For the last time this magical year, the hours are waning where fans can still say "Philadelphia Eagles...reigning Super Bowl Champions!"
Around 10:00 pm tonight we will have a new world champion in pro football, either the upstart Los Angeles Rams or the ever-present, annoying New England Patriots. Nick Foles will be a former Super Bowl MVP. Foles will be traded soon. Life goes on.
Before that happens, time to reflect on the past year and the special times that I will always remember of the Eagles winning their first Super Bowl.
- We need to start with the great regular season. Going 13-3. Winning nine games in a row at one point. Not only capturing the NFC East but getting home field advantage thru-out the NFC playoffs.
Despite going 13-3 there were concerning times too. Carson Wentz going down for the season with a knee injury in L.A. was key. Even though the Birds had officially locked up their division with the clutch win over the Rams, doubts of how far they would go in the upcoming postseason persisted with Wentz out and the unsure Nick Foles taking over at quarterback.
It was an awesome feeling all year, knowing the Eagles were the most powerful, cruised over their NFC East rivals, and seemed pretty much invincible.
- The playoffs were a different animal. Starting with the tight home win over favored Atlanta. That's when the Eagles donned their underdog masks and the community came together. Everywhere fans went- from the supermarket to merely walking on the street- people who were fans and not fans talked Eagles, wore green gear and smiled while greeting "Go Birds!"
- I was at the NFC Championship Game between the Eagles and Vikings. Once again, the Eagles wer eunderdogs, even at home. Even local writers like mike Sielski claimed the Eagles had no home field advantage. But the fans proved the local media, the national media and Las Vegas wrong.
I clearly remember being in the men's room just before halftime at the Linc on the mild January afternoon, and the spontaneous "E-A-G-L-E-S!" chants that broke out. It was unreal just being there, the pre-game hype, the unbelievable feeling that either this could finally be the year, or we fall short once again.
We watched the AFC Championship Game on the scoreboard before the game, and the fans knew our opponent would be the evil empire patriots if the Eagles did their part.
The fourth quarter was anti-climatic as the Eagles rolled over Minnesota. We partied in the stadium just waiting for the time to tick down. An unreal feeling when the two-minute warning finally arrived, knowing the Vikings had no chance, knowing the birds just needed to run out the clock.
The post game celebration was only a taste of things to come. The Fox broadcasting crew presenting the NFC Championship trophy to owner Jeff Lurie on the field. The fans not wanting to leave the Linc, savoring the moment, celebrating now because who knew if there would be a Super bowl celebration?
Outside the stadium i was surprised how well-behaved the notorious Eagle fans were. Sure, it was a different story in Center City, where fans climbed light poles and climbed on parked cars to party.
- The two weeks leading up to the Super bowl were fun but in the end, we just wanted the game to be played already. Enough hype. But it was cool to see the Eagles as part of the hype, the interviews and features, again, everyone talking Birds and wearing midnight green or kelly green.
- The game itself was magic. The Philly special. The fact our Eagles, underdogs once more, were going head-to-head with Tom Brady and New England. The Brandon Graham fumble. The great catches by Ertz, Agholor and Jeffery. The replays and controversy. The idiot Cris Collingsworth. The great, unreal play of Nick Foles. The gutsy moves by coach Doug Pederson.
I don't even remember who played the halftime show. Who cares? Even the Super bowl commercials were an afterthought.
The last play, holding my breath as Brady's Hail Mary pass finally hit the turf in the Eagle end zone and Philadelphia had won. It seemed like time froze and it took a few seconds to comprehend that the game was over, the birds had won and they were world champs.
The post game celebrations were unforgettable. Ray Didinger hugging his son on camera. Foles and Lrie holding up the Lombardi Trophy, sought after and fought for so long. Texting and calling relatives and friends,. sharing the joy. Fireworks going off in the neighborhood. Knowing what was ahead- the parade, all the glory, the year ahead.
- The parade was four days later but it was worth the wait. I didn't go to the parade so the game meant more to me, but it was fun to watch, all the speeches at the Art Museum, the unbelievable crowds everywhere.
