Let the trash talking begin!!!

Pls declare your allegiance to either the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES or the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS...

and then commence dishing the trash or the virtues of your selection...also, post a score and a star, and the play of the game!!

ok, let it begin....

I pick:
THe EAGLES, they will win 37-24, the star of the game will be Donovan McNabb, shared with the entire defense..and the offensive line will be the reason we win...and the play that is the play of the game will be an interception by Dawkins in the 4th qtr and run back for 6!!

"Fly Eagles Fly,.."

I'm not predicting any scores as of yet, but I think the Eagles have a great shot at winning the whole damn thing.

As for trash talking, I'll oblige anyone that wants. :)

The Vikings are going to kick your asses! Culpepper is going to throw for 400+ yards, Moss will break records and they will be co MVP's! :sigh: Sorry guys, just a little wishful thinking. :(

go eagles.

VIKING, I CAN COMMISERATE WITH YOU.
when i was real young, i was also a huge Fran tarkenton fan..and i watched him lose a couple of super bowls...very dissappointing...

thx for the support though!!!

there are no real Pats fans anyway...they aren't loyal, rabid dogs like we are ...they wont even talk some trash....they let the team do the talking...

i guess that's pretty smart..but i guess when you go to the big game as often as they do, and win, you have that luxury..

Me? ive got 24 yrs pent up inside, and who knows how long til the next one..

im talking,dishing,giving,taking,rebutting,denying, exclaiming and just letting it all hang out ..so bri9ng it on, or this thread is gonna be full of my own rants!!

there are no real Pats fans anyway...they aren't loyal, rabid dogs like we are ...they wont even talk some trash....they let the team do the talking...

i guess that's pretty smart..but i guess when you go to the big game as often as they do, and win, you have that luxury..


I may have divided loyalties, but I still think I can call myself a "real" Patriots fan - only been following 'em since 1974. Team finally makes the playoffs in '76 after years of futility only to have the game against the Raiders possibly decided by a bogus roughing the passer call on Ray Hamilton. I remember Darryl Stingley laid out on the turf in preseason after a hit by Jack Tatum, also of the Raiders. I remember like 14 straight losses in the Orange Bowl - hell, maybe it was more - to the Miami Dolphins, many knocking us out of the playoffs, or at least keeping us from home field advantage. I watched people around me switch from Steelers to Cowboys to 49ers gear. When we finally made the Super Bowl at the end of the 1985 season, we were thoroughly demolished 46-10 by the Chicago Bears, still in my mind the greatest single season team of my lifetime. Got back 11 years later and lost to the Green Bay Packers this time by "only" 14 points. All this while of course suffering the fates of a Red Sox team that seemed destined to lose forever. So yeah, the Patriots have won two of the last three Super Bowls and are about to appear in another - after all those years though, I don't consider it a luxury.

As for trash talk - I don't believe in running my mouth - especially over something I have no control in. Besides, the Eagles are a long time member of the NFL and it's a shame it's taken 'em so long to make only their second Super Bowl appearance, so if they happen to win it - good for them. All I ask out of the Patriots is that they are competitive in the game and play their best.

I may have divided loyalties, but I still think I can call myself a "real" Patriots fan - only been following 'em since 1974. Team finally makes the playoffs in '76 after years of futility only to have the game against the Raiders possibly decided by a bogus roughing the passer call on Ray Hamilton. I remember Darryl Stingley laid out on the turf in preseason after a hit by Jack Tatum, also of the Raiders. I remember like 14 straight losses in the Orange Bowl - hell, maybe it was more - to the Miami Dolphins, many knocking us out of the playoffs, or at least keeping us from home field advantage. I watched people around me switch from Steelers to Cowboys to 49ers gear. When we finally made the Super Bowl at the end of the 1985 season, we were thoroughly demolished 46-10 by the Chicago Bears, still in my mind the greatest single season team of my lifetime. Got back 11 years later and lost to the Green Bay Packers this time by "only" 14 points. All this while of course suffering the fates of a Red Sox team that seemed destined to lose forever. So yeah, the Patriots have won two of the last three Super Bowls and are about to appear in another - after all those years though, I don't consider it a luxury.

As for trash talk - I don't believe in running my mouth - especially over something I have no control in. Besides, the Eagles are a long time member of the NFL and it's a shame it's taken 'em so long to make only their second Super Bowl appearance, so if they happen to win it - good for them. All I ask out of the Patriots is that they are competitive in the game and play their best.

Shouldn't this be in the NFL thread?
;) :p

Patriots won't be beaten. Brady will have another MVP trophy after this game. They are simply the best team.

Patriots 24
Eagles 17

They aren't the best team yet.

""shouldn't this be in the NFL thread?""

:wtf:

BTW, Billy, that was a proud post ..and your valiant attempt at diffusing the emotion by saying it would good if we win...was nice...but....

Im still talking trash!!
which, quite honestly, is completely against my nature...but i just cant help myself..it may never come again!!!

E-A-G-L-E-S!!!!!

All things considered, and given how big a baseball town Boston is, I think the Pats fans are pretty good. Not on the Eagles level as far as passion goes, and just overall nuts about football, but the Pats fans are up there. I think the Eagles are by far the most passionate fans in the NFL. Bears, Giants and Browns fans are all up there too. Oh, and the Raiders fans are pretty rowdy too.

They aren't the best team yet.

Until they get beat, yes they are. That's the props that being the defending champs gets you.

If Philly wins, good for them. I can think of less deserving teams.

That said, I don't think so :cool:

The Pats just put the big smack down on Indy and the Steelers, dominated them. I don't see Philly getting over on this team. I mean, other than the Steeler's ONE drive in the third quarter to get it back to 14 that the Pats answered on their next drive, those two games weren't even interesting...

But, as always, with the caveat of any given Sunday...

If the Pats get injured like they did in the second half last year, who knows.

Until they get beat, yes they are. That's the props that being the defending champs gets you.

If Philly wins, good for them. I can think of less deserving teams.

That said, I don't think so :cool:

The Pats just put the big smack down on Indy and the Steelers, dominated them. I don't see Philly getting over on this team. I mean, other than the Steeler's ONE drive in the third quarter to get it back to 14 that the Pats answered on their next drive, those two games weren't even interesting...

But, as always, with the caveat of any given Sunday...

If the Pats get injured like they did in the second half last year, who knows.


hey, should we bother showing up? i can still catch the guys before they head down..i dont want 'em to waste their or your time....

I realize it took the iggles 4 times to get in, but that says something about them in the NFL.
And pls, do yourself a favor, dont discount our D or Donovan....

All things considered, and given how big a baseball town Boston is, I think the Pats fans are pretty good. Not on the Eagles level as far as passion goes, and just overall nuts about football, but the Pats fans are up there. I think the Eagles are by far the most passionate fans in the NFL. Bears, Giants and Browns fans are all up there too. Oh, and the Raiders fans are pretty rowdy too.

Pats fans are nuts. You'd have to go to a game. Tremendous home field advantage here. In fact, until the team got really good, 4pm games were frowned upon because of the viciousness of the crowd after drinking all day. Don't confuse the class of the organization and the laid back nature of Belichick with the fans, LOL. Now, as rabid as Philly? Probably not. You'd have to go to Fenway to find fans that nuts... :D

Until they get beat, yes they are. That's the props that being the defending champs gets you.

If Philly wins, good for them. I can think of less deserving teams.

That said, I don't think so :cool:

The Pats just put the big smack down on Indy and the Steelers, dominated them. I don't see Philly getting over on this team. I mean, other than the Steeler's ONE drive in the third quarter to get it back to 14 that the Pats answered on their next drive, those two games weren't even interesting...

But, as always, with the caveat of any given Sunday...

If the Pats get injured like they did in the second half last year, who knows.


Well it's about time you brought your ass in here. It's me and you until next weekend big boy. Bring it!

As far as them being the best until they get beat. That's the attitude they don't have. If you bring that up till Belichick, he'd throw that crap right back in your face. So, they don't want to be thought of that way, then I won't. This a new season, and they're not the best until they beat us in the Super Bowl. Which I think we have a good shot at winning by the way. I don't want to hear what they did to the Pats and the Colts. This is a one game situation and anybody has a chance to win. The Panthers nearly beat you guys last year, so that right there tells me that the Philadelphia Eagles have a shot at becoming world champions.

Ever been to the Vet, particularly on a sunday 4:00 game?
the word "Dangerous" comes to mind...

Oh, please :rolleyes: I wasn't THAT bad :D

Take a step back for a minute - Indy, the Steelers, and the Pats were all considered favorites over the Eagles. The Pats are 28-4 in the past two regular seasons, and haven't lost a playoff game since, what, the 90's? They've been there, and won it, and yet are still very hungry and driven. Proof of that is the beating that they just laid on the "other" two favorite teams. Dismantled them. Throttled them. Made them look bad.

Should Philly show up? Yes, because you play the games on the field, not the internet, and you never know who's going to get hurt, or which way a ball will bounce.

I don't discount anything - I'm taking into consideration how they are playing, right now. Indy with their record setting passing attack - 3 pts. Steelers with their punishing ground game - 20 points while the game mattered. Steelers dominating D - 41 fucking points.

Can they lose? Absolutely, Philly is a good team and anything can happen. Should they lose? Absolutely not.

Sucka - excellent points. Hence my reference to injuries. Carolina got back in it when the entire Pats secondary went down. Both safeties got hurt during the game, if I recall (I know Harrison broke his arm in the game). Game planning around injuries is one thing, losing both during the game another.

And they are certainly still thin back there. Frankly, IMO it's scary to think how good they'd be if Poole and Law were healthy, but that's not how they play the game...

Point taken. I forgot to say Congrats to you and your squad by the way.

You're right about the success the Patriots have had over the last few years. Belichick is like what, 32-2 over this stretch? I mean it's just sick. But who's been that very successful team right behind you guys? Not Indy or Pittsburgh. It's been the Philadelphia Eagles.

Problem is, we've never been healthy enough to make it past the NFC Championship game to face you guys. This year is a different story, and we've got a ton of hungry guys on the sidelines. I mean I can't even imagine how physical and dramatic this Super Bowl is going to be. McNabb vs Brady, Trotter vs Bruschi, Akers vs Vinateri, Dawkins vs Harrison. There are a few hall of famers on that list there, so I just can't wait for them to get out there and show their talents.

I've got nothing but respect for the Pats, but this is the year they go down for sure!

E
A
G
L
E
S

EAGLES!!!!!!!

I think the key to an Eagles victory is not only do their defense need to confuse and pressure Brady and limit Corey Dillon's output, but Philly's offense needs to play like yesterday. They need to take what the defense gives them. They did an excellent job yesterday take four, five yard chunks at a time, going 10 or 11 yards, etc... They didn't need to rely on the big play or take a stupid gamble. They played within themselves and stayed calm and focused. That's what they'll need to win. Well, I'm off to the mall to pick up either a McNabb or Owens jersey to show my support from the West Coast!

Go Eagles! :thumb:

All we need now is Ozzy's "Flying High Again" in the background after their Super Bowl victory! That would be a perfect theme for them.

All things considered, and given how big a baseball town Boston is, I think the Pats fans are pretty good. Not on the Eagles level as far as passion goes, and just overall nuts about football, but the Pats fans are up there.

Pats fans are nuts. You'd have to go to a game. Tremendous home field advantage here. In fact, until the team got really good, 4pm games were frowned upon because of the viciousness of the crowd after drinking all day. Don't confuse the class of the organization and the laid back nature of Belichick with the fans, LOL. Now, as rabid as Philly? Probably not. You'd have to go to Fenway to find fans that nuts... :D

I will say this about Boston fans and the Patriots - for the longest time, the Patriots were number four in that city - the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins all mattered more. I'm sure winning has helped change that. But the fans that they did have were (and I'm sure still are) passionate. As referenced by the 4P and Monday night games.

You're right about the success the Patriots have had over the last few years. Belichick is like what, 32-2 over this stretch? I mean it's just sick. But who's been that very successful team right behind you guys? Not Indy or Pittsburgh. It's been the Philadelphia Eagles.

Problem is, we've never been healthy enough to make it past the NFC Championship game to face you guys. This year is a different story, and we've got a ton of hungry guys on the sidelines...

Maybe if they'd try eating more than that damn Chunky soup Donovan's mom is always pushing...

The Pats will win 31-14. won't be that close, with Corey Dillon as MVP. The Pats are just too good. Their team has been here twice, they know what it takes. Eagles and their fans are just happy to be there finally after 25 years. Andy Reid is good,but you can't beat the Master Belichek in the big game.

I hate the Eagles, I'm a Giants fan, but this is not the reason for my pick.

First off, everyone go to philadelphiaeagles.com right now...a little VH from a city and team that loves 'em. 2nd... I am a big Eagles fan and am living in Maine (I am from Philly)...so far Pat's fans see the Super Bowl as being over...played last night in Pittsburgh. I think that the Eagles will show up, play their kind of football and maybe this time Akers can kick a field goal with :03 left to win it.
Eagles 27
Pat's 24

It'll be a fun one. It's been a while since there's been a boring Super Bowl.

The magic of the Pats is that they take away what you want to do, while they have an offense that can thrive running or throwing. You beat the Colts by shutting down the quick strike passing game. All I heard after the first game of the year was that the Pats can be run on since James piled up the yards. No, they let Indy run because that isn't how Indy wins games. The Steelers needed to run to win, the Pats shut them down. The Steelers outrushed them, yes, but a majority of the yards came either from Ben running, which I'll take, or from when they were already down 14+, which I'll also take.

Romeo and Belichick are masters at game planning to take away strength. They'll bend, they'll give up yards, but they won't let you do what you want to do to get into a rhythm. And once you're out of rhythm, they pounce and create turnovers, many times leading directly to points. It's not "bad luck", folks, IT'S WHAT THE PATRIOTS DO. In the Championship game thread someone said the Steelers "handed" them the game with turnovers. After going 31-2 over the last 33, you'd think people would start to realize that other teams aren't handing shit to the Pats, the Pats are taking it.

Are they beatable? Yup, they've lost 4 games the last two years, obviously they are. Philly can run and throw, which makes it tough, since you can't key on one aspect. I'd guess they'll take Westbrook out of the game and see what McNabb can do on his own. I said last week that if I'm a Steeler fan, I'd be worried about Big Ben. If I'm an Eagles fan, I'm worried about what Belichick and Crennel can come up with given two weeks.

Zorba, we are not happy to just be there. I guess you didn't hear what McNabb said while he was on the podiom last night. We're going to Jacksonville because we deserve to be there number one, and to win a championship.

Back to you IED, you're dead on about Bill and Romeo. It kinda makes me nervous even thinking about it. I think if they want to watch tapes on how to play Donovan, they'll watch old Giants games when John Fox was there, and Tampa always played him tough. Andy Reid and Jim Johnson are no slouches either, so I'm sure they'll have a few tricks up there sleeves.

You really have to see the side by side breakdown of the Eagles and Pats. These two teams are just so similar and very well coached. Everybody seems to think that the Pats are just so much better then the Eagles, and they just might be. But the game hasn't been played yet. The Eagles were hands down the best in the NFC. We finished 13-1 against the NFC, with that one loss coming when the starters didn't play on MNF. Every one of those wins were by double digits, so that says alot about how much balanced scoring the Eagles can bring. Not only will Westrbook need to be stopped, but so will Dorsey Levens. The same can be said for Faulk and Dillon. Gosh this is gonna be a good one.

I can't see NE losing this game. Anything can happen, but as it sits now, the Patriots are simply the better team.

I believe a lot of us thought the same thing about the Panthers last year. And might I add, the Pats were 14pt underdogs to St. Louis when they won the Super Bowl three season's ago.

Sucka, the Pats were a surprise team in 2001. They're not exactly a surprise anymore. Neither are the Eagles. NE is simply a better team. There's a reason the Pats are in their 3rd SB in 4 years and that the Eagles are in their first in 4 chances. Yes, I know injuries hurt the Eagles in the past, but injuries never seem to slow down NE. I think this year is a good example of that.

i just cant see the patriots winning, the EAGLES are the better team.
sure bellichek is a genius, but so is jim johnson!!
and andy reaid? he can call a game as well.
but that's not the main reason the eagles will beat the pats...they will have to punish them on the line first...then our lb's are pretty damn good...but in the end, the pats will have to win by running...cause we got 3 pro bowlers back there and one of 'em hits like a bulldozer!!

and poor donovan gets no respect...or westbrook..and these guys are incredible!!!
now if to is back and healthy, we match up well for a helluva game..and i pick the birds...and i look for a great game...that's my hope...a great game not decided until the very end..and then akers...in ot...from 51 yds....(Merrill reese,"it's gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo od!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!""

You're missing the point Pert. We're supposed to lay down and let the mighty Pats roll over us.

Fuck that! Aint no Peyton Manning's on this team.

In McNabb I trust!
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Oct-04-Sat-2003/photos/mcnabb.jpg

You're missing the point Pert. We're supposed to lay down and let the mighty Pats roll over us.

Fuck that! Aint no Peyton Manning's on this team.

In McNabb I trust!

Yeah, you don't discredit Manning, right, Sucka? :rolleyes:

The Eagles are Rocky (appropriate huh) and the Pats are Apollo Creed.

With that in mind Creed wins.

But, there ain't gonna be no rematch.

Don't want one!

Yeah, you don't discredit Manning, right, Sucka? :rolleyes:

I was joking because I knew you'd respond to that one. Nice to see I was right.

I was joking because I knew you'd respond to that one. Nice to see I was right.

I respond to everything. Everybody knows that. :)

I respond to everything. Everybody knows that. :)

And that's why I luv ya big guy. :thumb:

Patriots favored by at least six in early odds

ADAM GOLDMAN

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS - Be careful betting against the New England Patriots.

For the second year in a row, the Patriots are Las Vegas oddsmakers' pick to win the Super Bowl.

The Patriots, who beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 41-27 on Sunday in the AFC title game, are favored by nearly a touchdown over Philadelphia by four major Las Vegas sports books.

Bob Scucci, Stardust sports book director, posted a 6 1/2-point line with more than a quarter left in the AFC game. Other books had New England as a 6-point pick.

Scucci said bettors will most likely put their money on the Patriots, one of the most consistent NFL teams when it comes to covering the spread. Most, he said, will be influenced by the record of New England coach Bill Belichick.

"Belichick comes up with a game plan to defeat anyone," Scucci said. "People know that. They love to bet on that. People love to go with a proven winner."

John Avello, director of Race & Sports Book operations at Bally's Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas Sports Consultants had the Patriots as 6-point favorites.

"The Patriots are the dominant team in football," he said. "Philly was going to be a dog no matter who was on the end."

The initial odds often change as bettors put money on one team and the bookmakers try to balance their ledgers by moving the point spread.

Oddsmakers put up a 46 to 48-point over-under line, meaning bettors can put money on whether the teams combine to score more or less than that amount.

Robert Walker, sports book director at MGM Mirage casinos, made the Patriots a 6-point favorite.

"The AFC will be favored because the AFC is perceived to be better," Walker said.

Last year, the Patriots were 7-point favorites against the Carolina Panthers and won 32-29. In 2002, the Patriots were 14-point underdogs to St. Louis, but upset the Rams 20-17.

"E-A-G-L-E-S...EAGLES!!!"

And that's why I luv ya big guy. :thumb:

:thumb:

I still think NE wins. I don't expect Philly to just "lie down," but I feel that NE will beat Philly for the same reason you felt that NE would beat Indy. Philly is a great team, no doubt about it... but the guys on this NE team make up one of the best overall teams in football history.

With that said, it wouldn't bother me one bit for Philly to win, bro. I'd love to see Philly finally get a long awaited championship (I know that feeling very well). Especially for you, Sucka - someone I consider to be a friend.

I have no idea who will win, I can't even come up with a logical prediction. There's a case to be made for both teams.

But everytime I'm reminded of how great the Pats are, and everytime I hear the talking heads kick around this whole issue of a "new dynasty", I think about the Miami Dolphins. Of this year. And I think about the Carolina Panthers, and a Super Bowl that went into overtime (and that was because of injuries? please, leave the excuses at home). And I think to myself, wouldn't it be great to see the Eagles go into Jax and manhandle the Patties? Yes, yes it would.


