Eulogy of the "Dream Team"

(The following is a Eulogy for the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles with quotes from Julius Caesar spattered throughout….not very coherently but Shakespearian none the less.)

Friends, Philadelphians, Eagles Fans.....

Friends, Philadelphians, Eagles fans, lend me your ears; I come to bury the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles, not to praise them.  As the seconds ticked off the clock in Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday, it became perfectly clear that this team is dead.  Sure, there are 11 games left and this still remains a talented team; but for all intents and purposes, this season is over.  The so called “Dream Team” played more like a nightmare through the first 5 games of this season.  There have been 100 teams that have started 1-4 since 1990 (a fact that fans were reminded of repeatedly during the broadcast).  Of those 100 teams only 5 have made the playoffs.  5 out of 100.  Not even the most degenerate gambler would take those odds.  So here we sit having just buried our “can’t lose” baseball team, mourning the loss of our overhyped football team.  If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.

Hey guys, remember me?

The “Dream Team”.  Sure it was a quote said in jest by a backup quarterback that may or may not have been taken out of context.  We all bought into the hype.  We thought we had a Super Bowl contender. Are we just as much to blame for the pain we feel?  We are here with heavy hearts but why? You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!  O you hard hearts, you cruel fans of Philadelphia, knew you not Rich Kotite?

I'm in over my head

How did this happen?  What went wrong?  We could go back and forth but there’s one thing for sure; it starts with the coaching staff.  Let’s start with defense.  Could Juan Castillo be out of his element?  Is it possible he is just a figure head?  Defensive line coach Jim Washburn likes to run the now infamous “wide 9”.  Is this truly Castillo’s defense? Or is Washburn pulling the strings behind the scenes. In theory the Wide 9 is not a bad defense.  In Philly it hasn’t worked due to the Eagles ineptitude at linebacker.  The front office put their faith in Casey Mathews who is very undersized for a linebacker.  He has proven that it takes more than a famous bloodline to be successful in the NFL.  The other linebackers shall remain nameless basically because they are just that; nameless.  The Eagles defense has been run over by Cadillac Williams, Steven Jackson, Michael Turner, Frank Gore and Fred Jackson like Bo Jackson would run over people in Tecmo Bowl.  The wide 9 has been a big bust, but for my own part, it was Greek to me.  (and apparently to the Eagles defense as well).

 

The secondary was supposed to be the strength on this defense.  With all the hype behind signing Nnamdi Asomugha and trading for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie along with Pro Bowler Asante Samuel, why not?  Well 3 interceptions, missed tackles too numerous to count, and an NFC leading 11 passing touchdowns given up is hardly “dream team” worthy.  Andy Reid and the defensive coaching staff have outthought themselves.  Yond, Andy Reid used to have a lean and hungry look; such men are dangerous.  Now, he just looks befuddled….and hungry; those men are not. 

Time for a divorce?

Speaking of Andy, he’s still up to his same old shenanigans.  When is he finally going to “do a better job of getting his players ready”?  It’s been 13 years and it’s still the same old song.  After every game it’s the same thing.  It’s time to end this 13 year marriage.  Someone’s head needs to roll and it has to be Andy’s.  Who else has a say in the play calling, personnel decisions, game management, and getting the player’s prepared for game day?  Yep, Andy Reid.  Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Andy, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.  You’ve had your chance.  The time to move on is now.  Time’s yours…..

Finally, the offensive “stars” are not without fault here either.  The Eagles defense is not the only part of the team doing their best Tecmo Bowl impersonation.  The offensive line at times has looked like when you call the right play on defense in Tecmo Bowl and the entire defense is in the backfield.  There is no excuse to allow the defense in the backfield before the quarterback can hand the ball off.  Michael Vick is taking a ton of hits.  Not all of them are the fault of the Swiss cheese offensive line. There have been times that Vick has simply held on to the ball too long.  Is it because he can’t read the defense?  Is it that the receivers are not getting open?  Who knows but something is wrong.  Shady McCoy has done well running the ball but is it because he’s running for his life?  This was the noblest Eagle of them all.

