Who would've ever though the Eagles would lose to Dallas last Sunday night? Philly had everything in its favor: home field advantage ( they had lost their previous two home games); rest after a bye week, whereas the cowboys were playing off a short week, having playing on Monday night; a must-win for both teams, a game that would keep the Birds close to Washington in NFC East, a game which would all but bury Dallas in the standings. The Eagles just got new wide receiver golden Tate, which added to their offensive arsenal, whereas the Cowboys were struggling to score points and find weapons.
One of the reasons for the disappointing Dallas victory was turnovers. In nine games the Eagles' defense has only forced six turnovers. The offense also got off to another slow start. Despite the frenzied crowd the defense seemed deaf to the fan's cheers ( and boos) and couldn't stop Dallas on three key drives in the second half.
So the Eagles dropped to 4-5, two games behind the Redskins. Forget a wild card spot, especially after such a frustrating loss, the only way to reach the playoffs and defend your Super Bowl title is via the division. Even with the Dallas defeat Philadelphia still can win the division . But it becomes must harder now, where every game is like a playoff game.
Playing New Orleans in the Superdome is never easy. The red-hot Saints would love nothing more than to knock off the Super Bowl champs. They are 8-1 and not only focusing on winning NFC South, but also gearing for a playoff bye and home field advantage. Drew Brees, already the all-time leading quarterback in passing yards, is having an MVP-type season with only one interception. With all of the injuries in the Eagle secondary, it could get ugly on Sunday.
Within a week the Birds go from 7 1/2 point favorites over Dallas to 7 point underdogs vs New Orleans. Philly has had trouble scoring points, especially early in games, but I can see this game being a shoot-out. The Eagles certainly have the weapons to stay with the Saints. Can the defense stop Brees and company?
If the Cowboys could come into Lincoln Financial Field last week, overwhelming underdogs, hang in there early and pull off the upset when the Eagles' defense couldn't stop the surging Cowboys, why can't the defending champs do the same thing? Why can't we send a message to the league that we aren't dead yet?
The Birds could get massacred in New Orleans, but I'm thinking they keep it close somehow. Make it Saints 33 Eagles 24
Thursday, November 15, 2018
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- NOVEMBER 15
The Prizes won in Backyard Brawls
When college football rivals meet, they play for more than pride, bragging rights, or national championships. Kentucky and Tennessee have played the "Battle of the Beer Barrel" since 1925, the same year Indiana and Purdue first squared-off for the "Old Oaken Bucket."
Minnesota and Wisconsin have contested "Paul Bunyan's Axe" since 1948, while "The Game" between Stanford and California has been played since 1933 for "The Axe."
In 1927, Ole Miss and Mississippi State first fought the "Battle for the Golden Egg" West of the Mississippi, laid-back Los Angeles initially put up the 'Victory Bell" in 1942 for the winner of its USC-UCLA showdown.
When college football rivals meet, they play for more than pride, bragging rights, or national championships. Kentucky and Tennessee have played the "Battle of the Beer Barrel" since 1925, the same year Indiana and Purdue first squared-off for the "Old Oaken Bucket."
Minnesota and Wisconsin have contested "Paul Bunyan's Axe" since 1948, while "The Game" between Stanford and California has been played since 1933 for "The Axe."
In 1927, Ole Miss and Mississippi State first fought the "Battle for the Golden Egg" West of the Mississippi, laid-back Los Angeles initially put up the 'Victory Bell" in 1942 for the winner of its USC-UCLA showdown.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
IN THE NEWS- CHEERLEADERS WITH DISABILITIES ENJOY RECOGNITION, CAMARADERIE
The following is from The Columbus Dispatch...
Under the Friday night lights of the football stadium t Independence High School, Lauren Flynn rallied her pep squad.
Just minutes into the game against the Marion-Franklin Red Devils, the Independence 76ers had marched into the opposing team's territory, and the crowd needed a little coaxing to come alive.
"All right, ya'll, let's hear an I-H-S!" Flynn shouted at the group of six cheerleaders assembled on the track near the50yard line.
After Flynn led a count-off of "5,6,7,8," the students-pompoms in hand- chanted "I-H-S! Hey, we're the best!"
Decked out in 76ers colors and sporting other signs of their school loyalty, the Sparklers- cheerleaders with physical and mental disabilities, including some who use wheelchairs and walkers- perform during the first quarter of every home football game for Independence, a Columbus high school.
