Die Hard Sports Fan

Over the years, I have learned that certain things just weren’t meant to be.  As a kid, I always wanted a brand new baseball glove.  I played every season for years and always used one my parents bought at a yard sale.  It had to be 40 years old at the minimum.  My little sister played softball one year with a brand new glove.  A new glove for me to be proud of just wasn’t meant to be.  In college, I spent a majority of my one class daydreaming about a believably good-looking girl that sat a row ahead of me, wondering what she looked like without all those annoying and frustrating clothes on but never found out.  It just wasn’t meant to be.  Life’s lessons never end because on Monday, I just realized another thing in my life that is not meant to be.

After suffering through a painful, horrific, and humiliating loss to the Washington Redskins Sunday, and trying to recoup from the loss, the hits just keep coming.  Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook now has two fractured ribs.  I don’t know who is in more pain; Westbrook or us Die Hard Eagles Fans.

Brian Westbrook is the heart and soul of the Eagles offense.  No offense to QB Donovan McNabb but Westbrook is anything and everything to our offense.  He instills fear in the minds of opposing defenses.  Other teams have to account for him on every play.  They have to spend all week game planning for how to stop him as a multi-level threat. 

We know what the Eagles can do with and without “Westy”.  We saw that for the 2^nd half of the Steelers game and unfortunately the entire Bears game.  With a current record of 2-3 and a 0-2 NFC East division record, can there be any worse time for this injury?  My hopes and dreams of an Eagles Super bowl are fading by the second.  Maybe it is just one more thing in our lives that is not meant to be.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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This has been a decision I’ve been contemplating for about 24 hours now.  How do you decide who gets the game ball when the team as a whole pretty much won us the game?  Both sides of the ball were executed phenomenally, however my Die Hard Redskins Fan game ball goes to…Chris Cooley.

While I was quite impartial, debating between Cooley and Clinton Portis, I decided to go with Chris Cooley for a number of reasons. One, he had his first touchdown of the season yesterday, an 18 yard option toss from WR Antwaan Randle El that gave us the go-ahead in the third quarter.  Which, by the way, was the first visiting team touchdown scored at Lincoln Financial Field since last season. Two, he had a career-high 109 yards versus last weeks #9 power ranked Philadelphia Eagles.  Three, with the biggest concern for the Eagles defense being tight end coverage, Chris Cooley walked into the game ready to eat it up!

He credits “Tana Man” Santana Moss for his production in his official blog today.

“I finally put a touchdown on the stat sheet. I knew I was going to have a great opportunity to help the offense this week and really I felt it was a compliment to Santana Moss. Although he was catch-less, he opened up all kinds holes for the rest of us.”

Now, let’s move onto grading the team.  Beginning with the defense, I am handing out a B+.  Granted, Brian Westbrook isn’t healthy, but his presence did offer the Eagles their only touchdown in the game on Sunday.  Our defense was missing three key starters- Marcus Washington, Shawn Springs and Jason Taylor, however as a whole, they only allowed 58 yards on the ground.  DE Andre Carter recorded six tackles in the game, a team record so far this season.  And despite the mishap in the first quarter where WR Desean Jackson returned a kickoff for a touchdown, the most notable performance by the Redskins defense was when the Eagles pushed to the two yard line, followed by a no-gain second down and a 3 yard loss on third down, both on the account of Brian Westbrook. Ackers came in for the field goal where the Eagles were finally able to put up points after the Skins had posted 23 unanswered points.

Onto the offense. CLEARLY I am going to give the big O an A for their performance Sunday.  Between 204 yards on the ground against the #1 rushing defense in the league, along with a career-topping performance by Cooley, a brief taste of what may be to come with WR Devin Thomas, and the distraction methods used by Santana Moss, our boys worked together as a whole and executed beautifully in this win.

K Shaun Suisham racked up the points in field goals the first half yesterday, scoring us 9 points.  While at the time we were probably squirming a bit trying to catch up to the 14 points Philly scored early, those critical field goals won us the game in the end.  And they were all LONG balls too, and therefore I will be giving special teams an A as well.

