CHIRPING BIRDS- THE FANS

Mike Sielski is a lousy columnist for the Philly Daily News. I never liked his writing, even before this week. He seems to reach for topics ans tries to be outlandish, just for the sake of trying to be controversial.Problem is, no one really cares what Mike Sielski thinks or writes. He's no Stan Hochman, who's opinion counted back in the day.

This is the same stupid writer who sided with Phillies GM Matt Klentak last summer when he was dragging his feet bringing up the kids. Then Nick Williams and Rhys Hoskins arrived and brought excitement and hope to the fans.

Now Sielski writes that the Eagles have no home field advantage this Saturday against the Falcons in their playoff game.. He amazing states that Eagle fans aren't an advantage and could actually be a disadvantage if the team gets behind or QB Nick Foles sucks again.

I can kinda understand the disrespect from the national media, who really don't have a clue about Philadelphia sports. The national media lazily relies on the past, like the throwing snowballs at Santa Claus episode so long ago. Cliches ans stereotypes. But I don't expect garbage from a local so-called journalist like Sielski.

First, the idea of the article is wrong . Why pissed off the fans- your readers- by saying they don't matter? Plus, is he so stupid to think the fans won't be crazy and passionate on Saturday, and supporting the Birds in the freaking playoffs? Does he expect the fans to either sit on their hands quietly or boo like hell as soon as the players fail?

Sielski hasn't been in the area that long. He either forgets or he hasn't done his homework when it comes to fan support at our local games, especially big games. He's too young to remember how Phillies fans literally harassed Dodger pitcher Burt Hooten off the mound during a big playoff game in the 1970s .He's also too young to recall the 700 level at the Vet and the concrete playing surface which visiting teams dreaded to play on.

True, when the Eagles first started playing at the Linc, it wasn't such a home field advantage/ The Linc is no Vet, plus the fan base changed. More corporate types in the suite boxes as opposed to the drunken , blue-collar type everyday Joes  who filled the Vet every game, even through the years of losing.

But in recent years the shift has changed back to home field advantage for the Birds, who went 7-0 in meaningful games at home this year.

I know the fans will step up this weekend. Not that the fans needed it, but maybe Sielski's article will further fuel the intense fire and fury of the fans. The players, already disrespected by Vegas, who made the Eagles underdogs at home, the first time a No.1 seed is an underdog to a No. 6 seed, and by the national media, should use the column as bulletin board fodder to increase their motivation to succeed against Atlanta.

Take it one step at a time. Win on Saturday and move on to the NFC Championship Game next Sunday. I fear a drop in intensity next week, so maybe Sielski can write another equally dumb article?

Key note: from now on, whomever comes into Philly- the Falcons, Vikings or Saints- they are all dome teams who are  used to playing indoors or in warm weather.

Time for the Eagles players and fans to stick it up Mike Sielski's rear end- along with the rest of the doubters- by destroying the Falcons.