Never failing to exude school spirit, the Sparklers- overseen by Flynn and Sam Wyatt, another Independence special education teacher- are a fan favorite.
"They always just get a huge ovation from the crowd, and it seems like everyone is watching them," said Nicole Chavers, a special education teacher at the high school and founder of the squad. "They love every single minute of it."
Chavers formed the Sparklers in 2012 after watching a segment on NBC Nightly News about the Sparkle Effect, a national organization with the mission of involving students with developmental disabilities in sports and other school activities.
"I thought it was wonderful," she said.
The Sparklers originated with five members in the fall of 2013. The current squad has seven members- senior Rebecca Breedlove, 18; senior Dalaney Banks, 18; junior Diamond Jackson, 17; junior Tamara Perry, 19; sophomore Niani Moon, 15; freshman Priscilla Jenkins, 15; and senior De'Ontay Sanders, 20- whose disabilities range from orthopedic impairments to cerebral palsy.
Although the Sparklers aren't accredited through the national organization- some of the guidelines, such as a requirement that activities be offered throughout the academic year, aren't feasible for the school- its mission mirrors that of the Sparkle Effect. It is also the only such group within Columbus City Schools, district spokeswoman Jacqueline Bryant said.
"These types of team efforts are examples of how we meet our students' needs and interests while advancing our commitment to provide engaging and rewarding opportunities for all students,' Bryant said in an email.
Chavers coached the group until two years ago, when she stepped down to spend more time with her family.
Flynn and Wyatt said the visibility of the Sparklers boosts members' sense of belonging and their self-esteem.
"They love the recognition,' Wyatt said. "They feel a part of the team. They feel they're just as much a part of the school as everyone else."
Added Flynn: "It's great for them to have something that's theirs only. They have a lot of ownership of that."
The Sparklers perform at pep rallies and football games, often joined for some chants by the varsity cheerleading squad- the Liberty Belles.
The coaches are exploring the possibility of introducing the Sparklers to other sports, including basketball.
The group's members say they enjoy the camaraderie and the adrenaline rush of being in front of the crowd during games.
"I like to cheer with my friends, my beautiful friends," Jackson said. "It's fun."
Jenkins said she enjoys pumping up the crowd.
"I get them very excited," said Jenkins, who is often joined at games by her 4-year-old sister.
At the most recent home game- a 14-12 loss for the 76ers- Jenkins wore a hand-sewn uniform made by her mom, who stood by the fence near the Sparklers with other parents eager to support the cheerleaders.
"I'm happy seeing her thriving,' Jenkins' mother said. 'It gives them an opportunity to do something they love to do that is sometimes unobtainable."
Under the Friday night lights of the football stadium t Independence High School, Lauren Flynn rallied her pep squad.
Just minutes into the game against the Marion-Franklin Red Devils, the Independence 76ers had marched into the opposing team's territory, and the crowd needed a little coaxing to come alive.
"All right, ya'll, let's hear an I-H-S!" Flynn shouted at the group of six cheerleaders assembled on the track near the50yard line.
After Flynn led a count-off of "5,6,7,8," the students-pompoms in hand- chanted "I-H-S! Hey, we're the best!"
Decked out in 76ers colors and sporting other signs of their school loyalty, the Sparklers- cheerleaders with physical and mental disabilities, including some who use wheelchairs and walkers- perform during the first quarter of every home football game for Independence, a Columbus high school.
Never failing to exude school spirit, the Sparklers- overseen by Flynn and Sam Wyatt, another Independence special education teacher- are a fan favorite.
"They always just get a huge ovation from the crowd, and it seems like everyone is watching them," said Nicole Chavers, a special education teacher at the high school and founder of the squad. "They love every single minute of it."
Chavers formed the Sparklers in 2012 after watching a segment on NBC Nightly News about the Sparkle Effect, a national organization with the mission of involving students with developmental disabilities in sports and other school activities.
"I thought it was wonderful," she said.
The Sparklers originated with five members in the fall of 2013. The current squad has seven members- senior Rebecca Breedlove, 18; senior Dalaney Banks, 18; junior Diamond Jackson, 17; junior Tamara Perry, 19; sophomore Niani Moon, 15; freshman Priscilla Jenkins, 15; and senior De'Ontay Sanders, 20- whose disabilities range from orthopedic impairments to cerebral palsy.
Although the Sparklers aren't accredited through the national organization- some of the guidelines, such as a requirement that activities be offered throughout the academic year, aren't feasible for the school- its mission mirrors that of the Sparkle Effect. It is also the only such group within Columbus City Schools, district spokeswoman Jacqueline Bryant said.