CONGRATS TO COOOOOOOOOOOOLEYYYYY for having your best game yet in your career and scoring the Die Hard Redskins Fan game ball!

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Man oh man…where on Earth do I start?!  I think first and foremost… the Redskins deserve a HUGE pat on the back. Number one, they are officially finished playing their division rivals on the road for the season with an NFC East record of 3-1.  Number two, I was watching Chris Bermman on ESPN’s The Blitz yesterday and he was literally tongue tied and pretty much speechless because he, like all NFL analysts at this point, are in disbelief in terms of the Redskins success.  This team is truly a force to be reckoned with.

I believe I speak for the majority of us when I say the opening of the game was a bit nerve wrecking.  Brian Westbrook scored running up the middle at the beginning of the game, followed by rookie DeSean Jackson’s kickoff return for a touchdown (that block in the back 100% should have been accepted by the way), leaving us at a 14 point defecit with 7:47 left to go in the first quarter!  The play by play guys started saying we looked like the Redskins who lost in our first game versus the Giants. Little did they know.

Second quarter was the Shaun Suisham show, where he kicked for  41, 48 and 50 yard field goals which took us into half time down by 5, score 14-9.  And this Redskins defense came out ready to fight in the third quarter, causing Donovan Mcnabb and his Eagles to go 3-and-out three times in a row, and going nearly 30 minutes without a first down.

Meanwhile on the other side of the ball, the Redskins were being productive as well.  College quarterback turned receiver, Anwaan Randle El threw TE Chris Cooley his first touchdown of the year, giving Washington the lead, 16-14.  At the start of the fourth quarter, RB Clinton Portis literally walked into the end zone, adding to the lead and the Redskins 23 unanswered points since Jackson’s kickoff returned TD halfway through the first quarter.

The Eagles marched down the field and made it to the 2 yard line, but then Brian Westbrook took a loss of 3 yards and Acker’s had to come in to kick a field goal.   Washington went on to get the W with the final score being 23-17.

So…how come this number one defense against the rush decided not to show up yesterday? Because Clinton Portis AND Ladell Betts got their man yesterday with 200+ yards!! Not to mention Jason Campbell and the Redskins converted on third down 11 of 19 attempts.  He adapted to reading the blitz effectively and our offensive line gave the Eagles a run for their money. And how about Brian Westbrook..? He had just 33 yards on the ground, granted he got the TD early, but where was he at after that?

As opposed to my initial thoughts at the beginning of the game, our Skins have really broken out of their shell. And as if the defeat of the Cowboys last week wasn’t reason enough, we are certainly the talk among the league right now. We’re the only team in the league who has yet to have an offensive turnover for goodness sake!! Sure, the Giants remain undefeated, but who the heck have they really played so far? And there are a couple of teams with only one loss…most of which I would say deserve to be 4-1 or 3-1. But I am a firm believer that we’ve had the toughest schedule.  But that being said, we are now going into the easiest part of the season, facing the Rams, Browns and Lions who are 1-11 respectively.  Our biggest challenge at the time, in my opinion, would be to NOT get cocky and prepare for these games the same we have thus far.

Oh yeah, and wait, how on EARTH are the Tennessee Titans really 5-0 right now? That’s the best record in the league!! What’s going on?!

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The Redskins came into Lincoln Financial Field and out muscled the Eagles to walk out of Philadelphia with another big NFC East victory.

1^st Quarter

The Eagles received the ball first to open the game.  The Eagles took the ball and marched down the field, with authority.  The Eagles set the tone early, equally mixing up the run and the pass.  The Eagles capped of the 80-yard drive with a Brian Westbrook Touchdown run putting the score at 7-0, Eagles. 

The Redskins took their first possession and right away were pressured by the Eagles swarming defense.  The Redskins were forced to punt and rookie sensation WR DeSean Jackson fielded the punt, starting his return to the right, and then turned direction, headed back left and was gone, a 68-yard Touchdown punt return.  The Eagles now led 14-0.
Being down 14-0, Washington took their 2^nd possession and after a few plays, were forced to punt again.  This time, DeSean Jackson waived his hand in the air and took the fair catch.  For the 3^rd Eagles possession, they were on the move yet again.

