EAGLES-
Owner Jeffrey Lurie unexpectedly spoke yesterday. Basically it was the same old bullshit. Of course, he backed Coach Doug Pederson ( who is merely a puppet for the organization) and GM Howie Rossman. Some highlights of his press conference:
* No Super Bowl for Philadelphia, but Lurie wants the draft to come back. I don't want it back so soon. Let Dallas have it for a year then bring it back.
* Lurie danced around the question of if he expects the team to make the playoffs this season. Instead he hedged, saying he expects improvement, especially out of QB Carson Wentz, but he wouldn't commit to being disappointed if the Birds failed to reach the playoffs.
Isn't that the ultimate goal? Why is Lurie satisfied with average? Maybe deep down inside he knows the Eagles aren't a playoff team yet, but he can't say it. His vanilla attitude doesn't give me much hope in the season.
Look, I agree. The Birds need a few more good drafts, plus wise personnel decisions, to be consistent contenders for the playoffs and Super Bowl. I just didn't hear the fire from the owner to demand greatness like in the past.
* Without directly coming out and saying so, Lurie dismissed the idea of possibly bringing in QB Colin Kaepernick down the road. I agree. Why? He's not that good, plus you're only asking for trouble. If need be I'm sure the Eagles can find another capable back-up quarterback out there.
So, again- Eagles beat Washington on Sunday, 34-31. And the Eagles go 10-6 this year, making the playoffs as a wold card.
As always, the key to the Redskin game will be no turnovers and getting a pass rush on QB Kirk Cousins. Can't let him pick the secondary apart like in the past. Washington has not shown a good running game so far, so if they get behind and need to throw the ball the Birds need to put some heat on Cousins and force him into mistakes.
If last night's NFL opening game was an indication of the season to come, it will be unpredictable and exciting. Kansas City went into New England and upset the Patriots, 42-27.
The Patriots looked full of themselves, with even Tom Brady noting about the lack of intensity. After a pre-game ceremony to celebration their Super Bowl victory last season, New England came out strong, taking an early 7-0 lead. They were almost up 14-0 until a call was reversed in the end zone. Going for it on 4th down and less than a yard near the 10-yard line, KC stuffed them.That seemed to turn the momentum, and it was a struggle all night.
The Pats are tough to beat at home in the cold and snow of winter, and last night set up perfectly for the Chiefs. A nice, Fall-like evening, the home team fat and sassy after celebrating, and no pressure on KC, who weren't expected to win.
This is all good for the Eagles. True, Arrowhead Stadium is a big home field advantage for the Chiefs next Sunday for their home opener. And Andy Reid has 10 days to game plan. He is always deadly when he has time to prepare.
But I would rather play a Kansas City team who may be a bit full of themselves too, then an angry Chiefs club that doesn't want to go 0-2 in the early season. So, slight advantage Philly next week.
PHILLIES-
* Phils lost last night in Washington, 4-3. Tommy Joseph hit his club-leading 20th home run, and rookie catcher Jorge Alfaro continued to impress with the bed, blasting a homer as well.
The Phillies lost their 33rd one-run game of the season. At least the team is in a lot of these close games. They need to find a way in 2018 to reverse that trend.
* Aaron Nola, after a nice run after the all-star break, has looked so-so lately. Maybe he's tired, as he tends tow ear down as the season progresses. He did strike out 8 batters in a little over five innings. . With all the positives he has had this summer, especially staying away from elbow problems, he is still an average pitcher. Not acceptable for a No. 1 pitcher who was drafted in the first round.
So far, when healthy, he''s been a nice pitcher but nothing special. Still young, Nola needs to step up next season and become the top of the rotation guy the Phillies hoped he would be.
* Once again, the organization is showing they really don't have a plan. Playing shortstop prospect only at third base so far is ridiculous. In five years from now am I really going to care that Freddie Galvis played in all 162 games in 2017? No! I know what Galvis can do. I want to see J.P> Crawford at shortstop, his natural position. Is he the shortstop of the future? How will we know unless we see him there everyday?
Same with Rhys Hoskins. Playing him in elft field makes no sense. We know what Tommy Joseph can do. Play Hoskins at first for the rest of the year. They are jerking around Scott Kingery at Lehigh Valley. He's a gifted second baseman yet he's been playing third and shortstop. What the hell?
The Phillies say the position changes give them "options" and more "flexibility" in the future. I think it's stupid.It's a sign that the front office has no clue or foresight and are winging it.
Don't forget- the only reason why Nick Williams and Hoskins are with Philadelphia now is because of injuries, not a plan by the organization.
They are what they are, and deserve to lose 100 games. Owner John Middleton still needs to wield a mighty ax the day after the season ends and start fresh with a more positive attitude, competent coaches and scouts, and a real vision for the future, now this fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants crap that is going on now.
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