- Going through spring ( David Akers proclaiming the Eagles as champs at the draft in April-in Dallas!). and summer, never wanting the party to end, not wanting to start a new season. The first game of the new season against the falcons, the championship banner hoisted to the rafters at Lincoln Financial Field. All of the forthcoming books about the unforgettable year, the gear out that said loud and clear: Super bowl Champions!
Tonight it officially ends. Hopefully it will happen again, hopefully as soon as next year. It won't be as special as the first time, after waiting over 60 years. Tonight I'll watch the Rams and Pats, happy for last season but sad the Birds didn't get back to the Super Bowl as New England did. Still, the future is bright and instead of a rebuild, the Eagles are in position to make a run and recapture the magic again.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- FLYERS, SIXERS, EAGLES
- If I had to pick one Flyers game to attend this season, Saturday afternoon would be near the top. I witnessed the Flyers winning their lucky 7th game in a row, a thrilling 5-4comeback victory in overtime over Edmonton.
Philly was down by two goals twice in the contest, both times battling back. Even though the Orange and Black scored first they came out flat and passionless. Meanwhile the Oilers, playing their first game since the All-Star break, looked fresh.
Goalie Carter Hart was again the savior, making big saves to keep the Flyers close.
I love the five minute overtime 3-on-3 session. It's exciting and dramatic, and the Flyers have now won back-to-back overtime victories. To me, the shoot-out, which was avoided yesterday, is anti-climatic and slow compared to overtime.
For a matinee game there were pockets of empty seats and sections at the Wells Fargo Center, surprisingly so, since the Flyers are streaking and dangerous Connor McDavid was in town with Edmonton. As expected, other than the regular Flyer fans, the crowd consisted of kids and seniors.
Our seats were upstairs, overlooking one of the goals, but not a bad location as one could see all the action. Actually, sitting upstairs gives you a nice view of how plays are formulated.
The Flyers continue their home stand and try to No. 8 when they host Vancouver Monday night. The team is still 7 points out of a playoff spot. how bad were they early in the season to win 7 in a row yet still be 7 points back?
- The reason why I still can't believe in the Sixers is last night. After the best win of the season, a victory over the defending world champion Golden State Warriors, they came out on Saturday night predictably with a letdown, losing to the average Sacramento Kings. They are now 5-3 on their 12-game stand against teams over .500.
The 76ers still need talent and need to be more stable to be considered serious contenders this season. There's a rumor that a trade may be near, with former Sixer Jrue Holliday coming back to Philadelphia for disappointing Markelle Fultz and draft picks. Whatever, the Sixers need something.
- Reports say that the Eagles will pick up the $ 20 million option on QB Nick Foles, with the intent to trade him after putting the franchise tag on Foles. About time the organization stopping fawning over Foles and thanking him for his magical journal in Philly. Now it's back to business as the birds hope to get a high draft pick or two for Foles. The Redskins, Giants, Jaguars, Broncos and the Dolphins all need quarterbacks. At the very least Philadelphia will get a 3rd round compensatory pick if St. Nick walks before he is dealt.
The next few weeks and months, leading up to April's draft, will be fascinating to watch.
I'm still taking the Patriots to win tonight's Super Bowl, 35-31, despite the fact that a bettor in Nevada made a $ 1 million wager on the Rams. He is the same guy who cashed in last year on Houston to win the World Series and the Eagles to win the Super Bowl.
Eagle Howie Long
Philly was down by two goals twice in the contest, both times battling back. Even though the Orange and Black scored first they came out flat and passionless. Meanwhile the Oilers, playing their first game since the All-Star break, looked fresh.
Goalie Carter Hart was again the savior, making big saves to keep the Flyers close.
I love the five minute overtime 3-on-3 session. It's exciting and dramatic, and the Flyers have now won back-to-back overtime victories. To me, the shoot-out, which was avoided yesterday, is anti-climatic and slow compared to overtime.
For a matinee game there were pockets of empty seats and sections at the Wells Fargo Center, surprisingly so, since the Flyers are streaking and dangerous Connor McDavid was in town with Edmonton. As expected, other than the regular Flyer fans, the crowd consisted of kids and seniors.