The Eagles 3^rd possession stalled though and David Akers missed a 50-yard field goal that was just shy to the right.  The score remained 14-0, Eagles.

2^nd Quarter

The Redskins opened up the 2^nd quarter with a few big pass plays to TE Chris Cooley who for the day would kill the Eagles.  The Redskins were forced to settle for a Shaun Suisham field goal, cutting the Eagles’ lead to 14-3.

The Eagles went three and out and Punter Sav Rocca boomed the ball to the Redskins where the Eagles downed the ball inside the 5-yard line.  The Redskins’ running game go things into gear with RBs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts taking charge, moving the ball down the field.  The Redskins were finally stopped and settled for another Suisham field goal.  The Eagles now led 14-6. 

After a poor kickoff by Suisham where he sent the ball out of bounds, the Eagles started at their own 40.  The Eagles blew the opportunity to move the ball and went three and out.

The Skins took over at their own 18 with less than 1 minute left in the half.  The Skins moved the ball quickly down the field and got into field goal range as time in the half ran out.  Suisham kicked his 3^rd FG of the game and the score was 14-9 at the half.

3^rd Quarter

The Eagles and Redskins exchanged a few possessions until the Redskins struck for the first time with a Touchdown, where Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El took a reverse from Campbell but then fired a strike to a wide open Chris Cooley who walked into the end-zone for the TD.  For the first time of the game, the Redskins took the lead with the score now 16-14.

4^th Quarter

The Redskins moved the ball again on the Eagles defense, taking the ball to the 4-yard line where RB Clinton Portis scooted in for the score.  The Redskins increased their lead to 23-14.

The Eagles got the ball back inside their own 10 after a blocking in the back penalty by WR Jason Avant.  The Eagles went to work right away moving the ball down the field, mostly thanks to a head’s up play by WR Reggie Brown.  Brown caught a pass from QB Donovan McNabb, was on the ground but still untouched.  He smartly got up and rumbled for 40 yards down into Skins’ territory.  Later, Brown caught another McNabb ball down to the Skins’ 2-yard line.  The Eagles Red Zone offense failed again where Westbrook was stuffed two straight times and the Eagles settled for a David Akers field goal, cutting their deficit to 23-16.

With 7:18 remaining in the game, the Redskins received the ball and ran out the clock.  The Redskins won 23-16.

Wrap-Up

• Redskins QB Jason Campbell had zero turnovers. 
• Eagles WR DeSean Jackson was held to 1 catch for 8 yards.
• Redskins TE Chris Cooley had 109 yards and 1 Touchdown.
• The Redskins were without starting CB Shawn Springs, LB Marcus Washington, and T Stephon Heyer.

NFL.com Game Center post game is attached.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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The Eagles started the game with very high energy. Donovan McNabb took his team the length of the field to score early. The Eagle defense held the Redskins offense to two three-and-out series to start the game. After a quick second touchdown on punt return by Desean Jackson, the Redskins settled down. By half-time, they cut the Eagles lead in half after a trio of field goals by Shaun Suisham. After finally taking the lead towards the middle of the third quarter, the Redskins never looked back as they continued to impress on both sides of the ball.

1st Quarter -

Redskins start off the game with an strong special teams effort, but it was immediately forgotten as Brian Westbrook popped off a 16 yard run after catch on a screen pass from Donovan McNabb. The Eagles proceeded to march down the field with short passes and the running of Westbrook. One play, a double reverse to Desean Jackson would have been a touchdown if not for the tackle by The Predator, Chris Horton. Three plays later, Westbrook fights through some arm tackles on the Redskins defense and get the first touchdown of the game.

After a three and out series by the Redskins offiense, and a questionable non-call, Desean Jackson out runs the Redskins special teams for a touchdown.

Towards the end of the first quarter, the Redskins find a way to stop the Eagles, mostly by the inaccuracy of McNabb and the wide right field goal attempt by David Akers.

2nd Quarter -

To start the second quarter, the Redskins get a first down, the first of the game. They followed that up with their first points of the game; a field goal by Shaun Suisham.

