Robert Dougherty
Author of a trilogy of Lost books, concluding with "Lost: It Only Ends Once" now available at Amazon and iUniverse.
Readers can now go to my Yahoo Sports section to see the majority of my new stories.
Have now been quoted in the Columbus Dispatch's "How the golden voice video went viral" story on January 8.
Expertise: News, television, movies, pop culture, Lost, sports
Wrote the Sports Illustrated Guide to Philadelphia Sports in 2010, at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/fan-guide-2010/philadelphia.html
Was interviewed on CNN's "The Situation Room" in 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GStMLFMdRcQ
Ranked No. 5 all time in AC page view numbers.
Can now be friended on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Dougherty/100001856277096
Named 2010's Most Intriging Writer about Movies by Charlotte Kuchinsky, at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6101106/robert_dougherty_named_most_intriguing.html
Read More »
Readers can now go to my Yahoo Sports section to see the majority of my new stories.
Have now been quoted in the Columbus Dispatch's "How the golden voice video went viral" story on January 8.
Expertise: News, television, movies, pop culture, Lost, sports
Wrote the Sports Illustrated Guide to Philadelphia Sports in 2010, at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/fan-guide-2010/philadelphia.html
Was interviewed on CNN's "The Situation Room" in 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GStMLFMdRcQ
Ranked No. 5 all time in AC page view numbers.
Can now be friended on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Dougherty/100001856277096
Named 2010's Most Intriging Writer about Movies by Charlotte Kuchinsky, at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6101106/robert_dougherty_named_most_intriguing.html
...
- Page Views
- 29,553,913
- Content
- 8652
- Fans
- 180
- Contributor since
- 1/6/2008
Education/Experience
Bachelor of Arts from Temple University
Displaying Results 1 - 200 (of 8652) for All Content
Next »
-
'Star Trek into Darkness' ReviewJ.J. Abrams rewrote Star Trek history four years ago, yet saved the franchise anyway. "Star Trek Into Darkness" takes a different approach, in a way that has many strengths - but which can also be weaknesses as well. Spoilers within.
-
Warriors Recover from Game 1 Heartbreak Just like Grizzlies: A Fan's TakeThe Grizzlies and Warriors were already huge underdogs to the Thunder and Spurs before coughing up Game 1 upsets. But instead of crumbling afterwards, the Grizzlies got their upset in Game 2, then the Warriors had an even greater recovery in San Antonio.
-
'Iron Man 3' ReviewOnce again Iron Man kicks off the summer - this time with a threequel that often resembles one of writer/director Shane Black's 80's and 90's action movies. But that may not be good for everyone, depending on how some big twists land.
-
'Zero Dark Thirty' ReviewIn 3,000 words, I examine ‘Zero Dark Thirty’’s torture treatment, praise its reenactment of the rest of the hunt for Osama bin Laden, analyze how it reflects America’s post 9/11 journey, and hail Jessica Chastain for humanizing it all.
-
'Django Unchained' ReviewQuentin Tarantino's latest history rewrite has an ex-slave taking down the South's vilest slave owner. But while "Django Unchained" has Tarantino's usual verbal, violent fireworks and dynamite cast, the bar from his greatest hits is too high.
-
'Les Miserables' Review'Les Miserables' soars when it focuses on the heartwrenching story of Jean Valjean, the heartwrenching work of Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, and the iconic musical cues. However, director Tom Hooper puts way too much more into the mix.
-
'Silver Linings Playbook' ReviewTo this native Philadelphian, 'Silver Linings Playbook' is tailor made for me with its look at mentally disturbed Philly residents and Eagles fans. But it still might have fallen short without Jennifer Lawrence lighting up the screen with Bradley Cooper.
-
'Lincoln' ReviewSteven Spielberg and Daniel Day-Lewis make 'Lincoln' unlike anything they've done before - and show the Emancipator's fight to end slavery like never before on film. While the movie is a talky slow-burn, its weight and power becomes crushing over time.
-
"Flight" ReviewRobert Zemeckis hasn't worked on non-motion capture movies in a decade - and Denzel Washington hasn't had a real juicy part in about that time either. But they both return to form, in different ways than usual, in their bumpy "Flight' together.
-
"Skyfall" ReviewThe 50'th anniversary tribute to James Bond pays homage to Bond and calls him over the hill - though it's too early to apply that to Daniel Craig. Yet "Skyfall" delivers the old Bond thrills in a new, unlikely fashion from unlikely director Sam Mendes.
-
Celtics' Stars Come Through Just Enough to Beat Wizards: A Fan's OutlookThe Celtics struggled once again to beat the Wizards, but their stars all played a part in helping them survive. Brandon Bass, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Jason Terry and even a struggling Paul Pierce all managed to do just enough.
-
Celtics Survive Latest Surprising Rollercoaster with Wizards: A Fan's RecapFor the second straight time, the Celtics had to fight and claw to beat the Wizards, of all teams. But once again, the Celtics survived although it took five extra minutes to do it. However, more consistency may be needed at some point.
-
76ers Offense Slightly Less of a Problem Against Hornets: A Fan's AnalysisThe 76ers don't usually win with offense, yet that proved to be a pretty big problem against the Knicks this week. It was also a problem against the Hornets last night as well - but not a big problem since the Hornets only had 62 points of their own.
-
76ers Get Back to Being Carried by Defense in New Orleans: A Fan's AnalysisThe 76ers were let down big by their defense in two straight losses to the Knicks. But when they face a team that can't run up the score, like the Hornets, the Sixers make out better - as they did in a 77-62 victory at New Orleans.
-
Eagles-Cowboys Showdown Turns into 'Elimination Bowl': A Fan's TakeIn the old days, the Eagles and Cowboys used to have high stakes when they played together. But with both teams at 3-5, this Sunday's game will mainly determine who has lost their season first - although both of them probably already have.