Finally our playmakers are not making the plays.  Perhaps they are trying too hard.  There is no excuse for a -10 turnover ratio on a “Dream Team”.  Whether it's fumbles, tipped balls that lead to interceptions, interceptions or dropped balls; the playmakers are not making the plays.  Even the sure handed Jason Avant is turning the ball over despite having a career year.  Et tu, Jason!  So my fellow Eagles fans I stand before you today to say goodbye.  Goodbye to the hopes of winning Super Bowl 46.  

Thanks to all of our loyal readers.  Remember Twitter @Obs_Views_Blog and Facebook.  Also find me on LinkedIn (Jim Montgomery).  Until next time this is Jimbo saying; Bear with me; my heart is in the coffin there with the Eagles season, and I must pause till it come back to me.  2012 is another year……

The Aftermath

Well it’s over.  As with any disaster the day after is a time to reflect and assess the damage.  Here’s what we know:  The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies season was a bust and a huge disappointment.  At this point I don’t care about any of the records.  102 wins?  Who cares?  5 straight division titles?  Does it really matter?  Maybe someday we can look back on the 2011 Phillies and smile.  Right now looking back just makes me sick.  The Phillies have reached the point that anything less than a championship is an epic failure.  Sure it was a fun ride this season but so is riding a roller coaster that crashes after a big hill.  It was fun until the bottom of that hill but the fact remains the coaster crashed.  So forgive me if I’m speaking out of emotion right now rather than logic but as far as I’m concerned the 2011 Phillies crashed and burned, just like that coaster.  A complete and utter waste.  I’ve been in attendance for a few epic crushing losses as an Eagles season ticket holder.  This one hurts worse than the 2002 and 2003 NFC Championship games combined.  Everyone has been talking about how the Eagles are the all hype team in the NFL this year.  I say the 2011 were the ultimate all hype team.

As we look ahead to 2012, the Phillies will still be a good team.  Halladay, Lee, Hamels, Oswalt, and Worley are still under contract.  So is Joe Blanton.  Maybe you can trade either Oswalt or Blanton for something.  What I’m not sure.  Hamels is eligible for arbitration and should get a good payday.  The bullpen is still shaky.  Can Bastardo pitch like he did during the regular season or was he just out of his mind and the pitcher we saw down the stretch is what they’ll get?  Madsen is a free agent.  I’m sure the Phillies will try to resign him but he will get a lot of offers and with Scott Boras as his agent may be too expensive for the Phillies to bring back.  The closer market will be deep so maybe they sign someone cheap but Madsen will be hard to replace.  Bullpen should be a high priority this off season.

Will 2012 bring disappointment?

Offensively the Phillies are all one year older.  In 2011 the Phillies had the oldest roster in baseball.  Raul Ibanez is a free agent so that should drop the average age a bit but the fact remains that most of the core of this team are all in their 30’s.  Having Hunter Pence and Chase Utley in the lineup for a full year will help.  Pence is eligible for arbitration this year.  Jimmy Rollins is a free agent.  Other than Jose Reyes there are no good shortstops available.  Personally I think they should try to re-sign Jimmy but I’m not sure they would be able to afford to as Jimmy will want to get paid.  The Phillies have their future shortstop in the minors with 21-year old Freddy Galvis.  Will he be ready for prime time in 2012?  Probably not.  If you don’t sign Rollins then what to you do while you wait for Galvis?  Re-sign Michael Martinez and another journeyman until he’s ready?  That’s why I believe you need to re-sign Rollins. 

Ryan Howard most likely tore his Achilles tendon.  If he has surgery the recovery time is 6-9 months.  That takes you well into the 2012 season.  If John Mayberry Jr. is ready to play an entire season, he can fill in at first but now this means you need to find another outfielder.  Placido Polanco has been often injured the past 2 seasons and was obviously affected by the sports hernia he played with.  Can he stay healthy for 2012?  Let’s hope so if not 3^rd base becomes a concern.  With Utley, Victorino, and Ruiz you hope that another year and a long season doesn’t take too much of a toll on their bodies.  So the offense needs to stay healthy and produce or else 2012 could be a long season.

Could we be seeing this in a Marlins uniform in 2012?

