On the Eagles, I have no emotional stake in them. Because of where I live, I hear and read commentary out of Philadelphia. My disappointment is with the local media coverage of the NFL and the Eagles.
I watched the Eagles/Tampa game on NFL replay tonight - Tampa exposed many Eagle weaknesses on defense and coaching. Yes, the Eagles lost on the last play of the game, but they also trailed for much of the game. Yes, the Eagles could still put it all together and make a run, but since the Dallas game they've gotten progressively worse. This Sunday, Jax comes into Philly. I think the Eagles will be favored, but they are in for a slugfest against the Jags.
As far as NFC teams that scare you....don't count out the Vikings. They played the Bears very close, and their defense is playing well.
On Tampa, after they went 0-4, I figured they were out of it. At this point, they have a pulse.
I like Theismann as an announcer and I miss him with Paul McGuire and Mike Patrick....but let's be honest, his comments are usually pretty safe...like walking outside in zero-degree weather and observing that it's cold. Parcells is basically acknowledging that his offensive line cannnot pass block, and would rather go with a younger and more mobile QB.
But yes, that was a costly victory for the Giants yesterday....Lavar is gone for the year, and Umenyiora got hurt as well.
Yes, I heard the Bears-Giants game was moved. I'm personally glad to see the flex schedule. And I'll make a prediction...if Tiki Barber and Eli and others are healthy, if they don't suffer any more injuries, the Giants will win.
As soon as the Saints got Drew Brees, I figured they'd be better. I don't know if they'll win the NFC South, but I think they'll be playing meaningful games up to the last week of the season.
I think the Bears are a serious contender, don't get me wrong. But they have been playing at such a high emotional level, and I don't know if they can sustain it. Since you're a Bears fan, remember 2001....they went 13-3 and had enough miracle finishes to give fans a coronary. But then they lost in the playoffs [yes, I know the Eagle came is a sore spot]. I'm serious when I say that New England may fly under the radar and get all the way to the Super Bowl.
On Saban...yes, I know he ripped his players. I was referring to the fact that the media suckered him into a tirade, so that they could have more Denny Green-style sound bytes.
On the Colts....early in his career, I liked Peyton Manning. But over time I've come to dislike his attitude. And this is a personal thing, I'll admit...I hate dome stadiums and I hate watching football indoors. I respect the Colts greatly, and the fact that they haven't lost a step since losing Edgerrin is a testimony of their great system.
Kevin