You go, Donovan McNabb. Handle your business. :thumb:

i dont mind being underdogs, i like it ..
but roll over?
well, the eagles and pohilly never get any respect anyway

i'll tell you this much..id love to have a little game fo tackle against some pats fans...i guarantee we'd kick their ass!!

"Fly eagles fly, on the road to victory,
fly eagles fly, score a touchdown 1,2,3..
hit em low, hit em high, fly eagles fly
sly eagles fly, on the road to victory..
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!!!"

Especially for you, Sucka - someone I consider to be a friend.

Same here man, and as much as I get on your boy Peyton, you know I think he's one of the best QBs in the game, and I have alot of respect for he and that team. Just gotta get them to rip the roof off of that stadium so you guys can be a real football team, and not some arena league squad. :p

http://www.app.com/appnflpg/011804_NFC_Title/thumbnails/EAGLES%2002.jpg

"It's okay, Don. The Pats are up by thirty, but I'm just glad to be here!!!" :D:

Just gotta get them to rip the roof off of that stadium

Hey, feel free to give a call to the city council. Convince them to leave the retractable roof off of the new stadium and it will save us a lot of money. :D

I'm on the case! :thumb:

I can't see NE losing this game. Anything can happen, but as it sits now, the Patriots are simply the better team.

No one saw the Patriots beating the Rams a couple of years ago either, outside of a few rabid New England fans. I was cheering for the Patriots that day, but only because I hate the fucking Rams. I will be cheering for the Eagles this time out.

It's silly to compare the Pats of '01-'04 to the Rams of '99-'01. This NE squad is one of the most gritty, tough, hard-nosed, determined, competitive and balanced teams in the history of the game. They just win, plain and simple.

The Eagles are comparative when it comes to raw stats, but NE seems to have the intangibles that I've never seen from a football team in my lifetime. They are the Derek Jeter of the NFL. It's really quite remarkable.

NE seems to have the intangibles that I've never seen from a football team in my lifetime. They are the Derek Jeter of the NFL. It's really quite remarkable. Can you please elaborate on the Jeter thing? I assume you are saying the Patriots seem to have a special post-season luck that is expected since they have been there so much lately, like Jeter of years past?
I think I am understanding this, I hope :)


The Eagles will win this Super Bowl! :thumb:

Jealousy is such a raw emotion, BREW. :p

Jealousy is such a raw emotion, BREW. :pYep, but also a good motivation factor for down the road :D

Only two more weeks of navel-gazing, old film footage and prognostication. :brickwall

With all apologies to the Eagles and Patriots, what are Super Bowl commercial fees up to?

I honestly always view the game at home, so as not to miss the ads one misses in bars.

Hope MacCartney plays a good set whilst I'm serving food. :bounce:

Hope the game is interesting, also! :p

Sorry folk, can not get interested in this one...my team was out of the 5 month process from day one. If that is selfish on my part, so be it, as it literally took away my heart and soul of passion about the game, and be reminded I no longer had a vested interest. (And believe me, it would appear we've had it so good for so long, yet if you'd read an earlier post that I made, I spelled out the Dolphin slide, and why expectations were never high.)

I feel now more strongly than ever for not just losing teams this year, yet for perenial (SP) losers .

Enjoy Jacksonville, folks.

...craig

Well hey, chef, at least the Dolphins beat the Patriots this year. :thumb:

Well hey, chef, at least the Dolphins beat the Patriots this year. :thumb:



Damned decent of you Red, thank you.
...craig :thumb:

It's silly to compare the Pats of '01-'04 to the Rams of '99-'01. This NE squad is one of the most gritty, tough, hard-nosed, determined, competitive and balanced teams in the history of the game. They just win, plain and simple.

The Eagles are comparative when it comes to raw stats, but NE seems to have the intangibles that I've never seen from a football team in my lifetime. They are the Derek Jeter of the NFL. It's really quite remarkable.

I don't think myself, or anyone else was comparing the Pats to the Rams. I was simply pointing out that NE was a 14, yes 14 point underdog, yet they still came out on top. It's not like they were playing chopped liver either. Marshall Faulk was a three time offensive player of the year, and Kurt Warner had two MVP's under his belt. That's pretty damned good, yet with all their weapons and hype, they lost.

Now I won't sit here and say that the Pats are hype, cause I would be led of a plank. But they are beatable. You're not going to throw for over 100yds in the middle of the field like they did to Pittsburgh. And you're not going to score touchdowns in the red zone. As much respect as I have for the gritty Patriots, we're pretty damn gritty and tough too. We have nine all pro players, and the best QB in the NFC if you ask me. Don is rated higher than Brady, so I think that speaks for how much he's progressed over the years.

My belief is that you just don't come this far to bow down to the Patriots.

Now I won't sit here and say that the Pats are hype, cause I would be led of a plank. But they are beatable.

They're definitely beatable; they know it, too. That's part of what makes them so good. Through all of the winning and the championships, they're still humble about it. They are the embodiment of what it takes to continually win in the NFL; a true epitome of a "team."

They're definitely beatable; they know it, too. That's part of what makes them so good. Through all of the winning and the championships, they're still humble about it. They are the embodiment of what it takes to continually win in the NFL; a true epitome of a "team."

100% correct my friend.

Yeah, but jeese...TWO WEEKS to find out?

I liked the "experiment" of a few years ago: no lay-off, next week SuperBowl.

I also liked MNF starting at 8pm, EST...yet I am aware of how unfair that is to the west coasters.

This crap just means an extra week of work and foment building for me at K-Mart. :brickwall

Plus the lawn chairs and coolers that will inevidably be returned on Monday and Tuesday following the game.

Retail sucks, and you are free to quote me on that. :rolleyes:

...craig :D

Wow!

Finally a break from work and blizzard.

Prediction.

Patriots 34
Eagles 13

I wish it would be a close game, but I don't see it happening. I think Belichick has allready gotten into McNab's head.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.....

I see our comic relief checked in.

Shut up Eddymon. Even if you haven't been a jinx this year, yet. Go root for the Cardinals or something... :p

I just think the Patriots are a fascinating team. The way all the pieces come together, the lack of any pretentiousness, the willingness of guys to shut up and play, even if they aren't happy with their contract situations, the willingness of guys to take less money to stay...

I've heard repeatedly that the magic of Belichick is that he is a teacher extrordinaire - he can take complex defensive schemes and break them down to where they are exceptionally simple to execute. Ty Law sat down with some reporter and walked him through it one time, and the reporter was amazed. It's not necessarily that his scheme is the best, but he gives his guys the best opportunity to execute the scheme, which is what it's all about. He puts players in the best spots for them to succeed.

That and he has a phenomenal collection of incredibly versatile linebackers in Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Willie McGinest, Roosevelt Colvin, Vrabel, Roman Pfifer, and Banta-Cain. That may be one of the deepest linebacking corps in the history of the game.

As great as those linebackers are, I just don't think there's anyone in the NFL that can check Westbrook. I know Belichick will most likely proove me wrong, but we'll see.

What people haven't talked about is the emotional lift that the Owens return could have on the Eagles. I've seen it all the time in sports. A key player gets hurt and a team gets a bit down, but still has success. And when that key player returns, the team is lifted to even higher heights. But then I've also seen it work the other way when a guy can have a negative impact on a squad. I think it'll be positive to have him back out there because let's face it, Owens at 70-80% is just as good or better then alot of guys in the NFL. His presence out there on the field will be tremendous. The Pats still have a thin secondary, and I think we can exploit that with some of our 3-4 WR packages.

ESPN.com news services

PHILADELPHIA -- All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens' doctor has given him permission to try running on his injured ankle, a senior member of the Eagles organization has told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio.

However, Owens must still continue his current rehab for the injury that has kept him out of the Eagles lineup for four games

There is a significant chance Owens will try to run as early as Wednesday, although it's extremely unlikely that he will participate in Philadelphia's practice. Unlike the Patriots, the Eagles have a full practice on Wednesday.

Owens, who led the Eagles with 77 catches for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, tore two ankle ligaments and broke his right fibula in a Dec. 19 game against Dallas.

On Tuesday, Owens made his weekly visit to Mark Myerson, the Baltimore-based foot specialist who inserted two surgical screws into Owens' ankle a little more than a month ago, where he got the permission to test the leg on solid ground.

Owens' status remains uncertain for Super Bowl XXXIX on Feb. 6. Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday that Owens has made "great progress" in his rehab. Owens was told after surgery that he had only an outside chance of returning for the Super Bowl, but has rehabbed vigorously and has told teammates he's going to play.

"What a lot of people don't realize is that I've been doing a lot of rehab on my own, a lot of healing on my own, but spiritually God is healing me and I'm way ahead of where a lot of people expect me to be, even the doctor," Owens said Monday. "He's even shocked at what he's seen. Spiritually I've been healed and I believe that I'll be out there on that field Sunday, regardless of what anyone says."

Myerson said under normal circumstances it takes between eight and 10 weeks for a person to fully recover. But Owens has rehabbed vigorously and insists he's going to play.

"You can't deny the man the ball," Owens said while sitting courtside at a 76ers game against Miami on Monday.

Owens was back on the sideline Sunday for the NFC title game, only this time he served as head cheerleader, flapping his arms, waving a towel and encouraging the crowd to make more noise. The Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl with a 27-10 victory over the Falcons.

Owens jogged onto the field and pumped up the crowd during pregame introductions, and jumped around on the bench during the game.

"I enjoyed it," Owens said. "If I could have been out there, I would have been out there. I just showed my support where I can."

The Eagles are 2-0 without Owens in games that matter. They lost the last two regular-season games in which most starters hardly played and others were rested.

While the offense hasn't been dominant, they've scored 27 points in each of the playoff games. Though none of the players will admit it, it's possible Owens' return could be more of a distraction than a benefit, especially if he's not able to play at 100 percent.

"I am getting tired of that question," wideout Greg Lewis said when asked if the Eagles proved they can win without Owens. "We won last week, we won the previous week, it doesn't matter. T.O. is part of the team, but he's not here right now. We're trying to go on and not proving to anyone we can win without T.O. We're trying to win the Super Bowl."
:bounce:

Hey Sucka, check out this article...

Doctor NOT clearing Owens to play (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3352012)

I think the doctor is doing this to cover his is ass in case he injures it again during the Super Bowl.



BTW, how hard is it to get tickets to regular season games for the Eagles? The Seahawks are playing in Philly next year and I'm thinking about trying to get tickets for the game and fly out there to see it.

Hey Sucka, check out this article...

Doctor NOT clearing Owens to play (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3352012)

I think the doctor is doing this to cover his is ass in case he injures it again during the Super Bowl.



BTW, how hard is it to get tickets to regular season games for the Eagles? The Seahawks are playing in Philly next year and I'm thinking about trying to get tickets for the game and fly out there to see it.The doctor is smart IMO, but of course, when Reid speaks, everyone better friggin listen. I think Owens will be a factor in the Super Bowl, another obstacle for the Pats to overcome if they can.....this is going to be a SUPER BOWL to remember, I guarantee it!

the pats are better than last year

i'm not saying they are unbeatable, but they are better than last year

the pats are better than last year

i'm not saying they are unbeatable, but they are better than last year

Yeah, with Dillon, I'd have to agree. The Panthers blew a golden opportunity last year. Live by your kicker, die by your kicker....... :brickwall


But yeah, the Patriots are a better team this year.

Even without Owens, the Eagles are better than last year also. We'll see if it's good enough to be Super Bowl Champs. I think the Eagles have a swagger right now that will be hard to beat.

Even without Owens, the Eagles are better than last year also. We'll see if it's good enough to be Super Bowl Champs. I think the Eagles have a swagger right now that will be hard to beat.

You got that right we are, and people better realize that shit.

As for Owens, that doctor is not associated with the team, so his word isn't the final say. Basically the doctor is just covering his ass just in case Owens gets hurt in the Super Bowl. That would be a major lawsuit ya know. Right after Owens got the word that he wasn't going to be cleared he went to the NovaCare center and hopped on a treadmill. This guy won't be denied, and neither will the entire Eagles squad. It's our year.

I'm starting to not like what I'm seeing up here. Too much confidence from the fan base. I don't think it'll get to the players, that's not like this team, but I'm getting sick of hearing everyone just dismiss the Eagles. This is a winnable game for them. No, I don't think they'll win, but it certainly could happen.

Sucka, I hear you about Westbrook, but if that's who Belichick wants shut down, then that's who will be shut down. They did it to Faulk in his league MVP prime, and I don't think Westbrook is Marshal Faulk. Their "thin" secondary chewed up Harrison, Wayne and that third WR Indy has, and their tight ends. Now, Mitchell or McNabb or whoever may then step up and beat them, but IF Belichick has designated Westbrook as the guy to stop, then he's not going to beat them. They'll keep a guy like Bruschi, who has excellent mobility, on him inside, and move Harrison or somebody to help on him if he goes outside.

The wild card here is McNabb. The Pats have shut down offenses with better passing games and better running games than what the Eagles have, but McNabb is far more mobile than Warner or Manning, and better than big Ben. But, on the other hand, Belichick has had to scheme against guys like Flutie, Young, and Cunningham who could move around a bit, and beat them.

Fascinating - Michael Barkam was on the radio up here this morning (he was up here before going to Philly), and he said Reid is 8-0 coming out of a bye week. That says a lot. I don't think Reid and Johnson are getting the respect they deserve from the FANS up here. Fortunately, the FANS aren't the ones game planning or playing :)

Yea Michael is a staple in the sports community here. Haven't had the chance to meet him yet, but from what I know about him, he's a solid guy. He's correct about Reid being undefeated after bye weeks, but I thought Belichek was undfeated after byes too. I remember reading that stat somewhere.

As for the Pats fans. Besides you, the rest of the Pats fans I talk too seem very arrogant. They just better be glad that the Pats as a team don't overlook opponents like some fans do, or they'd be in for a rude awakening come next sunday. As you pointed out, the Pats are a beatable football team. I mean they lost to Miami on MNF this year. Atleast our loss was to the best team in football at the time in Pittsburgh. The Pats got exposed by the damn Dolphins. (Sorry Chef) So it's not like the Pats are invincible. They've got some weak spots just as any other team does, and it's up to Reid to expose them.

Isn't it starting to get scary when one of your tight ends has to use 2 weeks vacation from his construction job to play in the Super Bowl?

LOL I'm not too worried about it. Jeff will only be a back up anyways.

its remarkable how amazing the Pats...
the dynasty of the Pats is....
Ive never seen intangibles like the Pats...
If the eagles are lucky....
Owens/Lewis..injuries...
First time jitters....

I laugh when i read all this load of crap!!
wanna talk about dynasties?
wanna talk about consistency?
wanna talk about coaching? desire? talent? game plan? execution?
winning?defense?offense? pro bowlers?
does any of it matter come game time? sure, some does, some dont.
in my mind, the super bowl is about desire and heart.
both teams have the talent and desire and heart.
eaither team can win..they both have a 50/50 chance
.

talk to anyone in boston, the game is already in the bag....

may the best team win

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!

LOL I'm not too worried about it. Jeff will only be a back up anyways.

Yeah, his role will be limited. Coach Reid doesn't have that many 2-TE sets, unless I'm mistaken. Thomason would probably be used more as a blocking TE, if at all. LJ Smith is a tough young TE and I think he'll handle 80% of the TE chores in this game, especially with T.O. back in the mix. With a full compliment of WR's, Thomason may not see five plays. He's a lucky dude, though, and his ring will look just as good as anyone's. ;)

Oh, and I don't think there's any doubt that the Eagles are better this year, as well as the Patriots.

Sorry-fast98dodge already posted it.

I gotta go with the Doc on this one. He seems adimant about the injury needing the 8 to 10 week rest. I think come SB time it would be about, what, 7 weeks? Hmm, who knows. Owens may suit up, but IMO there is no way he will be a factor in this game. Not to mention he risks serious damage should he try and force the issue. As far as Reid being 8-0 given two weeks to prepare, i can't think of anyone i'd rather not give two weeks to than Belichick. I think he focuses on containment while forcing pressure up the middle. I just don't think the Eagles will have the horses to match what the Pats will bring. Especially at WR.

Pats win by atleast 10 points.

New England 24
Philadelphia 13

The Pats and Eagles are both in the top 10 in passing yds per game. Believe me, the Eagles can hang with the Pats when it comes to passing. Donovan has a higher QB rating than Brady, and that's not a mistake.

As for Owens risking serious injury, I read that's not the case. What could happen is that the screw will break and he'd need surgery to put a new screw in, and then have to start rehab all over again. If I were Owens, I'd play too. You don't get many chances to play in the Super Bowl, so why not risk it. This game is why you suit up every year in the first place. I've seen players play games with broken limbs, concussions, serious cuts, I mean you name it. So Owens won't be the first to play coming off a serious injury, and risk reinjuring himself.

Croce optimistic about Owens' chances

By MIKE KERN


Pat Croce knows injuries. In his previous career, as an expert in the field of fitness/training/rehabilitation, he helped people to recover from them. Then, in 1999, he became the patient, when a motorcycle accident nearly cost him his lower left leg. His rehabilitation was lengthy and painful. At the time, he was still the president of the Sixers. He will always be the guy who eyeballs the roadblock and says, "Why not?"

These days, he's busy taping a syndicated TV show, "Pat Croce: Moving In." When, of course, he's not opening a state-of-the-art pirate museum in Key West, Fla., where he has a winter home. From a distance, he has followed what Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens has been going through, trying to get back for the Super Bowl after missing the last four games with a high ankle sprain and broken fibula.

In Croce's mind, there's little doubt that T.O. will indeed be on the field in uniform against the Patriots. With the operative word there being mind. Because Croce believes the biggest battle in this situation lies between the ears. And not only is T.O. a physical specimen, but Croce sees someone who's just as committed mentally.

"Sometimes, I'm convinced you can almost will it to happen," Croce said yesterday. "It all starts with your body. I think he's a fanatic about that. I mean, just look at him. He's got everything on his side. He's in condition, he's motivated, and he still has his youth. In my case, there was no timetable. I just wanted to walk and run again. This is time-sensitive. But what bigger motivation could anyone have? To play in this game is everything to him. Obviously, it all depends on the severity of the injury. But if it's healing well, he's in such great shape, you'd like to think there's every chance he'll be ready. Probably not 100 percent, but they'll have it wrapped up like he's got a mobile cast on.

"I'm sure [Eagles trainer] Rick Burkholder is working with him two or three times a day. Luckily, the fibula is a non-weight-bearing bone, which is a good sign. The sprain would worry me more than the actual break. A lot of good healing has already occurred, or they wouldn't even be considering [playing him]. He requires agility, mobility, speed. He has to cut on his ankle. There's a lot that has to happen in a relatively short amount of time, but I'm sure they've calculated every detail in that schedule. These guys know what they're doing."

It obviously helps when you're working with a willing and able body.

"You have to believe you're going to get better," Croce said.

"The mind is a magnificent machine. Some people feel overwhelmed. I wouldn't worry about that with him. When you tell him he needs to do this or that, you know he's going to do it. That's the difference between a pro athlete and most people. They may do it once a day, or every other day. That won't get it done. At least not in time for the Super Bowl. It has to be 24/7...

"They're going to make sure. They won't jeopardize a game for his ego. But the right attitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy. It's been my experience that dreams do come true."

I think i'd be most concerned with him getting in and out of his cuts. It could hurt the team more than it helps. The injury is eerily similar to the one McNabb sustained. Took him awhile to get back to form after he returned. At any rate, it'll make for great TV should he really give it a go. Even more so if he can be competative throughout.

I think i'd be most concerned with him getting in and out of his cuts. It could hurt the team more than it helps. The injury is eerily similar to the one McNabb sustained. Took him awhile to get back to form after he returned. At any rate, it'll make for great TV should he really give it a go. Even more so if he can be competative throughout.

I agree, and the part that sucks is that the Patriots are vunerable to crossing patterns in the middle of the field, and that's exactly where Owens makes most of his big plays. His presence out there however will make an impact. He is Terrell Owens, and must be accounted for, not matter how injured he is. Al Harris found that out when Randy Moss caught his second TD on him a few weeks ago. So we'll see how it goes, but I pretty much know this guy will play. It's our year.

and when donovan had a broken ankle or whatever, what'd he do? he threw for 4 td passes!!

the only concern i have with the pats is the way they can shut one part of your offense down. in my view, they will try and shut down westbrook, especially with TO not being 100%..
so, can the eagles D shut down brady? if so, can dillon beat them?
can donovan and the receivers beat the pats D?

