The Sixers lost in London yesterday, blowing yet another big lead in the process. They blew a 22-point cushion to the Boston Celtics, who have defeated Philly all three times they have played this season. Once again, the Sixers had a huge lead over a really good opponent, and ended up losing. I was at the Golden State game in November when the Sixers had a 24-point lead in the second half and allowed the Warriors to catch up and win.
The young Sixers can't close. They don't know how to win, after years of purposely losing. They may end up playing the rival Celts in the playoffs, if Philly makes the postseason. They are currently 19-20. They come home and play Toronto on Monday night.
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* The weather should play a big part in the outcome of the Eagles-Falcons playoff game tomorrow at the Linc. Cold, with temps dropping all day .Winds are expected to be sustained at 20 m.p.h.It's always breezy in South Philly anyway. It will be a challenge throwing the ball tomorrow.
Defense and a strong ground game wins playoff games in January/ Time for guys like Jay Ajayi and Fletcher Cox to step up.
Initially the weather was supposed to be mild. It's to the Eagles' advantage to have the weather go bad. Everything has been breaking the Eagles' way this season and the trend continues with damp, cold weather rolling into Philadelphia on Saturday.
* Many so-called experts and media-types are picking against the Eagles this weekend. No surprise since Vegas made Atlanta the favorites, with the point spread now at 3 points for the Falcons. Local media isn't very confident in nick Foles and the Birds as well. Columnist Mike Sielski stupidly wrote this week that the Eagles have no home field advantage at the chilly Linc, with 70,000 screaming fans on their side.Now comes WIP's Marc Farzetta, who isn't one of my favorite media people anyway.
Farzetta thinks Atlanta will win tomorrow. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Farzetta may turn out to be correct, but I don't think so. He has got to be one of the least knowledgeable guys in the Philly sports media.When a wannabe like Farzetta tries to make a bold statement like selecting the falcons tomorrow, I don't take him too seriously.Another loser, St. Joseph's head basketball coach Phil Martelli, also likes Atlanta.
I will trust my gut instinct- I'm 16-0 picking Eagle games this year- and the opinions of more respected experts such as Ray Didinger and Dick Vermeil, both of whom think the Eagles will win.
* Here are some key figures in the playoff game against Atlanta and what they must do to ensure the Eagles will host the NFC championship game next Sunday......
Nick Foles-
Play with confidence. Give your receivers a chance to catch the ball, yet don't force throws. Manage the game, don't commit costly turnovers. Be a leader, not a follower. You are no Carson Wentz but prove to all the doubters they are. wrong, and that you are a good quarterback. Vegas has made the Eagles a historic underdog, the first No. 1 seed to not be favored at home in a postseason game. And it's really because of you, Nick Foles. Step up and play like you did in 2013 when you led the Eagles into the playoffs by throwing 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Doug Pederson-
Don't turtle-up in another big game. Coach smart, don't take stupid chances, but also be aggressive. Don't play tight, as the Rams did last weekend. Play to Foles' strengths. Run the ball, use play-action and don't be afraid to take shots down the field. Keep the Falcon defense honest.
Fletcher Cox-
Lead the defensive line by getting and keeping constant pressure on Atlanta QB Matt Ryan. Sack him, make him hurry throws, take pressure off your secondary, who will try to cover Falcon receiver Julio Jones. Earn that big contract by playing like a Pro Bowler in the biggest game of the season.
Jake Elliot-
As the Eagle kicker, you will be called upon tomorrow to make field goals. The offense may not be able to move the ball on long drives or score TDs, so Elliot needs to make field goals. Elliot has made long kicks- 50 yards and beyond- yet miss chip-shot kicks.He needs to be consistent and don't choke in the spotlight of a crucial playoff game.
The Fans-
The fans need to be wild and loud. They need to support the Eagles all through the game. If the Eagles get behind, they can't boo and get down on the team. The fans traveled well this season, turning enemy stadiums into home field=like advantages. Make the Linc a hell-hole for the Falcons. Make it hard for their offense to hear signals. make communication tough, which may lead to mistakes. The fans need to come pissed off, proving the so-called experts wrong. They need to scream their support for the Eagles when the Eagles need them most of all.
Alshon Jeffrey-
Time for Jeffrey to show up in a big game. He got a contract extension during the season. He may not be a No.1 receiver. He doesn't have breakaway, blazing speed. He is good in the red zone, and can rise up over defenders to catch passes. He needs to get open, get separation and catch the balls that Foles throws his way. The Atlanta secondary is especially good.Jeffrey and the other wide-outs need to stretch the field and avoid drops. They need to keep the chains moving. Tight end Zach Ertz will be key as well, catching passes over the middle and in the slot and making first downs. But it's Jeffrey who needs to lead the way.
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