Our seats were upstairs, overlooking one of the goals, but not a bad location as one could see all the action. Actually, sitting upstairs gives you a nice view of how plays are formulated.
The Flyers continue their home stand and try to No. 8 when they host Vancouver Monday night. The team is still 7 points out of a playoff spot. how bad were they early in the season to win 7 in a row yet still be 7 points back?
- The reason why I still can't believe in the Sixers is last night. After the best win of the season, a victory over the defending world champion Golden State Warriors, they came out on Saturday night predictably with a letdown, losing to the average Sacramento Kings. They are now 5-3 on their 12-game stand against teams over .500.
The 76ers still need talent and need to be more stable to be considered serious contenders this season. There's a rumor that a trade may be near, with former Sixer Jrue Holliday coming back to Philadelphia for disappointing Markelle Fultz and draft picks. Whatever, the Sixers need something.
- Reports say that the Eagles will pick up the $ 20 million option on QB Nick Foles, with the intent to trade him after putting the franchise tag on Foles. About time the organization stopping fawning over Foles and thanking him for his magical journal in Philly. Now it's back to business as the birds hope to get a high draft pick or two for Foles. The Redskins, Giants, Jaguars, Broncos and the Dolphins all need quarterbacks. At the very least Philadelphia will get a 3rd round compensatory pick if St. Nick walks before he is dealt.
The next few weeks and months, leading up to April's draft, will be fascinating to watch.
I'm still taking the Patriots to win tonight's Super Bowl, 35-31, despite the fact that a bettor in Nevada made a $ 1 million wager on the Rams. He is the same guy who cashed in last year on Houston to win the World Series and the Eagles to win the Super Bowl.
Eagle Howie Long
Saturday, February 2, 2019
BASEBALL TRIVIA
Baseball and Culture
Match the baseball movie with the year it was made.
1. Hardball A. 1989
2. Major League B. 1988
3. The Natural C. 1984
4. Bull Durham D. 2001
Answers: 1-D, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B
Baseball Birthdays
Saturday Birthdays
Red Schoendienst
Wes Ferrell
Don Buford
John Tutor
Sunday Birthdays
Larry MacPhail
Fred Lynn
Slim Sallee
Bake McBride
Match the baseball movie with the year it was made.
1. Hardball A. 1989
2. Major League B. 1988
3. The Natural C. 1984
4. Bull Durham D. 2001
Answers: 1-D, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B
Baseball Birthdays
Saturday Birthdays
Red Schoendienst
Wes Ferrell
Don Buford
John Tutor
Sunday Birthdays
Larry MacPhail
Fred Lynn
Slim Sallee
Bake McBride
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- FEBRUARY 2/3
Biggest Upsets at the Super Bowl
Super Bowl Losing Favorite Pts. Winning Underdog Score
III Colts 18 Jets 16-7
XXXVI Rams 14 Patriots 20-17
XLII Patriots 12 Giants 17-14
IV Vikings 12 Chiefs 23-7
XXXII Packers 11.5 Broncos 31-24
XXV Bills 7 Giants 20-19
Super Bowl Losing Favorite Pts. Winning Underdog Score
III Colts 18 Jets 16-7
XXXVI Rams 14 Patriots 20-17
XLII Patriots 12 Giants 17-14
IV Vikings 12 Chiefs 23-7
XXXII Packers 11.5 Broncos 31-24
XXV Bills 7 Giants 20-19
Friday, February 1, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- SIXERS, FLYERS, PHILLIES
- Huge win for the Sixers last night, beating the defending world champion Warriors in San Francisco. It was the 76ers first win over the Warriors since 2013 and their first victory at Golden State since 2011. The Warriors have now lost to-at home- Milwaukee, Toronto and Philadelphia, three of the top teams in the East. They snapped Golden State's 11-game winning streak as well.
The Sixers still need bench help. But it has to boost their morale and confidence to go into Golden State and knock them off. In a seven-game series the Warriors' experience and depth may wear down Philly. But for one game, the Sixers were tops.
in attendance last night was none other than ex- Sixer General Manager Sam Hinkie. He shave his head and now sports a goatee. But that was Hinkie in the crowd. He teaches at nearby Stanford University.
