* More aftermath of the big Eagles win and the Carson Wentz injury:
- How ironic that the last pass of the 2017 for Carson Wentz was a touchdown- his 33rd TD pass, breaking the Eagles' franchise record formerly held by Sonny Jurgensen.
- It looks like Wentz will have surgery to repair the torn ACL in his left knee sometime this week. Rehab is expected to take anywhere from 9-12 months. With Wentz' determination and work ethic, I wouldn't be surprised if he he is fully healed and ready to roll on opening day next September.
_ I know back-up QB Nick Foles is a big step-down from MVP-caliber type player Wentz, but thank goodness for Foles. He has experience and has worked with Coach Pederson and his staff. Don't forget that he did have that magical season in 2013 of 27 TDs and only 2 interceptions. Would you rather have a guy like Geno Smith?
_ It will be a challenge for Eagles' players and coaches, but also for the fans. But that's football. There is always a risk for injury. It's not career-ending. Sure, it feels like we are cursed. Getting so close-finally- only for this to happen, for Wentz to be out for the rest of the season. But it's time for the "next-man- up" mentality to continue, for the Eagles to take a fighting, underdog stance. Even with an 11-2 record, many will doubt that the Eagles will go far in the playoffs.
So, that's why the fans need tor ally behind Foles and the entire team, not hang their heads and give up. The Eagles need to hold onto home field advantage. Even with Foles, it won't be easy for any visiting team to come into the Linc on a cold, perhaps snowy day or night, with 66,000 crazy Philadelphia fans, and win. It's OK if the opposition takes the Birds lightly because their star quarterback is out. The Eagles- and the fans- need to play smart, stay aggressive and not give up.
They say, a strong running game and stout defense wins in the cold weather and the playoffs. Pederson needs to rely on his running backs; Defense Coordinator Schwartz needs to pick it up and rally his defensive troops; all phases of the team need to unite. Who knows if the team-with or without Wentz- will ever get into this position again.Win the last three regular season games, go 14-2, and take momentum into the playoffs, as you rest on wild card weekend and await your first visitor into the Linc.
- Regarding the game, or, in this case, the pre-game, I watched the Fox show on Sunday before the Eagles-Rams, and it was brutal. No wonder ratings for pre-game shows in general are down. Fox actually had to pay LA actors to dress in Rams gear and make noise during the broadcast, pretending to be devoted fans. Meanwhile, true Philadelphia fans, most who made the trip cross-country, were out-shouting the actors with E-A-G-L-E-S chants.
* The Phillies made their first move of the off-season, and their initial move at the Winter meetings, which began today in Florida, by re-signing reliever Pat Neshek to a two-year deal. Neshek is 37, and made the All-Star team last year because being traded at the deadline to Colorado."The Shack" gives the Phils a reliable 7th inning guy, and it's a good solid move towards stabilizing the bullpen, which at times last summer was good.
* Joel Embiid was pulled from the starting line-up last night against the Pelicans with back stiffness. He didn't play Saturday night either, due to the team doctor's back-to-back games policy for Embiid. You can't take these Sixers seriously until they lose the stupid limitations on Embiid, and until Embiid himself shows he can stay healthy. He's a great player-when he plays.
* The Flyers, coming off a three-game sweep of their Western Canada trip, start a five-game home stand tomorrow night vs, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Time to gain some momentum and get the home fans back on the Flyers' side again. deservedly so, theyw ere booed often during their last few games at home.
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