"These types of team efforts are examples of how we meet our students' needs and interests while advancing our commitment to provide engaging and rewarding opportunities for all students,' Bryant said in an email.
Chavers coached the group until two years ago, when she stepped down to spend more time with her family.
Flynn and Wyatt said the visibility of the Sparklers boosts members' sense of belonging and their self-esteem.
"They love the recognition,' Wyatt said. "They feel a part of the team. They feel they're just as much a part of the school as everyone else."
Added Flynn: "It's great for them to have something that's theirs only. They have a lot of ownership of that."
The Sparklers perform at pep rallies and football games, often joined for some chants by the varsity cheerleading squad- the Liberty Belles.
The coaches are exploring the possibility of introducing the Sparklers to other sports, including basketball.
The group's members say they enjoy the camaraderie and the adrenaline rush of being in front of the crowd during games.
"I like to cheer with my friends, my beautiful friends," Jackson said. "It's fun."
Jenkins said she enjoys pumping up the crowd.
"I get them very excited," said Jenkins, who is often joined at games by her 4-year-old sister.
At the most recent home game- a 14-12 loss for the 76ers- Jenkins wore a hand-sewn uniform made by her mom, who stood by the fence near the Sparklers with other parents eager to support the cheerleaders.
"I'm happy seeing her thriving,' Jenkins' mother said. 'It gives them an opportunity to do something they love to do that is sometimes unobtainable."
IN THE NEWS- FBI RECORDS SPIKE IN DISABILITY-RELATED HATE CRIMES
This disturbing story from Disability Scoop..
As hate crimes across the U.S. surge, new data indicates that incidents targeting people with disabilities are up sharply too.
There were 128 hate crime offenses reported during 2017 stemming from bias against those with disabilities, according to the FBI. That's up from 76 the previous year.
The numbers released this week come from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, which tallies data submitted by law enforcement agencies across the country on incidents motivated by disability as well as race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.
Overall, federal officials said there were 7,175 hate crime incidents in 2017, up some 17 percent from 6, 121 the year before.
The report indicates that 1.6 percent of all incidents in 2017 targeted people with disabilities. Those with mental disabilities were affected by 93 of the offenses and 35 targeted people with physical issues.
The uptick in hate crimes prompted by disability bias follows two years of declines in that category.
The FBI noted that the increase in hate crimes coincided with a large jump in the number of law enforcement agencies contributing data to the report. More than 16,000 agencies submitted data for 2017, nearly 900 more than the year prior.
As hate crimes across the U.S. surge, new data indicates that incidents targeting people with disabilities are up sharply too.
There were 128 hate crime offenses reported during 2017 stemming from bias against those with disabilities, according to the FBI. That's up from 76 the previous year.
The numbers released this week come from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, which tallies data submitted by law enforcement agencies across the country on incidents motivated by disability as well as race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.
Overall, federal officials said there were 7,175 hate crime incidents in 2017, up some 17 percent from 6, 121 the year before.
The report indicates that 1.6 percent of all incidents in 2017 targeted people with disabilities. Those with mental disabilities were affected by 93 of the offenses and 35 targeted people with physical issues.
The uptick in hate crimes prompted by disability bias follows two years of declines in that category.
The FBI noted that the increase in hate crimes coincided with a large jump in the number of law enforcement agencies contributing data to the report. More than 16,000 agencies submitted data for 2017, nearly 900 more than the year prior.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- SIXERS, FLYERS, EAGLES
- Jimmy Butler was introduced to the city yesterday afternoon. Butler is the three-time All-Star guard acquired by the Sixers from the Timberwolves recently. Butler not only brings a terrific long-range shooter, relentless defender and overall leader, Butler isn't afraid to speak his mind and say something to his teammates.
Hopefully he puts the bug in the ear of Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz to shoot more and play harder. His press conference was refreshingly honest. He wants to win, plays hard and wants those around him to play hard too.
The Jimmy Butler era begins tonight in Orlando. Butler's first home game is Friday against the Jazz.
- The Flyers lost at home last night, defeated by Florida 2-1. Florida won their fifth game in a row. The Flyers continue their home stand with an afternoon contest on Saturday vs Tampa Bay.
- Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz spoke on Tuesday and it was the same old excuses and frustration. Yes, the Birds have multiple injuries and their lack of depth is apparent. But they miss a boatload of tackles and seem unmotivated at times.
