CHIRPING BIRDS-EAGLES-CHARGERS

The Eagles beat the LA Chargers yesterday, 26-24. I predicted an Eagle win, 24-23. Close enough. Here are my thoughts...

* The last drive, killing 6:44 of clock to ice the game, was beautiful. I criticize Coach Pederson but tip your hat to him for that drive, and for his game plan and play calling all day.  It was simple- the Chargers can't stop the run, so run the ball! Run they did, especially LaGarrette Blount, who ran again like a demon.

The three-headed monster of Blount, Clement and Smallwood is a winner. Yes, we miss the speed of Darren Sproles, but each back brings a certain quality to the table.  Running the ball opens up the passing game and keeps Carson Wentz healthy.

So, the last drive kept the ball away from Chargers QB Phillip Rivers, as the Birds were clinging to a two-point lead. Last year, the team would've went three-and-out, punted the ball, and the opposition would've raken the ball down the field for a game-winning field goal.

This is a new season and a new team.The last 6:44 Sunday afternoon proved that.

* Kudos to the fans who took over the stupid Stub Hub stadium. Los Angeles doesn't give a damn about pro football, let alone the Chargers. So it was easy for Eagles fans to invade and conquer.

The NFL has to be embarrassed. Why have two teams in LA? It's wonderful that they are building a new stadium out there. How are they going ro support two pro teams? It's their problem, but it looks bad for the NFL.

Anyway, the crowd was loud and raucous, like it was a home game, and the players fed off the energy. I can't wait to be part of the crowd next Sunday when the Birds finally come home to face Arizona ( more on that upcoming game later this week).

* What's up with Torry Smith? He's still got speed but he drops the ball a  lot. Keep this up and I will call for Mack Hollins to play more. I know he's more of a slot receiver, and Nelson Aglohor is playing great in the slot. Smith does make defenses play honest, just having a deep threat. But he's got to catch the ball, which will open up the middle even more for Ertz, Jeffery and the running backs.

* I can't stand Dick Stockton. I don't even know or guy about the color guy doing the Eagles game yesterday. he was terrible, and kept calling Carson Wentz "Carson Palmer." They are the lowest of the low. Hopefully as the Eagles' extend their lead in NFC East ( 1st place if/when Washington loses to KC tonight!), they will get better announcers to cover their games. Just please, no more Dick Stockton.

* Rasul Douglas is young and learning. But the secondary has got to be a concern. Too many big plays, just like last year. Hopefully Ronald Darby is back soon. Is it the scheme as well? The Charger receivers weren't even being touched at times, weaving thru the seams  of the zone defense. Defense Coordinator Schwartz needs to figure it out before the secondary comes back to bite the Eagles in the ass.

Next week Arizona comes in with wide outs Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown. The Birds better get a consistent pass rush against Carson Palmer to cover that secondary.

* Phillip Rivers is an intense, angry guy. He's good, and I feared him at the end yesterday, but the Chargers weren't going to win that game without big plays. Rivers has got to be frustrated with the ineptitude of the Chargers' coaching staff. It was fun seeing Rivers scream at his coaches, fun when the opposition fights between themselves, as the Giants and Cowboys often do.

* Jake Elliot is cementing his permanent role as kicker, making 4 long field goals against LA. The Eagles needed every one of them. Elliot may always be known and remembered for his 61-yard game -winning field goal last week against New York, but if he keeps it up, Elliot will be around a lot longer, the next David Akers.

So long, Caleb Sturgis He just got Wally Pip-ed.

* OK, so the Eagles are being bad teams. The Giants and Chargers combined may not win 5 games all year. But you play who is on your schedule. That's why .It's fun but stupid to go thru the schedule at the beginning of the season and try to predict wins and losses. teams change.  The December Giants game in New York may not mean as much if the G-men are playing out the string and tanking. 

Arizona is 2-2 and struggled at home vs lowly San Francisco.. Carolina beat the Patriots in New England on Sunday, but the Panthers aren't world beaters. That Christmas night contest with the Raiders, who have to fly across the country and play in the chill of Philly at night may not be as daunting as before.Even  callas, at 2-2, face losing their running back Elliot with a six-game suspension. The Birds play them twice in the second half of the season.

Philly is 3-1, with 3 of the 4 game son the road. Now begins a nice stretch of home games. The rough part of the schedule is supposedly later. But again, will it be so rough? Seattle out there is always a hard place to win. The Rams may be better than what we all thought. Time will tell.

* Next week is Carson vs. Carson.The Battle of the Carsons. I'll break down the game later in the week, but the Cardinals don't play well in the eastern time zone. The Eagles need to ride the momentum, come home, and take care of business, as they have a short week after the Arizona game, playing on Thursday night at Carolina.