THose are my questions...

By Don Russell

NO TEAM in the history of professional sports was ever "just happy" to make it to the championship game.

No player preparing for the Super Bowl ever said, "You know, the hell with it... I'm just going to show up and watch from the sidelines."

And no city ever held a parade because it was satisfied with second place.

So how is it that, as Philly prepares for its Super Bowl matchup against the heavily favored New England Patriots, sportswriters are proclaiming the Eagles are "just happy" to be going to Jacksonville?

Within moments of the Birds' victory on Sunday, one Sports Illustrated writer quipped online, "Just a hunch, but I think the Eagles are a lock to suffer from the just-happy-to-be-here syndrome at the Super Bowl."

It didn't take long for Mitch Albom, the unctious Detroit Free Press columnist, to chime in: "Deep down, I'm guessing, they may indeed be satisfied to be going. Oh, they'll never admit it. They may not even realize it. But Sunday was likely the Eagles' Super Bowl."

That thinking was quickly echoed in the vast, empty blogland, where one Texan crowed, "The Eagles have landed, but Philadelphia is just happy to finally make it."

You need proof? Kevin Hinch at FoxSports.com said that when the Eagles dumped Gatorade on Andy Reid at the end of the NFC championship, it was a sign they'd reached their goal.

Oh, brother... This kind of analysis is just lame, lazy, cliched thinking.

Every team's happy - maybe even relieved - to make it to the Super Bowl. But satisifed?

Asked if he's "just happy," running back Brian Westbrook said, "We're definitely not just happy because we made it this far to the Super Bowl. Now we want to go out and win the next game, and it will be even sweeter."

Westbrook is being nice.

We're predicting bad things for the next stooge who asks Brian Dawkins if he's "just happy" to be going to Jacksonville.

Addendum

Yesterday's list of People Who Eagles Fans Can Say, "Ha, Ha, Freakin' Ha" to was hardly exhaustive - just a top 10 selection.

Nonetheless, readers insisted we're duty-bound to add a few more names. Among the others who have an "I-told-you-so coming":

• THE KNUCKLEHEADS WHO BOOED THE 1999 DRAFT OF DONOVAN McNABB. These boobs, who had wanted the Eagles to draft dope-smoking retiree Ricky Williams, owe the entire city an apology. Bend over on Broad Street, boys, for a well-placed boot to the keister.

• DAN MARINO, HBO's alleged NFL-insider. Marino picked the Vikings, then he picked the Falcons. Now, we have a bone to pick with him.

• SEAN SALISBURY, ESPN yapper. Fact or fiction: The Eagles will get to the Super Bowl. "Fiction," he blathered. "The loss of running back Correll Buckhalter is devastating to the Eagles' plans." Mr. Salisbury, we sentence you to 30 minutes alone in a small room with Dorsey Levens.

Conspiracy theory

Atlanta is toast, but before we completely abandon the losers, Blitz Package directs your attention to the pathetic bleatings posted yesterday at the Falcons' fan-discussion board.

There, some poor soul - unable to accept that the Birds are the better team - theorized the Falcons had thrown the game. Apparently it was an NFL plot to prevent the Eagles from losing four straight NFC championships - and to save lives in Philadelphia:

"Some Eagle fans might have even committed suicide," the moaner typed. "... Let's face it, they are crazy and the NFL did not want that on their collective soul."

http://www.philly.com/images/philly/dailynews/10738/115310398568.jpg

Owens passes Eagles' cutting test (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3354372)

FOXSports.com
Posted: 3 hours ago

Terrell Owens may be one step closer to playing in Super Bowl XXXIX, according to FOXSports.com NFL insider Jay Glazer.

The Philadelphia Eagles ran Terrell Owens through some tests Tuesday night and discovered he was able to make cuts without experiencing pain in his surgically repaired ankle, Glazer reports.

Barring any setbacks, the Eagles' plan is to have Owens practice with the team on Monday.

Dr. Mark Myerson, the surgeon who operated on the All-Pro receiver in December, said Tuesday he would not clear Owens to play in the Super Bowl. But Owens pressed forward with his rehabilitation, saying he had been "spiritually" healed.

Owens' injury occured in a Dec. 19 game against Dallas. Myerson inserted two screws in Owens' right ankle and a plate on the outside of the ankle in a surgical procedure three days later.

After a checkup Tuesday in Baltimore, Myerson said that while he's pleased with Owens' recuperation, but the operation requires a recovery period of eight to 10 weeks, so he would not medically clear Owens to play in the Super Bowl.

Aint no stoppin us now.

E
A
G
L
E
S

EAGLES!!!

http://www.terrellowens.com/images/mainto_81_3.jpg

That's great news! I really hope he plays and makes a positive impact in the Super Bowl. BTW, I got my McNabb jersey in the mail today. It's one of the nice ones with the sewn on numbers and name on the back. Everywhere seemed to be sold out, but the place I got it from was ironically here in Washington State. Now I'm officially ready for the Super Bowl.

As some here would say...

E
A
G
L
E
S

EAGLES! :thumb:

We didn't talk about this, but when I heard this it just brought a smile to my face. This guy right here is a friggin warrior!

Associated Press

FOXBORO, Mass. -- New England quarterback Tom Brady had a 103-degree fever the night before the Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC championship game, Sports Illustrated reported.

The magazine said in this week's issue that Brady had an intravenous line in his left -- non-throwing -- arm on Saturday night while fighting off chills in his Pittsburgh hotel room.

In outdoor temperatures of 11 degrees, Brady threw for two touchdowns with no interceptions to lead the Patriots to a 41-27 victory and their third Super Bowl appearance in four years.

Patriots spokesman Stacey James did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

That's great news! I really hope he plays and makes a positive impact in the Super Bowl. BTW, I got my McNabb jersey in the mail today. It's one of the nice ones with the sewn on numbers and name on the back. Everywhere seemed to be sold out, but the place I got it from was ironically here in Washington State. Now I'm officially ready for the Super Bowl.

As some here would say...

E
A
G
L
E
S

EAGLES! :thumb:


Very cool dude. I have a McNabb jersey, but it's the one with the painted on numbers and letters. I'm looking to get an authentic Eagles jersey on friday. I'm probably goin go with Michael Lewis because he's my favorite Eagle besides Dawk and #5.

The one I got was $100. It is the Reebok EQT series, as close to authentic as you can get without spending $200+. BTW, I was reading that there is a waiting list for season tickets. Were individual game tickets even available this past season? I wonder because I'm thinking about going out there when the Seahawks play the Eagles next year if I can get tickets.

Anyways, once again, GO EAGLES!!!

The one I got was $100. It is the Reebok EQT series, as close to authentic as you can get without spending $200+. BTW, I was reading that there is a waiting list for season tickets. Were individual game tickets even available this past season? I wonder because I'm thinking about going out there when the Seahawks play the Eagles next year if I can get tickets.

Anyways, once again, GO EAGLES!!!

Yea, individual tickets are still available, but they'll be tough to get for division games I would think. Especially Dallas, but yea they should be available. If you come out here next season make sure ya gimme a holler.

I'll have to take a look at the Reebok EQT series. The version Modells.com has was like 250 the last time I checked, but that was months ago. I wouldn't be too pleased about spending that much money on a jersey.

Sucka,

Go here:

Paragon Sports (http://www.paragonsports.com/Paragon/Shop?DSP=40000&PCR=1:100:1000:10568:100631&IID=10-D.MCNABB%207048A)

I didn't get mine there because the XL is just a hair too big for me and the day I was online to order, they were supposedly out. Anyways, I don't know how good or bad they are, but they had the best price... I looked on Reebok's site and the only adult EQT types are McNabb, Owens, and Kearse.

As far as going to the game against Seattle, I'll talk to my relatives back there about scoring tickets or hell, I'll just buy 'em here online. If I do go, I will definitely get a hold of you. If I remember right, on the old forum you said you'd buy me a beer but I wanted a cheesesteak for a pro-Eagles post... :thumb:

Aint no stoppin us now.

E
A
G
L
E
S

EAGLES!!!

http://www.terrellowens.com/images/mainto_81_3.jpg

ok i have had enough :vomit:

u guys are done

:D

Sucka,

Go here:

Paragon Sports (http://www.paragonsports.com/Paragon/Shop?DSP=40000&PCR=1:100:1000:10568:100631&IID=10-D.MCNABB%207048A)

I didn't get mine there because the XL is just a hair too big for me and the day I was online to order, they were supposedly out. Anyways, I don't know how good or bad they are, but they had the best price... I looked on Reebok's site and the only adult EQT types are McNabb, Owens, and Kearse.

As far as going to the game against Seattle, I'll talk to my relatives back there about scoring tickets or hell, I'll just buy 'em here online. If I do go, I will definitely get a hold of you. If I remember right, on the old forum you said you'd buy me a beer but I wanted a cheesesteak for a pro-Eagles post... :thumb:

You make it out here dude, it'll be cheesesteaks on me. You can't come to Philly without stoppin at Tony Luke's. There's actually one IN the Linc, so you can stop there and grab a sammich. I reccommend it!

Thanks for the link by the way. I'm a big dude, so a 2x is needed most likely. I'll check and see if they have em.

your big, but you aint that big dude!!

and tony lukes does very well...go get one!!

Belichick factoring in T.O. in game equation

By Tim Panaccio

Inquirer Staff Writer

FOXBORO, Mass. - The New England Patriots are taking all this talk about Terrell Owens' playing in Super Bowl XXXIX rather seriously.

The defending NFL champions have been preparing as if Owens, the Eagles' most dangerous wide receiver - and not Freddie Mitchell - will be on the field a week from Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla.

Owens' right leg and ankle aren't going to be 100 percent.

"He's on their active roster, so we'll be ready for him," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said yesterday during his morning news conference. "We're not going to wait for kickoff. We're going to prepare for the game assuming everyone is there."

Considering the talk coming out of the Eagles' camp from the doctors to the trainers to the coaching staff, it appears that Owens himself will decide whether he will play, provided he can survive a practice. Because Owens is such a competitor, the Patriots believe he will be on the field.

"Of course, we're preparing for him," strong safety Rodney Harrison said. "This is all I am going to say about T.O. If he's healthy, he's going to play, and we're preparing for him as if he's going to play.

"It is not going to change my preparation. I know T.O. He's an all-pro receiver."

Belichick spent a disproportionate amount of time yesterday lauding every facet of the Eagles' offense, particularly how dangerous quarterback Donovan McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook can be. Everyone knows, however, that those two are going to play in the Super Bowl.

Owens is the X factor who figures to be pivotal in the Eagles' chances to upset a team on the fringe of being labeled a dynasty, going for its third Vince Lombardi Trophy in four years.

"Well, he is the best receiver in the game," inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "He is the best single, pure, true wide receiver in the game, if you ask me, with the size he has, the strength he has, and his physical ability.

"Now, to the extent of the injury, I watch [television]. I read the newspapers. People say it is bad. People say it is bad and he might not play. But T.O. wants to play, so [you can] possibly anticipate that he is going to play. He is the best in the business, and I am sure us anticipating that he is maybe going to play will even step up our preparation even more.

"... If he plays or not, it isn't in my control, and I can't concern myself with that. We know he is member of Philadelphia's team. We know it is possible and what he does, and we prepare accordingly."

Outside linebacker Mike Vrabel seemed convinced that Owens would be on the field.

"You have to prepare for what they have done," he said. "They have not changed a lot of their schemes [without him]. You have to prepare as if he is healthy and he will be out there, because he is on the active roster."

The other half of the Eagles' receiving double whammy is at tight end. Starter Chad Lewis suffered a sprained ligament in his left foot in the NFC title game and will not play. That means L.J. Smith goes into the lineup.

Bruschi said he didn't think that would affect the Eagles' approach to the game.

"We have been a team that has had to deal with a lot of injuries also," he said. "It really hasn't affected the way we have approached games, either.

"So I don't think that they will change things too much. It is the Super Bowl now, and I don't think they would change things too drastically, and would sort of keep doing what they are doing."

Smith "is a very capable tight end that is maybe a little more athletic," Bruschi said. "He has been stepping up this year in terms of the big plays that he has been making."

Added Harrison: "You gain a lot of speed and athleticism with L.J. Smith."

Belichick seemed more interested yesterday in steering the conversation away from the unknown toward the two players he knows will play and can make a major difference in the game - McNabb and Westbrook.

"McNabb we do a highlight film on pretty much every week," Belichick said. "He can hurt you in a lot of different ways. He can make all the throws. He has a good touch and can get it into tight spots. He has good feet.

"Westbrook is the leading receiver in the NFC among running backs. He is a tremendous receiver," and an "outstanding runner with good vision. He is a threat with the ball in his hands. A lot of times, Westbrook is in the backfield. A lot of times, he isn't. Finding him is a problem."

Finding T.O. doesn't figure to be. If he plays, everyone will know it.

Figured this would go here.



Man Accused Of Threatening Super Bowl With 'Big Bang'

POSTED: 6:40 am EST January 28, 2005
UPDATED: 11:25 am EST January 28, 2005

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A man accused of leaving voice mail on the City Council president's phone saying "killing 100,000 people would get people's attention," was arrested Thursday, accused of making a bomb threat.


"It was quite threatening toward the Super Bowl and making sure it didn't happen," Council President Elaine Brown said of the long message left at her office Tuesday afternoon. The message began, "Hi Elaine."
Albert StricklandA man who said his name was Albert Strickland left a cell phone number police traced to Jacksonville resident Albert Ray Strickland, 56.


He was charged Thursday with threatening to discharge a destructive device -- a felony. No bomb was found in his Hyde Park home.

In the message, the man said Jacksonville didn't deserve the Super Bowl and said he wanted the mayor, city council and members of law enforcement to resign. He said police had tried to kill him several times.

In the message, the man described himself as a scientist intent on stopping the Super Bowl, that he believed in the Big Bang theory and was "obsessed with the size it needs to be."

The police report indicated that officers who interviewed Strickland said his voice matches that in the recorded message.

Strickland is being held at the Duval County jail and is scheduled for a first appearance Friday afternoon.

What an idiot. :rolleyes:

I saw this one coming. I like Freddie, but I really wish he'd just shut the hell up. :wtf:

Super Talker: Eagles' Mitchell stirs trouble with Patriots

ROB MAADDI

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - Freddie Mitchell's big mouth struck again.

The Philadelphia Eagles' other loquacious receiver - the one without the Pro Bowl pedigree and ankle injury - offended some Patriots when he dissed their secondary in a television interview.

Mitchell, a starter only because All-Pro Terrell Owens is hurt, said he just knew the numbers - not the names - of New England's cornerbacks. He singled out Rodney Harrison, saying he "has something" for the veteran strong safety.

"It just shows he doesn't have respect for us," Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel said Friday, responding to Mitchell's comments from a day earlier.

The Patriots' defensive backs will see Mitchell up close when the defending champions meet the Eagles in the Super Bowl next Sunday.

"You have so many young guys nowadays, so many young guys that don't have respect for the game," Harrison said. "Some people are just immature. Some people really haven't experienced certain things."

The Patriots have a patchwork secondary that includes a rookie free agent (Randall Gay), a converted wide receiver (Troy Brown) and a guy (Hank Poteat) who was taking college courses before the playoffs started.

Starters Tyrone Poole and Ty Law have been sidelined with injuries most of the season, but the fill-ins shut down Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts in a second-round playoff game, and intercepted Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger three times in the AFC championship game.

"Freddie Mitchell is a guy who is getting time now because Terrell is hurt," Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest said. "We don't worry about what he's saying. He will have to deal with that on the field.

"All I can say is, Rodney Harrison is the wrong guy to mention, especially if you're a receiver. He (Mitchell) is not humble. He hasn't done enough in this league to be on TV talking about that. Philly has a lot more class than that. It's just one guy."

Mitchell's response to the Patriots' reaction?

"I was joking. I don't care. It'll all be solved on Sunday," he said.

A first-round pick in 2001, Mitchell hasn't lived up to his potential in four seasons with the Eagles. He had five catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns, including one on a fumble recovery, in Philadelphia's second-round playoff win against Minnesota. But he caught just two passes for 20 yards in the NFC championship game against Atlanta.

"I'm a special player," Mitchell said after the win against Minnesota. "I want to thank my hands for being so great."

Mitchell and the rest of the Eagles' receivers clearly are tired of hearing about Owens, who had surgery to repair torn ankle ligaments on Dec. 22. and is trying to return for the Super Bowl despite his doctor's orders.

"We got there without T.O.," Mitchell said. "He's going to be a great addition if he comes, but we're going to stick with our guns. When he comes back, he'll be a huge help for us because he's one of the best receivers in the game. Until then, let's talk about Greg Lewis, Todd Pinkston and Freddie Mitchell, the receivers who are here and won the NFC championship."

Mitchell later grabbed a reporter's microphone and bombarded Lewis with questions in a mock voice.

"What about T.O.? Is he 80 percent? When is he coming back? How do the receivers get it done without T.O.?" Mitchell said.

Lewis replied: "Everybody said we weren't capable of winning without T.O., but we proved them wrong."

Mitchell has something to prove to the Patriots.

Is it just me or does Freddie look like a 50 year old man?

I've changed my final score prediction.

Patriots 34
Eagles 6

Big mouths will once again fall to the silent killers. Philly won't see the end zone.
It will be 13-3 at halftime and Philly will open up the third quarter with a field goal to make it 13-6, then the Patriots score a quick TD, follow it up with a Philly 3 and out and another TD that uses about 7 minutes off the clock. Then they score after a Philly turnover in the 4th quarter.

I like Donovan MacNab, but he can't win it alone. Belichick schemes another great defense against another superstar QB.

I've changed my final score prediction.

Patriots 34
Eagles 6

Big mouths will once again fall to the silent killers. Philly won't see the end zone.
It will be 13-3 at halftime and Philly will open up the third quarter with a field goal to make it 13-6, then the Patriots score a quick TD, follow it up with a Philly 3 and out and another TD that uses about 7 minutes off the clock. Then they score after a Philly turnover in the 4th quarter.

I like Donovan MacNab, but he can't win it alone. Belichick schemes another great defense against another superstar QB.What about the weather? :confused: :p

10 reasons Patriots should lose

IF YOU listen to Bostonians, Super Bowl XXXIX is already in the bag.

Their coach is a genius and the quarterback is the second-coming of Joe Montana. They had the longest winning streak in NFL history and they won two of the last three championships.

So what?

The Super Bowl is bigger than mere individuals. It's bigger than statistics and strategy. The Super Bowl is about the verities of life, the balance of all that is right and good in the universe.

Thanks to a modest measure of omniscience, Blitz Package offers these 10 reasons the New England Patriots don't deserve to win the Super Bowl.

• 1. The Pats, surely the most boring team in professional sports, have drained the fun out of the game and replaced it with machine-like proficiency. It's like rooting for a robot.

• 2. The town's most popular politician lost the White House to the most unpopular president in the history of American politics, and now it wants us to trust it with the Lombardi Trophy? I don't think so.

• 3. New England is a region, not a city. Get yourself a city, then come back and play.

• 4. This is a perfect opportunity to end all this nonsense about a "dynasty."

• 5. Pretty boy Tom Brady, who said he wants to be a U.S. senator someday, allowed himself to be used as a tool of the Republican Party by sitting next to Laura Bush at last year's State of the Union address. At the time, he had never bothered to vote in an election. Super Bowl trophies are not for opportunistic hypocrites.

• 6. Their cheerleaders lack sufficient boobage.

• 7. New England, Old England, whatever - Philadelphia fought two wars to rid itself of the crown, and now we're going to let those Tory bastards walk off with the Super Bowl?

• 8. Their fans are smug dilettantes who never supported the team until it was a winner.

• 9. With a win, Bill Belichick will surpass St. Vince Lombardi's post-season coaching record. If this happens, life as we know it will cease to exist.

• 10. Boston already used up its share of sports miracles.

Wake me when it's over

Belichick must've learned public relations from Karl Rove. He has his team so "on-message" that he prohibits his assistants from talking to the press, lest they stray off topic. The New York Daily News reported that even Charlie Weis, the Patriots' offensive coordinator who's leaving next season to coach at Notre Dame, has been denied permission to talk to reporters.