If Hinkie- the originator of the Trust The Process movement- was so brilliant, why hasn't he gotten another job in pro basketball? He obviously burned a lot of bridges when he was a GM, such as not calling agents and being aloof and indifferent to players and management alike.
- Our other winter team, the Flyers, also pulled off a big road win last night, beating host Boston in overtime. Always a tough place to play, the Flyers won their sixth game in a row. It may be too little too late to make a playoff push but at least the Orange and black haven't given up.
It all goes back to the change in general managers, the coaching switch and especially promoting rookie goalie Carter Hart. The 20-year-old brings skill, consistency and hope to a position that has struggled for the Flyers for years. Knowing they may have their future goaltender in place for the next 15 years or so is nice to know. Now the new regime can focus on building around Hart.
My first Flyers game of the season will be a hard ticket to come by tomorrow afternoon. It's a 1:00 match-up in South Philly against the Edmonton Oilers and swift, pesky, Flyer nemesis Connor McDavid. the Wells Fargo Center should be rocking on Saturday afternoon as the Flyers go for seven consecutive wins.
- I respect young Corey Seidman's take on baseball, especially the Phillies. He thinks, more and more, that Bryce Harper will ultimately return to Washington. Their proposed offer of $300 million for 10 years, if still on the table, would reportedly be worth more than any offer out there since free agency started. If the money is close I suspect Harper would go back to the nationals where he has a comfort zone and where they are closer to the postseason than are the other contenders for his services, such as the Phillies, Padres or White Sox.
It would be a disappointment for fans if Harper returns to the nats. His return would immediately make Washington the favorite to not only win the national League East, but maybe evcen make it to the World Series. Washington didn't play up to their level in 2018. They also have a way of choking in the playoffs when they get there. But one can't argue with their talent, maybe their deepest roster ever.
The Phillies can console themselves by signing Manny Machado, the guy they probably preferred all along. The fans would be letdown until they see how good of a player Machado really is. The Phillies would then still have plenty of money to make free agent runs in 2020 and 2021, especially in two years when Mike Trout comes out. If the organization screws up getting Trout then fans would really have reason to rebel.
One decision can weigh so heavy. If Harper signs with the Phils, he instantly makes them contenders. If he signs with division-rival Washington the Phillies and even the Mets and Braves are second-rate.
Harpers' decision effects so many. Phillie players like Franco, Herrera, Williams, Hernandez and Quinn may be traded before the season depending on whether Harper signs or not.
We should know soon. For the fans' sake, hopefully we know one way or another soon.
The Sixers still need bench help. But it has to boost their morale and confidence to go into Golden State and knock them off. In a seven-game series the Warriors' experience and depth may wear down Philly. But for one game, the Sixers were tops.
in attendance last night was none other than ex- Sixer General Manager Sam Hinkie. He shave his head and now sports a goatee. But that was Hinkie in the crowd. He teaches at nearby Stanford University.
If Hinkie- the originator of the Trust The Process movement- was so brilliant, why hasn't he gotten another job in pro basketball? He obviously burned a lot of bridges when he was a GM, such as not calling agents and being aloof and indifferent to players and management alike.
- Our other winter team, the Flyers, also pulled off a big road win last night, beating host Boston in overtime. Always a tough place to play, the Flyers won their sixth game in a row. It may be too little too late to make a playoff push but at least the Orange and black haven't given up.
It all goes back to the change in general managers, the coaching switch and especially promoting rookie goalie Carter Hart. The 20-year-old brings skill, consistency and hope to a position that has struggled for the Flyers for years. Knowing they may have their future goaltender in place for the next 15 years or so is nice to know. Now the new regime can focus on building around Hart.
My first Flyers game of the season will be a hard ticket to come by tomorrow afternoon. It's a 1:00 match-up in South Philly against the Edmonton Oilers and swift, pesky, Flyer nemesis Connor McDavid. the Wells Fargo Center should be rocking on Saturday afternoon as the Flyers go for seven consecutive wins.