-
Eagles Inspiring More Indifference Than Passion Now: A Fan's OutlookDespite an embarassing loss on Monday night, Philadelphia isn't calling out for Michael Vick and Andy Reid's heads more than usual. Since it appears that even firing them won't save this season now, indifference is starting to settle into Philly.
-
Celtics Need Much Stronger Performance Against Wizards: A Fan's PreviewThe Celtics struggled much more than they should have to put away the Wizards for their first win last Saturday. After a few days off, things should presumably go better for the Celtics in tonight's rematch at the Garden.
-
76ers, Hornets Are Each Missing Their Centers of the Future: A Fan's TakeIdeally, tonight's 76ers-Hornets game would be a true showdown between established star Andrew Bynum and star center of the future Anthony Davis. Instead, the Sixers and Hornets are each just trying to survive right now without their big man saviors.
-
Eagles Can't Take Advantage of Weak NFC East yet Again: A Fan's AnalysisLast year, the Eagles were a win away from winning the NFC East at 9-7 and stopping the eventual world champions. This year, the NFC East is pretty weak again, with the Eagles in second place at 3-5 and still unable to take full advantage.
-
Eagles Barely in Top 20 of Week 10 NFL Power Rankings: A Fan's OutlookWith every loss, the Eagles drop to a pretty low point in the NFL power rankings. Going into Week 10, the Birds are lucky to even be a top 20 team, although there's plenty more room to fall with another few losses.
-
Knicks Take Decisive Leap Forward Over 76ers: A Fan's PerspectiveThe 76ers and Nets were hyped as the biggest Atlantic Division challengers to the Celtics, with the Knicks largely dismissed. But the Sixers can't dismiss them anymore after being blown out by them twice in under 48 hours.
-
76ers Do Even Worse Against Knicks at Home: A Fan's RecapThe 76ers were fairly lousy in their first game against the Knicks, but the rematch at home should have gone much better. Instead they were destroyed even worse, as the Knicks lit up the nets and cruised to their second straight blowout over the Sixers.
-
Eagles Actually Make Saints Defense, Running Game Look Good: A Fan's AnalysisSince the Saints have no defense and have no real help for Drew Brees, the Eagles should have taken advantage last night. But instead, they made the Saints' defense look good -- in the red zone anyway - and were torn apart by three running backs as well.
-
Eagles Suffer Most Illogical Defeat yet to Saints: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles actually ran the ball, drove into the red zone countless times, and actually forced turnovers against a 2-5 Saints team last night. And yet they never stood a chance, as their inexplicable woes continued in a backbreaking 28-13 loss.
-
Anthony Sets Knicks Apart from Bynum-Less 76ers: A Fan's OutlookBoth the Knicks and 76ers are missing big name players as they meet for a home-and-home series. But the Knicks still have Carmelo Anthony- an Anthony who's been on fire to start this season - and he is putting the Knicks a step ahead of the Sixers.
-
76ers Defense Far from Enough Against Knicks' Offense: A Fan's RecapThe 76ers usually win games with defense, but it doesn't work as well against a hot offensive team. The Knicks have been such a club in these opening days, which they proved by running over the Sixers to start their home-and-home series.
-
Vick Must Save Eagles like McNabb Did in 2008: A Fan's AnalysisIn 2008, Donovan McNabb was almost run out of Philadelphia, until a brilliant performance on Thanksgiving night triggered his last Super Bowl run. Four years later, Michael Vick needs a similarly brilliant prime time game to save himself and the Eagles.
-
Vick Has No Case to Blame Media for Eagles' Turmoil: A Fan's TakeMichael Vick accused the media of creating more turmoil for the Eagles this season. But the media isn't the one who said that the Eagles had a potential dynasty in training camp - Vick was. Therefore, there are better things to blame for him being wrong.
-
Celtics Not Better Off Without Allen so Far: A Fan's AnalysisThe Celtics thought they'd be okay with only losing Ray Allen this summer, yet it hasn't turned out well so far. While they struggled in the opening week, Allen has already made a splash with the Heat, especially with a winning four-point play last night.
-
Celtics Struggle More Than They Should for Their First Win: A Fan's RecapThe Celtics thoroughly shut the Wizards down at the beginning and the end of their game last night. But the moments in between were what almost cost them, as Boston needed to rely on defense just to escape with their first win of the year.
-
76ers, Knicks Stage an Early Statement Series: A Fan’s PreviewThe 76ers and Knicks each have goals to overtake the Celtics this season, and each has a nice opening game win to start off. Now a home-and-home series starting in New York today will start to show who the Celtics’ top challenger is.
-
Can Eagles Keep Up Their Winning Ways in Election Years?: A Fan’s AnalysisSince 1988, the Eagles have made the playoffs right after every presidential election, and even went to the Super Bowl in 2004 and the NFC title game in 2008. By that logic, there’s still time for the 2012 Eagles to avoid getting voted out as well.
-
Eagles Hope for Improved NFC Playoff Picture Before Saints Game: A Fan’s PreviewThe Eagles technically have nothing to do today before their Monday night battle in New Orleans tomorrow. But their playoff standing will still be affected before then, as several teams in front of them in the wild card chase battle it out.
-
Celtics Continue Ice Cold Start in Home Opener Loss: A Fan's OutlookLosing to the Heat on opening night was excusable for the Celtics, if not disappointing. But coming out flat in their home opener against the lowly Bucks was more troubling, as the Celtics scored only 30 first half points and never really caught fire.
-
Can 76ers Handle a Full 82-Game Grind?: A Fan’s PerspectiveLast year’s 76ers started on a tear, yet got cold in the second half – and if the season went longer than 66 games, they could have kept slumping long enough to miss the playoffs. But will this year’s team better endure a full 82-game docket?
