Anybody remember the Eagles?
Normally such a quandary would have Eagles' execs down at the Nova Care complex climbing the walls, seeking to restore their perceived perch as the No. 1 team in town.
This week they likely don't mind a tad lower profile while the Phils and their their fans bathe in the spotlight of a second straight National League crown and another date in the World Series.
That's because the Birds laid one of the biggest eggs in franchise history last week when they flew all the way across the country, then forgot to show up in losing a dreadful 13-9 contest to the Raiders.
How bad was it? The Eagles got outscored by the Phils, 11-9.
The Eagles continue their tour through the dregs of the NFL this week when they pay a visit to the nation's capital Monday night . Their goal will be to state emphatically that they do not belong in this steaming mess of mediocrity in the NFC. Sitting hip-deep in that simmering stew of bad teams are the Redskins.
But first a few words about last weekend's debacle against the Raiders.
It;'s hard to explain just how bad the Eagles - and coach Andy Reid - were in the loss in Oakland. Maybe the biggest indictment came after the game, when several players stated openly that they were unprepared for the Raiders' game plan of blitzing, something they hadn't showed before this season. Even worse was that the Eagles never adjusted, with Reid dialing up one pas play after another, exposing Donovan McNabb, still guarding some bum ribs, to the pass rush, in front of a tissue paper-thin offensive line that featured King Dunlap and Winston Justice at the tackle spots.
The news didn't get much better this week. Starting linebacker Omar Gaither is likely out for the year with a foot fracture. The Birds actualy made a trade, bringing in linebacker Will Witherspoon. To show you how concerned the Eagles are about their defense, look for Wtherspoon to be on the field a lot Monday night.
Reid and the Eagles simply cannot afford a repeat performance, one that would serioulsly damage their season.
I have been on the record that many of the moves made so far this odd year by Reid and the Birds have showed a sense of deperation.
Maybe it's time for the team to play that way.
It won't be easy, even against another inferior foe. The Redskins' list of problems is even longer than the Birds', which should tell you soemthing about the NFC East.
Make it Eagles 26, Redskins 13.
Last Week: I certainly didn't see the loss to the Raiders coming. I wasn't alone. It's never easy for East Coast tems to fly across the country and tee it up on the West Coast. That is not excuse either for the game Reid coached or the one his squad played.
Season Record: 3-2, same as the Birds.
Normally such a quandary would have Eagles' execs down at the Nova Care complex climbing the walls, seeking to restore their perceived perch as the No. 1 team in town.
This week they likely don't mind a tad lower profile while the Phils and their their fans bathe in the spotlight of a second straight National League crown and another date in the World Series.
That's because the Birds laid one of the biggest eggs in franchise history last week when they flew all the way across the country, then forgot to show up in losing a dreadful 13-9 contest to the Raiders.
How bad was it? The Eagles got outscored by the Phils, 11-9.
The Eagles continue their tour through the dregs of the NFL this week when they pay a visit to the nation's capital Monday night . Their goal will be to state emphatically that they do not belong in this steaming mess of mediocrity in the NFC. Sitting hip-deep in that simmering stew of bad teams are the Redskins.
But first a few words about last weekend's debacle against the Raiders.
It;'s hard to explain just how bad the Eagles - and coach Andy Reid - were in the loss in Oakland. Maybe the biggest indictment came after the game, when several players stated openly that they were unprepared for the Raiders' game plan of blitzing, something they hadn't showed before this season. Even worse was that the Eagles never adjusted, with Reid dialing up one pas play after another, exposing Donovan McNabb, still guarding some bum ribs, to the pass rush, in front of a tissue paper-thin offensive line that featured King Dunlap and Winston Justice at the tackle spots.
The news didn't get much better this week. Starting linebacker Omar Gaither is likely out for the year with a foot fracture. The Birds actualy made a trade, bringing in linebacker Will Witherspoon. To show you how concerned the Eagles are about their defense, look for Wtherspoon to be on the field a lot Monday night.
Reid and the Eagles simply cannot afford a repeat performance, one that would serioulsly damage their season.
I have been on the record that many of the moves made so far this odd year by Reid and the Birds have showed a sense of deperation.
Maybe it's time for the team to play that way.
It won't be easy, even against another inferior foe. The Redskins' list of problems is even longer than the Birds', which should tell you soemthing about the NFC East.
Make it Eagles 26, Redskins 13.
Last Week: I certainly didn't see the loss to the Raiders coming. I wasn't alone. It's never easy for East Coast tems to fly across the country and tee it up on the West Coast. That is not excuse either for the game Reid coached or the one his squad played.
Season Record: 3-2, same as the Birds.
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