The Eagles had fewest takeaways in the NFL (which is at least partly luck), the fifth-toughest schedule in the NFL, the worst special teams in the NFL (easily addressable), their quarterback wasn’t remotely healthy until about week 12, their coach was dealing with a family disaster, and they went 8-8. They’re not as far off as people think.
In retrospect, the ideal scenario for the Birds this year would have been to sign Jeff Garcia, start him, and give McNabb the full year it’s supposed to take to fully recover from the kind of knee injury he has. They’d be 11-5 right now, with maybe a 20 percent chance of getting to the Big Game. Of course, massaging Donovan’s damaged ego would be a full-time gig, but that’s going to be the case anyway from here on out.
Here, by the way, are the NFC quarterbacks with a higher rating than Garcia: Tony Romo, Brett Favre. That is all.
Media notes, links: Is it me, or is the strain of finding “content,” for all its “platforms” starting to show at the Worldwide Leader? On the Budweiser Hot Seat the other day: Jalen Rose, arguing about football with Skip Bayless. Yes, that Jalen Rose, ex- of the Fab Five and half the NBA. Sounds like I made it up, but swear to God.
More ESPN- As a broadcaster, Steve Young is thoughful, articulate and honest. So naturally “NFL Prime Time,” banishes him from the desk to a strange, pre-recorded sort of video notes column and gives his spot to Emmitt Smith, who seems like a nice guy, but has nothing to say and no ability to say it. Emmitt does have “Dancing With the Stars,” on his resume, though. Ye Gods.
ETC: And just in case you aren’t embarrassed enough to be an American, how idiotic are the Iowa caucuses?
Do you like thinking? (I know what you’re saying - If I liked thinking, what would I be doing here?…) OK, but, if you have any affinity for the life of the mind, here’s a site where you can get lost for hours…
We may rule the world. but the British have it all over us in one area.
