Posted By: Kevin Jacobs, Sun Staff
It began with a simple conversation between coworkers casually discussing football, and ended with a barrage of adamant proclamations in favor of the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to multiple sources this is apparently “McNabb’s year.” One coworker, who for his own sake will remain nameless, even went as far to compare McNabb’s postseason with Elway’s late career Super Bowl victory. C’mon the man’s good, but he’s no Elway.
Lately I’ve been feeling like I’ve traveled some 320 miles southwest and landed in Philadelphia. Everywhere I turn all I hear is “Donovan McNabb” this and “Eagles” that. One Sun photographer even took a few pictures of a Bald Eagle, right here in Lowell. They're everywhere.
It seems like all the Pat’s fans I know miss the postseason so much, they’ve rallied behind McNabb. Weird things happen when there’s no football in New England past December. In the words of Mugatu, “I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!” The reason being, no matter who the Eagles might play in Tampa, they will lose.
Before I even get into Super Bowl predictions, I have to convince myself that the Eagles will beat the Cardinals on Sunday. At first I laughed at the Card’s chances, but after breaking down the numbers and match-ups, I think it’ll be a lot closer than people think. Look to Vegas for a more realistic outcome, where the Eagles are favored by a mere three and a half points.
One of the major issues for Philly is the fact that Brian Westbrook (the true heart of the Eagles offensive attack) re-injured his knee against the Giants. It’s clear that even if he does play, he won’t be 100%. This is bad news for the Eagles, and will give the red-hot Arizona D a better shot overall.
The same can be said for Arizona tough guy Anquan Boldin, who would give the Cards an incredible boost if healthy enough to play. The way he came back from a broken face, literally, earlier in the season bodes well. I’m not going to guarantee an Arizona victory, but I don’t think they get enough respect, especially former Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner.
However, this whole debate may be pointless because whoever wins the AFC should demolish the NFC champ. As a fellow Miami University (of Ohio) alum, I have to side with the odds here, in favor of Big Ben and the Steelers.
If Joe Flacco and the Ravens D are able to oust Pittsburg, then they become the favorites in my mind. Ed Reed is all but guaranteed to have an interception or two and most likely a touchdown in every game, imagine him playing in a Super Bowl. Scary.
Personally, I think the Steelers will win Sunday, and then again two weeks later, no matter how much Campbell’s soup McNabb can shovel down his throat. But I still can’t rationalize why there are so many Philly fans currently in Boston. It’s not like they’re playing the Tampa Bay Rays…again.
What are your thoughts?
As a long suffering Eagles fan I think the attraction is simple... The Birds took out the Giants.
This is the proudest I've been of the Eagles in a long time. Since the McNabb benching they are playing solid football and are a lot of fun to watch - couldn't say that even earlier this year. Enjoying the ride however long it lasts - hopefully with a parade down Broad Street.