-
Can Asomugha Ever Stop the Bleeding in Philadelphia?: A Fan's TakeThe beginning of the Nnamdi Asomugha era in Philadelphia brought a lot of Super Bowl-worthy hype. Yet things keep going from bad to worse for Asomugha and the Eagles, with his failed coverage of Julio Jones last week symbolizing rock bottom.
-
Eagles Must Start One of Their Customary Second Half Rallies Now: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles are fairly relieved that the first half of the season is almost over. Traditionally, they've done much better in the second half, and they'll need to do it again to save Andy Reid - and they need to get started right now.
-
Celtics Look to Stay Ahead of Teams Other Than Heat: A Fan's TakeThe Celtics will measure themselves against the Heat all season, yet they won't face them again for months. As such, they have to focus on staying ahead of non-Heat competition, starting with tonight's home opener against the Bucks.
-
76ers Lock Up Holiday as Pillar of Their Future: A Fan's OutlookThe 76ers are building a big future with Andrew Bynum, but he isn't guaranteed to stay beyond this season. However, thanks to a deal right after the season opener, the equally valuable Jrue Holiday will lead the Sixers for the next four years regardless.
-
76ers Need Next 25 Years to Go Better Than Last 25: A Fan's OutlookThe 76ers are honoring their 50'th anniversary in Philadelphia, yet most of their real highlights have come in their first 25 seasons. Hopefully, the next 25 years will go much better and offer fresh highlights to honor their 75'th anniversary season.
-
Eagles, Saints Paying the Price for Self-Inflicted Wounds: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles and Saints are used to being top contenders, yet they have each sunken to the depths this season - in each case, due to self-inflicted wounds like 'Bountygate' in New Orleans, and trusting Andy Reid and Michael Vick in Philadelphia.
-
Do Vick, Eagles Have Enough to Keep Up with Brees, Saints?: A Fan's OutlookThe Saints and Drew Brees may not be very strong right now, yet Brees is still as deadly as ever. At the least, Michael Vick will need to be at his very best to keep up with Brees this Monday night - which may be too tall of an order right now.
-
Flyers May Have Hosted Last Winter Classic Until 2014: A Fan's PerspectiveThe Flyers hosted the fifth annual Winter Classic on New Years 2012 - and the next one may not take place until New Years 2014. If that's the case, then the Flyers-Rangers Winter Classic will have been the last one of a golden era.
-
Hawes Reminds 76ers They Have More Than One Big Man: A Fan's OutlookAll of the 76ers' hype was tied to Andrew Bynum, yet he isn't their only seven-footer. Spencer Hawes was rather valuable last year, and he was even more so in this year's opener, as his offense and defense powered the Sixers past the Nuggets.
-
New Look 76ers Look Much like Last Year's 76ers in Opening Win: A Fan's TakeThings have changed for the 76ers, yet their method of victory hasn't. Much like last year, this year's Sixers won their opening game over the Nuggets with defense, three-point shots, big second half play and more defense in a largely ugly victory.
-
Eagles' Offense Has No Excuse Not to Run Over Saints: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles haven't had a breakout game on offense all year - yet they haven't faced a team as weak on defense as the Saints have been all year. Yet if the Eagles can't even run up some points on the Saints, then all is really lost.
-
Eagles, Saints Equally Desperate Heading into Monday Night Battle: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles are now nearly as bad off and desperate as a 2-5 Saints team in the middle of 'Bountygate' But if the Eagles can't take advantage of the Saints' own numerous problems, it would show just how bad off Philadelphia is right now.
-
Celtics' Opening Loss to Heat a Symbol for Things to Come?: A Fan's TakeThe Celtics weren't blown out by the Heat in their season opener, but they didn't really come that close to beating them and were held at arm's length throughout. Now Boston has to hope that doesn't apply to their rivalry with Miami at large.
-
Celtics' Stars Still a Step Behind Heat's New 'Big Four': A Fan's OutlookThe season opener between the Celtics and Heat proved that not much has changed between them since June - except for Ray Allen being in Miami. But Allen helped the Heat Big Three easily outpace the Celtics' Big Three anyway.
-
Reid Should Be Coaching for His Job in New Orleans: A Fan’s TakeIf the Eagles lose to the Saints next Monday night, Michael Vick would probably be benched then and there. But if the Eagles had any guts, Andy Reid would be fired right then as well – and that threat should be on the table right now.
-
Eagles Not Out of Playoff Race by a Long Shot: A Fan’s OutlookThe Eagles have become a playoff afterthought, as fans are more focused on a future without Andy Reid and Michael Vick instead. However, only two teams other than the NFC divisional leaders have a winning record, so a wild card berth is within range.
-
76ers Enter Season with Their Highest Expectations in a Decade: A Fan’s PreviewThe 76ers are inspiring real hope for a step forward this year – which they haven’t done since around 2001. After the peak of the Allen Iverson years, it was easy to ignore the start of most seasons – yet that isn’t the case for tonight’s season opener.
-
76ers, Nuggets Both Hope to Take a Step Forward This Season: A Fan’s OutlookThe 76ers and Nuggets are below the elite in both their conferences, yet their busy offseasons have given them hope that they can start inching closer. Fittingly, they’ll face each other on opening night to start their respective quests for respect.
-
Vick Should Not Be Scapegoat for Eagles' Loss to Falcons: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles may wind up benching Michael Vick in order to provide a jolt after the terrible loss to the Falcons. However, that loss was far from Vick's fault, so benching him for that might turn out as bad as when they fired Juan Castillo two weeks early.
-
Eagles in Second Tier of Week 8 NFL Power Rankings: A Fan's AnalysisAfter hovering in the bottom of the top 10 or top 15 all year, the Eagles are now in the second tier of the NFL power rankings after Week 8. With their situation, and the strength of the top 10, the Birds may stay in that low spot for a while.