I’m not ready to close the window of opportunity on the Phillies yet but it is getting close.  Can they win a 6^th straight division title?  Sure, but it won’t be as easy as this year.  You have to figure the Braves will be back.  I’m sure Ozzie Guillen will have a young Marlins team playing better and with some swag.  Watch out for the Nationals as well.  They won the season series against the Phillies in 2011 and will have Stephen Strasburg back and phenom Bryce Harper will most likely make his debut even though most experts say he won’t be ready until 2013.  So a 6^th straight division title will be tough.  With the starting rotation the Phillies will definitely be competitive.  They undoubtedly need the offense to be more consistent however. 

What will 2012 bring?  Who knows.  The sting of 2011 is making it hard to look ahead.  

Alas the sun will come out and life will go on.  At least now we can focus on the Eagl…oh yeah, never mind.  The Flyers got underway this week and they should be a good team.  Still doesn’t take the hurt away but at least I still have fantasy football.  Thanks for all your continued support and look for Obstructed Views on Twitter and Facebook as well as me on LinkedIn.  Until next time this is Jimbo saying sigh……….

Philly Sports Quick Hits

Just wanted to clean up some things that have been on my mind the past couple of weeks as the Phillies prepare for game 5 of the NLDS.  When we got our playoff tickets and I saw that we had game 5 I didn’t think there was any chance we’d see the game, now we will be there.  While it’s only the NLDS it still will be pretty cool to see an elimination game.  Let’s just hope it’s the Cardinals that get eliminated.

Eagles Fans

At last week’s game I witnessed why some Eagles fans get a bad rep for being jerks and starting fights.  First let me preface this by saying that I do like to go back and forth and bust balls with opposing team’s fans.  I did this during the 49ers game.  I had some fun ribbing the Niners fan with the old school Starter jacket and his friend “Jerry Rice” (the dude looked like Jerry Rice’s brother).  They loved it as well and gave it back to me as the Eagles were in the midst of blowing a 20 point lead.  They both agreed that it’s part of the experience.  After it was over we shook hands, I told them congrats and I walked to the subway station.  No harm no foul, it’s all a part of the game.  I do see some fans take it to the extreme.  I’ve seen fans throw things, pour beer, and get into actual fist fights.  To me this is insane.  I pay way too much for my tickets to risk losing them.  I do have to say that things like these do not happen as often as the media would like you to think.  For the most part the games aren’t that bad.  It’s just the media hyping it because some guys much older than my dad booed Santa Claus.

Ho, Ho, Boo

Back to last week.  This is the second week in a row that I saw opposing fans instigating fights with Eagles fans. (the week before was against the Giants).   These opposing fans were doing a lot more than “friendly” banter. I did see fans of the Niners and Giants get the shit kicked out of them after egging the fan on.  I’m not condoning violence but whether at a game or not if you start messing with someone that has been drinking all day you’re pretty much playing with fire.  You know what to expect.  The media doesn’t report this though.  All you hear is about how bad Philly fans are and how they go looking for fights.  Not always the case.  Say what you want but nobody in Philly has ever thrown a banana peel at a black player, never attacked an umpire, or a base coach for that matter.  We get judged for the actions of a few idiots.  Every team has those assholes as do we.  Just do me a favor and don’t judge us all on the actions a few.

 Ryan Howard

The Big Piece

I still don’t get the hatred of Ryan Howard in Philadelphia.  He is a power hitter which means he will strike out a lot.  The guy is a great player.  I’ll agree that it’s annoying sometimes when he strikes out with men on base but you take the good with the bad.  This all stems from his play in the past couple of games.  Wake up people.  The man’s stats are sick.  Is he the best hitting first basemen in the league?  No.  Is he the worst?  No.  He is one of the best though so back off of him.

Jimmy Rollins 

Shhhh....

I love Jimmy Rollins.  I think he is a good player and is the spark that makes the Phillies go.  The one problem I have is that he constantly is on Phillies fans.  His latest comments were that the fans were pretty quiet on Sunday night (game 2).  First of all Jimmy, maybe if you guys had focused more on not blowing a 4 run lead and perhaps scoring more runs instead of the fans we would have been louder.  Let’s see, the Phils were up 4-0 after 2 innings with Cliff Lee on the mound.  It already was a long day in Philly.  The game started at 8:30 (thanks to the Yankees…enjoy the off season).  We had to deal with the Eagles blowing a 20 point 2^nd half lead.  Sorry if we were a little tired and thought that when you give Cliff Lee a 4 run lead we could relax a bit. Here’s a news flash Jimmy; fans don’t play the game.  How loud we cheer will not score runs or get outs.  If it did Philadelphia would have a hell of a lot more titles than we do know.  So tonight at Game 5 I promise to be loud Jimmy as long you promise to win.  Deal?