Meanwhile, Belichick is the most unquotable being in the English-speaking world. Asked about the praise that's heaped on his team, he said, "Criticisms are made. Accolades are given. What I try to focus on is our future opportunities and achievements."

No surprise: As a youth, Belichick was a golf caddy for Spiro Agnew.

Ha-ha... oh, shut up

"In the Senate, the vote to confirm Condoleezza Rice as the next secretary of state was 85-13 in favor. 85-13! No, I'm sorry, that's what the score of the Super Bowl is going to be when the Patriots beat the Eagles."

- Jay Leno

Swoop this

The Boston Herald, grasping for any possible edge in the big game, reports that human mascots are 18-7 in Super Bowl matchups with animal mascots.

However, this is the first Super Bowl featuring a matchup between a flesh-ripping, razor-taloned, winged beast of terror and a knickers-wearing dandy in a tri-corner beanie.

Breakfast of champions

If some nitwit was crazy enough to shell out $28,000 for the Virgin Mary on a grilled- cheese sandwich, how much would you pay for an Eagles logo in a bowl of Apple Jacks?

As of last night, the going price on eBay was about 10 bucks, plus shipping, but not including the milk.

The green Eagle logo is hard to discern at first, but stare at the photos on the popular online auction site long enough and you'll spot the open beak in the soggy cereal.

Is it an omen?

The seller, an Eagles fan named Caryl from Reading, thinks so. She doesn't want her last name printed because she's worried she'll be swamped with calls from fanatics looking for a lucky charm.

It was Caryl's teen-age daughter who spied the Eagle. It took Caryl about two seconds to think it might be worth something on eBay. The buyer gets the cereal, already dried and dumped into a plastic bag, and the bowl. Some re-assembly may be required.

"I already have 11 bids on it," she said. "I just did it to be funny, but who knows? It might be an omen!"

Jealous?


Maybe you are right in some ways, but the end result is winning.

Patriots win, other teams and their fans whine.

I hate to say it, but us NE fans might want to look in the mirror once in awhile, because we are starting to sound like Yankees fans a little bit.

Those weren't my opinions by the way. That's an article I got from the Philly Inquirer. So no, I'm not jealous in the least. That writer might be though.

You decide:

http://i7.ebayimg.com/02/i/03/4d/51/fd_1_b.JPG

http://cgi.earthlink.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=25210&item=5160695893&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW#ebayphotohosting

Monday, January 31, 2005

The first day in Jacksonville went without incident. A few weather delays getting out of the Philly, but the warmth was felt when we landed in Jacksonville. Don't be confused, it is chilly down here, but the folks, mainly the volunteers have been warm and friendly. At latest count, I figure there are three volunteers for every media member. Jacksonville has put on a happy face.

The residents here are very concerned that their city comes off in a good light. They know they are the underdog in the world of hosting such a big event. So far, so good.

I don't expect a lot of breaking news this week. Both coaches, Andy Reid and Bill Belichick, are not expected to say anything of substance this week, but hey, what else is new?

We will have some fun at their expense, anyway. Check back later on go.philly.com/superbowl for the Top 10 cliches to come out of the Super Bowl news conferences.

Highlights from yesterday include Brian Westbrook being named to the Pro Bowl, replacing injured Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander. That makes 10 Eagles playing next week in Hawaii. Terrell Owens looked good getting off the plane. We can't wait to see him at Media Day on Tuesday. He is sure to steal that show.

This came in from Eric Mencher, Inquirer photographer:

I saw John Elway and Tom Brady have a short conversation and then Brady had dinner with about 15 teammates. At the end of the dinner, they all threw their credit cards into a basket, the waitress picked them out one by one and the last one left had to pay the bill. They wouldn't say who got stuck with the bill. Interesting stuff.

Brady had dinner with about 15 teammates. At the end of the dinner, they all threw their credit cards into a basket, the waitress picked them out one by one and the last one left had to pay the bill. They wouldn't say who got stuck with the bill. Interesting stuff.

Cool. :cool:

I hate to say it, but us NE fans might want to look in the mirror once in awhile, because we are starting to sound like Yankees fans a little bit.

You think so? Our arrogance comes from a century of winning. Your's is from not even half a decade... you'll never measure up, Eddymon. :)

Word out of practice today is that Owens was running as fast, or even faster as he was in december before he got hurt. All indications are that he's back. We'll have to wait and see how he handles contact though. It sure is a good sign though, because his presence out there alone, will provide a spark for that offense. He'll be addressing the media tomorrow for the first time, so I'm sure that'll be something to watch.

I know this is kind of off subject but, I thought this was funny!!!!
http://gorillamask.net/videosuperbowl.shtml

You decide:

http://i7.ebayimg.com/02/i/03/4d/51/fd_1_b.JPG

http://cgi.earthlink.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=25210&item=5160695893&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW#ebayphotohosting

Can you believe people actually bid on this stupid shit? Someone is actually paying ($15 as it stands now) to receive a fucking bowl of cereal in the mail. Imagine the overwhelming excitement! :rolleyes:

You think so? Our arrogance comes from a century of winning. Your's is from not even half a decade... you'll never measure up, Eddymon. :)

And THIS comes from a Yankee fan living in INDIANA. Hmmmm...how long have YOU been a fan? Too damn funny!!

And THIS comes from a Yankee fan living in INDIANA. Hmmmm...how long have YOU been a fan? Too damn funny!!

Your insight is astonishing. :)

I've been a fan for 21 years, and my father's side of the family hails from the Bronx. Thanks, though.

Uh huh. Anyways.

Uh huh. Anyways.

You seem discomfited. Don't worry, you'll get over it. :)

You seem discomfited. Don't worry, you'll get over it. :)

And you sound full of shit but unfortunately that's probably a lifelong trait.

And you sound full of shit but unfortunately that's probably a lifelong trait.

All of this because I reside in Indiana? Poor boy. Your priorities are all mixed up.

You seem discomfited. Don't worry, you'll get over it. :)



You guys should try living in S. Florida, as a sportsfan.

Since the late sixties/early seventies, we featured the Dolphins and "Spring-training" in Ft. Lauderdale. When in fact a second franchise (basketball) was added to the menu, everyone went to see the "other teams" :brickwall such as the Bulls, Celtics, ect.

Same thing happened with baseball and hockey.

There a very few true "homers" here, as everyone appears to have moved here from some place else (myself included, from New Jersey in 1968), so Wray, I know where you are coming from.

Where one lives should not always be used as a barometer to test a fan's loyalty, IMHO, just as those that root for Chevy teams at NASCAR races often drive Fords or other vehicles.

It is not hypercritical in the least, yet rather a fact of life.

...craig :thumb:

Okay.....here's how it will go down:
The Pats will be winning until the 4th quarter when Donovan will march the Eagles down the field and will throw the game winning TD to the construction worker, the Indian, the biker,the cowboy OR the cop!
Eagles is an upset 34-28!
Ehhh...I dunno. I just hope it's a good game. I am flying to Vegas to watch it so it better be!

Okay.....here's how it will go down:
The Pats will be winning until the 4th quarter when Donovan will march the Eagles down the field and will throw the game winning TD to the construction worker, the Indian, the biker,the cowboy OR the cop!
Eagles is an upset 34-28!
Ehhh...I dunno. I just hope it's a good game. I am flying to Vegas to watch it so it better be!

I actually like that scenario myself. Donovan has many 4th quarter come backs in his career, so I wouldn't be suprised if he won it for us in the final quarter.

I would like to see it play out that way with the Eagles upsetting them but Bill Belichick at times seems so freakishly ingenius.

Yes he does, but Andy is no slouch either. 9-0 after a bye week. :)

If you are looking for a 4th quarter comeback you might be dreaming a bit. The Patriots have blown only 1 lead when ahead after 3 quarters all season (and longer) and that when they (Brady) gave the Dolphin's a win in the last 5 minutes of the game the second to last regular season game.

And we all know how clutch Brady is in the post-season, he almost error free, kind of "Jeter-like" in that way. (see Wray, I gave your man some props)

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL THE EAGLES WIN THIS GAME! It would take a major collapse by the Patriots for that to happen.

Sorry for the arrogance, but that is how I see it.

See, that's exactly what I don't get.

How is it that the Eagles have no shot at winning this game? You really have to give me some points, rather then just spout your Patriots propaganda.

You guys should try living in S. Florida, as a sportsfan.

Since the late sixties/early seventies, we featured the Dolphins and "Spring-training" in Ft. Lauderdale. When in fact a second franchise (basketball) was added to the menu, everyone went to see the "other teams" :brickwall such as the Bulls, Celtics, ect.

Same thing happened with baseball and hockey.

There a very few true "homers" here, as everyone appears to have moved here from some place else (myself included, from New Jersey in 1968), so Wray, I know where you are coming from.

Where one lives should not always be used as a barometer to test a fan's loyalty, IMHO, just as those that root for Chevy teams at NASCAR races often drive Fords or other vehicles.

It is not hypercritical in the least, yet rather a fact of life.

...craig :thumb:

Very well said, my culinarily esteemed friend. My father's side of the family have been lifelong Yankees fans, starting with my great grandfather. Geography has nothing to do with it. Migration is simply inescapable.

(see Wray, I gave your man some props)

Is your stomach churning? Kinda like three Amish men and a pail of butter? :p

See, that's exactly what I don't get.

How is it that the Eagles have no shot at winning this game? You really have to give me some points, rather then just spout your Patriots propaganda.

Exhibit A:

Patriots totally dismantled the high powered Colts offense and held them to 3 lousy points.

Exhibit B:

The Patriots put up 41 points on one of the best defensive teams in the NFL.

Exhibit C:

The Eagles beat a Falcons team that soley relies on running the ball.

Exhibit D:

The Eagles beat a team that isn't very good in the Vikings.

Exhibit E:

The Eagle have 2 weapons for sure with T.O. being a wild card. But even with him they still don't have enough fire power to last the game. They might have a couple of good drives, but they will only result in field goals.

Exhibit F:

Sure the Eagles have a good defense, but its not as good as Pittsburg's and the Patriots have too many ways that they can beat you, whether its Dillon on the ground, or any of their 5 recievers or 2 excellent tight ends you never know what they will throw at you. And I bet that Charlie Weis has something that no one has seen yet in his playbook that he is itching to use before he heads to South Bend.

Patriots 41
Eagles 13

Exhibit A:

Patriots totally dismantled the high powered Colts offense and held them to 3 lousy points.

Exhibit B:

The Patriots put up 41 points on one of the best defensive teams in the NFL.

Exhibit C:

The Eagles beat a Falcons team that soley relies on running the ball.

Exhibit D:

The Eagles beat a team that isn't very good in the Vikings.

Exhibit E:

The Eagle have 2 weapons for sure with T.O. being a wild card. But even with him they still don't have enough fire power to last the game. They might have a couple of good drives, but they will only result in field goals.

Exhibit F:

Sure the Eagles have a good defense, but its not as good as Pittsburg's and the Patriots have too many ways that they can beat you, whether its Dillon on the ground, or any of their 5 recievers or 2 excellent tight ends you never know what they will throw at you. And I bet that Charlie Weis has something that no one has seen yet in his playbook that he is itching to use before he heads to South Bend.

Patriots 41
Eagles 13


My turn....

Exhibit A: With all due respect to Wray, his team has shown that they can't beat the New England Patriots. Their offense was lethal last year too, and they still lost to the Pats. So it wasn't like this was anything new this year.

Exhibit B: You guys did put up 41 pts on the Steelers, but alot of factors went into that. It's not like the Steelers played mistake free football and you guys won. Turnovers against any team in the playoffs usually means trouble. The Steelers turned the ball over, they lost. Plus their secondary has been weak in the middle all year, so to me it wasn't a big suprise. I will admit that putting up 41 points is pretty good, but I wasn't suprised to see the Steelers crumble. Cowher is 1-3 at home in AFC Championship games.

Exhibit C: Yea, we did beat an Falcons team that relies on the run. But didn't the Pats happen to beat a Steelers team that relies on the run too? Why is it ok for the Pats to beat a team like that, but not the Eagles? And the last time I checked, most of the people here and in the media were picking the Falcons to beat the Eagles.

Exhibit D: No, the Vikings as a team aren't very good. But on offense, they are lethal. If you look at Pep's stats, other than TD's, he had a better year than Manning. The guy threw for over 5,000yds if you add up the regular season and post season, yet you don't hear anything about that. And the same case as the Falcons, most of the guys here and in the media picked us to lose. By the way, don't give me this weak team stuff. You play who's in your conference. People act like the Eagles have a choice in who they have to play. Every team is dangerous this time of year, because it's anyone's game.

Exhibit E: The Eagles just have two weapons? Yea you're right. We have what??? 10 pro bowlers on our squad. Yep, we just have two weapons.

Exhibit F: It's funny that you say our defense isn't as good as Pittsburgh, because if they had played with half the intensity and smarts that we did, they'd be in Jacksonville. And whatever Charlie has in store, we'll be ready. We have a great offensive guru too in Brad Childress, and you can bet we'll break out the trick plays. We always do.

If you look at Pep's stats, other than TD's, he had a better year than Manning.

Nuh uh. He also had more INTs, less YPA, and a QB rating 10 pts lower. :p ;)

Nuh uh. He also had more INTs, less YPA, and a QB rating 10 pts lower. :p ;)
Fucker...ya just had to shoot my stat down, didn't ya! :D

An impossible dream

Trainer's comments raise questions about Eagles' philosophy

By Hub Arkush  (hub@pfwmedia.com)
Jan. 31, 2005
 
 
 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Super Bowl in Jacksonville is finally here, and we shall see what we shall see. For many of us in the media, it is with some trepidation that we approach Super Bowl XXXIX, knowing that the influx of football fans from around the country and the world figures to increase the population of the NFL’s  second-smallest market by as much as 35 to 40 percent. What might happen in your hometown to basic services like traffic, shopping, restaurants, etc., if the needs spiked that significantly over a seven-day span. Put 200,000 to 300,000 people in Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans or Houston, and no problem — been there, done that. But here it is Monday and as I arrive in Jacksonville, well, we shall see.

Now, try and put that same crowd in Terrell Owens’ mouth; everything might fit fairly well, and you’d never have to worry about the hours because certainly we all know it’s never closed. I can honestly say that having been through several dozen of these affairs, I’ve seen my share of hype, but never have I been so completely sick of, and overloaded with, one Super Bowl story before the week of the game ever arrived. To play, or not to play, ah, that is the question!

First of all, I’m really just kidding with the cheap shot to lead that last graph. I understand T.O. is who and what he is. While he clearly is fulfilling the insatiable needs of his own gargantuan ego by making sure the spotlight has shone clearly and completely on himself, and nothing else remotely connected to his Eagles team, during the week off to prepare for the Super Bowl, so what? Actually, as long as it’s controllable now that we’ve started to move closer to game time, I’m not so sure it’s not a good thing. This is the first crack at this Super Bowl stuff for almost everybody on the Eagles’ roster and coaching staff, so why not let T.O. carry the media load while the rest of the guys deal with the pressures of friends, family and associates all grabbing for a piece of the Super pie.

I think the concept of it being a distraction for the Patriots and Bill Belichick and his staff, assuming they will be consumed with the question of whether or not they’ll have to prepare for Owens, is pretty stupid. They know as well as you and I know that he’s not going to play — you do know that, don’t you? — but they certainly hope that he will. The idea of Owens keeping a healthy player off the field while he limps through at 50 to 70 percent is the stuff that dreams are made of for this Patriots “D,” and I absolutely refuse to believe that Andy Reid would ever cheat the other 52 players on his roster by allowing that to happen. But hey, if everybody responsible for ratcheting up the pressure in the cooker that is the Super Bowl hype is focused on that, they’re not aiming the heat at those other 52 guys, are they?

And I have nothing but the utmost respect for T.O.’s desire and need to play, and I don’t believe for a second there is anything phony about that. It would be easy for this guy to say, “Hey, I’ve got my millions in the bank. It’s not my fault I got hurt, and there’s no question I’m hurt too badly to play. I played a huge part in getting my team here in the first place.” I think it’s great that he’s willing to work as hard as he has to achieve an impossible dream and that he’s going to keep working at it and pushing it right up until the last possible second, all of this at no one’s expense but his own and that of my media brethren who choose to chase the story. Seriously, there’s no punch line here; my hat’s off to the guy.

All as long as T.O. understands that, come Wednesday, when the serious practicing of the game plan gets under way, it’s time to step aside. If he is allowed to get in the way of his team’s preparation, or really believes it serves anybody’s interest but his own and doesn’t in fact severely penalize his teammates to try to play on a leg that the very best doctor he and his team could find to fix it has said emphatically is not ready to go, then shame on him, and double shame on Reid and Jeffrey Lurie for allowing it to happen.

The only guy I have a problem with right now is the Eagles’ team trainer, Rick Burkholder. Consider this Burkholder quote, “We understand Dr. Myerson’s point of view. It’s just that our risk-reward is different than his risk-reward. He has great risk in clearing Terrell to play and no reward. We think there’s some risk and we think there’s great reward.”

Dr. Myerson is Mark Myerson, the surgeon who Owens and the Eagles must have felt was the best in the country if Owens put his career in his hands and the Eagles entrusted one of their greatest assets to him. And of course he’s the same doctor who did the surgery, has declared it a complete success, and has now said that in order for it to remain a complete success, there is no way he will clear Owens to play in the Super Bowl at least — and I emphasize at least — 2-3 weeks ahead of any reasonable schedule for rehabilitation.

Where the hell does Burkholder get off impugning the integrity of Myerson with the whole world watching, suggesting T.O.’s doctor is really just trying to protect himself rather than his patient? Isn’t it not only possible but part of some Hippocratic oath that Myerson’s ultimate reward is the best interests of his patient. And if that’s the way the Eagles’ head trainer is going to treat physicians who I’d like to believe are trying to provide the very best care possible for his players, just which quality doctors does he think are going to be willing to get involved with the team in the future and what kind of care should Eagles players expect? Does Burkholder have a medical degree none of us is aware of that puts his opinion or perspective on a par with Myerson’s? I suspect not.

In the end, we have to hope Andy Reid will make this decision, if T.O. isn’t reasonable enough and concerned enough about his team to shut it down himself. And Reid is on record as having said, “We’re not going to put Terrell at risk.” Assuming we can take Reid at his word, the decision is already made, since even Burkholder acknowledged in his accusations against Myerson that T.O. would clearly be at risk if he plays.

Did Burkholder just need to grab a bit of the spotlight for himself as badly as Owens? Let’s hope that’s all it was, because I believe he has badly embarrassed himself and raised serious questions about his qualifications in his support of T.O.’s impossible dream. I’d be truly concerned for the whole ballclub if its trainer’s philosophy of “risk-reward” is the way the players’ well-being is being looked after.

Fucker...ya just had to shoot my stat down, didn't ya! :D

Hey, what are bros for? :D

An impossible dream

Trainer's comments raise questions about Eagles' philosophy

By Hub Arkush (hub@pfwmedia.com)
Jan. 31, 2005




JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Super Bowl in Jacksonville is finally here, and we shall see what we shall see. For many of us in the media, it is with some trepidation that we approach Super Bowl XXXIX, knowing that the influx of football fans from around the country and the world figures to increase the population of the NFL’s second-smallest market by as much as 35 to 40 percent. What might happen in your hometown to basic services like traffic, shopping, restaurants, etc., if the needs spiked that significantly over a seven-day span. Put 200,000 to 300,000 people in Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans or Houston, and no problem — been there, done that. But here it is Monday and as I arrive in Jacksonville, well, we shall see.

Now, try and put that same crowd in Terrell Owens’ mouth; everything might fit fairly well, and you’d never have to worry about the hours because certainly we all know it’s never closed. I can honestly say that having been through several dozen of these affairs, I’ve seen my share of hype, but never have I been so completely sick of, and overloaded with, one Super Bowl story before the week of the game ever arrived. To play, or not to play, ah, that is the question!

First of all, I’m really just kidding with the cheap shot to lead that last graph. I understand T.O. is who and what he is. While he clearly is fulfilling the insatiable needs of his own gargantuan ego by making sure the spotlight has shone clearly and completely on himself, and nothing else remotely connected to his Eagles team, during the week off to prepare for the Super Bowl, so what? Actually, as long as it’s controllable now that we’ve started to move closer to game time, I’m not so sure it’s not a good thing. This is the first crack at this Super Bowl stuff for almost everybody on the Eagles’ roster and coaching staff, so why not let T.O. carry the media load while the rest of the guys deal with the pressures of friends, family and associates all grabbing for a piece of the Super pie.