-
Celtics-Heat Rivalry the Big Show of Eastern Conference: A Fan's TakeIt is fitting that the Celtics and Heat are starting the season together tonight, and not just because of how they ended last season. This year, the entire East will be looking up at the Heat and Celtics, whether they play each other or not.
-
Iguodala the Headliner of 76ers-Nuggets Opener: A Fan's OutlookThe 76ers first game was supposed to be headlined by Andrew Bynum's Philadelphia debut. Instead, with Bynum sidelined, the return of Andre Iguodala will be the big storyline, as the Sixers will see how much they may or may not wind up missing him.
-
Unlike Phillies, Giants Are More Than One-Year Wonder: A Fan's AnalysisIn the 2010 NLCS, the Giants did everything the Phillies couldn't and began Philadelphia's decline. And in 2012, the Giants overcame all the obstacles the Phillies couldn't and more, proving the now two-time champs are everything the Phils are not.
-
Celtics' Fate Rests on Terry Filling in for Allen: A Fan's TakeThe Celtics have everyone back but Ray Allen, although fellow NBA champion Jason Terry has been plugged in. As such, Terry may be the swing man that either puts the Celtics over the top, or keeps them behind the Heat.
-
76ers Hit 30'th Anniversary of Last Championship Team: A Fan's PerspectiveThis is the 30'th anniversary season of the last 76ers championship team. Few teams in NBA history, let alone Sixers history, have matched the 1982-1983 champions, with the 2012-13 Sixers just trying to create building blocks.
-
76ers to Quickly See Who They Are Without Bynum: A Fan's OutlookThe 76ers built up massive hype when Andrew Bynum came to town. But since his debut is indefinite, the Sixers will find out right away if the rest of the team is worth hyping, or if they'll just be a one-man show.
-
Eagles' Defense Takes Startling Step Backwards Without Castillo: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo after the defense did pretty good this year, except for the last few minutes of a few games. But since the defense did terribly for 60 full minutes yesterday, perhaps the Eagles were too rash.
-
Eagles Perfectly Torn Apart by Perfect Falcons: A Fan's RecapThe Eagles knew they were facing a perfect team in the Falcons, but they wound up making them even more perfect. With the defense unable to do anything for 55 minutes, and the offense in a hole all day, the Eagles suffered a perfectly devastating loss.
-
Eagles Hope to Avoid Tumble into Last Place in Week 8: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles could conceivably get within a half-game of first place in the NFC East today. But with a loss to the Falcons, a Cowboys win over the Giants and a Redskins upset over the Steelers, the Eagles would become a last place team.
-
Eagles Can Still Save Season Even If They Lose to Falcons: A Fan's AnalysisAll of Philadelphia will likely say that the season is over if the Eagles lose to the Falcons today. But there is still time and a favorable schedule on their side, so even a loss wouldn't kill them – although it would bring them closer to death.
-
Reid's Last Sign of Infallibility is Perfect Post-Bye Record: A Fan's TakeAndy Reid's strengths have slowly but surely left him and the Eagles over the years, including this season. In fact, the last thing he can be depended on is to win after a bye, but that is in grave danger as well this week.
-
Samuel Approaches His Own Reunion with Eagles: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles and Falcons make headlines whenever they meet because Michael Vick gets to face his old Atlanta team. But that's not the only reunion this Sunday, as Asante Samuel stands to get an icy welcome back to Philadelphia.
-
2012 Falcons Starting to Resemble 2004 Eagles: A Fan's PerspectiveThe 2004 Eagles got off to a blazing start and finally won an NFC title on their fourth straight try. Eight years later, this year's Falcons are sadly resembling that old Eagles team more than this year's Eagles are.
-
Can Vick Improve on Past Reunions with Falcons?: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles have faced the Falcons three times since Michael Vick joined Philadelphia. Yet Vick had a cameo in his first reunion, missed the second and got knocked out in the third, so the fourth one needs to be a charm.
-
Falcons Hope to Stop Resembling Near-Miss Eagles of Old: A Fan's AnalysisA decade ago, the Eagles wasted countless opportunities to get to and win a Super Bowl. Now the Falcons are on the same path, and are hoping to finally get over the hump this year like the old Eagles never could.
-
Sloppy Eagles in Trouble Against Ball-Hawking Falcons: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles have turned the ball over almost more than anyone in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Falcons have taken the ball away more than almost anyone in the NFL – and unfortunately for the Eagles, these two teams are on a collision course.
-
Phillies, Yankees Have Fallen Far from 2009 World Series: A Fan's TakeSeeing the start of the 2012 World Series makes Phillies fans remember the 2009 Fall Classic, and how far the team has fallen since then. But their 2009 opponent in New York has taken quite a few tumbles itself.
-
Eagles Facing Direct Opposite of a Choker in Falcons: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles have become infamous for blowing fourth quarter leads lately. Unfortunately, they next face a Falcons team that has made a habit of coming up big in the final minutes, especially in the last few weeks.
-
Eagles Must Keep Rising Up Against the Elite: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles have been pretty disappointing against teams it should have beaten, or beaten easier. But when they've faced elite teams like the Ravens and Giants, they've been much better – which bodes well for their game with the Falcons.
-
Eagles Need to Create as Many Takeaways as Giveaways: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles can't stop turning the ball over if they tried, but if they took away the ball more, it might start to balance out. Yet after forcing four interceptions in Week 1, the defense hasn't been inclined to seize the ball too much lately.
-
Eagles Stay Where They Are in Week 8 NFL Power Rankings: A Fan's AnalysisFor the first time this month, the Eagles didn't take a fall down the NFL power rankings. It helps that they didn't play this past week, but they can't use that as an excuse anymore – especially with the No. 1 Falcons on the way.
-
Eagles Must Know This Isn't an Ideal Time for Foles to Start: A Fan's TakeIt's easy for Eagles fans to wish that Nick Foles could take over for Michael Vick now. But he really can't be thrown in against the 6-0 Falcons – and the Birds likely can't afford for him to face the Saints and Cowboys after that.
