CHIRPING BIRDS- WHAT NOW?

More summarizing of the Eagles' magical season and parade..


* Some university in Manchester, England estimated the crowd at the victory parade and rally yesterday in Philadelphia at 700,000. That is way too low. There were over a million at the Art museum alone. They didn't take into account the people lining the streets. the fans going 10-deep on the side streets, and green-clad fans hanging from windows, trees and lamp posts.

The Phillies' parade in 2008 was huge, but the Eagles' parade was much bigger.

* So, the season started at the Philly Art Museum, with the NFL draft last April, and ended at the Art Museum yesterday with the ceremony.With all the bad and negative publicity this year in the league, from protests to abuse to cheating, etc...Philadelphia proved to be a feel-good story for the league.

The draft was great, and Philly became a model for how to run a draft How can Dallas do better this spring? Then the magical storybook season of the underdog Eagles, ending with the improbable upset of the evil empire named New England and Tom Brady. And finally, the gigantic parade and rally which stirred the city.

It was a great backdrop for the city of Philadelphia, as so often we get a bad rep for our rowdy fans. Yesterday showcased the best of Philly and the Birds. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, something we will talk about forever. We didn't want it to end, knowing it was a special memory, never to be relived and never to be forgotten.

* The players are going their own ways now. Hopefully the basic core stays together. but guys will go elsewhere. New free agents will come, especially now, with future championships enticing and luring players to come to Philly.

Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement should handle the running game, with LaGarrette Blount leaving. The Birds need another speedy, shifty runner/receiver like Darren Sproles, if not Sproles himself.  A big story in the off-season will be how well the injured players- Peters, Sproles, Wentz, Hicks and Marogos- come back. Either way, the Eagles could use some blazing speed on offense.

Getting injured players back healthy will add depth to the line-up, which should make the Eagles stronger.

The Birds will have a target on their backs in the fall. It will be harder to win back-to-back championships with other teams gunning for the Eagles. The schedule should be tougher, with the Birds playing other division winners. The schedule can vary however, due to injury. Plus Philly plays the AFC South, which is a better draw than AFC West.

Still, the team will be on prime-time more often. They are already scheduled to play in London in late October against  Jacksonville. With Wentz returning, the Eagles will be showcased more than ever.

No one has repeated as NFC East champs since the Eagles did it in 2004. Just winning the division will be a challenge, but the other rivals in the division have issues. Dallas is in flux, but still has the second-most talent; the Giants have a new coach, but who knows if Eli Manning will return? New York needs to rebuild. They will always be a thorn in the Eagles' side because of the rivalry, but I can't see them as a serious challenger; and the Redskins are also  are a team in transition, with QB Alex Smith coming onboard and QB Kirk Cousins leaving.

The draft will be here soon enough, with the release of the schedule in mid-April. Then comes OTAs,mini-camps and training camp itself. The Hall of Fame induction, featuring Brian Dawkins and Terrell Owens, will draw attention his summer.Even the pre-season games will be looked at more importantly this year.

So, as the season ends, there is plenty to talk about and so much to look forward to down the road. It's a great time to be alive, and a great time to be an Eagles fan.

Personally, it was an unbelievable few weeks. From all the community cheer, parties, the games, the excitement and anticipation. The Super Bowl last Sunday to the celebrations to the parade and rally. It was a week I'll never forget.

Now, attention goes to the other Philly sports teams. The Flyers and Sixers continue their seasons, on the edge of the playoffs. The Phillies are preparing for spring training, as their equipment trucks left Citizens Bank park this morning, heading for Clearwater, Fla for the long trip down south. It officially signals the end of winter and the  promise of warmer days, sunshine and baseball.

In other a few weeks, exhibition baseball will begin. Trades will be made. And fans will look forward to Opening Day as spring brings a renewed hope to our sports teams. Play ball!