I think the concept of it being a distraction for the Patriots and Bill Belichick and his staff, assuming they will be consumed with the question of whether or not they’ll have to prepare for Owens, is pretty stupid. They know as well as you and I know that he’s not going to play — you do know that, don’t you? — but they certainly hope that he will. The idea of Owens keeping a healthy player off the field while he limps through at 50 to 70 percent is the stuff that dreams are made of for this Patriots “D,” and I absolutely refuse to believe that Andy Reid would ever cheat the other 52 players on his roster by allowing that to happen. But hey, if everybody responsible for ratcheting up the pressure in the cooker that is the Super Bowl hype is focused on that, they’re not aiming the heat at those other 52 guys, are they?

And I have nothing but the utmost respect for T.O.’s desire and need to play, and I don’t believe for a second there is anything phony about that. It would be easy for this guy to say, “Hey, I’ve got my millions in the bank. It’s not my fault I got hurt, and there’s no question I’m hurt too badly to play. I played a huge part in getting my team here in the first place.” I think it’s great that he’s willing to work as hard as he has to achieve an impossible dream and that he’s going to keep working at it and pushing it right up until the last possible second, all of this at no one’s expense but his own and that of my media brethren who choose to chase the story. Seriously, there’s no punch line here; my hat’s off to the guy.

All as long as T.O. understands that, come Wednesday, when the serious practicing of the game plan gets under way, it’s time to step aside. If he is allowed to get in the way of his team’s preparation, or really believes it serves anybody’s interest but his own and doesn’t in fact severely penalize his teammates to try to play on a leg that the very best doctor he and his team could find to fix it has said emphatically is not ready to go, then shame on him, and double shame on Reid and Jeffrey Lurie for allowing it to happen.

The only guy I have a problem with right now is the Eagles’ team trainer, Rick Burkholder. Consider this Burkholder quote, “We understand Dr. Myerson’s point of view. It’s just that our risk-reward is different than his risk-reward. He has great risk in clearing Terrell to play and no reward. We think there’s some risk and we think there’s great reward.”

Dr. Myerson is Mark Myerson, the surgeon who Owens and the Eagles must have felt was the best in the country if Owens put his career in his hands and the Eagles entrusted one of their greatest assets to him. And of course he’s the same doctor who did the surgery, has declared it a complete success, and has now said that in order for it to remain a complete success, there is no way he will clear Owens to play in the Super Bowl at least — and I emphasize at least — 2-3 weeks ahead of any reasonable schedule for rehabilitation.

Where the hell does Burkholder get off impugning the integrity of Myerson with the whole world watching, suggesting T.O.’s doctor is really just trying to protect himself rather than his patient? Isn’t it not only possible but part of some Hippocratic oath that Myerson’s ultimate reward is the best interests of his patient. And if that’s the way the Eagles’ head trainer is going to treat physicians who I’d like to believe are trying to provide the very best care possible for his players, just which quality doctors does he think are going to be willing to get involved with the team in the future and what kind of care should Eagles players expect? Does Burkholder have a medical degree none of us is aware of that puts his opinion or perspective on a par with Myerson’s? I suspect not.

In the end, we have to hope Andy Reid will make this decision, if T.O. isn’t reasonable enough and concerned enough about his team to shut it down himself. And Reid is on record as having said, “We’re not going to put Terrell at risk.” Assuming we can take Reid at his word, the decision is already made, since even Burkholder acknowledged in his accusations against Myerson that T.O. would clearly be at risk if he plays.

Did Burkholder just need to grab a bit of the spotlight for himself as badly as Owens? Let’s hope that’s all it was, because I believe he has badly embarrassed himself and raised serious questions about his qualifications in his support of T.O.’s impossible dream. I’d be truly concerned for the whole ballclub if its trainer’s philosophy of “risk-reward” is the way the players’ well-being is being looked after.


Wow, of all people to rip this time of year, this guy picks a trainer? :rolleyes:

Where is IED? He's not here talking smack? He really needs to stop doing his job get down to fucking business over here...

He's been busy lately I think. He and I went toe to toe last week, but since we both have such respect for eachother's squad, there weren't any fireworks. Kinda makes me sad. :)

Jobs - Always interfering.

Now does everyone see why I hate these two-week layovers?
Nothing going on, so we (the media) have to come up with something, and although there are some items of interest within the article, they are old (by now).

The concept of Owens wanting to play, be used as a decoy to confuse Beleckick (like that's gonna happen :rolleyes: ), or simply being a distraction is all of interest in this deal. :sleep:

QB comparisons bore the crap out of me (and are rendered pointless thanks to the Brady/Manning matchup)...as Chris Bermann has said over and over: "That's why they play the game."

And moreso why I enjoy the commercials, also. :D

...craig :thumb:

QB comparisons bore the crap out of me

But they can be intriguing! Take this for example. The Bus is more efficient than Manning, McNabb or Brady. Just look at the stats! 1-1, 1 TD, 0 INT. :D

But they can be intriguing! Take this for example. The Bus is more efficient than Manning, McNabb or Brady. Just look at the stats! 1-1, 1 TD, 0 INT. :D


Remember the first game of the season? The Bus had this really bizarre stat: (What was it?) 5 rushes, 3 td's, ONE YARD GAINED? :wtf:

...craig :thumb:

Remember the first game of the season? The Bus had this really bizarre stat: (What was it?) 5 rushes, 3 td's, ONE YARD GAINED? :wtf:

...craig :thumb:

Indeed. If it wasn't for Staley's injury, he could have had over 10 TD's with less than 100 yds rushing. :wtf:

By Marc Narducci

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The reporters were lined up seven and eight deep, just as expected, to hear the latest pronouncement from Terrell Owens, a person for whom Super Bowl Media Day was made.

The injured Eagles wide receiver told the horde of reporters that he would play in Super Bowl XXXIX on Sunday against the New England Patriots at Alltel Stadium.

Of course, Owens won't have the final say in this matter, but in his mind, it's a done deal. He said he can be penciled in to run pass patterns against the NFL's defending champions.

"I will be here on Sunday and I will play," Owens told the overflow media contingent at Alltel Stadium.

When asked if there are any limitations after sustaining a severe high ankle sprain and fractured fibula on Dec. 19 in a game against the Dallas Cowboys, Owens didn't hesitate.

"The sky is the limit and there are no limitations for me," Owens said. Owens practiced for the first time since the injury on Monday.

"I felt great and think I'm in a position to prove a lot of people wrong and a lot of people are already doubting me," Owens said. "I am just thanking God at every moment for this opportunity and this is the position he put me in."

Whether Eagles coach Andy Reid puts Owens in the same position remains to be seen.

The Eagles' practices Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be faster-paced than Monday's workout. Unlike his Pro Bowl receiver, Reid isn't ready to commit to playing Owens.

"We would like to have him out there, but we have to make sure that he is ready to play too," Reid said. "He is getting better every day. Every man would love to have him and he surely deserves to be there and has worked very hard."

Reid, whose personality is the polar opposite of his star wide receiver, said he felt there was nothing wrong with Owens saying he wants to play.

"I want him to think he is (playing)," Reid said. "That's a positive. That's what's going to drive him to get ready. If he stops thinking that he's going to play, then he's not going to play."

Fellow receiver Freddie Mitchell is as confident about Owens' return as Owens himself.

"I know he definitely will play, but it's a coaching decision (how much he'll play)," Mitchell said.

Owens underwent successful surgery by Dr. Mark Myerson, a foot and ankle specialist, in Baltimore on Dec. 22. Myerson recently has said he won't clear Owens to play, but that won't be the final factor in the wide receiver's decision to compete in the Super Bowl.

"The pain is very minimal," Owens said. "A lot of people don't know the extent of my pain and my body."

Owens credits divine intervention for enabling him to heal so quickly. "I respect Dr. Myerson and his decision not to medically clear me, but prior to me going down to that last visit, I can say God has already cleared me," Owens said. "It doesn't matter what the doctor said, I have the best doctor in God."

Eagles head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder, who has worked long hours supervising Owens' rehabilitation, can't give a definitive statement as to whether Owens will play at this point.

"There is a question. He hasn't made it through practices football-wise at full speed yet," Burkholder said. " ... It will be a group decision between myself, Andy, T.O., his agent, and team doctor (Peter) DeLuca as to whether he plays."

Burkholder, while still cautious, appeared to demonstrate the same confidence that Owens has about suiting up.

"He is kind of freakish in his approach to the game," Burkholder. "He stays in great shape and has low body fat and I think he's in good football shape."

If Owens is close to 100 percent, his return would be a huge boost for the Eagles. This season he caught 77 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games. The Eagles were able to win their two NFL playoff games against Minnesota and Atlanta without Owens, but they will need all the offense they can muster against the Patriots. If healthy, there are few better game-breakers than Owens.

"It's good that he has the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl," Eagles receiver Todd Pinkston said. "It just motivates everybody else to know what kind of drive and will he presents to the team."

During the press conference, Owens was constantly asked about his status. At one point, he was asked if there is anything that can keep him off the field.

"Nope," he said matter of factly.

Next question.

We'll see what Reid says.

If Owens shouldn't really play in the game, it'd probably be better off for the Eagles if he were to suffer a setback in practice so the rest of the players can get to the game with the mindset that they're going to have to do it without him.

I agree.

If Owens shouldn't really play in the game, it'd probably be better off for the Eagles if he were to suffer a setback in practice so the rest of the players can get to the game with the mindset that they're going to have to do it without him.

To be honest, I think they already have that mindset.

:D Hey Sucka: Are you getting the poops yet? Are ya nervous? Do you feel like if you eat, you might puke? No??? Just wait till Sunday Morning bro! :bounce:

:D Hey Sucka: Are you getting the poops yet? Are ya nervous? Do you feel like if you eat, you might puke? No??? Just wait till Sunday Morning bro! :bounce:

I'm actually very calm, which does suprise me. But I've been so busy with work and all, that I really haven't had time to be nervous. Come sunday, I'll probably be ready to vomit on command!

I'm actually very calm, which does suprise me. But I've been so busy with work and all, that I really haven't had time to be nervous. Come sunday, I'll probably be ready to vomit on command!I hope you feel like I did when my Packers played the Pats a while back, ya know, nervous, swaying back and forth for hours, sweaty palms, NOT HUNGRY, then it was game time! Hoping for the best Sucka, but you'll understand this at game time: all bets, all trash talk, all confidence is lost until 00:00 is on the board! It is nerve racking at its best bro...just have fun and stay true to your guts! ;)
And: DO NOT WATCH THE HALFTIME SHOW! GO PUKE INSTEAD! :scared:

A recap of the LAST time McNabb & Brady faced each other...hehehhe

February 2, 2005
In '98, McNabb and Syracuse Beat Brady and Michigan
By LEE JENKINS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 1 - The first time Donovan McNabb played a game against Tom Brady, the lights went out in Syracuse.

Flat-line winds closed the university for most of the week. Players living in the Skytop apartments went without electricity. Coaches had to find generators and move their offices from the athletic department to the Carrier Dome.

When the time finally came for Syracuse to travel to Michigan, and for McNabb to play against Brady, many of the dorms still did not have power. Students worried that they would miss the biggest game until graduation. The athletic department was flooded with phone calls asking where a college student could watch the team play football.

Heeding campuswide concern, the university opened the Carrier Dome on Sept. 12, 1998, even though the game was in Ann Arbor, Mich. Students swarmed into the stadium and watched the game on the scoreboard, turning the Carrier Dome into the country's largest frat house.

Everyone at Syracuse seemed to understand the significance of what would unfold that afternoon. Michigan was a co-defending national champion and had packed 111,012 fans - then an N.C.A.A. record - into its storied home stadium. Syracuse was coming off a 1-point loss to Tennessee, the eventual national champion, and spent the week fearing a tornado.

The only reason to like Syracuse was its electric quarterback. McNabb was a fifth-year senior and a leading Heisman Trophy candidate. Brady was a junior who had made only one collegiate start. The two quarterbacks, who will face one another here in the Super Bowl on Sunday, were going to decide one of the most anticipated nonconference games of the 1998 season.

McNabb started by completing eight passes in a row. Brady started by throwing an interception on his first drive. Brady was temporarily knocked out of the game in the second quarter. McNabb ran for a 17-yard touchdown in the second quarter while wearing only one shoe.

"He went back to throw, danced and danced some more, spun and spun some more, somebody had his foot, somebody grabbed his shoe, and he still crossed the goal line," Jake Crouthamel, Syracuse's retiring athletic director, said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. "By the time Michigan realized what he'd done, it was too late."

Kevin Rogers, Syracuse's former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, said by telephone: "That's the play we all remember. He got pressure upfield, disappeared into the pocket, and then all of a sudden he bursts out of there. It was a man against boys. The whole game was like that. Every play we called worked."

By the fourth quarter, Syracuse was beating Michigan, 38-7. Brady was benched for the second time and in danger of losing his starting job to Drew Henson. McNabb had exasperated an entire defense and put himself into serious Heisman contention.

"I didn't touch McNabb one time," Dhani Jones, an Eagles linebacker who played for Michigan, said. "He was too elusive for us. Getting beaten that badly in the Big House was one of the most embarrassing things I've ever experienced."

The quarterback comparison could not have been much more lopsided. McNabb was 21 of 27 for 233 yards and rushed 19 times for 60 yards. Brady was 13 of 24 for 104 yards. The main reason Michigan narrowed the final score to 38-28 was that the Orangemen inserted mostly backups at the end.

"I don't want to talk about that," Michigan Coach Lloyd Carr said with a laugh over the telephone. "We had a very difficult time defending Donovan McNabb."

Brady said: "It was one of the low points. I have never been in a game where they just dominated us. Donovan was incredible. Every time they snapped the ball, it was like 10 yards. That was probably the worst defeat I've ever had."

For McNabb, it might have been the greatest victory until the Eagles beat the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football Conference championship game on Jan. 23. On the way out of Ann Arbor, Rogers heard the former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler say McNabb had put on the finest performance by a visiting quarterback at Michigan Stadium.

"Everyone expected us to lose and counted us out," McNabb said. "We went in there and set up our whole year."

McNabb was referring to a game played more than six years ago, but he might as well have been talking about the Super Bowl. Once again, he is going against Brady. Once again, his team is the underdog and Brady's is the favorite. Popular opinion has the Patriots blowing out the Eagles on Sunday, but few who watched Syracuse play Michigan in 1998 are willing to discount McNabb so quickly.

"I really think Donovan is going to go out there with supreme confidence because of what happened in the past," Rogers said. "And I think everyone will follow his lead."

Syracuse has spent much of Super Bowl week reliving Michigan week and that stormy September in 1998.

"That game was huge for our school and huge for Donovan," Crouthamel said. "We suffered through this disaster - everyone lost electricity, everyone had been through a week of hell. It was a total mess. Our preparation was shot. For those kids to go out there and still win, it really touched the community."

When the Syracuse team returned to campus, players went to the Skytop apartments and coaches to the football offices. There, they found a reward no less valuable than a Super Bowl ring waiting for them. In the time it took to go to Michigan and return, their power had been restored.

I hope you feel like I did when my Packers played the Pats a while back, ya know, nervous, swaying back and forth for hours, sweaty palms, NOT HUNGRY, then it was game time! Hoping for the best Sucka, but you'll understand this at game time: all bets, all trash talk, all confidence is lost until 00:00 is on the board! It is nerve racking at its best bro...just have fun and stay true to your guts! ;)
And: DO NOT WATCH THE HALFTIME SHOW! GO PUKE INSTEAD! :scared:

LOL Thanks Brew, I'll probably go thru all of the above. At this point, I'm so proud of my guys and don't really care if they win or lose. Of course I want them to win in the worst way, but I'll still be pretty stoked for what they accomplished this year, and be looking forward to another great year. Watching the Patriots on ESPN and seeing all the highlights, I will admit that I'm a bit concerned about a few things. Corey Dillon being the number one threat I think. He, Fred Taylor, Suggs and Bettis, are the most physical backs in the NFL IMO. And a physical back can really pound away on our front four which is pretty small. Luckily the Pats O-line isn't all that great. So I hope that our D Tackles can have a field day up the middle.

but I'll still be pretty stoked for what they accomplished this year, and be looking forward to another great year.

Thats what I thought about my Raiders after their last Super Bowl. We all know how that's gone. The Eagles had better get it while they got it. I personally don't think they will - and if they don't, there are no guarantees after Sunday.

Thats what I thought about my Raiders after their last Super Bowl. We all know how that's gone. The Eagles had better get it while they got it. I personally don't think they will - and if they don't, there are no guarantees after Sunday.

That's true, but looking at things in a postivite way, we've got most of our good players locked up, and we're still well under the cap. So there's really no reason why this Eagle team shouldn't improve going into next season. They've already prooved that you can be successfull from year to year in this era.

But you're right, these guys better sieze this oppurtunity.

And they're young. My Raiders were ancient.

-- Patriots List No Injuries --
Thu Feb 3, 2005 --from FFMastermind.com
*
The Boston Herald reports the New England Patriots listed no players on their injury report, which means ILB Ted Johnson (leg) has been cleared to play in Super Bowl XXXIX against Philadelphia. It also means DE Richard Seymour (knee) has been cleared to play. He believes he can make a major impact. "I think I can definitely be a dominant factor,'' Seymour said yesterday after testing out his injured left knee at practice. "It still remains to be seen how many reps I get. I'm sure the coaching staff will really monitor what I can do. If I can get in a rhythm and I'm feeling pretty good, it could be a (big) day.'' HC Bill Belichick also confirmed Seymour was "good to go.'' Seymour, who partially tore his MCL on Dec. 26, will wear a brace over the injury, which he also has been doing at practice. Seymour acknowledged that braces hinder his movement and explosiveness. Seymour did not put a huge amount of strain on the knee during practice, partly because of the poor condition of the Pats' practice field. "The field was still a little slick, so I didn't open up too much, but I'm happy with my progress,'' he said. "Hopefully, things continue to progress the way they have.'' Even with Seymour available, DE Jarvis Green could remain the starter at right defensive end, with Seymour seeing situational duty. According to the pool report, the Pats were "inconsistent during practice. . . . QB Tom Brady was intercepted and sacked by the scout team. The defense drew the wrath of Belichick more than once. Both units picked up their play in the red-zone periods.'' "We're getting there, but we're not there yet,'' said Belichick, who added that the condition of the Pats' field was better than it was on Monday but still not great. The field was covered on Tuesday, and Belichick moved the Pats' practice to 9:30 a.m. to avoid rain.

This is not an injury report, but a loss of a personal nature. Tom Brady's grandmother passed away today. She was 94yrs young. Apparently she had a stroke earlier in the week. Ya never like to hear stuff like that ya know.

Last night I talked to a freiend who is in Jacksonville for the game and he said that that city sucks for the Superbowl.
He was at last year's in Houston and even that was better. Not to mention I guess the weather has really sucked.

Should the league set a designated superbowl site?

I say either have it in New Orleans every year or have it in the LA area since they don't have their own team and the league could build 2 high quality practice facilities one for each team and the weather should be fairly nice to boot.

BTW, next year its in Detroit.:rolleyes::wtf:

This is not an injury report, but a loss of a personal nature. Tom Brady's grandmother passed away today. She was 94yrs young. Apparently she had a stroke earlier in the week. Ya never like to hear stuff like that ya know.
He's really had a tough time in the playoffs this year. The 103 degree fever and chills before the Steelers game and now the passing of his grandmother. He said his body is in Jacksonville but his heart is with his family or something like that. They're going to have the funeral after the Super Bowl.

He's really had a tough time in the playoffs this year. The 103 degree fever and chills before the Steelers game and now the passing of his grandmother. He said his body is in Jacksonville but his heart is with his family or something like that. They're going to have the funeral after the Super Bowl.

This tells me that the guy will probably be 26-30 with 350 yds. 3 TD and another MVP. He so mentally tough and focused, that wouldn't surprise me at all.

God bless him and his family.