-
Eagles May Have to Look Up at Giants for a While: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles could have been bunched together with everyone in the NFC East, had the Redskins finished their rally over the Giants yesterday. Instead, Eli Manning and Victor Cruz separated the Giants from the Birds and the rest of the pack.
-
'Argo' ReviewThe mission to rescue six Americans trapped in Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis proved truth is stranger than fiction. The same can be said about Ben Affleck becoming a powerful director, but 'Argo' leaps that unlikely story forward as well.
-
Idle Eagles Hope Giants Don't Pull Further Away: A Fan's PerspectiveThe Eagles don't have a share of first place for the first time all year. This means they are helpless in their bye week as the Giants look to increase their lead by beating the Redskins – although the Skins would leap over the Eagles with an upset.
-
Eagles Likely Relieved to See Bye Week End: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles should have taken it easy during their bye week, but that was made impossible after their last loss and the firing of Juan Castillo. Now they can at least get to work in turning things around next week against the Falcons.
-
Eagles' Problems in Lions Loss Go Beyond Final Minutes: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles needed an overhaul after losing to the Lions – and not just because of the final minutes. Giving the Lions rare interceptions and rushing yards, and letting them get away with 16 penalties, made it even clearer that change was needed.
-
McCoy Needs Hotter Starts to Make Eagles Give Him the Ball: A Fan's PerspectiveThe Eagles abandoned the run early against the Lions because LeSean McCoy wasn't doing much, and Michael Vick got hot to start the second half. But if McCoy had better starts, maybe the Eagles would try to be balanced for a bit longer.
-
Eagles Panicking Much More Than Most .500 Teams: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles are just one of 11 3-3 teams in the NFL after Week 6. But none of them are firing defensive coordinators or inspiring mass panic. In fact with a few exceptions, most .500 teams are happy or are more confident that they'll do better.
-
Eagles Still Have a Window of Opportunity to Contend: A Fan's AnalysisWith the way the Eagles are worrying and threatening to clean house, one would think the season is almost over. But with parity still ruling the NFC East, NFC and NFL in general, there's still plenty of time left to do some damage.
-
Can Avant or Anyone Else Light Fire Under Eagles?: A Fan's PerspectiveJason Avant called out the Eagles for their lack of discipline and 'me before the team' attitudes. But do the Eagles have someone that can do more than that to inspire them out of their slump, or are they devoid of leaders like that?
-
Eagles Throw Bowles Right into the Fire Against Falcons: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo because his defense couldn't come through in the final minutes. Yet now new coordinator Todd Bowles must prepare for an unbeaten Falcons team that makes a living off of late comebacks.
-
Eagles' Defense Unable to Cover for Vick Anymore: A Fan's TakeMichael Vick's ugly play was hidden behind the Eagles' strong defense effort in September. But now that the defense has struggled late, can't bail Vick out anymore and gotten Juan Castillo fired, it's time for Vick to give something back.
-
Castillo Finally Becomes the Eagles' Scapegoat: A Fan's ReactionThe Eagles need to shake things up – but if they really wanted to do that, then Michael Vick would be benched or Andy Reid would be close to being fired. Instead, they fired Juan Castillo 10 months later than everyone expected.
-
Eagles a Much Worse First Half Team Than Second: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles' recent problems at the end of games has been a major talking point. But an even worse problem has been the Eagles' work at the start of games, as their first half offense has been utterly shut down in all but one week.
-
Eagles Stay Somewhat High in Week 7 NFL Power Rankings by Default: A Fan's AnalysisDespite an ugly loss, the Eagles can't drop too far down the NFL power rankings, because most teams above and near them also had a rotten week as well. But the mediocrity of the rest of the league won't bail the Birds out forever.
-
Eagles, Vick End Up and Down Day on Low Note: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles couldn't have started worse against the Lions for much of the first half, but then they couldn't have played much better for most of the second. Yet at the end, they sunk back down and cost themselves the win in the process.
-
Eagles Reverting Back to 2011 Form in Fourth Quarter: A Fan's OutlookAfter three late wins in September, it looked like the Eagles' fourth quarter woes were over. Instead, losing a late 10-point lead to the Lions yesterday brought the Eagles back to all too familiar territory.
-
Eagles Still Waiting for Jackson, Maclin to Break Out: A Fan’s TakeWith Michael Vick turning the ball over so much, star receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin haven’t had a real chance to run loose. But if they can break out like they’re capable of doing, things will go much easier for the low-scoring Eagles.
-
Eagles Refuse to Let Other Quarterbacks Beat Them: A Fan’s AnalysisThe Eagles have already faced the likes of Joe Flacco, Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger this season – and have largely shut them and other opposing quarterbacks down. In fact, Michael Vick has done more to beat the Birds than his fellow QBs.
-
Eagles Can’t Afford Rotten Game Before Bye Week: A Fan’s AnalysisThe Eagles will get to rest easy if they have a rare convincing win over the Lions before their bye week. But another ugly, turnover-filled game – win or lose – would set up two weeks of unending questions about Michael Vick, the Eagles and their future.
-
Eagles’ Red Zone Problems Go Beyond Goal-Line Fumbles: A Fan’s AnalysisThe biggest play that doomed the Eagles against the Steelers last week was a goal-line fumble in the first quarter. However, that is actually par for the course when it comes to the Eagles’ awful red-zone work this season.
-
Werth Latest Ex-Phillie to Turn into October Hero: A Fan's TakeIn two straight days, two former Phillies have saved their new team's season with improbable home runs. First Raul Ibanez hit two to save the Yankees, and then Jayson Werth hit one to keep the Nationals from elimination the next day.
