This being Philadelphia, we need someone to blame. So: Donovan McNabb, for looking like a mediocre quarterback for the first time this post-season? The offensive line, for allowing themselves to be shoved around like helpless toddlers, resulting in four sacks and no running game? Andy Reid, for fourth-quarter clock management straight out of the Rich Kotite era? The defense, for missing tackle after tackle while aiming for the SportsCenter blow-up hit?
I think it's a little bit of everything, though the real reason the Eagles lost Super Bowl XXXIX is that they were playing a better team. If the Birds are the class of the NFC -- and make no mistake, they are -- the Patriots are the class of the NFL. They are what Philadelphia should aspire to. It won't take much -- that the Eagles lost by just a field goal is a pretty accurate reflection of what separates the two teams. Tuesday Morning Quarterback will castigate Philadelphia tomorrow for going pass-wacky, and a better ground game likely would have helped buy McNabb some time and space to get more comfortable in the pocket. But regardless, the Eagles' problems are fixable, and fairly quickly. They will contend again next season.
Meanwhile, pitchers and catchers, anyone?
The game reminded me of why I'm not a football fan...dull as dishwater. even the ads sucked. Oh well, McCartney was pretty good.
Posted by: John aslmon | Monday, February 07, 2005 at 01:54 PM
The best ads were for Diet Pepsi, though you and I don't need coaxing for that beverage, Tom. I loved the P Diddy commerical, especially the appearance by Xhibit with his tricked out van. The other, with the guy walking down the street, was bland until Carson from 'Queer Eye' turned to stare. Brilliant, Pepsi.
Posted by: Jeff "Moose" | Monday, February 07, 2005 at 03:18 PM
Pitchers and catchers...yes!
Posted by: Jane | Tuesday, February 08, 2005 at 08:37 AM
51 attempts. is that a career high for mcnabb?
Posted by: gr | Tuesday, February 08, 2005 at 11:04 AM
Actually, I was underwhelmed by both McCartney and the ads, though to be honest I was locked in on the game itself for the first time in 24 years. And, yes, Greg, I thought McNabb passed way too much -- don't know if it was a career high, but a running game sure would have helped. Finally: Jane, nice to hear from you! Hope all's well.
Posted by: Tom | Tuesday, February 08, 2005 at 08:09 PM