Brotherly Loss
Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love, is experiencing some brotherly loss among their favorite pro sports teams.
rior to the season, the Michael Vick lead Philadelphia Eagles were dubbed the Dream Team, and players were taking pay cuts just to play there. Fast forward five weeks and Vick has lead the Eagles to a paltry 1-4 record, including an abysmal four interceptions by the reformed QB last week. Head coach Andy Reid seems to be taking the blame, and rightfully so. It is hard to believe that with all that talent the Eagles are not contending for the top spot in the division. It must be an NFC East thing (Wade Phillips anyone?).
On the diamond, everyone had the Phillies picked to win the World Series. They had a pitching rotation that dreams were made of. They had depth, veteran leadership, and the powerful bat of Ryan Howard. The Phillies ended the season with the best record in baseball (102-60). But they did not have the Rally Squirrel. Perhaps the Phillies can pick up the squirrel in the offseason. Better hurry before he signs with Scott Boras.
The ‘Other’ New York Team
Outside of Buffalo, if you are asked to name the third New York pro football team, you might think it is a trick question. The Bills, New York’s “other” team is making a name for themselves this season, much to the surprise of the “experts.” The Bills are 4-1 and atop the AFC East, tied with New England, a team they beat in week three. They are doing better than the Jets (2-3) and the Giants (3-2), and with far less press. Perhaps being outside of the fishbowl is their advantage. That, or having a Harvard grad take snaps under center.
Clouds in the Sunshine State
When Bobby Bowden opened his paper on Monday, he would have noticed that for the first time since Dec. 6, 1982, a team from Florida is not in the AP top 25 polls for college football. “Dad Gum!” The coaching changes at the three schools have taken a toll on the once prominent teams, leaving a gloomy cloud on the Sunshine State. Florida State, Bowden’s old school, had been in discussions for a national title prior to the season, but it dropped its third straight on Saturday and will have to pull it together to even make a bowl game. If Florida wins against Auburn this weekend, they could get back on the list, but questions at quarterback make that a big “if” at this point.
Newton’s Star Rising
The biggest surprise in the NFL has been rookie Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers. Newton has put up Brady-like numbers his first few games, including throwing for 432 yards against Green Bay. He was likely still available after most fantasy drafts, but is surely taken now. Statistically he is a monster, but in the NFL, only one number matters, and that is the one under the win column. Despite Newton’s individual accomplishments, the Panthers are 1-4. That record is far from Brady-like.
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