Westbrook had left the game midway through the first quarter, but made his return in time for the Eagles first possession of the second quarter. Carlos Rogers dropped an interception, which may have turned the momentum. Still, the Eagles are forced to punt one play later. Antwaan Randle-El allowed the punt to bounce, expecting it to touchback in the endzone. Instead, the Eagles cover the ball and give the Redskins terrible field position on the two yard line.

After running the ball out from deep in their own territory, the Eagles dial up the blitz and sack Jason Campbell for a loss of 16 yards on the missed pickup by Ladell Betts. Still, they find a way to keep the drive alive on a nice strike to the rookie Devin Thomas. Later, on the same drive, on third and six, Campbell attempts a quick pass only to have it batted down at the line of scrimmage. Suisham makes the field goal from 48 yards.

After forcing the Eagles to a three and out series, Washington takes the ball with under two minutes to convert another field goal by Suisham.

Halftime Score: Eagles, 9-14

3rd Quarter -

Both defenses of the teams came out strong to open the third quarter. The wake up call came on a violent run up the middle by Clinton Portis; a tremendous run for 10+ yards. Devin Thomas had a nice pickup on a WR screen to bring the ball inside the Eagles 20 yard line. On the next play, Randle-El took the reverse, faked the run and threw down the field to Chris Cooley for a touchdown. Redskins take the lead.

On the Eagles next possession, they go three and out and give the ball back to Redskins. After a third dropped pass for the game by Randle-El, he leaves the game with an apparent hand injury. The Redskins rookie WR, Devin Thomas commits his third offensive pass interference to negate the first pass reception of Santana Moss. Because of that penalty, the drive stalls.

The Redskins defense stops the Eagles again for three and out. On the resulting punt return by Randle-El, a penalty against the Eagles gives the Redskins the ball at midfield. A monster run by Portis takes the ball all the way inside the Eagles 10-yard line. While Portis is resting on the sideline, Betts takes the ball down inside the five yard line for 2nd and goal.

4th Quarter -

After an incompletion, on third and goal, Portis walks into the endzone for a touchdown.

The next series by the Eagles featured Westbrook and a catch and run by Reggie Brown. After marching deep into Redskins territory, the Redskins make a goal line stand to force the Eagles to kick the field goal.

On the next series by the Redskins, they pick up two consecutive, critical third downs to run the clock down to under three minutes. On yet another critical third down, the offense wastes a down on a broken play, which set up a fourth and one at the Eagles 39-yard line. Clinton Portis takes the hand off up the middle, pushes the pile ahead for the first down!

The Eagles without a time out remaining, run out the clock to win the game.

Score: Redskins, 23-17

Wrap Up -

• Jason Campbell was 16 of 29 for 176 yards.
• Clinton Portis rushed 29 times for 145 yards and a TD.
• Chris Cooley had 8 receptions for 109 yards and a TD.
• Six different Redskins caught passes today, except for Santana Moss.
• Redskins defense held the Eagles, the sixth ranked offense in the league, to only 196 yards passing and 58 yards rushing. 

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The Washington Redskins will face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
TV Info:
Game: Washington Redskins (3-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
TV: FOX (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman)
Radio: ESPN 980 (Larry Miller, Sonny Jurgensen, Sam Huff, Rick “Doc” Walker)
Time: October 5, 2008; 1:00 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• Jim Zorn is 3-1 in his first four games as head coach. He is aiming to lead the Redskins to their third winning season in the last four years. He is looking to become the seventh Redskins head coach to record a winning record in his first year at the helm.

• Like Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, Jim Zorn made the jump from quarterbacks coach to head coach.

• The Redskins are tied for the NFL lead with a +6 turnover ratio. They have intercepted five passes and recovered two opponent fumbles, while the Redskins’ lone turnover was a fumble on a punt return.

• Washington is the only NFL team without an offensive turnover and Jason Campbell is the only starting quarterback to have not thrown an interception.

• In playing the Giants, Saints, Cardinals and Cowboys in the first four weeks, the Redskins have faced the NFL’s fourth-, third-, fifth- and second-ranked offenses, respectively. They have held each of those teams to their lowest scoring and yardage output of the season.