Reggie White/Jerome Brown

Where's Troy?

The NFL Network has a show called A Football Life.  Last week they did an episode on Reggie White and Jerome Brown.  After watching it made me realize just how great those players were and how amazing that defense was. How they never won a Super Bowl is insane.  That 1991 team would have been great had Bryce Paup not crushed Randall’s knee.  Maybe they win it in 1992 if Jerome Brown wouldn’t have died.  I’m not sure.  Those great defenses played in one of the toughest divisions ever.  The Redskins and Giants were winning Super Bowls and the Cowboys led by Aikman, Smith and Irvin were just starting to get good.  While I’m glad Reggie did get to win the Super Bowl, it still kills me that it was with Green Bay.  Who is the greatest player to play in Philadelphia to win a title with another team?  I say Reggie.  Thoughts?

Buddy Ryan vs. Andy Reid

I'd beat Andy in a fight

Speaking of those late 80s early 90s Eagles teams, what is the deal with Philadelphia’s love affair with Buddy Ryan?  I’ll admit that I loved him as a coach and still have love for him.  The man had one of the best, most feared defenses ever yet never won a playoff game.  I say it’s his personality.  This guy just didn’t care who he pissed off.  He told the media exactly what he was thinking and most of the time it was what most fans were thinking as well.  An attitude like that goes over well in Philly.  Andy Reid is hands down the most successful coach in Philadelphia, yet doesn’t have near the amount of admiration that Ryan still has.  Why?  It’s his standoffish, holier-than-thou attitude.  While as a logical fan, I agree that it’s not really that important for us to know what he’s thinking.  However, don’t treat us like we’re idiots.  Give us something Andy.  We pay good money for tickets, apparel, parking, concessions, etc. Show us some emotion.  Maybe Andy could take a page out of Ryan’s book.  Maybe you should do a better job than that.  Hmmph…time’s yours…..

Eagles

Time's Yours

Finally while I’m on the subject of Andy Reid, I finally think the time has come.  It’s been 13 years and it’s still the same shit.  After an Eagles loss we all know what he’s going to say and it never changes.  (I’ll take responsibility for that, I have to put the players in a better position, I’ll take a look at that, It’s tough to win in the National Football League, etc.)  The time has come for the Eagles and Reid to part ways.  Who takes over?  I have no idea but it’s been 13 years and no Super Bowl.  His time management is suspect.  He feels linebackers are not important yet teams run all over us and tight ends have career days against us.  He doesn’t make 2^nd half adjustments.  It’s the same shit every game.  If I made the same mistakes at my job for 13 years and didn’t achieve the ultimate goal of the organization, I would have been gone.  They say the definition of insanity is continually doing the same thing but expecting different results.  13 years and no Super Bowl?  Insane.  Hmmmph….time’s yours.

That’s all for today.  Hopefully I’ll have some positive news about the Phillies to talk about next week.  Keep following us on Facebook and Twitter and look me up on LinkedIn.  Until next time this is Jimbo saying after all this time, it’s finally time to Bring it Home for Jerome.

R.I.P.

No Way Jose

Yesterday the Major League Baseball regular season came to a close and the playoffs will start Friday.  The last day of the regular season was exciting as both wild card races came down to extra innings.  Despite all the excitement, one man sticks out as a complete douche bag.  Who you ask?  Well let me congratulate the 2011 National League batting champion, Mr. Jose Reyes.  What a complete jerk.  This man is a disgrace to the game of baseball.

For those of you who don’t know, the douche from the Dominican was in a heated race with Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers for the batting title.  Heading into the final day Reyes led Braun .336 to .335.  Jose led off the bottom of the first inning in the Mets game with a bunt single.  He then was pulled for a pinch runner.  The whole move was premeditated with Reyes saying, “"I said, 'If I go 1-for-1, take me out of the game,' and I did that.”  