The Eagles have the toughest schedule to end the season in the NFL. An upset in New Orleans would change everything, bringing their record back to .500 at 5-5, and set them up for a pair of division. games at home ( Giants and Redskins). Lose and it's 4-6 and on life support.
Philly is a 7 1/2 point underdog. I can't remember the last time the Eagles were that big of an underdog. Still, with the Saints at home and playing so well, their eye on a playoff bye and home field advantage, I can't see the Birds winning on Sunday.
Hopefully he puts the bug in the ear of Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz to shoot more and play harder. His press conference was refreshingly honest. He wants to win, plays hard and wants those around him to play hard too.
The Jimmy Butler era begins tonight in Orlando. Butler's first home game is Friday against the Jazz.
- The Flyers lost at home last night, defeated by Florida 2-1. Florida won their fifth game in a row. The Flyers continue their home stand with an afternoon contest on Saturday vs Tampa Bay.
- Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz spoke on Tuesday and it was the same old excuses and frustration. Yes, the Birds have multiple injuries and their lack of depth is apparent. But they miss a boatload of tackles and seem unmotivated at times.
The Eagles have the toughest schedule to end the season in the NFL. An upset in New Orleans would change everything, bringing their record back to .500 at 5-5, and set them up for a pair of division. games at home ( Giants and Redskins). Lose and it's 4-6 and on life support.
Philly is a 7 1/2 point underdog. I can't remember the last time the Eagles were that big of an underdog. Still, with the Saints at home and playing so well, their eye on a playoff bye and home field advantage, I can't see the Birds winning on Sunday.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- NOVEMBER 14
"Stoneface"
On this day in 1993, Head Coach Don Shula of the Miami Dolphins won his 325th NFL game, surpassing George Halas of the Chicago Bears as the winningest coach in professional football history, as Miami defeated the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium (Miami 19, Philadelphia 14). It was Shula's 31st season as a coach. He retired with 347 victories in 1995.
On this day in 1993, Head Coach Don Shula of the Miami Dolphins won his 325th NFL game, surpassing George Halas of the Chicago Bears as the winningest coach in professional football history, as Miami defeated the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium (Miami 19, Philadelphia 14). It was Shula's 31st season as a coach. He retired with 347 victories in 1995.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
NFL REVIEW- WEEK 10
A look back- and ahead- at the NFL..
Steelers over Panthers-
The Steels are back and in control of AFC North again, after a shaky start. Carolina is still a playoff team, chasing hot New Orleans. Pittsburgh travels to Jacksonville this weekend, while the Panthers stay on the road with a trip to Detroit.
Bears over Lions-
Chicago looks for real as they destroyed inconsistent Detroit. The Lions host Carolina this week while the Bears host Minnesota in a huge divisional game.
Cowboys over Eagles-
See my review on Monday. The Birds slip to 4-5 with a date in New Orleans this Sunday afternoon. If Dallas could upset the Eagles, with everything in Philadelphia's favor, why can't the Eagles do the same thing against the Saints? Dallas goes to Atlanta to play the desperate Falcons.
Saints over Bengals-
Once again the Bengals had a chance to show they are a legit playoff team and they failed, getting crushed by the Saints. Cincinnati won't go anywhere with Marvin Lewis as coach. New Orleans , after beating the Rams, is shooting for the top seed in the NFC.
Browns over Falcons-
Cleveland is improved and finally won a home game. Atlanta remains up and down. They need to beat the Cowboys this week to even have a wild card shot. Cleveland is on their bye.
Titans over Patriots-
Tennessee has beaten good teams so far this season as they try to stay with sizzling Houston in AFC South. New England will win AFC East again, but will they earn the coveted home field advantage? Without it they will struggle to make it back to the Super bowl again.Tennessee goes to Indianapolis this week while New England has their bye.
Colts over Jaguars-
Neither Indy or Jacksonville are going anywhere. The Jags are the bigger disappointment after making it to the AFC Championship Game The Colts ply their second of three consecutive home games this week against the Titans, while the Jags host Pittsburgh.
Chiefs over Cardinals-
No surprise as Kansas City continues to cruise. KC plays the LA Rams on Monday Night Football in Mexico City in a battle of one-loss teams ( Super Bowl preview?). Arizona has a chance for a win this week as they play awful Oakland in the desert.
Bills over Jets-
No shock that Buffalo beat the Jets but it was a surprise how the bills demolished New York with Matt Barkley as quarterback. Todd Bowles, Jets head coach, needs to be fired. Buffalo and New York both have byes this week.