• Jason Campbell has been one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in 2008, his first season in the West Coast offense at the pro level. In the last three games, he has posted QB ratings of 108.4, 112.2 and 104.1, the first time a Redskins quarterback has had three straight games with a passer rating higher than 100.0 since Mark Rypien did it in games 13-15 in 1991.

• Santana Moss’s 27 catches are tied for third in the NFL and tied for first among NFC wide receivers. In addition to his receiver yards, Moss has a 27-yard rush, giving him 448 total yards from scrimmage, a figure which ranks sixth in the NFL.

• Clinton Portis is tied for fourth in the NFL and tied for second in the NFC with 369 rushing yards. His 86 carries are the third-most in the league.

• The line: Philadelphia is favored by 6. Over/under is 42 1/2.

Injury Report:

Redskins - Out of Game: DE Jason Taylor (Calf). Doubtful: T Stephon Heyer (Shoulder). Questionable: LB Marcus Washington (Hamstring), CB Sean Springs (Calf). Probable: DE Andre Carter(Non-injury related), OG Randy Thomas (Toe).

Eagles – Doubtful: WR Kevin Curtis (hernia), DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist). Questionable: RB Brian Westbrook (ankle), TE L.J. Smith (back). Probable: QB Donovan McNabb (chest), S Quintin Demps (knee), RDT Dan Klecko (hand).

Quote of the week:

“I play on a defense. I’m trying to hit him…And if I’m on the Redskins, I’d have the chance to get back at him two times a year for the 22 years he’s been punishing me since I was a baby.” –CB Byron Westbrook on his brother, RB for the Eagles, Brian Westbrook

Open Thread:
Please feel free to comment below or in the tag board in the sidebar to chat with Redskins fans from around the world.

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The Washington Redskins will face the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
TV & Radio Info:
Game: Redskins (3-1) at Eagles (2-2)
TV: FOX (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman)
Radio: 610 AM WIP All Sports Radio (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick)

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• Last Regular Season Meeting: The Eagles beat the Redskins in Washington, 33-25.
• The Eagles have not allowed a touchdown at home in over 3 games.
• The Redskins have yet to turn the ball over on offense this season.
• OG Max Jean-Gilles will replace injured OG Shawn Andrews.
• Current Eagles players K David Akers and DE Chris Clemons started their NFL careers with The Redskins.
• Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is 10-5 all time against The Redskins.
• The Eagles are 12-5 when RB Brian Westbrook rushes for over 100 yards.
• RB Brian Westbrook grew up as a Washington Redskins fan.
• Eagles Punter Sav Rocca currently ranks 1^st in the NFL with a 44.1 net punting average.
• Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid is 2 wins shy of 100 career wins.
• Eagles Safety Brian Dawkins is 1 interception short to tie Eric Allen and Bill Bradley for the franchise lead in career interceptions of 34
• The Eagles lead the NFL in sacks (17)
• The Line: The Eagles are favored by 6.  Over/Under is 42

Injury Report:

Redskins - Out of Game: DE Jason Taylor (Calf). Doubtful: T Stephon Heyer (Shoulder). Questionable: LB Marcus Washington (Hamstring), CB Sean Springs (Calf). Probable: DE Andre Carter(Non-injury related), OG Randy Thomas (Toe).

Eagles - Doubtful: WR Kevin Curtis (hernia), DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist). Questionable: RB Brian Westbrook (ankle), TE L.J. Smith (back). Probable: QB Donovan McNabb (chest), S Quintin Demps (knee), RDT Dan Klecko (hand). 

Quote of the Week:

 ”The last few days have made me more optimistic.  I can feel myself getting better.  That’s what counts.  I am feeling very motivated right now.” - Eagles OG Shawn Andrews
Please feel free to comment below or in the tag board in the sidebar to chat with Eagles fans from around the world.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!

