We interrupt Red October to bring you a red-faced Heron's Nest. And the same could be said for the Eagles, who no doubt are green with envy at the attention being heaped on the pinstripes across the street. Of course, the way they've been playing, maybe being under the radar is the best thing that could happen to them.
I've been the model of consistency. I've missed all three Birds' games and desperately need to get off the 'schneid.' The Eagles aren't much better, limping in at an anemic 1-2 after a most disheartening loss to the hated Giants.
This one was on Andy Reid. The game turned with the Birds clinging to a lead when Reid decided to go for it on 4th and 1 from near midfield with about 11 minutes left in the game. At what point Reid believed his team could scratch out a yard in short-yardage situations, I have no idea. They had been stuffed earlier in the game on three shots inside the 5-yard line and had to settle for a field goal. Of course, the Birds again got beaten at the line of scrimmage, the Giants went in for an easy score and the tide has shifted.
The Eagles threw in all the same mistakes they've been making all year. The requisite mistake by Casey Matthews that led to an easy score on a wheel rout to Brandon Jacobs, more turnovers from Michael Vick.
The Eagles need to turn this thing around quickly.
To that end, shaky defensive coordinator Juan Castillo is making more changes on defense. Matthews goes from the middle to the outside to way outside - on the bench. Sitting beside him will be safety Kurt Coleman, whose horrendous tackling vs. the Giants earned him a demotion. Nate Allen gets the start.
As usual, this game should belong to Vick and his aching non-throwing hand. That is the key. He needs to stay upright, stay healthy, and actually finish a game for a change. Look for Vick to have a monster game, taking the team on his shoulders and getting a big assist from LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson, who has been pretty much MIA the last two weeks.
And don't even think about the possibility of the Eagles clinging to a 2 point lead with just seconds left on the clock, and who should trot onto the field for the Niners? A very familiar No. 2. Yes that would be David Akers.
I can hear it now from Merill: "The kick is up....."
Not going to happen.
Make it Eagles 31, 49ers 17.
Last Week: This one really hurt. And not just me. It was a key game against a conference - and NFC East opponent. And the Eagles know they again had the lead in the second half before coughing it up.
Season Record: Not exactly an auspicious start. I'm staring up from an 0-3 hole, and the Eagles aren't much better. I need to get off the schneid, and I think I get there Sunday with the Niners. The Eagles are 1-2 and continue to look like a disjointed team with a smattering of superstars who are still trying to figure out how to play like a team.
If you're going to the games, be sure to stop by and join the fun as we again do a live pre-game 'Fancast' before the Eagles game against 49ers Sunday afternoon. We will be broadcasting live from the Lincoln Financial Field parking lot from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
If you are at the game, come over and join us for the festivities. If you can't make it, point your browser right here as we give you the inside look on the game.
Mike Mreczko and Steve Lienert will be hosting the show and joined by Eagles beat writer Bob Grotz, and lead columnist Jack McCaffery, both of whom will be covering the game
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