagles' home turf.

I like Doug Pederson's aggressiveness, but you also gotta be smart, and I didn't think his decision at the end of the game- throwing the ball on 3rd down instead of making the giants use their final time-out, was a smart decision. The play call was bad, like usual, calling a pass that was unlikely to be completed, one which stopped the clock and saved New York's last time-out. Why not either run the ball or try a safer pass play which would give you a chance at the first down to seal the game, but one which would have kept the clock running? Stupid..which doesn't really strengthen my faith in the coach going into next year..

Despite Nelson Agohol's touchdown reception, the Eagles know they need to overhaul the wide receivers. That, along with a corner back, should be top priorities in the draft and free agency.Sign 1 or 2 receivers in free agency, draft a defensive back in the 1st round (in a draft rich in defensive backs), and add depth to the offensive and defensive lines.. Another running back wouldn't hurt, that's why it will take the Eagles at least two more good drafts to contend.

I will make my playoff predictions after next week. It's sick to think that Dallas will only be two home victories away from getting to the Super bowl. Seattle, with their top-notch defensive can beat the Cowboys; Green Bay is hot, and a hot team going into the playoffs seems to have an edge; and Atlanta can score with anyone, so they will always have a chance. Just anyone but the stinkin' Cowboys!

Enough about Philly and Santa Claus. That incident of a few fans throwing snowballs at Santa was way back in 1968. I was only 12 years old. A lot of fans back then- including the Santa who was victim of the snowballs of the snowballs- are no longer with us. The media gets lazy, and every holiday season they trod out the tired, old tale of Philadelphia Eagles fans throwing snowball at ol" St. Nick. It happened close to 50 years ago...Other fans around the league have done far worse since then. Yet the legend continues...

The Giants will be one and done in the playoffs, if they get in. They benefited this year form an easy schedule. They seem to know how to beat Dallas, however, so if they match up - which is possible if New York wins their wild card game- it could be interesting.