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In what looks like a must win game for The Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field; let’s take a look at how they match-up offensively versus the defense of The Washington Redskins:

The Eagles offense will have to be ready to go physically with the Redskins defense.  The Redskins play a physical, team defense that is stingy but can give up yardage.  Part of their team philosophy is to keep their defense off the field with a ball possession attack on offense which keeps their defense fresh and hungry when they return to the field.  Although the Redskins defense is not full of star, pro-bowler type players, they play well as a team defense, complimenting each other, knowing their roles and how each person’s responsibility and performance helps the others on the defense.

The Eagles have one advantage where Redskins starting DE Jason Taylor will most likely be out another game.  Over his career, he has been a special player, able to rush the quarterback as well as being strong against the run.  With him out, the Eagles have one less thing to game plan.

The Redskins front four is solid but not spectacular.  DT Cornelius Griffin may cause match-up problems for Eagles Center Jamaal Jackson.  DE Andre Carter is a speed guy who could cause problems going against the Eagles aging and slowing Tackles.  The Eagles would be wise to put a Tight End on Carter’s side to chip him on important passing plays. 

Against the run, they are nicely supported by their Linebacking core, where LB’s Marcus Washington, London Fletcher, and Rocky McIntosh are tackling machines.  The Redskins also benefit from these 3 LB’s being skillful in the art of dropping back into pass coverage.  The play of the Redskins Secondary will probably determine how well the Eagles do or do not do on Offense.  When CBs Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, and Fred Smoot play as one unit with Safeties LaRon Laundry, Reed Doughty, and “The Predator” Chris Horton, the Redskins defense is very successful at limiting opposing offenses to scoring chances.  However, this unit can be taken advantage of as Springs is a bit long in the tooth, Rogers is still trying to recover from a knee injury, and Smoot can be inconsistent. 

I look for the Eagles to come out spreading the field with WR’s DeSean Jackson, Reggie Brown, Jason Avant, and Hank Baskett.  The Redskins defense does best when they work together, swarming the ball, in numbers.  The Eagles will have the advantage if the field is spread and thus opening up things on the ground and in the air for RB Brian Westbrook (assuming he plays).  Westbrook is the wild card here.  If the Redskins have to focus on him, it will free up everyone else and take pressure off Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.  If the Redskins don’t worry about Westbrook, he very well may repeat his performance against them as he did last year where he single-handedly destroyed them with 183 total yards and 3 TDs.

The conclusion here is that although the Redskins defense is solid, they can be exploited.  They were only on the field a small portion of the game last week against Dallas but still gave up some yardage and big plays.  The Eagles need to be smart with the ball, create mismatches in open space, and keep the Redskins defense on the field as long as possible.  The Eagles know what to do; it is just a matter of how successful they will be at doing it.  Tomorrow, we will take a peak at how the Eagles defense matches up against QB Jason Campbell, RB Clinton Portis, and the rest of the Redskins offense.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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With such an intense rivalry heading our way this Sunday, Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache had lots to say today at Redskins Park among convesation with Dan Steinberg of the D.C. Sports Bog. Now I don’t know about you guys, but with Eagles running back Brian Westbrook still questionable and it now being Thursday evening, I’m quite eager to hear how the Skins D is preparing to stop the number five passing offense in the league.

Blache’s interview with Steinberg eased my tension a bit, especially considering his brutally honest opinion on the use of stats as a coach.

“We don’t worry about numbers here,” he said. “Statistics are for losers. I’m not a stat guy. I’m not interested in them, because you can do anything you want with numbers, you can manipulate them, and work around with them…So I don’t believe in numbers, because any crook can play with numbers….For me, you either win or you lose; you don’t get second place because you had great stats….I’ve been around a ton of guys that will just sit and spout their statistics. Drives me crazy. It’s meaningless.”

Prior to being the defensive coordinator, Blache ran the defensive line in Washington while working under Greg Williams.  He brought the Skins from 27th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed in the 2006 season to 4th last year.  I guess you could also say he is partly responsible for the Skins D being 3rd in overall defense in the NFC. This is Blache’s fifth season in DC, but he’s got quite the resume of football coaching to back him up. Between the Bears, Colts and Packers, Blache has been among the league for 16 years and he coached lots of college ball before that.  Needless to say, the man knows what he’s doing.