Redskins over Buccaneers-
Washington goes 6-3 and remains on top of NFC East while Tampa Bay plays out the string. The Skins host Houston while the Bucs hit the road against the Giants.
Chargers over Raiders-
Oakland continues a terrible year under coach Gruden while the chargers hang with the Chiefs in AFC West. The Raiders play at Arizona this week while LA hosts Denver.
Packers over Dolphins-
Green Bay won't win their division but they hope for a wild card spot, while Miami, after a promising start, fail. The Pack hit the road for two games in a make-or-break stretch. Aaron Rodgers takes on Seattle. Miami is on a bye.
Rams over Seahawks-
Seattle gave it a great shot in LA but the Rams were too much as they cruise through NFC West. This week LA plays Kansas City on Monday Night Football in Mexico City. Seattle welcomes Green Bay on Sunday.
Giants over 49ers-
Eli Manning tosses three touchdown passes as the giants won their second game of the season. San Francisco is now 2-8. New York hosts Tampa Bay while SF takes a bye.
I lost both of my picks last week, dropping to 13-8 against the spread.
Steelers over Panthers-
The Steels are back and in control of AFC North again, after a shaky start. Carolina is still a playoff team, chasing hot New Orleans. Pittsburgh travels to Jacksonville this weekend, while the Panthers stay on the road with a trip to Detroit.
Bears over Lions-
Chicago looks for real as they destroyed inconsistent Detroit. The Lions host Carolina this week while the Bears host Minnesota in a huge divisional game.
Cowboys over Eagles-
See my review on Monday. The Birds slip to 4-5 with a date in New Orleans this Sunday afternoon. If Dallas could upset the Eagles, with everything in Philadelphia's favor, why can't the Eagles do the same thing against the Saints? Dallas goes to Atlanta to play the desperate Falcons.
Saints over Bengals-
Once again the Bengals had a chance to show they are a legit playoff team and they failed, getting crushed by the Saints. Cincinnati won't go anywhere with Marvin Lewis as coach. New Orleans , after beating the Rams, is shooting for the top seed in the NFC.
Browns over Falcons-
Cleveland is improved and finally won a home game. Atlanta remains up and down. They need to beat the Cowboys this week to even have a wild card shot. Cleveland is on their bye.
Titans over Patriots-
Tennessee has beaten good teams so far this season as they try to stay with sizzling Houston in AFC South. New England will win AFC East again, but will they earn the coveted home field advantage? Without it they will struggle to make it back to the Super bowl again.Tennessee goes to Indianapolis this week while New England has their bye.
Colts over Jaguars-
Neither Indy or Jacksonville are going anywhere. The Jags are the bigger disappointment after making it to the AFC Championship Game The Colts ply their second of three consecutive home games this week against the Titans, while the Jags host Pittsburgh.
Chiefs over Cardinals-
No surprise as Kansas City continues to cruise. KC plays the LA Rams on Monday Night Football in Mexico City in a battle of one-loss teams ( Super Bowl preview?). Arizona has a chance for a win this week as they play awful Oakland in the desert.
Bills over Jets-
No shock that Buffalo beat the Jets but it was a surprise how the bills demolished New York with Matt Barkley as quarterback. Todd Bowles, Jets head coach, needs to be fired. Buffalo and New York both have byes this week.
Redskins over Buccaneers-
Washington goes 6-3 and remains on top of NFC East while Tampa Bay plays out the string. The Skins host Houston while the Bucs hit the road against the Giants.
Chargers over Raiders-
Oakland continues a terrible year under coach Gruden while the chargers hang with the Chiefs in AFC West. The Raiders play at Arizona this week while LA hosts Denver.
Packers over Dolphins-
Green Bay won't win their division but they hope for a wild card spot, while Miami, after a promising start, fail. The Pack hit the road for two games in a make-or-break stretch. Aaron Rodgers takes on Seattle. Miami is on a bye.
Rams over Seahawks-
Seattle gave it a great shot in LA but the Rams were too much as they cruise through NFC West. This week LA plays Kansas City on Monday Night Football in Mexico City. Seattle welcomes Green Bay on Sunday.
Giants over 49ers-
Eli Manning tosses three touchdown passes as the giants won their second game of the season. San Francisco is now 2-8. New York hosts Tampa Bay while SF takes a bye.
I lost both of my picks last week, dropping to 13-8 against the spread.
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