Wrapping up the Eagles big 51-23 thrashing of the Denver Broncos...
* I was at the Linc yesterday on a football-like weather day. The rain held off and the crowd was psyched to see their 7-1 Eagles. The Birds wore all-black, and the offense was introduced, with Carson Wentz getting a thunderous ovation.
Even though Denver went ahead 3-0 early, the crowd never really were worried. Yes, Denver came in with the best defense in the league.But as it turned out, the Birds did whatever they wanted ob offense. Their offensive line gave Wentz plenty of time to throw, and running backs Blount, clement and newly-acquired Ajayi ran wild.
Defensively, the Birds flew to the ball and once again made sure tackles, limiting any yards after a catch. They forced two interceptions while the Eagles didn't turn the ball over until late, when the game was already decided.
The only thing they didn't do well was special teams. Kicker Jake Elliot missed another extra point and punt coverage gave up a long punt return to the Broncos.
But how can you complain about a 51-23 victory that wasn't even that close?
* Ray Didinger is a great guy. I was sitting near the WIP radio booth before the game. he spotted me in the crowd, and signaled that he had something for me.I had met Ray two times over the summer, first at a Phillies game outside the WIP booth, and second after a performance of his excellent play "Tommy & Me."
I had written Ray a note when I attended my last Eagles game, thanking him for his kindness on both occasions, and suggesting an idea for a book. Maybe a coffee-table type book about the great Philadelphia sports venues, like the Spectrum, Connie Mack Stadium, Franklin Field and the Palestra.
Ray gave me a book yesterday called "Philadelphia's Old Ballparks." I was surprised and touched by his gesture, that he took the time to bring the book along. Once again he proves what a classy guy he truly is.
* The pre-game festivities are always special and get you geared for the game. Yesterday was no different, as Veterans' Day draws near. After the u.S. Army choir sang the National Anthem ( I didn't see many players not standing)there was a dramatic fly-over by a military jet, as chants of "U.S.A." rang out.
* I was surprised how many Bronco fans were in attendance. It was easy to pick them out in the crowd, wearing their orange jerseys. One particular guy was sitting a few rows in front of us behind the closed end-zone, holding up an orange flag with the bronco logo on it.
I can't complain, as Eagle fans travel as well as anyone in the NFL. We took over the soccer-stadium in Los Angeles when Philly played the Chargers out west.
It is fun to watch the opposing fans be all cocky at the beginning, then sit quietly when their butts are getting kicked, arms crossed, staring blankly ahead.
I don't like tot aunt those kind of fans - unless they are Cowboy fans, who rub it in when they are good- Eagles fans and Philadelphia fans in general have been there before to know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a good ass-whopping.
* Jay Ajayi made his first Eagles game a memorable one. LaGarrette Blount continued to run hard all day. They are going to make a terrific one-two punch for defenses to handle, with Corey Clement as a speedy change of pace. Wendall Smallwood looks like the odd man out of the rotation,.
* Wentz targeted wide receiver Alshon Jeffery more against Denver. he was a match-up problem with the Denver secondary from the start. Although he dropped a few p[asses early on, Jeffery made up for it later with a touchdown pass down the right side-line from a floating Wentz touch pas
*.Turnovers gave Philly a short field several times, and as the Eagles were scoring touchdowns, the Broncos were making field goals now and then. I expected a tighter, defensive-minded game, certainly not a total of 74 points put up on the scoreboard. If there were any doubters in the local or national media, there shouldn't be anymore- not at least for the next two weeks when Philly goes to Dallas on Sunday Night Football.
* I love the Eagles fight song, which is sung before the game and after every touchdown, along with the "E-A-G-L-E-S" chant. but it was getting a little ridiculous yesterday afternoon, with the Birds scoring touchdowns at will. Still, no one was complaining.
* Tight end Zach Ertz, who is having an all-Pro season, was held out of the game because of a hamstring. he should be OK for the Cowboys in two weeks.
Trey Burton and venerable warhorse Brent Celek filled in seamlessly,as have most of the Eagles second-liners this season. It's the "next man up" philosophy and it's working.
Likewise DB Ronald Darby, who can have extra time to return from an ankle injury. The organization would still be wise to hold back CB Sidney Jones, especially withe secondary playing so well.
*So what does it all mean? The Eagles go to 8-1, best record in football. They have a well-deserved bye week, which shouldn't slow down their momentum. The time off will give players like Darby and Ertz time to heal, and allow Ajayi to get caught up even more with the playbook.
There shouldn't be any letdown going into Dallas The Cowboys are 5-3, after beating Kansas City yesterday. They go to Atlanta next week in an almost must-win game for the Falcons, who are 4-4. Meanwhile Zeke Elliot may finally start to serve his six-game suspension.So, a 5-4 Dallas team going against an 8-1 Eagles team in two weeks is a distinct possibility.
Let's say the Eagles split their two games with Dallas. And let's say they split their west coast trip agains the Seahawks and Rams. The Bears and Giants games should be wins. That gives Philadelphia 12 wins, with the Christmas night game vs Oakland aa s game that can go wither way.
Will the Raiders need that game? Traveling east, playing at night in the cold, will it matter?
So, the Eagles finish either 13-3 or 12-4. Either way, that should get them the NFC East crown, and probably a first round playoff bye and home field advantage.
A few weeks ago I wondered if the Eagles were a team of destiny. Everything seems to be breaking their way this season. Talk of the Super Bowl seemed way too premature.Now, more and more fans and media-type are wondering aloud if the Eagles can make in Minneapolis in February.
They certainly have the best shot in the NFC now. Before the season began, the odds of the Eagles winning the Super Bowl were 60-1. Now their odds are down to 6-1.
The key will be home field advantage. The Rams? Too inexperienced. Plus are will htey react to playing in January cold weather?
The Seattle Seahawks? Not the same team like they are at home, with their "12th man" wild crowd.
New Orleans would have to play out of their dome, as would Minnesota and Atlanta. If Green Bay gets into the playoffs and if Aaron Rodgers is back, they would still play away from the icy confines of Lambeau Field. And the Eagles have already beaten Carolina on the road.
To the fans thinking this is all a wonderful dream and, typical Philadelphia sports teams- it will sooner or later fall apart, relax and enjoy the ride. When do we ever have the best team in an professional sports, with legitimate hopes of a championship> Never,
Why not Philadelphia? Why not the Eagles?
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