Last night I talked to a freiend who is in Jacksonville for the game and he said that that city sucks for the Superbowl.
He was at last year's in Houston and even that was better. Not to mention I guess the weather has really sucked.

Should the league set a designated superbowl site?

I say either have it in New Orleans every year or have it in the LA area since they don't have their own team and the league could build 2 high quality practice facilities one for each team and the weather should be fairly nice to boot.

BTW, next year its in Detroit.:rolleyes::wtf:

No - I like the idea of moving it around, although I'd also be a fan of it being played on the team with the best record's field. What did he find lacking in Jacksonville? It is their first time hosting a Super Bowl, but never having had the opportunity to go to a Super Bowl myself, I don't know what should and should not be there! The weather down here hasn't been that good recently, but we don't have much control over that!

i dont care if its in an alley if the eagles r in it!!

Nice to be missed :D

Busy as hell at work and at home, first time I've had a chance to jump on here in a week.

Not much to say, other than Eddymon is a tool.

Pats should win, but on any given Sunday...you just never know. They are human, and they might just be getting some big heads.

Looking forward to the game and a pot of chili! :D

Should be a good one dude. Went on a beer run last night and stocked up on Foster's, Miller Lite, Beck's, and some imported shit. Gonna grill some burgers, dogs, and brauts. All will be good in the hood I say.

No predection from me. Just, go Eagles!! :)

I'm gathering up my personal effects, heading out to the local grocer so as to stock up on cold malt beverages, and I'm hitting the road en route to lovely scenic Laurel Hill, NC, to see some old friends, eat fried chicken, drink the previously aforementioned cold beers, listen to some good 'ol boogie music, talk shit to my friends' sister, talk about racin', smoke too many cigarettes and maybe I'll still be alive to watch the damned game. Hoo-tee-hoo!!!!!

Y'all have a safe weekend, ya hear? :drunk: :bounce:

I'm gathering up my personal effects, heading out to the local grocer so as to stock up on cold malt beverages, and I'm hitting the road en route to lovely scenic Laurel Hill, NC, to see some old friends, eat fried chicken, drink the previously aforementioned cold beers, listen to some good 'ol boogie music, talk shit to my friends' sister, talk about racin', smoke too many cigarettes and maybe I'll still be alive to watch the damned game. Hoo-tee-hoo!!!!!

Y'all have a safe weekend, ya hear? :drunk: :bounce:

Well shit man, I'm comin to party with you!

We had a Super Bowl themed lunch today in our corporate cafe...

Tom Brady's chicken fingers
Donovan McNabb's the wharf (I have no idea what this actually was)
Philly cheesesteak panini

I went with the Philly cheesesteak although I've never had the opportunity to try a real Philadelphia version. It's what I wanted for lunch and it's what I want on Sunday too. I can't believe I'm saying this but...

GO EAGLES!!!!!

Just curious, when was the last time a team played a Super Bowl at home?

We had a Super Bowl themed lunch today in our corporate cafe...

Tom Brady's chicken fingers
Donovan McNabb's the wharf (I have no idea what this actually was)
Philly cheesesteak panini

I went with the Philly cheesesteak although I've never had the opportunity to try a real Philadelphia version. It's what I wanted for lunch and it's what I want on Sunday too. I can't believe I'm saying this but...

GO EAGLES!!!!!

Just curious, when was the last time a team played a Super Bowl at home?


I can't answer that last question for ya, but I'll try to look it up. Has that even happened before? I would figure that they would want the game on neutral grounds ya know.

We had an Eagles theme at lunch today in the office here too. Cheesesteaks, football shaped cakes, all the fixins a growin boy needs. Plus I happen to work with two camboadian sisters that have amazingly lucious butts, and are finer then a mofo. They more than made up for the fact that no beer was being served.

To my knowledge, it's never happened. I believe Miami has come closest, but I don't think they've ever actually made it to one of the Super Bowls that's been played in Miami.

Green Bay played at home for the "Ice Bowl" didn't they? In '67 or something? Maybe that didn't count though because it wasn't the "modern era." You would think that sooner or later somebody would get to play at home. It's a shame that some cities probably won't get the big game due to climate. They can't get a half-naked teen popstar to show up in New England and perform at half time when it's snowing a foot an hour and the temp is -20. Freakin' commercialism. It's football! I wonder if Janet's wardrobe malfunction would have happened just because of the cold instead of Justin if the Super Bowl had been held in Buffalo... :sssh:

The "Ice Bowl" wasn't a Super Bowl (but then again, neither were the first "Super Bowl"s!) I believe it was the NFL Championship preceding one of Green Bay's first two Super Bowl appearances.

Since this has mainly been an Eagles Fan thread, here's a great article about Tom Brady - pretty much sums up why he's the man.

My prediction:
Patriots 31 Eagles 10
MVP #3 for Brady

Command performer
By John Powers, Globe Staff | February 5, 2005

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It's 10 o'clock at night. Do you know where your quarterback is? Not hanging with Snoop Dogg. Not swigging Cristal with Big Boi. Not slipping past the velvet rope at Plush.

Tom Brady is where he has been every night since the Patriots arrived here on Sunday. In his room at The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, studying for tomorrow's final exam in ornithology. By kickoff, there won't be anything Brady doesn't know about the habits, tendencies, and vulnerabilities of the Eagles.

``The last two nights, I've been sitting in his room between 10 and 11 going over the game plan per his request,'' offensive coordinator Charlie Weis testified on Thursday. ``I get a phone call saying, `Can you come up to my room? I've got a couple of things I want to go over with you.' He's actually getting to the point where his preparation is so good he's getting to be a pain in the butt.''

Tom Terrific already has two Super Bowl rings and is favored to claim a third. He's been the game's Most Valuable Player twice, up there with Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, and Bart Starr. He's 27 years old, a cleft-chinned handsome millionaire with a beautiful girlfriend, a hero to every kid in America who can grip a football. Yet he's still worried that he's going to flunk out of professional football. "To this day, you question whether you're cut out for this and how capable you are of winning games," admits Brady, who'd be the first quarterback to win three Super Bowls since Troy Aikman did it with Dallas. "It's the reality of my personality and what motivates me. There's plenty of things that I think I'm deficient at. That's why I continue to work. I've never been the fastest guy in the world, I've never moved the best, I've never been very strong. People have always said: You can't."

Brady was always the guy on the sidelines, always waiting for a chance that seemed as if it would never come. "I remember going to college and being the seventh-string quarterback my first year, then coming here and being the fourth-string quarterback," he says. "Those are the types of things that motivate you. You don't forget where you came from. The scars that you have from those days are deep scars."

Which is why Brady still approaches all this with wide-eyed delight and why comparisons to Montana, who won four rings with the 49ers, leave him flattered but unconvinced. "Mostly I say, naw, not really, he was at a whole different level," Brady says.

Montana was his boyhood hero, the signer of the last autograph Brady ever sought, the quarterback he pretended to be when he played flag football in the streets of San Mateo, Calif.
When Montana threw to Dwight Clark for "The Catch" that put San Francisco in its first Super Bowl, Brady was sitting in the opposite end zone. "I was crying to my dad the whole first half because he wouldn't buy me one of those No. 1 foam fingers," recalls Brady, who was 4 at the time.

His football fantasies were doused with a cold splash of reality as soon as Brady suited up at Junipero Serra High School. "I was a backup quarterback on a freshman team that went 0-8," he says. "That tells you how bad I was. I couldn't crack the starting lineup of a team that didn't win a game."

Unassuming star Even when he earned the starting job at Michigan after serving as Brian Griese's understudy, Brady had to share it with underclassman Drew Henson. That didn't go unobserved by the six NFL clubs who passed on Brady in favor of other quarterbacks on draft weekend in 2000 (including the 49ers, who opted for Giovanni Carmazzi). If the kid isn't even The Man at his own school . . .

"I remember sitting in my bed as the clock was ticking by and realizing that I might not get drafted and have to figure out something else to do with my life," Brady says. "I don't think I'll ever forget that day."

The Patriots finally tapped him in the sixth round, 199th overall, and plopped him onto the depth chart behind Drew Bledsoe, John Friesz, and Michael Bishop. Brady played in one game in 2000 and was on the sideline, as usual, when Bledsoe went down with a sheared blood vessel in the second game in 2001.

He had always been ready to play, even when there was never a chance. "I always take the same approach," Brady said before his first start. "That I'm going to be in there playing."

Still, nobody imagined him calmly engineering the last-minute march that beat St. Louis in that season's Super Bowl. "That drive got me off the couch," says Aikman. "I said, `Wow, this guy is really special.' "

Bradshaw, who earned four rings and two game MVPs quarterbacking Pittsburgh, needed more than one championship drive to be a Brady Believer. "It wasn't enough for me to walk away thinking I'd found the next Boy Wonder," he says. "It was last year, after the second drive, when I said, `Hey, this guy's good.' "

It's not so much about Brady's skills (much improved) and stats (highly respectable) as it is about his presence and personality. "Tom Brady is the president of that country," says Philadelphia linebacker Dhani Jones, who played with Brady at Michigan. "He's that cool hand. Cool Hand Brady, I call him."

Teammates may love giving Brady the needle about his superstar status ("He has all of these free cars, and I can't get any of them," says linebacker Ted Johnson), but they admire his work ethic, his selflessness, his humility. "In my eyes," says running back Corey Dillon, "he's basically perfect."

What makes Tom terrific, say both teammates and rivals, is that he could get away with playing the diva, but doesn't. "That's not how he acts, that's not how he talks," says center Dan Koppen. "He's a level-headed guy who just wants to be a regular guy. He's not Tom Brady Superstar. He's just Tom Brady."

Everyone from the ballboy to the custodian gets a friendly hello, every question gets a thoughtful answer. "It feels great to be in the Super Bowl, Richie," Brady told the pint-sized correspondent from the Weekly Reader on Media Day. "I never thought I'd be sitting up here talking to you one day. I guess I'm pretty lucky."

Poised presence That's how Montana was, Brady says. Cool, on and off the field. "That's part of the reason why I liked him so much," he says. "The way he carried himself."

Watching Brady move an offense down the field during crunch time, says former 49ers quarterback Steve Young, is like watching Montana. "The more intense, the more feverish a game gets, they both literally quiet themselves almost to the point where you feel they're not paying attention," says Young, who tossed six touchdown passes to beat the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX.

Nobody in the league is better than Brady at managing a game under duress. "He's not a guy that's going to get all nervous and start screaming and stuff," says guard Joe Andruzzi.

Not that Brady won't bark at a receiver who blows a route. But meltdowns aren't his style. "If the players see you lose your poise and composure they'll think, `Wow, something really bad must be going on here,' " says Brady. "I don't think you ever want that to happen."

Brady's composure comes from exhaustive preparation. By the time he takes the first snap tomorrow evening, he will have watched every frame of every Philadelphia defensive play of the season at least once and memorized every twitch and tic of every cornerback and safety.

"I'm going to be sitting there the night before the game and going through my game plan and going through the plays and saying, `If they go to this coverage, this is who I'm throwing to' or `If they blitz, I'm going to do this,' " Brady says. "When you go into the game prepared, you can be confident. You feel like you have the answers to the test and you are just anxious to go out there and play."

He may be mentioned in the same paragraph as Montana and Bradshaw and Aikman and Starr this week, but Brady is still the same guy who watched Kevin Krystofiak take the snaps on the freshman team, the same guy who twiddled his thumbs while 198 players were tapped ahead of him on draft day. Those memories, he says, don't fade. "You don't say `I won, I'm great now,' " Tom Brady says. "You never say that."

To my knowledge, it's never happened. I believe Miami has come closest, but I don't think they've ever actually made it to one of the Super Bowls that's been played in Miami.

I'm pretty sure that when the Rams played the Steelers in #14 it was at The Coliseum and that was the only time. Good question though. Maybe I'm missing another one. Out.

That was a good article on Tom Brady. He seems to be a pretty level headed guy. He gets it done without being too fancy. I'm favoring the Eagles tonight, but I was a Tom Brady fan in the Super Bowl against the Rams a couple of years ago. I hate the fucking Rams! And this is coming from a guy that has almost always cheered for the NFC team in the Super Bowl. Yes, even the Pucking Fackers!

Judgement Day

It's my life. Get off my ass, get outta my face
Man, I don't see no problem
Kickin' back, ain't kickin' you, no no!
Anyway, if I make 'em, I'll solve 'em

Whoa, oh, ohh. That's right. Yeah yeah-yeah. Woo!

Makin' plan's a waste. Ain't no future here
Got no faith, got no religion

Oh tell me why (ooh-ooh) should I (ooh-ooh)
(Ahh) Care or even, why should I try?
I just slide slide on by (ooh-ooh)
(Ahh) Never bad enough to crucify me

Huah! Put it out until Judgement Day
I'll bear the cross on Judgement Day

I done most anything, keep 'em doin' anything 'cause
Sometimes I just wanna do nothin'
Nothin' lost, so tell me how can I lose? Ha
When I'm startin' off with nothin'

Oh tell me why (ooh-ooh) should I (ooh-ooh)
(Ahh) Care or even wanna try?
I just slide (ooh) slide on by (ooh-ooh)
(Ahh) Never bad enough to crucify me.

Ow! Put it off until Judgement Day
I'll bear that (same old cross) same ol' cross
On Judgement Day. Ow!

http://www.geocities.com/aussieoutlaw_2000/jpg/cheer/eagles.jpg
http://www.citypaper.net/vet/112202/big/mcnabb-copy.jpg

It's about four hours to game time. Are you nervous yet, Sucka? It'll start for me right around the game introductions and coin flip.

GO EAGLES!!!

I'm very calm dude, which is very weird. Usually I'd be ready to puke right now, but I've been calm since the pre-season. I know what this team can do, and so do they. Now we just gotta get out there and shake up the world!! But once player intro's get here, I'll probably be just as nervous as you are.

Well shit man, I'm comin to party with you!

Brother, it was so much fun, we had to knock off early and call it a weekend. Woke up this morning, and I knew I was "on the porch" so to speak, on the party portion of the program. ;)

Quiet times at home can be underrated. :thumb:

Note to Mr. Tagliabue and the Owners: Play the game on Saturday night!!!!!


Sucka, the time is now for the Eagles, the Day of Opportunity is at hand. If I could, I'd slap your shoulder pads and rattle your cage a couple times just to let you know you're ready.

Go Eagles!!! (yells hoarsely and raises coffee cup in salute) :thumb:

Good luck to the Eagles and Patriots, may the best team win! Well, I guess that's not really possible since the Steelers are out but... :D

One more time...I'm calling my shot - Pats win! Let's just hope for a great game...that's all I want!!!

Start the fuckin game already!!! Way too much pre-game bullshit.
I want to see the beer wars commercials! I want to see a football game, I want to see the Eagles cheerleaders lose their clothes and shake their boobies and butts.....

Geez, what a horribly sloppy game...

Geez, what a horribly sloppy game...I know man...the Packer and Colts would have been a better game today! :D LOL!

One word describes this game and the halftime show for me: BORING!

Wow. The Eagles, with about 3 mins. left in the game look like they've just given up. Why are they just strolling to the line?

McNabb is just off. I think the Pats blitzing has him rattled and he just isn't the same player that I've seen in the past.

That TD was a nice throw though. :D

McNabb is just off. I think the Pats blitzing has him rattled and he just isn't the same player that I've seen in the past.

That TD was a nice throw though. :D
Yes, indeed, IF the Eagles can just hold them to 3 and out, they may get a field goal chance, but, who knows!
The Eagles should not be happy with just a NFC championship, they are in the friggen SUPER BOWL, play it!

Patriots are the Champs.....
Eagles: good job winning the NFC, but should have had a better game plan in the 4th. It is still a football game!

McNabb was off, but they could've overcome that. Maybe they should play with a sense of urgency next time. I couldn't believe that.

Oh, and props to the Pats. They played like they wanted it again. Those guys went balls out.

McNabb was off, but they could've overcome that. Maybe they should play with a sense of urgency next time. I couldn't believe that.

I've seen Culpepper do that too, and it just drives me absolutely nuts! Congratulations to the Patriots fans out there, and to Sucka, I've been there bud, it sucks. Better luck next year..., NOT! Vikings in 2006!!!

Glad to see Branch got the MVP. He deserved it, though you could make a case for some others.

Sorry Philly didn't do it this year Sucka. I was pullin' for them. New England just plain gets the job done. Congratulations to the Pats and please let someone else win next year!

Hey, did anyone notice that for the third time, the Patriots won the Super Bowl on a Vinatieri field goal?

Well in typical Patriot fashion it comes right down to the wire and my heart is coming out of my chest when the Eagles made it 24-21 but I guess it wouldn't be a Superbowl without a 3 point margin of victory for the Pats. I got to give it up to T.O, not my fave guy in the world but he played great. Deion Branch was awesome, Harrison played great-thanks Freddie for opening your mouth earlier in the week. Brady was Mr. Cool as he always is and just doen't make any big mistakes to cost his team the victory. Not a pretty game, very sloppy on both sides but the Patriots just seem to get it done no matter what. The most perplexing thing to me was the Eagles wasting so much time down the stretch not going to the hurry up offence-Pats were very fortunate on that and what the heck was up with the field? It's like the guys were playing on ice, everybody was having problems with their footing.
Congrats Pats on Superbowl number 3 and let the dynasty talk officially begin.

Well, Eagles fans - your team gave the Pats a run for their money. If I had been rooting for them, though, I probably would've been a little upset at their lack of expediency at the end. It took the Patriots a couple of losses before they won one of the damn things, so now the Eagles have their two losses. Hopefully you won't have to wait 25 more years for your next chance. Got a good team there - you could very easily be back next year!
As for the Patriots, I've said it before, but when I was a kid, never would've thought we'd ever see this kind of success from the team. It's just fun watching them play, because they don't have a lot of superstar, household names, but they go out there and get the job done. Be interesting though to see how all the changes that are to come on the coaching staff affect them next year...
But for now, we revel in VICTORY!

Congratulations to the Patriots, the better team won!

YEEEAH PATS!!! another one for the books......

Well, congrats to all of you Pats fans, and to the Pats themselves. Good game by both teams, and the Eagles came up on the short end of things. I'm still proud of my time, and look forward to a very productive offseason. Once again, congrats to all you Pats fans.

classy move sucka :thumb:

tough luck for the eagles, but i think now we see just how well rounded the pats really are

and T.O. is still a dick

talking about himself after the game comparing himself to favre

shutup already..DICK

classy move sucka :thumb:

tough luck for the eagles, but i think now we see just how well rounded the pats really are

and T.O. is still a dick

talking about himself after the game comparing himself to favre

shutup already..DICK

Did he really? What a tool.

The better team definitely won tonight. The Eagles simply didn't manage the clock at all tonight, and that's a real, real shame. Not diminishing what the Pats have accomplished - man, Deion Branch is clutch! He sure knows when to turn it up. And Brady is as cool as a cucumber in the Arctic Circle. Blows me away.

Time for baseball :)

Sorry, Sucka. It was a great run, though, and you guys will be back strong next year. :thumb:

and T.O. is still a dick

talking about himself after the game comparing himself to favre

shutup already..DICK

He wasn't comparing himself to Favre. He was commenting on how the media was portraying him as selfish for playing while injured, and if it would have been Favre, they would have portrayed him as a warrior... and frankly, as much as I dislike T.O., he's right.

congrats to the pats
bellicheck is a genius.
brady is great.
we coulda, woulda, shoulda.....but didnt.

and it hurts
now, if they get back in the next couple yrs, it'll be ok, but if we go another 24,.......

He wasn't comparing himself to Favre. He was commenting on how the media was portraying him as selfish for playing while injured, and if it would have been Favre, they would have portrayed him as a warrior... and frankly, as much as I dislike T.O., he's right.

Exactly, and i too think if it was Favre he would have been praised in a different light. I think the media made more of it in the last two weeks than Owens did. Like him or hate him, Owens is a superior athlete. I've always said that as long as they can walk the walk, they can flap their gums all they want.

I can't believe it was that close of a game!

I give the Eagles credit and especially T.O. The guy might talk alot of shit, but atleast he does perform. If Randy Moss tried as hard as T.O. does, maybe the Vikings would be in a superbowl. They guy played alot better than I think everyone expected.

