My look at the end of the year at all four Philadelphia sports teams- where they were and where they are going..
Eagles-
After a thrilling Super Bowl victory on February 4, there was a fantastic, memorable parade and an off-season full of basking in the glory. For both the fans and players, as well as the entire Eagles organization, it was a dream come true.
The season got off to a rocky start, as QB Carson Wentz wasn't ready for the opener. Nick Foles filled in again, and he split the first two games. Seemed like the Birds were slow, suffering a Super Bowl hangover, maybe suffering form too many book tours, TV appearances and rubber chicken on the banquet circuit.
Injuries played a key note in the season. The Birds went from world champs to struggling to make the playoffs. 69% of Super Bowl winners make the post-season the following year, so Philly would be bucking a trend ( and not in a good way).
All in all, I wouldn't trade this calender year of Eagles football for anything. And if they fail to reach the playoffs this Sunday they will have an easier schedule in 2019 and should pick around 18 in the spring draft.
The Wentz/Foles situation will be interesting to see how it is resolved. My guess is that Foles simply becomes a free agent after the season ends, and he signs with a team that needs a quarterback, such as the Jaguars or Giants.
The Eagles need to start rebuilding their squad, yet leaving the window open for more playoffs appearances. Guys like Jason Peters and Darren Sproles may be done, whereas players like Jordan Hicks may move on. GM Howie Rossman has a boatload of draft picks to play with next spring, so expect lots of activity.
Phillies-
The Phillies spent much of the summer of 2018 in first place. Still, Citizens Bank Park was empty many games. Up until their epic collapse in August the team gave its fans interesting baseball ( if not boring, too analytical ball), led by first-year skipper Gabe Kapler.
Aaron Nola had a great year, nominated for the Cy Young Award. Rhys Hoskins hit over 30 homers. Honestly, that was about it regarding highlights, and it was a wonder the team was at or near first place for much of the summer.
GM Matt Klentak failed to add a significant player at the July trade deadline, as Manny Machado went to the Dodgers and helped them get to another World Series.
So far this off-season the Phillies have improved the team, with the additions of Jean Segura and Andrew McCutchen, but so far are still lacking that big-name guy to put the team over the top, namely a Machado or Harper.
The rest of the NL East has improved, so the Phils may end up in 3rd again unless they make a move by spring training. They haven't done anything significant enough to put more fans in the seats this spring and summer. Mike Trout reminds two years away from potential free agency.
Sixers-
The 76ers lost in the playoffs last spring to their old rival, the Celtics, but little or no help was given the team over the summer to improve the club. They failed to sign big free agents James and Leonard, and they let go of key bench players like Iilysova and Bellinelli. They drafted Markelle Fultz with the first pick in the NBA draft, which now seems like a huge mistake.
GM Brian Colangelo was let go, while Head Coach Brett Brown assumed more responsibilities until the organization finally hired Elton Brand as the new General Manager.
They have started the season as a solid but not great squad. They still pale in comparison to East rivals Boston and Toronto. They will make the playoffs and make win a round or two, but will they win the NBA Championship? Doubtful, even as Joel Embiid is emerging as a superstar.
Flyers-
Last spring the Flyers were thumped in embarrassing fashion by arch-rival Pittsburgh. They kept both GM Hexstall and Coach Hakstol while not gettinga true No. 1 goalie. They continued to promote their prospects painfully slow.
Not long ago Hexstall was fired and Hakstol went after him as the Orange and Black once again try to establish themselves. They finally brought up prized prospect goaltender Carter Hart, who has looked promising in his first few games. They are playing better but will it be good enough to overcome a slow start?
Making the playoffs is a coin toss this year. The veterans like Verachek, Geroiux and Simmons need to step up, while the kids need to mature fast in order for the post-season to be a realistic goal this season.
All in all it was a positive year in Philadelphia sports. Most of all the fans have hope for each franchise and young stars in Wentz, Nola/Hoskins, Embiid and Hart.
Will we see another championship parade in 2019? Probably not. The Eagles are fighting just to make the playoffs and there's no telling what will happen by next fall; The Phillies are very slowly inching to contending-status, and if they do sign Machado or Harper, they suddenly get closer to a title; The Sixers need a bench to seriously contend; and the Flyers still seem light years away from a Stanley Cup.
2019 should be another exciting year in Philly sports.
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