-
Eagles’ Pattern Points to a Solid Win Over Lions at Home: A Fan’s TakeIn every odd numbered week this season, the Eagles have been pretty ugly on the road. But in every even numbered week, the Eagles have been much improved and have won at home – which bodes well for Week 6 against the Lions at home.
-
Vick May Come Full Circle in Latest Start Against Lions: A Fan’s TakeMichael Vick’s first start with the Eagles was a brilliant game against the Lions in Sept. 2010. But if the Lions knock Vick and the Eagles around in the rematch this Sunday, it could be one of his last starts with the Birds.
-
Former Phillie Ibanez Becomes a Yankee Immortal: A Fan's PerspectiveRaul Ibanez was beloved by Philadelphia in his three years with the Phillies. But now the rest of America will only remember him as a Yankee, after his two pinch-hit homers stole Game 3 of the ALDS and made the Phillies look foolish for letting him go.
-
Eagles, Vick Cautionary Tale for Redskins, Griffin: A Fan's OutlookMichael Vick has been a health risk for years, yet the Eagles can't protect him while still keeping him dangerous - or efficient. And now the Redskins may be about to find out what that's like, after Robert Griffin III suffered his first concussion.
-
Eagles Face Another Desperate, 1-Win Team in Lions: A Fan’s AnalysisThe Eagles just got beaten by a Steelers team with a surprising 1-2 record that needed to get back on their feet. But a week later, the Birds now have to face a Lions team with a surprising 1-3 record that is even more desperate.
-
Cardinals Get Another Big Game 2 Win to Even Another NLDS: A Fan's TakeLast year, the Cardinals outplayed the Phillies in the first two games of the NLDS, avoided an 0-2 hole with a Game 2 win, and rode momentum from there. This year, the Cardinals have done virtually the same thing in the first two games with the Nationals.
-
Eagles Back Below Top 10 of NFL Power Rankings: A Fan’s AnalysisThe Eagles have sniffed the top echelon of the NFL power rankings a few times, but have just as quickly gone back down. After losing to the Steelers, they are back out of the top 10, though they hope to get back in before their bye week.
-
Giants Retake Their Place as NFC East Frontrunners: A Fan’s AnalysisEvery week, the position of NFC East favorite chances for one reason or another. After Week 5, the Giants retook the mantle after blowing past the Browns, while the Eagles finally lost late and lost their momentum from beating New York.
-
2012 Nationals Already Further Along in Playoffs Than 2007 Phillies: A Fan’s OutlookThe Phillies started their NL East dynasty by getting swept out of their first postseason in 2007. But the Nationals are already further along as they start their potential dynasty, after rallying to win their first playoff game over the Cardinals.
-
Vick’s Latest Big Mistake Dooms Eagles Early On: A Fan’s AnalysisMichael Vick fumbled at the goal line early against the Steelers, and the Eagles just couldn’t shake it off. If he kept the ball and the Birds scored even three points on that drive, it would have been enough to prevent a 16-14 loss.
-
Eagles Finally Unable to Steal Another Victory: A Fan’s RecapThe Eagles had a rather typical game against the Steelers, as early turnovers hurt them, the defense had to keep them afloat, and the offense didn’t wake up until late. But this time, it wasn’t enough to prevent a last second 16-14 defeat.
-
Phillies Watching Several Old Foes in NL Playoffs: A Fan’s TakeThe Phillies have a lot of old October ghosts being awakened in this year’s postseason. Former playoff foes Cincinnati, San Francisco and St. Louis are in the NL final four, along with the new kings of the NL East in Washington.
-
Eagles, Entire NFC East Still in Identity Crisis: A Fan’s OutlookThe Eagles have been good and bad in almost equal measure a quarter of the way through the season. But that can be said of the entire NFC East, as the Eagles, Giants, Cowboys and Redskins still struggle to find out who they are.
-
Eagles Need to Be Road Warriors Again: A Fan’s AnalysisThe Eagles were a far better team on the road than they were at home last year. This season, the reverse has been true, but they’ll need to be good at both Philadelphia and on the road – and a win in Pittsburgh would be a big help.
-
Cardinals Need a Few Loopholes to Beat Braves for Wild Card Again: A Fan's TakeFor the second straight year, the Cardinals won the wild card by stunning the Braves. But this time they needed help – from Bud Selig for putting them in a playoff game to begin with, and from an umpire who used the infield fly rule quite debatably.
-
2012 Eagles Try to Save Reid like 2005 Steelers Saved Cowher: A Fan’s AnalysisAndy Reid has waited over a decade to win a Super Bowl – just as former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher did. Yet the 2005 Steelers finally came through for him in stunning fashion, like the 2012 Eagles hope to do for Reid.
-
Braves, Cardinals Get Their Wild Card Playoff a Year Late: A Fan's TakeIf the Phillies didn't stop the Braves and Cardinals from having a wild card playoff last season, maybe things would have turned out better for them. But this year, the Phillies are home while the Braves and Cardinals get their playoff game after all.
-
Eagles, Steelers Still Holding Breath Over Vick, Roethlisberger: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles are forever worried that Michael Vick will get knocked out for a long time - just like the Steelers fear the same thing every year about Ben Roethlisberger. Of course, Roethlisberger usually does more when he rises back up.
-
Kolb, Cardinals Finally Hit Wall in St. Louis: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles were incredibly lucky in their first two games before hitting the wall in Arizona. But now the even luckier Cardinals and Kevin Kolb have received a reality check of their own, after they crashed down to a 17-3 loss in St. Louis.
-
Phillies Fittingly End Mediocre Season with Mediocre Record: A Fan's TakeThis wasn't a real winning season by the Phillies, compared to the last five years. But their record showed it wasn't a complete losing season either. As such, it only made sense that it all ended with an 81-81 record after one last loss to the Nationals.