“…I’m old school. I have no interest in a head job. All I want to do, I want to win Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins a Super Bowl championship, that’s my goal. Past that, a good glass of wine, a good Cuban cigar, and hell, life is beautiful.”

Now…how can a quote like that NOT bring a smile to your face and leave you optimistic on your Friday morning?

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The Die Hard Eagles Fan, known as “Vedder,” agreed to return the favor and allow us some insight into the mind of an Eagles fan regarding their season, the team, and the matchup this weekend.

How did you become an Philadelphia Eagles fan?

That one is easy.  My dad has been a die hard Eagles fan forever.  He was an usher at the famous 1960 Eagles-Packers championship game and I have been hearing about it since I was probably 5 years old.  Add in the factor that I started following sports at age 6, when the Eagles went to the Superbowl (lost to the Raiders), and it made it easy for me to get interested.  When I was a bit older, in the mid-80’s, some of the home games were blacked out.  So my dad and I would jump in the car and go scalp 2 tickets and watch.  Being at the Vet as a kid was exciting but scary.   For some sick reason, the experiences at the games as a kid helped me become a fan.

As a child, I grew up in Redskins country. But, I still followed the Eagles running back, Wilbur Montgomery. Who is your favorite Eagle from your lifetime of experience? 

There were plenty of players I loved over the years.  Seth Joyner was awesome.   “Arkansas” Fred Barnett was a favorite of mine.  All time though, it has to be Safety Brian Dawkins.  He is everything and anything you would want in a Safety.  He’s a leader.  He’s a ball hawk.  He’s a hitter.  A future Hall of Famer in my opinion.

The Eagles have played in two Super Bowls, yet have failed to win. How do you feel about the season thus far? 

I feel that they are a good team but not a great team.  I feel they have the potential to be in the NFC championship if they could learn from their mistakes and apply those lessons successfully.

I’ve read some commentary that is calling for Andy Reid to resign and/or retire, especially after last week’s loss to the Bears. What do you think? 

Those callings are because Eagles fans are emotional and in dire need for a championship.  They are passionate and let their emotions get to them.  Coach Reid definitely has a lot of flaws, and I will be the first to call him out.  If he doesn’t win the big one soon, he will go down as a good coach for planning during the week, but a bad game day coach who was too stubborn and too ignorant to learn from the past.

I’m not certain, but Reid is probably the winningest coach in Eagles history. Are the fans being fair to be so down on him right now? 

I would say some fans are definitely down on him but if they consider the alternative, such as some of the junk coaches out there, they should be somewhat grateful for what he brings to the table.  Again, if he could work on his flaws, then the sky would be the limit with this team.  Unfortunately, time is running out.

I have lived in the midst of the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles for over 10 years now. I attended and graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia. I remember Buddy Ryan and the days of that defense with Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and others. It was a ferocious team. How do you compare today’s Eagles to those of yesteryear? 

That core of players from that era (late 80’s-early 90’s) was something special and nothing can compare to them, not the 2004 Eagles Defense nor this current Defense.  Defenses like that probably only come around once every 10-20 years.  I still have my old VCR tapes of the 1991 season and every summer I watch the “House Of Pain” game as well as the “Body Bag” game.  Sorry Warmontco, but with you being a Die Hard Skins fan, I had to bring up the “Body Bag” game!

The city seems to be split on their opinion regarding Donovan McNabb. How do you feel about him as a QB? 

I am pro McNabb.  His career currently reminds me of the 1st 10 years of the trials and tribulations John Elway went through out in Denver, only to a smaller degree.  Obviously Elway was a ton better, but the parallels are the same.  McNabb has a rifle arm, is mobile, and uses his ability to step up and around the pocket to make big plays.  I don’t blame McNabb not bringing us a championship on McNabb like others do.  It is not his fault that the team refuses to give him a consistent running attack.  It is not #5’s fault that they refuse to address the WR position with the exception of bringing in TO in 2004.  I believe Reid has wasted his opportunity with McNabb and blew it, not taking advantage of his skills and complimenting them with the right offensive philosophy.

Do you believe it is fair to compare him to Randall Cunningham? Why, or why not?