After all the talk this MLB season about respecting the game, the unwritten rules, and integrity, Reyes pulled the most selfish and classless act an athlete could do.  Here’s a quick history lesson about how Ted Williams played a double-header the last day of the 1941 season while hitting .400.  All Ted had to do was take both games off and he’d hit .400.  What did Ted do?  He played both games and went 6 for 8 and finished hitting .406.  That’s classy.  He earned that .400 average.  Reyes?  He took the punk way out.  I will never have any respect for him (and not just because he plays/played for the Mets).  This man respects nobody but himself.  He claims it was good for the Mets and the Dominican Republic.  I say it’s good for only one person.  Jose Reyes.  I want to apologize to Ted Williams.  Putting him in the same post as Jose Reyes is a huge insult to Ted.

Reyes is a free agent at the end of this season.  Being the defending National League batting champion will surely give him a few extra million in his contract and/or more leverage during the negotiation process.  Don’t get me wrong Jose had a tremendous season and is a very good player (when healthy), however, what he pulled is total bullshit.  He has no respect for the game or his teammates.  Obviously the Mets were out of it and just playing out the string but they are definitely a better team with Reyes in the lineup.  He gives them a better shot to win than pinch runner Justin Turner.  No matter what, in the words of Herm Edwards, “You play to win the game.”  Reyes simply, “Played to win the batting title.”

 

If you’re going to rip a guy for bunting during a no-hitter in a still winnable game, then Reyes should be crucified.  So I say here’s to you Jose.  Congrats on your batting title and soon to be new hefty contract.  My only hope is that karma comes back and bites you in the ass.  I hope you hit .265 the next few years and never get to even sniff a championship.  I also want to say kudos to Braun for handling the situation with class.  I’d have been furious, but in the grand scheme of things Braun will be playing October baseball while Jose will be dreaming of his batting title. Until next time this is Jimbo saying Stay Classy Jose.

Love to hear your feedback.  Link up with me on LinkedIn @ Jim Montgomery.  Follow Obstructed Views on Twitter @Obs_View_Blog. 

Music Fun for the Weekend

A little fun with music for the weekend.  It’s amazing how certain songs no matter how many times you hear them remind you of certain things that are completely unassociated with the song.  No matter where you hear them they automatically jog something in your memory.  I was in 7-11 the other day and Sheena Easton was on the radio.  My mind immediately thought of  George Constanza.   In fact many that immediately come to mind are from Seinfeld.  What.  Is. The. Deal. With that?  Here are some of the songs that no matter when I hear them I immediately think of something else.  I’d love to hear what song reminds you of something.  I’ve also included You Tube links for you viewing and listening pleasures.

1.       Sheena Easton – Morning Train  from Seinfeld

2.       Petula Clark - Downtown  from Seinfeld

3.       Joey Scarbury – Greatest American Hero from Seinfeld  - Some of you who are in my age group or older might actually remember the actual show Greatest American Hero (I loved that show)

4.       Kansas – Dust in the Wind – from Old School – You’re my boy blue!

5.       The Eagles/Gipsy Kings – Hotel California – from The Big Lebowski

6.       Barry Manilow – Mandy – from The Simpsons

7.       Carpentars - Superstar – from Tommy boy – “you can change it if you want to.”  “I’m good if you are”

8.       Culture Club – I’ll Tumble for Ya – Billy Madison

9.       Culture Club – Do you really want to hurt me? – Wedding Singer – yeah I like Culture Club, so what?

10.   Van Halen – Panama – Superbad

There is my top 10 of songs that automatically make me think of something else.  Be sure to leave yours.  Finally I want to talk about when people listen to music in their cars.  I sometimes when I’m by myself and the windows are down will blast some music.  Leaving Family Dollar in Roxborough today however I saw and heard something very disturbing.  People, under no circumstances should you ever blast Coolio Gangsta’s Paradise.   (Which does remind me of Michelle Pfieffer in Dangerous minds)  Not only should you not blast it, you should not be rocking out to it.  That is all.  Have a good weekend.  Until next time this is Jimbo asking why are we so blind to see, that the one’s we hurt are you and me?