Differences in the game were:

The Eagle defense made plays, but the Patriots defense made BIGGER plays.
McNabb is NO Brady.
The Patriots running game was not spectacular, but both Dillon and Faulk were alot more effective than Westbrook and Levens.
Each team had a reciever that had big days.
Belichick outcoached Reid.

A tied game at halftime and we still won with 2 rookies, a second year player and a should be Pro-bowler in our secondary the whole second half.

And Freddie Mitchell, I thought you had something?
The fat lady has something for you though.
http://www.glowfoto.com/images/2005/02/01-1027264431T.jpg

freddie can go away
Donovan is ten times better than he showed yesterday.
TO was the mvp for the eagles..he is the real deal and unreal

Good game.

Belichick dared McNabb to beat them - they brought the fucking house at him. They were only playing two down linemen and 5 linebackers to get a rush on McNabb.

I can't fucking believe McNabb got that TD pass through there. Holy shit, I saw it in slo-mo and still can't figure out how it got there, especially off his back foot. He played a good game. Yes, he let some balls get away, but so do a lot of QB's against the Pats. He also connected on some of those, including that TD pass.

Deja Vu with Wilson going down with the broken arm. Visions of last year, without the big lead. If you recall, the Panthers came back when both Wilson and Harrison went down, Harrison with a broken arm. No disrespect intended, and injuries are part of the game, but that last TD doesn't happen like that if Wilson is in the game.

And that was one piss poor job of coaching and QB'ing by Philly at the end. I was stunned. No urgency at all. And what's up with nobody back on that last punt? You're going to let them just let the ball role? They coulda burned another 5 seconds off the clock. You have to at least get someone back to fair catch the damn thing to get the clock stopped. Worst clock management I've ever seen.

Edit - TO showed a ton of guts. And was right on about Favre. That was one of the gutsiest comebacks from injury, ever. Right up there with Jack Youngblood playing the second half on a broken leg...

Dam good year for Boston Sports!!

Congrats to the Pats and all Boston Sports fans.

Congrats to the Eagles and there fans as well.

I did not watch the super bowl.

classy move sucka :thumb:

tough luck for the eagles, but i think now we see just how well rounded the pats really are

and T.O. is still a dick

talking about himself after the game comparing himself to favre

shutup already..DICK


Well as the guys pointed out, he wasn't comparing himself to Favre. Just simply stating what I've said all along about Brett. Had it been Favre coming back off an injury, the media would have made the guy a saint.

You may still think Owens is a dick or whatever, but he showed way more heart and dedication then a ton of NFL players would have. I already have a lot of respect for Terrell, but that just multiplied 10X. Just a fuckin warrior man.

As for the Pats themselves. With all the talk of them taking away what teams do best, they flipped it last night. They didn't take away what we do best at all. The Pats defense just took away the thing that compliments what we do so well offensively, and that's our running game. We don't run all that much, but when we do, we're very effective. Last night, it just wasn't meant to be. So I'll give that Pats defense all the credit in the world for their creativity. You make any QB in the NFL pass for 50+ times in a game, you've got a great shot at winning that game. And they did. Much props to them. :thumb:

As for the Eagles, we've got 10 picks coming up in the draft, and 12 free agents. We'll sign most of those guys I would think, and most of our core players are locked up long term. However, Mr. Freddie Mitchell has got to go. I don't think Freddie is a bad football player, but his attitude in and around the team is not needed. I'll take Branden Stokley any day over FredEx. And I hope he gets his ass FredExed straight out of town. With Deuce McAllister being a free agent, I'd love for us to sign a guy like that. But he'd want the ball 25-30 times, and I don't think Andy wants to go that route. We will need to get a big back though for next year that can spell Westbrook and be a kind of change of pace back. We'll see what'll happen though. See ya in Detroit in Super Bowl XL! :thumb:

By the way Eddymon, no McNabb is no Brady, but Brady is no McNabb either. Both of these guys need to be respected for what they do. That TD pass to Westbrook just blew my mind. I still don't know how the hell Donovan got that pass in there. And Brady was equally sensational. I heard a stat that really blew me away. In the Super Bowl era there are four QB's that have a career winning percentage of .700 or more. Roger Staubach, Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Donovan McNabb. That says alot about #5 I think, and hopefully he can earn himself a Championship very soon.

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Of the two participants in Super Bowl XXXIX, the Eagles have the best chance to return.

Unlike the Patriots, who are $195,000 over the $85.5 million salary cap, the Eagles have cap room. They still have a great core group of players. They have Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens and eight other Pro Bowlers. They're loaded, and they are in the NFC, the lesser of the two conferences. Unlike the Patriots, they are expected to bring the entire coaching staff back. They are strong at important positions -- quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, tackle, defensive end and halfback.

Owens told the national press after the game that the Super Bowl was his stage, but he told his teammates that the Super Bowl is the stage on which this team will return. With the additions of Owens and Jevon Kearse, the Eagles made their first trip to the Super Bowl after three failed efforts in NFC Championship games.

They hunger for a return.

"The ultimate goal was not to be satisfied just to get to the Super Bowl," Owens said. "Our goal is to win it. We came up short. We let the game slip away."

Flying The Coop?
Unrestricted free agents
# LB Keith Adams
# QB Jeff Blake
# RB Correll Buckhalter
# DE Derrick Burgess
# DE Hugh Douglas
# RB Dorsey Levens
# G Jermane Mayberry
# TE Chad Lewis
# LB Ike Reese
# RB Jon Ritchie
# DT Corey Simon
# MLB Jeremiah Trotter
# TE Jeff Thomason

Restricted free agents
# T Ian Allen
# RB Brian Westbrook

# $17.1 million of cap room


The Eagles have 13 unrestricted free agents and two restricted free agents, including halfback Brian Westbrook. The good news is that they have $17.1 million of cap room. The bad news is that they have some difficult negotiations.

# Defensive tackle Corey Simon is one of the anchors of the defensive line -- and he wants to remain an Eagles -- but he would also like like to be among the highest paid defensive tackles in football. While the team might not consider him as good of a run stopper as they hoped, the Eagles know they can't afford to lose him. If no deal is reached in the next couple of weeks, there is a good chance he will be franchised at the one-year offer of $5.134 million.

If Simon is franchised, though, don't necessarily expect a holdout. He tells friends he would be willing to sign the one-year tender and work toward a long-term deal and not miss the offseason program.

# Once middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter returned to the starting lineup, he shaved 50 yards off the team's rushing yards allowed average. He came back at the minimum salary of $535,000 after being released from a Redskins contract that paid him $5 million a year. For next season, he doesn't want to be a minimum salary bargain. What do the Eagles pay him? That's a good question.

# Derrick Burgess emerged as a playmaker along the defensive line, and he seemed to do better at left defensive end during the past two playoff games. Burgess had only two-and-a-half sacks during the regular season, but he did a great job pressuring Michael Vick and Tom Brady. Kearse has an eight-year, $62.6 million contract. Simon is an expensive commodity along the defensive line. Can the Eagles pay three linemen? The negotiations will be interesting.

# Last year the Eagles changed their offseason strategy by going outside the organization to get Owens and Kearse. They also went against their recent history of letting unsigned players in their thirties go. The pattern changed when they brought back Trotter and Hugh Douglas. Interesting decisions will involve two aging starters -- tight end Chad Lewis (33) and guard Jermane Mayberry (31). L.J. Smith has shown he is ready to take over as the main tight end. Mayberry remains a solid offensive lineman and injuries left the team thin on backups. The question for the Eagles is cost. If Lewis and Mayberry want to return for a modest cost -- $1 million or so -- then the Eagles will re-sign them. If they want better paydays, they will join Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent as former Eagles.

# The Eagles have to figure how much of a feature back Westbrook is and how to pay him. They will likely place a first-round tender or a first- and third-round tender on the restricted free agent, making sure he doesn't leave. Westbrook is the X-factor in the Eagles offense because of the matchup problems he causes when he lines up as a receiver. As a running back, he's an escape artist who gets about 14 carries a game and averages 4.6 yards a carry. Is that worth $3 million a year? Or $4 million a year? Or will Westbrook ask for more?

Overall, the Eagles still have legs after their incredible four-year run at getting to NFC Championship games. As far as coaching staffs, they have a future head coach in offensive coordinator Brad Childress who faced many of the same problems as Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis. The deeper Childress goes into the playoffs, the less chance he has of getting a head coaching job. Had the Browns not hired Crennel, Childress would have been the next option.

Figure on the Eagles to add more depth to the offensive line. First-round pick Shawn Andrews played only one game before a season-ending injury, but he will return as a powerful guard next season. The thought was Andrews would take over for Jon Runyan at right tackle in 2005, but Runyan played so well, he will get to complete the final year of his contract.

Kearse may keep the job as the right defensive spot. A left defensive end his entire career, Kearse believes playing the right side gives him a better ability to make inside rushes. Plus, he doesn't fear playing against the left tackle, usually the team's best pass blocker. Coming from the right side, he gets to attack the quarterback's blind side, and with that speed, he can "freak out" a quarterback.

Also, look for the Eagles to draft a running back in the first day of the draft. They are like a handful of teams that believe in getting a running back every year because backs have short careers. Buckhalter's knee injury left the Eagles so thin in the backfield they had to bring back 11-year veteran Dorsey Levens. It will be interesting to see whether the Eagles bring in a big back to pound the ball as a counter to Westbrook.

The bottom line is the Eagles remain the top dogs in the NFC. They just need a little more bite to win a Super Bowl

Did you guys notice how some of the Pats mimicked Owens' dance?

Vrabel (sp?) and Givens celebrating their touchdowns and Harrison with the game clinching interception.

I got a kick out of it.

Did you guys notice how some of the Pats mimicked Owens' dance?

Vrabel (sp?) and Givens celebrating their touchdowns and Harrison with the game clinching interception.

I got a kick out of it.

I saw it buddy. Too cool and a great game. Sorry Sucka. :( I still couldn't help rooting for The Pats, AFC and all.

That mocking Owens thing really irked me. If anything they should have mocked Freddie Mitchell with that belt thing he does. Owens had nothing but great things to say about the Pats, and for them to mock him like that was out of line. It would have been better if the guy hadn't caught nine passes for 122yds against them.

That mocking Owens thing really irked me. If anything they should have mocked Freddie Mitchell with that belt thing he does. Owens had nothing but great things to say about the Pats, and for them to mock him like that was out of line. It would have been better if the guy hadn't caught nine passes for 122yds against them.

Owens is the mouthpiece and "Main Man" (sorry McNabb) on the Eagles. Thats why they mimicked him.
If the Patriots had "individuals" that drew attention to themselves then they would derserve to be mimicked. T.O had a great game, but lost.

Mitchell wouldn't even make this team. No way would I want him before Branch, Brown, Given and Patten. And none of those guys were drafted anywhere near as high as "Bitchell". They don't even pay any attention to him. Rodney Harrison caught twice as many ball from McNabb than Mitchell did.:D

I see where Clayton is coming from, but the Pats will still be stacked. And, lets face it, they weren't challenged in the playoffs, at all, until Philly. But they'll have to battle for the bye, and that bye week is huge if they have to face Indy. So, I see where he's coming from.

Remember on that cap number, Ty Law is on it for like $12 million, no way his number stays there. Pats just won the damn thing without him, so I'd expect to see him take a pay cut or be released. Lawyer Molloy anyone?

Would be a pisser if he ended up in Indy, eh?

The Pats will reload and be back. They are SOLID and deep, and as long as Pioli and Belichick are drafting, they'll stay deep. I'll start worrying when they start losing guys like Harrison, Bruschi and Vrabel. Hell, even McGinest, as big as he's come up, may not be a critical loss when he retires, since Colvin and Vrabel are still young and play that position. Wilson and Asante Samuel are just second year guys, too.

What blows my mind is the mix of youth and experience they have. IF the experience rubs off on the younger guys to pass on as the older guys retire, then this thing could last a while. But, we'll see.

BRING ON BASEBALL!!!!!!

Owens is the mouthpiece and "Main Man" (sorry McNabb) on the Eagles. Thats why they mimicked him.
If the Patriots had "individuals" that drew attention to themselves then they would derserve to be mimicked. T.O had a great game, but lost.

Mitchell wouldn't even make this team. No way would I want him before Branch, Brown, Given and Patten. And none of those guys were drafted anywhere near as high as "Bitchell". They don't even pay any attention to him. Rodney Harrison caught twice as many ball from McNabb than Mitchell did.:D

Just because Owens is the mouth piece, doesn't make what they did right. At this point, people know who Freddie Mitchell is, and what his little celebrations are. The Eagles play enough nationally televised games, and Fred is always on ESPN. So if they wanted to mock Freddie they could have. Instead they mocked a guy that was lighting up their secondary, and IMO should have touched the ball even more then he did. I respect the Pats, but that shit really irked me. I can see once, but they mocked us three or four times in that game, and that's uncalled for. Doesn't matter now though.

Reports: McNabb Sick During Crucial Part Of Super Bowl

Receiver Allegedly Called Play

POSTED: 1:34 pm EST February 8, 2005
UPDATED: 2:47 pm EST February 8, 2005

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was so ill in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl that a teammate had to call a play in the huddle, three Eagles players had confirmed.


"He fought to the end," center Hank Fraley told Comcast SportsNet on Monday. "He gave it his all. He was almost puking in the huddle. One play had to be called by (wideout) Freddie Mitchell because Donovan was mumbling because he was almost puking."

Offensive lineman Jon Runyan also echoed Fraley's comments in the same interview aired on two local radio stations on Tuesday morning after the Comcast report.


And Mitchell confirmed to NBC 10 News in an interview that he was forced to call a play and McNabb was hurt.

Heard that too. He's a warrior as well, but I won't say that if he was "healthy" that we would have won the game. The Pats executed a great game plan on both sides of the ball, and deserved to win that game.

Reports: McNabb Sick During Crucial Part Of Super Bowl

Receiver Allegedly Called Play

POSTED: 1:34 pm EST February 8, 2005
UPDATED: 2:47 pm EST February 8, 2005

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was so ill in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl that a teammate had to call a play in the huddle, three Eagles players had confirmed.


"He fought to the end," center Hank Fraley told Comcast SportsNet on Monday. "He gave it his all. He was almost puking in the huddle. One play had to be called by (wideout) Freddie Mitchell because Donovan was mumbling because he was almost puking."

Offensive lineman Jon Runyan also echoed Fraley's comments in the same interview aired on two local radio stations on Tuesday morning after the Comcast report.


And Mitchell confirmed to NBC 10 News in an interview that he was forced to call a play and McNabb was hurt.

Sick? Is that another word for choke? More likely sickness from the pressure of the situation.

Mitchell wouldn't even make this team. No way would I want him before Branch, Brown, Given and Patten.

I'd take him over Patten. That guy always chokes in big games, and this years superbowl was no different. I was especially peeved by his alligator arms on the first quarter bomb by Brady.

I was waiting for somebody to go there. Why is it so far fetched that McNabb was sick? People had no problem with it coming out about Brady being sick against the Steelers. But since McNabb was the losing QB, it's not ok to bring up that he was under the weather? Come on now.

And he even said during the press conference that he's not going to make excuses for himself for losing that game. That takes class. If he was sick or not, the Patriots deserved to win that game with the way they played. They hardly dominated however, so I don't see where McNabb choking can even be brought up.

Associated Press

BOSTON -- Three silver Super Bowl trophies and the gray sweat shirt-wearing mastermind who won them all took a championship ride through the streets of Boston on Tuesday, passing nearly 1 million screaming fans.

Kids skipped school and grown-ups missed work. Confetti flew and players blew kisses to the crowd.

The New England Patriots took another victory ride through town -- their third in four years -- to give their sign-waving, slogan-chanting supporters a chance to share in Sunday's 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Jacksonville, Fla.

"It's incredible. It seems very surreal, deja vu, man," quarterback Tom Brady said. "You never get sick of the winning. You never get sick of the fans. I tell you, it's a great place to play."

It was a warm winter day, but coach Bill Belichick still wore his gray hooded sweat shirt, a symbol of his fashion sense and coaching focus: he's too busy making his team look good to bother about himself.

Coaches, players and their friends and family members rode along the 1½-mile route in World War II-style amphibious duck boats, usually used to take tourists to historic city sites. The Boston Red Sox used them in their championship "rolling rally" last October but, unlike the baseball team, the Patriots didn't go into the Charles River, which was frozen over.

Belichick was in the lead vehicle with team owner Robert Kraft, vice chairman Jonathan Kraft and player personnel director Scott Pioli. The executives each clutched a Vince Lombardi trophy, though they may need help doing it next year.

One fan held up a sign that read "Next Stop Detroit." That's where the next Super Bowl will be held on Feb. 5, 2006, when the Patriots can win their fourth trophy in five years.

"It took me nine years to get my first championship. Now they're coming every year. I could get used to this," said Troy Brown, who played wide receiver, defensive back and returned punts in the Super Bowl.

The crowd was mostly orderly, although several people were led away from the parade route in handcuffs and police said there were some arrests. There was no mass gathering of fans at City Hall Plaza, where the Patriots addressed them after the last two championships.

Some players flapped their arms, ridiculing the touchdown celebration of Eagles receiver Terrell Owens. Fans stood on snowbanks and trash cans. They threw T-shirts, posters and other memorabilia at players to be autographed and took photos with cell phone cameras.

Some wanted a smile from their dimple-chinned quarterback. He gave it to them along with three raised fingers, signifying each title.

"Take me to the prom," read one sign directed at Brady.

His girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan, rode on one of the duck boats.

Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch, who rode with Brady, tried to address the crowd but his microphone malfunctioned. He smiled and was cheered just the same by youngsters who roared like rock fans.

"It's fantastic," said 11-year-old James Casey, wearing a red, white and blue Patriots jacket. "I got to see the Patriots in person. It's awesome."

Plenty of grown-ups acted like kids, roaring for the city's second pro sports championship in four months.

"It's exciting," Uri Ahn, 36, of Bedford, N.H., said. "It's something you might not see again. It's history. It's a true new dynasty."

The Patriots have won 32 of their last 34 games, including a 10-0 record in the playoffs. Belichick passed former Green Bay coach Vince Lombardi for the best playoff record, 10-1. And no team has won three consecutive Super Bowls, something the Patriots can accomplish next year.

If that happens, defensive end Richard Seymour's hand might be sparkling more than it was Tuesday when he held up his fist for fans to admire one of his Super Bowl rings. At one point, tight end Daniel Graham and fullback Patrick Pass each held up three fingers for each championship, then raised a fourth.

But, befitting Belichick's obsession with not looking ahead, the focus was on the latest championship and the adoring fans.

"This means more than anything in the world," offensive tackle Matt Light told them. "You guys have been the greatest fans since Day 1. This is the best season of my life."

Now at USA today they say that a few of the Eagles players have different views as to Nabby's degree of illness. A few on the field say he was just coughing and was nowhere near puking. I think at this point it's just 'water under the bridge'. The game is over so who cares?
I am not trying to starts shit here witht the Ealges fans, I am just saying why beat this thing into the ground?

Now at USA today they say that a few of the Eagles players have different views as to Nabby's degree of illness. A few on the field say he was just coughing and was nowhere near puking. I think at this point it's just 'water under the bridge'. The game is over so who cares?
I am not trying to starts shit here witht the Ealges fans, I am just saying why beat this thing into the ground?

I think the only people beating it to the ground are the media, and some of the Eagle players. Like you said, the game is over, so who cares. It's not the first time I've seen Donovan throw up in the huddle, so I'm really not suprised to hear about this. I'm just hoping it was due to an injury, or fatigue. I'd hate to think that this guy was that nervous that he lost his lunch. He's a six year veteran now.

I'd take him over Patten. That guy always chokes in big games, and this years superbowl was no different. I was especially peeved by his alligator arms on the first quarter bomb by Brady.

Brady threw 2 bad passes to him, it wasn't his fault.
You seem to be forgetting the big plays he has made in the past. One in particular play in Buffalo when he got knocked out on a play yet still held onto the ball and stopped the clock.

Mitchell is all self-hype.

I think the only people beating it to the ground are the media, and some of the Eagle players. Like you said, the game is over, so who cares. It's not the first time I've seen Donovan throw up in the huddle, so I'm really not suprised to hear about this. I'm just hoping it was due to an injury, or fatigue. I'd hate to think that this guy was that nervous that he lost his lunch. He's a six year veteran now.