-
Can Eagles Actually Run the Ball Twice in a Row?: A Fan's PerspectiveWhen the Eagles' offense gets particularly unbalanced, a week of running the ball more gets fans off their back for a little while. But after the run was used more against the Giants, can they do it again against the Steelers with less fan pressure?
-
Kolb, Cardinals Still Have More Skepticism to Overcome: A Fan's OutlookKevin Kolb is on pace to make the Eagles look foolish for giving him up in favor of Michael Vick. But even though Kolb and the Cardinals are 4-0, it may still take a long time to prove that this team - and its quarterback - are for real.
-
Cardinals Back Their Way Back into Playoffs: A Fan's TakeThe Cardinals reached the NLCS last year in the Phillies' place and won the World Series. Now they have won the second wild card in the Phillies' place this year - although this year's Cardinals have been less hot while doing so.
-
Eagles Match Their Rising Defense Against Banged Up Steelers: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles have made everyone take notice of their defense again, but can it outplay the elite defenses of the NFL? It can find out this week, as the Steelers shore up their struggling elite defense by getting Troy Polamalu and James Harrison back.
-
Eagles' Two Best Games Have Also Been Their Luckiest: A Fan's AnalysisDespite their struggles to win every week, the Eagles have played two very good games against the Ravens and Giants. Yet although these have been their best performances of the year, the Eagles were incredibly lucky to win these games anyway.
-
Philadelphia Phillies' Top 10 Postseason Memories in HistoryThe Phillies will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2006. As such, all us fans can do to pass October by is to remember the top moments in Phillies' postseason history - both recently and in the more distant past.
-
76ers Put Faith in Collins by Picking Up Option: A Fan's TakeThe new season hasn't started yet, but the 76ers are showing faith that it will go well by picking up Doug Collins' option for next season. Will he back up that show of confidence, or will he need that extra year to bounce back?
-
76ers Get Early Reminder of Bynum's Health Risks: A Fan's OutlookThe 76ers brought on Andrew Bynum despite his history of knee problems. Now his efforts to get them fixed in Germany will cost him three weeks of preseason/training camp time, which hopefully isn't a sign of things to come.
-
Phillies' Win an Afterthought on Nationals' Big Night: A Fan's TakeThe Nationals became the first team other than the Phillies to win the NL East since 2006 - and did so with the Phillies in their ballpark. But Washington didn't beat Philadelphia to do it, as it backed in before the Phillies finished a 2-0 win.
-
Cowboys Not Ready for Prime Time After All in Loss to Bears: A Fan's RecapThe Cowboys started the season with a showcase win over the Giants in prime time. But their next night game showed how not ready for prime time they really are, after five interceptions fueled the Bears' 34-18 road victory.
-
Eagles' Best of the Rest in Week 4 NFL Power Rankings: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles kept from slipping further down the NFL power rankings by escaping the Giants. But while they remain in the top 10, they are still trailing behind the seven elite teams from the first month of the season.
-
Nationals to Seize Phillies' NL East Throne Right in Front of Them: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies' five-year run of ruling the NL East is over. If that wasn't hard enough, they now have to see the Nationals take it right in front of them, as one win over the Phillies this week will officially make the Nats' into the Phillies' successors.
-
Eagles Beat Giants by Not Abandoning the Run for Once: A Fan's AnalysisAfter yet another week of complaints that the Eagles wouldn't run the ball, it looked like they would abandon the run again after the first half against the Giants. But by staying with the run, the Eagles got a huge advantage en route to a 19-17 win.
-
Eagles Somehow Need Greatest Escape yet to Beat Giants: A Fan's RecapThe Eagles didn't turn the ball over, didn't get Michael Vick hurt and even ran the ball. But it still took massive luck to beat the Giants, as poor red zone and special teams work, late penalties and a late timeout left the Birds inches from losing.
-
Phillies Have Four Games Left to Salvage Winning Record: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies officially have no goals left but to salvage their 10'th straight winning season. It got easier by beating the Marlins last night, but the Phillies still need three more wins in their last four games - with three of those games in Washington.
-
Can Eagles Match, Improve on Last Year's 5-1 NFC East Record?: A Fan's AnalysisAs poor as the Eagles were for much of last season, it was a different story in an NFC East they were one game shy of winning. They could stand to match last year's 5-1 divisional record - although matching that one loss to the Giants wouldn't help them.
-
Eagles Must Avoid Another September Home Loss to Giants: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles blew a late lead to the Giants at home last September, and it kept them from at least winning the NFC East. Tonight, this year's Eagles can't afford another home loss to the Giants in late September which could have the same consequences.
-
Phillies' Five-Year Run of Playoff Berths Officially Over: A Fan's TakeFor weeks and months, we have all known that the Phillies' five-year run of playoff berths would be over - although we forgot for a few weeks in September. Yet it was finally made official last night after a fitting late loss to the Marlins.
-
Will Eagles Let McCoy Back Up His Taunts Against Umenyiora?: A Fan's OutlookLeSean McCoy teased that Giants' All-Pro Osi Umenyiora was a 'ballerina' in a Giants uniform, and he will have his chance to back up his taunts tomorrow night - assuming the Eagles actually run the ball more than five times in a half.
-
NFC East, West Suddenly Toughest Divisions in NFL: A Fan's AnalysisThe NFC West has often been a laughingstock, while the NFC East was weaker than it had been in decades last year. However, these troubled divisions are now the toughest in football, as each have three winning teams in the first three weeks of the season.
-
Another Phillies Season Comes Crashing Down at Home: A Fan's TakeDespite having a strong home field advantage, the Phillies had their 2009, 2010 and 2011 runs all collapse with home losses. And this year a 40-41 home record, and a 2-4 mark in the final six games at Citizens Bank Park, finished the Phillies off again.
-
Eagles, Jets Most Miserable 2-1 Teams in NFL: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles and Jets have winning records so far, but they don't feel like winners. Not with the Eagles turning the ball over and over while Michael Vick gets knocked around - and not with the Jets still struggling at quarterback and losing Darrelle Revis.
