The Most Interesting 2010 NFL Matchup Debate… Will Donavan Receive a Brotherly Love Welcome?

September 6, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Bleacher Fan and Babe Ruthless.

The NFL season starts Thursday night, and I can’t wait! Hopefully, you’ve had your fantasy draft by now and you’re in the mood for an exciting NFL season. There are all kinds of storylines to look at as the season approaches. If you look at the NFL schedule, you’ll see a plethora of “must see” games. However, one game stands out more than all the rest. It is a game that is definitely circled on Loyal Home’s calendar.

On October 3, the Washington Redskins travel to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Obviously this is an important NFC East matchup. But this isn’t just another divisional matchup. This is Donavan McNabb’s initial return to the City of Brotherly Love as a member of the opposing team. Admit it, you’re just a wee bit curious to watch this game!

The big question is how McNabb will be received by those fans who rooted for him (and I use the term “rooted” very loosely) for eleven years. How do you think he will be received? Will he be remembered as the guy who led the Eagles to five NFC championship games, including one Super Bowl appearance? Will he be remembered as a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback? Will he be remembered as the guy who won games despite having guys like Todd Pinkston and James Thrash as wide receivers? Will he be remembered as the guy who made Campbell’s Chunky Soup seem like it would be something worth eating?

Or will Philly fans remember the guy they booed on draft day? Will they remember the guy who possibly threw up in the Super Bowl? Will they remember the guy who couldn’t win the big game? Will they remember the guy who was seemingly hurt quite a bit?

It wasn’t exactly a clean break between McNabb and the Eagles organization. There appears to be a strong connection between McNabb and his former head coach, Andy Reid, but I think that’s where the love ends. The fact that McNabb plays for a division rival only stirs up the passion even more for Eagles fans, even though McNabb has nothing to do with where he was dealt.

Keep in mind Philadelphia is a town that boos Santa Claus and once cheered as a motionless Michael Irvin lying on the ground. I have a feeling that the vast majority of the fans in Philadelphia that October afternoon will be booing #5. In any other town, he would likely get a rousing ovation. But this is Philly. And that’s why I’ll be watching.

My Zimbio Blog Directory Sport Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory
Add us to your technorati favorites Digg! Bookmark and Share


The Best Game of THIS Week(end) Debate – Huge Game for Wade Phillips

December 18, 2009

Read the arguments from Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan.



The past few years the NFL has scheduled a Saturday night game on its own network, the NFL Network, during week 15. This year, we are fortunate enough to have a great Saturday night week 15 matchup when the reeling Dallas Cowboys travel to the Bayou to take on the undefeated New Orleans Saints. The undefeated Indianapolis Colts survived a road trip to Jacksonville with a thrilling come from behind victory last night. Can the Saints survive unscathed as it awaits America’s team in a huge game for the Cowboys?

We all know the Saints’ story. It has been well-documented. Quarterback Drew Brees has had a monster season, and, with each passing week it seems he has a stronger grip on that NFL MVP trophy… though I’m guessing he would tell you that at the end of the season he would much rather have that Lombardi Trophy. While the Saints have not lost yet, they have definitely had some close calls, including a come from behind overtime victory two weeks ago in Washington, and a 26-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons last week. Looking at the Saints’ schedule it is clear the team has thoroughly dominated some teams, much more than the Colts. The bad news for the rest of the league is that Reggie Bush, who has underachieved as a pro, may be on the right track, finally. He scored two touchdowns last week. It is already tough enough stopping Sean Payton’s high-flying offense… imagine the nightmare for opposing defenses if Reggie Bush shows the elusiveness he showed in college.

Meanwhile, over in Dallas, things are not as rosy. The good feelings presented by the 8-3 start have subsided due to losses the past two weeks to the Giants and the Chargers. Now, instead of being in excellent shape to win the NFC East, the Cowboys are struggling to stay in contention for the wild card. At this point, with a tiebreaker over the Cowboys, I am giving Green Bay that first wild card spot. That leaves the Cowboys competing with the Giants and other teams for the second wild card spot. Keep in mind that the Giants, while currently 7-6, also hold the tiebreak over the ‘Boys. I would not necessarily call Saturday night’s game a must-win for the Cowboys, but it’s darn close. Lose Saturday, and Dallas loses the ability to control its own playoff destiny. Lose Saturday, and Wade Phillips’ seat, which is already warm (which I addressed back in July), becomes smoking hot!!! What a disaster it would be for Jerry Jones to sit and watch the playoffs from the comfort of his million-dollar mansion (which really isn’t so bad) when he spent over a billion dollars on the new stadium. However, a win Saturday eases the tension in Dallas and would be a huge momentum boost.

Many of you do not have NFL Network. Fortunately, Loyal Homer does and has made plans to invite people over to watch the game. You should make plans to watch the game, too!

My Zimbio Blog Directory Sport Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory
Add us to your technorati favorites Digg! Bookmark and Share


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.