There’s really nothing to compare besides they were both quarterbacks here.  I mean, sure, both were athletic and impressive quarterbacks.  McNabb is intelligent and can read defenses.  Randall just went out there and used his athletic ability to get him by.  Randall didn’t have anyone coaching him for most of his career here.  McNabb will go down as the Eagles best QB in my book.  So no, its not fair as I believe McNabb earned the right not to be compared to another QB who didn’t win much here.  

Many speculate that McNabb could be traded after this year to the Chicago Bears. Is this the last year for McNabb in Philadelphia?  It very well may be and I certainly hope not.  I think Eagles fans who want Kevin Kolb in there are suffering from “don’t know what you got until its gone” syndrome.  Kolb might be good sometime in the future, but McNabb brings so much more to the table.

Brian Westbrook, when healthy, can dominate a game. Why isn’t he featured more in the offense? Is it because he has trouble staying healthy?  Possibly but I say no.  I believe it’s because Andy Reid’s stubbornness to having a balanced attack.  Can you imagine the numbers Westbrook could put up if Reid didn’t come out throwing 50 times a game?  

With the exception of the acquisition of Terrell Owens, why, in your opinion, do the Eagles seem so reluctant to acquire a top-rated WR’s for McNabb?

I believe its all part of Andy Reid’s philosophy to prove to the world and the rest of the NFL how brilliant he can be.  It’s no coincidence that the only year the Eagles brought in a true stud, star WR, they went to the big dance.

Many people, including me, believe that if T.O. was still with the team, the Eagles would have won a Super Bowl by now. Do you agree? Why, or why not?  

If TO was still here, this team would be in the toilet.  He is a cancer and a time bomb, waiting to explode and break up a team. 

I believe the real issue that set off T.O.’s immature emotional stability was McNabb’s refusal to acknowledge T.O. as the MVP of the team. What do you think? 

I disagree.  I think TO’s a selfish, child who may be bi-polar.

This week the Redskins come to town. What is your prediction, and why?  

My prediction is both teams feel each other out in the first half where it will be a defensive struggle.  I think one team adjusts better than the other in the 2nd half and it opens up the scoring.  I think the Eagles come out in a close game, winning 20-16.  I think the Redskins are put in a tough position, having two road games in a row and might be still flying high and living off the past weekend with their victory over the Cowgirls instead of focusing on the present and the Eagles.

You must have noticed that the Redskins are playing with more confidence and effectiveness. What concerns you most about the Redskins offense? 

Lots of things.  They like to grind it out, wearing down the opposing defense while keeping the ball and thus the other team’s offense off the field.  The Eagles for years have been killed by other teams’ Tight Ends and this year is no different.  TE Chris Cooley makes me nervous.  QB Jason Campbell’s athleticism makes me worry.  The Eagles have been troubled in the past by QB’s who are athletic.  They need to contain him and make him throw off his back foot.  WR Santana Moss will be successful in getting behind the Eagles CBs which makes me nervous.  How many times he is successful at it will probably help determine the outcome.  RB Clinton Portis is a concern but if the Eagles continue to fill their gaps and be agressive at the line of scrimmage, they can limit him and hopefully put the Redskins in 3rd and long positions.  If that happens frequently, with the aggressive nature of the Eagles Defense, it would only be a matter of time until they force QB Jason Campbell into making a mistake.

The Redskins defense is playing extremely well, also. In the past three games, they have been effective in minimizing three powerful offensive teams in the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys. What will the the Eagles game plan against this surging Redskins defense?

It depends on if Westbrook plays and is at 100% or not.  If he’s there and back 100%, I would expect the Eagles to set up some screens to Westbrook, especially with some misdirection and fake reverses.  The Cowboys still moved the ball downfield many times in the air last week, so I would expect Reid and company to attack in the same fashion.

Who do you think will have the better game: Donovan McNabb or Jason Campbell? 

It depends which McNabb comes out in the beginning of the game.  He can come out, over pumped and hyped up, throwing balls into the ground and at the feets of receivers or over their heads.  This will lead to the sound of the early boo birds which only will feed into McNabb’s performance.  If he comes out calm, cool, and collective, then I believe McNabb has better odds of having a better game.

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