- I respect young Corey Seidman's take on baseball, especially the Phillies. He thinks, more and more, that Bryce Harper will ultimately return to Washington. Their proposed offer of $300 million for 10 years, if still on the table, would reportedly be worth more than any offer out there since free agency started. If the money is close I suspect Harper would go back to the nationals where he has a comfort zone and where they are closer to the postseason than are the other contenders for his services, such as the Phillies, Padres or White Sox.
It would be a disappointment for fans if Harper returns to the nats. His return would immediately make Washington the favorite to not only win the national League East, but maybe evcen make it to the World Series. Washington didn't play up to their level in 2018. They also have a way of choking in the playoffs when they get there. But one can't argue with their talent, maybe their deepest roster ever.
The Phillies can console themselves by signing Manny Machado, the guy they probably preferred all along. The fans would be letdown until they see how good of a player Machado really is. The Phillies would then still have plenty of money to make free agent runs in 2020 and 2021, especially in two years when Mike Trout comes out. If the organization screws up getting Trout then fans would really have reason to rebel.
One decision can weigh so heavy. If Harper signs with the Phils, he instantly makes them contenders. If he signs with division-rival Washington the Phillies and even the Mets and Braves are second-rate.
Harpers' decision effects so many. Phillie players like Franco, Herrera, Williams, Hernandez and Quinn may be traded before the season depending on whether Harper signs or not.
We should know soon. For the fans' sake, hopefully we know one way or another soon.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- FEBRUARY 1
The Super Bowl Prediction Pool
(Remove this page, enlarge and distribute copies for entertainment purposes).
1. National Anthem total/time ( 1:37) Over____ Under ____
2. Coin toss result Heads ___ Tails ____
3. First team to score Rams ____ Patriots ____
4. A safety will occur Y ___ N ___
5. TD in last two minutes of first half Y ___ N ___
6. Points scored in last two minutes of game Y ___ N ___
7. Longest field goal over/under 40 yards Over ___ Under ___
8. Punt/KO return for TD Y ___ N ___
9..Interception return for TD Y ___ N ___
10. Successful two-point conversion Y ___ N ___
11. MVP is a quarterback Y ___ N ___
Receive two points for each correct prediction.
Tiebreaker: Total points scored: ________
Name: _____________________________________________
Points: ________________________________
(Remove this page, enlarge and distribute copies for entertainment purposes).
1. National Anthem total/time ( 1:37) Over____ Under ____
2. Coin toss result Heads ___ Tails ____
3. First team to score Rams ____ Patriots ____
4. A safety will occur Y ___ N ___
5. TD in last two minutes of first half Y ___ N ___
6. Points scored in last two minutes of game Y ___ N ___
7. Longest field goal over/under 40 yards Over ___ Under ___
8. Punt/KO return for TD Y ___ N ___
9..Interception return for TD Y ___ N ___
10. Successful two-point conversion Y ___ N ___
11. MVP is a quarterback Y ___ N ___
Receive two points for each correct prediction.
Tiebreaker: Total points scored: ________
Name: _____________________________________________
Points: ________________________________
BASEBALL TRIVIA
World Series
Name the first African American player to hit three home runs in a World Series.
A. Junior Gilliam
B. Roy Campanella
C. Hank Aaron
D. Reggie Jackson
Answer: C.
Aaron's stellar World Series helped the Milwaukee Braves to overcome the new York Yankees in 1957. He batted .393 and collected 11 hits, including a triple, three homers, and seven runs batted in during the seven-game contest.
Baseball Birthdays
Paul Blair
Ron Woods
Ernie Camacho
Tim Naehring
Name the first African American player to hit three home runs in a World Series.
A. Junior Gilliam
B. Roy Campanella
C. Hank Aaron
D. Reggie Jackson
Answer: C.
Aaron's stellar World Series helped the Milwaukee Braves to overcome the new York Yankees in 1957. He batted .393 and collected 11 hits, including a triple, three homers, and seven runs batted in during the seven-game contest.
Baseball Birthdays
Paul Blair
Ron Woods
Ernie Camacho
Tim Naehring
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