Whether he was nervous or was actually sick. Its just an excuse.
Brady had a 103 fever against the Colts but look how he performed. Like I said there is a HUGE difference between Brady and McNabb. Donavan might have a bit more in the way of physical tools, but its also a very tough mentally position. Brady is a complete QB, thats why he is the overall best QB in the NFL.

Plus not only did Brady have his grandmother dying last week on his mind, his uncle (dad's brother) was diagnosed with cancer and his dad even had to go to the hospital for some sort of illness. All that happend the week prior to the Superbowl.

Whether he was nervous or was actually sick. Its just an excuse.
Brady had a 103 fever against the Colts but look how he performed. Like I said there is a HUGE difference between Brady and McNabb. Donavan might have a bit more in the way of physical tools, but its also a very tough mentally position. Brady is a complete QB, thats why he is the overall best QB in the NFL.

Plus not only did Brady have his grandmother dying last week on his mind, his uncle (dad's brother) was diagnosed with cancer and his dad even had to go to the hospital for some sort of illness. All that happend the week prior to the Superbowl.

Eddymon please. McNabb thru for for over 350yds, which was the thrid most in Super Bowl history. And he did it while under the weather apparently. So it's not like McNabb had a bad game. He just made some crucial mistakes, but that has alot to do with the poor play of our offensive line, and lack of a running game. The guy passed over 50 times, and when you get up to that hgh a number, there's more potential for picks. I looked it up too. Brady threw 48 times in his first Super Bowl win, and he was picked off once. You take any QB in the NFL and make them one dimensional, and there is a high potential for them to be intercepted.

Other then the championship rings, please tell me the HUGE differences between the two QB's. If you ask me, all these two guys do is win, and that's the most important stat of all. But if you want to go by stats, McNabb had the better year.

I don't go just by stats, I go by wins. Thats whats most important.

We could beat the QB comparisons to death but yes McNabb did have a very good season. But I wonder just how good Philly would have done if they had the Patriots schedule. The NFC isn't anywhere near as good as the AFC right now.

Eagles 2004 schedule:

Sep 12 NY Giants 4:15 p.m. W 31-17 Game Recap
Sep 20 Vikings 9:00 p.m. W 27-16 Game Recap
Sep 26 @ Lions 1:00 p.m. W 30-13 Game Recap
Oct 3 @ Bears 1:00 p.m. W 19-9 Game Recap
Oct 17 Panthers 1:00 p.m. W 30-8 Game Recap
Oct 24 @ Browns 1:00 p.m. W 34-31 Game Recap
Oct 31 Ravens 1:00 p.m. W 15-10 Game Recap
Nov 7 @ Steelers 1:00 p.m. L 27-3 Game Recap
Nov 15 @ Cowboys 9:00 p.m. W 49-21 Game Recap
Nov 21 Redskins 4:15 p.m. W 28-6 Game Recap
Nov 28 @ NY Giants 1:00 p.m. W 27-6 Game Recap
Dec 5 Packers 4:15 p.m. W 47-17 Game Recap
Dec 12 @ Redskins 8:30 p.m. W 17-14 Game Recap
Dec 19 Cowboys 1:00 p.m. W 12-7 Game Recap
Dec 27 @ Rams 9:00 p.m. L 20-7 Game Recap
Jan 2 Bengals 1:00 p.m. L 38-10 Game Recap

Patriots:

Thu 09/09/2004 09:00 PM vs Colts ABC 27-24 W
Sun 09/19/2004 04:15 PM @ Cardinals CBS 718 23-12 W
Sun 09/26/2004 01:00 AM vs Bye
Sun 10/03/2004 01:00 PM @ Bills CBS 711 31-17 W
Sun 10/10/2004 01:00 PM vs Dolphins CBS 24-10 W
Sun 10/17/2004 01:00 PM vs Seahawks FOX 715 30-20 W
Sun 10/24/2004 04:05 PM vs Jets CBS 718 705 13-7 W
Sun 10/31/2004 04:15 PM @ Steelers CBS 714 704 34-20 L
Sun 11/07/2004 04:15 PM @ Rams CBS 713 704 40-22 W
Sun 11/14/2004 08:30 PM vs Bills ESPN 29-6 W
Mon 11/22/2004 09:00 PM @ Chiefs ABC 27-19 W
Sun 11/28/2004 04:15 PM vs Ravens CBS 707 24-3 W
Sun 12/05/2004 01:00 PM @ Browns CBS 712 42-15 W
Sun 12/12/2004 01:00 PM vs Bengals CBS 711 35-28 W
Mon 12/20/2004 09:00 PM @ Dolphins ABC 29-28 L
Sun 12/26/2004 04:15 PM @ Jets CBS 715 704 23-7 W
Sun 01/02/2005 01:00 PM vs 49ers FOX 714 21-7 W

Just because Owens is the mouth piece, doesn't make what they did right. At this point, people know who Freddie Mitchell is, and what his little celebrations are. The Eagles play enough nationally televised games, and Fred is always on ESPN. So if they wanted to mock Freddie they could have. Instead they mocked a guy that was lighting up their secondary, and IMO should have touched the ball even more then he did. I respect the Pats, but that shit really irked me. I can see once, but they mocked us three or four times in that game, and that's uncalled for. Doesn't matter now though.

You know that Owens is going to be the target because of his past. Personally, I'm a big fan of scoring a touchdown - handing the ball to the ref. At the least a small spike. All these funky dances are too much sometimes. When your team has won - then celebrate any way you wish (within bounds). But just because you made a good play - just shut up and get ready for the next play...

I'll say it again... I don't care if its Brady, McNabb or Manning, the team is who wins championships. The Patriots exemplify this more than anyone.

I don't go just by stats, I go by wins. Thats whats most important.

We could beat the QB comparisons to death but yes McNabb did have a very good season. But I wonder just how good Philly would have done if they had the Patriots schedule. The NFC isn't anywhere near as good as the AFC right now.

Eagles 2004 schedule:

Sep 12 NY Giants 4:15 p.m. W 31-17 Game Recap
Sep 20 Vikings 9:00 p.m. W 27-16 Game Recap
Sep 26 @ Lions 1:00 p.m. W 30-13 Game Recap
Oct 3 @ Bears 1:00 p.m. W 19-9 Game Recap
Oct 17 Panthers 1:00 p.m. W 30-8 Game Recap
Oct 24 @ Browns 1:00 p.m. W 34-31 Game Recap
Oct 31 Ravens 1:00 p.m. W 15-10 Game Recap
Nov 7 @ Steelers 1:00 p.m. L 27-3 Game Recap
Nov 15 @ Cowboys 9:00 p.m. W 49-21 Game Recap
Nov 21 Redskins 4:15 p.m. W 28-6 Game Recap
Nov 28 @ NY Giants 1:00 p.m. W 27-6 Game Recap
Dec 5 Packers 4:15 p.m. W 47-17 Game Recap
Dec 12 @ Redskins 8:30 p.m. W 17-14 Game Recap
Dec 19 Cowboys 1:00 p.m. W 12-7 Game Recap
Dec 27 @ Rams 9:00 p.m. L 20-7 Game Recap
Jan 2 Bengals 1:00 p.m. L 38-10 Game Recap

Patriots:

Thu 09/09/2004 09:00 PM vs Colts ABC 27-24 W
Sun 09/19/2004 04:15 PM @ Cardinals CBS 718 23-12 W
Sun 09/26/2004 01:00 AM vs Bye
Sun 10/03/2004 01:00 PM @ Bills CBS 711 31-17 W
Sun 10/10/2004 01:00 PM vs Dolphins CBS 24-10 W
Sun 10/17/2004 01:00 PM vs Seahawks FOX 715 30-20 W
Sun 10/24/2004 04:05 PM vs Jets CBS 718 705 13-7 W
Sun 10/31/2004 04:15 PM @ Steelers CBS 714 704 34-20 L
Sun 11/07/2004 04:15 PM @ Rams CBS 713 704 40-22 W
Sun 11/14/2004 08:30 PM vs Bills ESPN 29-6 W
Mon 11/22/2004 09:00 PM @ Chiefs ABC 27-19 W
Sun 11/28/2004 04:15 PM vs Ravens CBS 707 24-3 W
Sun 12/05/2004 01:00 PM @ Browns CBS 712 42-15 W
Sun 12/12/2004 01:00 PM vs Bengals CBS 711 35-28 W
Mon 12/20/2004 09:00 PM @ Dolphins ABC 29-28 L
Sun 12/26/2004 04:15 PM @ Jets CBS 715 704 23-7 W
Sun 01/02/2005 01:00 PM vs 49ers FOX 714 21-7 W


Man we can sit here all day and speculate about what if's. The fact of the matter is that the Eagles are in the NFC and the Pats are in the AFC. You can't just flip flop and say if the Pats were in the NFC they'd dominate, because on any given sunday any team can win. Different situations usually have different outcomes, so I'm not gonna say if the Pats were in the NFC they'd dominate, and if Philly were in the AFC they'd be just average. You gotta play who's on your schedule. And by looking at the schedule, the Birds only real loss came against the beast team in the AFC, and the Pats still lost to the Phins on national tv. So like I said, any given sunday..or well, monday in the Patroits case.

I'll say it again... I don't care if its Brady, McNabb or Manning, the team is who wins championships. The Patriots exemplify this more than anyone.

I agree. It doesn't hurt to have an elite QB though to lead your offense. Trent Dilfer is the only exception over the last few years.

I agree. It doesn't hurt to have an elite QB though to lead your offense. Trent Dilfer is the only exception over the last few years.

Or Brad Johnson I must add.

Or Brad Johnson I must add.

Yea, forgot about him. But in his defense, he really played well late in the season heading into the playoffs. At the time, I think he was one of the most accurate passers in the game.

Yeah, he might have hit a hot streak as he did a few times up in Minnesota...you know, the ones that landed him the BIG loot. At no point though would I use Brad Johnson and elite in the same sentence nor would I use Brian Griesie, Rob Johnson or Scott Mitchell.

Damn you took me back with those names. I'm sure Buffalo fans are still hurting after Rob Johnson. That guy actually had talent which is the sad part. The other guy that coach's have always loved is Jeff George. That guy never won dick in the NFL, yet year after year his name is always coming up. The guy had a wicked arm, but had no pocket presence, mobility or the heart to take a team to the next level.

BUFFALO FANS? Fuck them! They have seen plenty of 'almost' glory! I am a Lion's fan for the love of God!
We dumped some SERIOUS cash into Scott Mitchell's bank account. That guy had about 4 HOT games for Jax and we handed him the wheel and made him a multi multi multi millionaire!
Now THAT hurt!

LOL Well atleast you had Barry Sanders. He didn't help the last time you guys made the playoffs and faced the Eagles though. I think the score was like 55-17 or something like that. I feel for Detroit fans, I really do. Scott Mitchell was supposed to be another Steve Young, and Herman Moore another Andre Reed, but taller. Atleast Herman was productive atleast. Scott was just a bust.

Okay...how about THIS for a Lion's bust. Andre Ware! Oh the agony!
Rogers is headed that way too but not by lack of talent. That collar bone thing is not good. Twice in two years. It's not like those things get much stronger. Williams is a stud and Jones is too. Joey needs to get his boyfriend out of his ass and grow a set! This is it for Joey...he either shines this year or he is DONE. He has the 'O' line, the RB and the WR. No more excuses!!!

I agree with that. The one thing with Joe that I don't like is that I don't see any fire in the kid. When I look at McNabb, Brady, Manning, Pep and Bulger to name a few, I see that desire to win. Now in come cases that desire may be harnessed by dumb coaching, or "idiot kickers" but in all they still have that special something. When I look at Joe I don't get that kinda feeling, although I do think he's very talented. But you're correct, if he doesn't step up this coming season, he's done in motown.

I watch all the Lion's games(why I dunno) and all of the Detroit News and shit. The ONLY time Joey shows any emotion is when he is interviewed and asked about his job being on the line. He will say 'I AM THE QB OF THIS TEAM' and he will say it with heart. So PLAY like that Joseph! Ya' just wanna run on the field and bitch slap him! You hit it right on the head. That's why this is the year. If you aren't comfortable leading a NFL team after 3 years...you are destined to be a career Rick Mirer! Actually he may have more nuts.

LMAO @ Rick Mirer. What a bust! I'm sure OLO enjoyed Rick's tenure in Seattle. :)

Luckily I've only had to live with, Rodney Peete, Bobby Hoying, Jim McMahon, Ty Detmer, Koy Detmer, and Bubby Brister. You figure fans in Philly would be happy to get a McNabb after years of shit, but noooooooo. You turn on sports radio today and they're talkin about McNabb sucks, and all that b.s. :irked:

You know what though..being from Detroit I understand how it goes. Hero one day...zero the next. It really is amazing how life goes for athletes in the midwest and east. You know..those dog days of winter and cold, What else gets you up more than ball? Some players can't take the heat and would rather be playing in Miami, San Diego or LA. A place where if the team sucks or a player is pissing them off they can say...well I think I will go fishing today or hit a crafts festival. That's what I miss down here in Fla! The Magic are good..the O'rena is packed..the Magic suck..no one is there. Same thing with the Dolfans. Even if they squeeek into the playoffs..they don't sellout the stadium. McNabb has been facing this shit since day 1. He'll just keep doing his Chunky commercials and smiling all the way to the bank.

And I'll be smiling with him. The guy has like six endorsment deals, on top of his 100+ million contract, with a sick signing bonus. The man is gettin P A I D. The fans here just don't know what they want. I think Philadelphia fans are the most passionate and misunderstood fans on the planet, but they can be dicks sometimes. They wanted to run Iverson out of town about two years ago, after he wins the damn league MVP. In baseball they wanted, and still want to unload Bobby Abreu, and the guy hits 30hrs and steals 20-30 bases every year. In hockey it was Lindros, but well, I kinda agreed with that. It's like we're waiting for our savior in this town, when fans should realize that we already have one, and his number is 5.

It's the truth. Many cities are never happy. With McNabb it's not like he got busted lying as he snuck out of the cubhouse early OR had cork in his bat. Sammy you can understand..the guy just turned bad REALLY quick. McNabb will NEVER be able to do right by probably 40% of Philly no matter what. BUT at leasat they will pack the stands to cheer and/or to boo his ass. They won't stay home. If a team sucks they will almost be MORE eager to hit the ballpark rather than to avoid it. Gotta love that if you're an owner!!

And owner Jeff Lurie loves are asses! We're there faithfully man. Heck, I can remember goin down to the vet during the Rich Kotite years, and Ray Rhodes later years. It wasn't pretty, but we went and had fun. Unlike alot of cities, most of them I won't name because I don't want to offend anybody, Philly fans come out every single game.

Naaaah don't worry. You won't offend Los Angleles, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, San Diego, Atlanta, Phoenix(or Pa Honix as that funny ass Fed Ex commercial says), San Franciso(yet ironically across the bay the Raiders pack them in..but then again that is a different breed of fan) You hit a midwestern or eastern stadium in ANY sport with ANY team record and the seats will be full. That is pretty muich a sure thing!

Naaaah don't worry. You won't offend Los Angleles, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, San Diego, Atlanta, Phoenix(or Pa Honix as that funny ass Fed Ex commercial says), San Franciso(yet ironically across the bay the Raiders pack them in..but then again that is a different breed of fan) You hit a midwestern or eastern stadium in ANY sport with ANY team record and the seats will be full. That is pretty muich a sure thing!

Well you said it, I didn't! LOL I didn't particularly care for the NFL giving Carolina and Jacksonville a team either. By the way, I heard that many media members and fans were not happy with Jacksonville being the host city for the game this year. They said there were no cabs or transportation available, and basically you had to walk everywhere. The weather was horrible, although I find it hard to blame the city for that. And just overall it was just a bad city to pick, and was basically the NFL throwing Jacksonville a bone since they're not bringing in much revenue. Heard the same thing about Detroit for next year as well.

Oh hell no don't be dogging D'Town j/k! No they bring in a TON of revenue and THAT is the exact reason why Detroit got the game! In other words the FORD family...who owns the Lions and Ford field. As we all are familiar with the Ford pre-game show..and the Ford post game show....and the Ford starting lineups etc.
I have heard mixed reviews about Jax. I think they did well though. From bringing in the cruise ships to making additional runways available to accomodate 800 private jets they went out of their way. The media will always bitch when ya' think about it. For what it's worth I watch the Best Damn Sports Show and fat ass Tom Arnold said it was the best Super Bowl host job he has ever seen. I forgot to add Jax to my fickle fan list...Carolina as well. Carolina packed them in while the team was new but it will die down just the the Carolina Hurricanes did.

Oh hell no don't be dogging D'Town j/k! No they bring in a TON of revenue and THAT is the exact reason why Detroit got the game! In other words the FORD family...who owns the Lions and Ford field. As we all are familiar with the Ford pre-game show..and the Ford post game show....and the Ford starting lineups etc.
I have heard mixed reviews about Jax. I think they did well though. From bringing in the cruise ships to making additional runways available to accomodate 800 private jets they went out of their way. The media will always bitch when ya' think about it. For what it's worth I watch the Best Damn Sports Show and fat ass Tom Arnold said it was the best Super Bowl host job he has ever seen. I forgot to add Jax to my fickle fan list...Carolina as well. Carolina packed them in while the team was new but it will die down just the the Carolina Hurricanes did.

Don't even get me started on the Carolina Hurricanes. Every year I go off on a rant about small market teams that I think need to go. Especially in hockey.

As for the media, they bitch about everything. I wasn't down there so I wouldn't know, but from everybody I heard calling in on the radio, they had a great time down there. Philly fans basically took over down there and made it like a home game. I noticed that ESPN forgot to mention how great Philly fans were down there, but I digress.

Detroit is a great sports town, minus the Tigers, and well the Lions too. The Pistons and Red Wings have great histories, so I don't see anything wrong with Detroit getting the game next year. I really want to see the Jets new stadium in 2008, because from the looks of the model, it'll be great. That place will host a Super Bowl very soon after it's built.

Yeah, but imagine the bitching next year! Holy shit! Jax is a beautiful city and it's pretty new. It also is quite tropical even with the cooler weather. Detroit is a shit hole, if I wasn't from there I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Especially that time of year...people want a warm climate Super Bowl...i.e.good outdoor parties with scantily clad women. Not in Detroit! They do have the accomodations though.
The Tiges will be better this year now that their owner is saving some cash on NHL salaries but losing ticket sales..he HAS to put people in the seats at Comerica which is a BIG ass park! So now he is dumping more into the Tigers.
The NHL sadly is probably dead! This lockout will kill the NHL. It was already on lifesupport. They say they will NOT eliminate any teams so it's as good as done. I hate to say it being from Hockeytown! By the way..those two goals McCarty had against the Flyers in the finals were beautiful! Especially the last one..BAM BAM...side to side fakeout! Rememeber that one? Sorry had to do it..you brought up the Eagles spanking the Lions!

I've blocked that part of my life dude, sorry, don't remember that. :p I remember the finals like it was yesterday. You guys skated around us like we had cement boots on. There was just no way in hell we had a chance against that Wings team. That series pretty much gave me the reason to despise everything that has to do with sports in Detroit. Plus add the fact that it's a shit city, that just gives me all the more reason to hate it. :)

Okay...hmmm the Tigers won the series in 68 and 84, the Lions..well nevermind, the Pistons in 89,90,04 and of course the Red Wings which I need not list. How's Philly doin'? And don't pull up some shit from the early 1900's about the Philadelphia Athletics!
Oh Hell Yeah...how about our WNBA Championship Team! Uh huh!! That's what I'm talkin about! Or even the Michigan Panthers..BACK to BACK USFL Champs!!

Okay...hmmm the Tigers won the series in 68 and 84, the Lions..well nevermind, the Pistons in 89,90,04 and of course the Red Wings which I need not list. How's Philly doin'? And don't pull up some shit from the early 1900's about the Philadelphia Athletics!
Oh Hell Yeah...how about our WNBA Championship Team! Uh huh!! That's what I'm talkin about! Or even the Michigan Panthers..BACK to BACK USFL Champs!!


OUCH! Let's see..the Phantoms won the AHL Calder Cup in the 90's. And the Philadelphia Wings (Lacrosse) won their championship a few times. And don't count out the tough Philadelphia Soul in the Arena League. We're on our way baby! :)