-
Eagles as Inconsistent as Rest of NFL: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles have been both great and terrible at a moment's notice, with little consistency from week to week and moment to moment. Luckily for them, the rest of the NFL is like that as well, as no one or even two dominant teams are standing out.
-
Werth Getting the Last Laugh on Phillies with Nationals: A Fan's TakeJayson Werth went from beloved to booed in Philadelphia when he went to Washington - although it looked like he got the wrong end of the deal last year. And yet now he is on his way back to October while the Phillies are staying home.
-
Eagles Left Relatively Unscathed by Replacement Referee Era: A Fan's PerspectiveWhile having three weeks of replacement referees harmed and benefited a lot of teams, the Eagles were relatively untouched. They got help from the refs against the Ravens, but other than that, their own mistakes hurt them more than replacement officials.
-
Eagles, Giants Now Only Have to Worry About Rusty Officials: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles and Giants won't have replacement referees threaten the outcome of their game on Sunday night. But with real referees being rushed back onto the field earlier than expected, the Eagles and Giants have to hope they're not too rusty right away.
-
Phillies May Still Have a Say in Who Dethrones Them in NL East: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies' five-year reign in the NL East is over, with the Nationals on track to take the throne. Yet their lead over the Braves is shrinking as they face five more games against the Phillies - who are now getting good at beating them.
-
Eagles Need Vick to Get Off Hot Seat Once Again: A Fan's AnalysisAfter an ugly performance on the road on opening day, Michael Vick rebounded to beat a Super Bowl contender the next week. Now after an uglier game in Arizona, Vick must rebound once more against the Giants - or risk Nick Foles looking over his shoulder.
-
Eagles, Giants on Track to Be Latest Victims of Primetime Referees: A Fan's OutlookIt seems that every primetime NFL game ruins football lately, thanks to replacement refs. Now the Eagles and Giants will have the first big primetime game since the debacle in Seattle - and similar chaos in Philadelphia could truly destroy the league.
-
Cardinals Finally Pull Away from Phillies and Other Pretenders: A Fan's TakeNo one seemed like they wanted to win the NL's second wild card, yet the Cardinals are the only ones coming close. The Phillies, Brewers and Dodgers appear to finally be fading away for good while the Cardinals beat the dregs of the NL Central.
-
Will it Take Extreme Scenarios like a Players Strike to End Referee Lockout?: A Fan's OutlookIf a game being affected by replacement refs really isn't enough to end the lockout, then the NFL risks having other extreme tipping points come to pass - like a player's walkout, a truly crippling injury, or even physical confrontations with referees.
-
Eagles Take Tumble Down NFL Power Rankings for Week 3: A Fan's AnalysisEverything is in limbo in the early NFL power rankings, with elite teams losing/getting robbed and only three perfect and two winless teams left. But there's no question the Eagles had to take some steps down after their performance in Arizona.
-
Braves Destroy Phillies' Playoff Hopes This Time Around: A Fan's TakeLast year, the Phillies capped off the Braves' September collapse and kept them from the playoffs. But the Braves finally got revenge this weekend, as they all but ended the Phillies playoff hopes this time and capped off their own collapse of a season.
-
Cardinals Look like Last Year's 49ers in Stunning Eagles: A Fan's AnalysisThe 49ers began a stunning run to the NFC title game last year by shocking the Eagles - and proving the Birds had a lot to worry about. Now the stunning 3-0 Cardinals have done the exact same thing to the Eagles - so will the end result be the same?
-
Cardinals Continue to Have Their Way with Eagles: A Fan's PerspectiveThe Cardinals stunned the Eagles in their last two meetings together. But this time, the most stunning thing about their latest 'upset' of the Eagles was how easy it was, as the Cardinals dominated from the first snap en route to a 27-6 triumph.
-
Phillies, Halladay Finally Bottom Out Together Against Braves: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies and Roy Halladay have taken significant steps backward this year, but were starting to win more in these last few weeks. Yet they may have now finally been finished off, after Halladay was knocked around by the Braves yesterday.
-
Eagles Need Better Luck Containing Larry Fitzgerald: A Fan's OutlookThe Cardinals upset the Eagles in their last few meetings together, thanks to dominant performances from Larry Fitzgerald. But Arizona's star receiver has been quiet this season - and Philadelphia really needs him to stay that way.
-
Eagles, Cardinals Still Flying High from End of 2011: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles and Cardinals both finished 8-8 last year, but it was misleading due to their terrible starts. Their hot finishes in 2011 seemed to mean little, yet they are both continuing to win at the beginning of 2012 as well.
-
Phillies in Need of Perfect Weekend: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies beat the Braves last night, gained on the Cardinals and kept up with the Brewers and Dodgers. The rest of the weekend must go more perfectly, especially with the Cardinals facing the Cubs and the Brewers and Dodgers facing the Nats and Reds.
-
Eagles Must Show Their Receiving Depth with Maclin Out: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles have gotten big catches from receivers other than DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin thus far. That trend must continue tomorrow, now that Maclin is out against the Cardinals and the Eagles need people other than Jackson to catch the ball.
-
Kolb Finally Gets His Rematch with Eagles: A Fan's PerspectiveKevin Kolb lost his job with the Eagles, then lost his chance to face them with the Cardinals last season. It looked like he wouldn't get another shot at them after being demoted this preseason - but now he's somehow gotten a shot at the Eagles after all.
-
Astros Continue to Kill Phillies’ Late Run: A Fan’s TakeThe Phillies were crippled by their three losses to the Astros last weekend, yet they rebounded to sweep and blow out the Mets. But since the Astros got swept by the Cardinals as well, Houston just dug Philadelphia’s grave even deeper.
-
Eagles Still Haven’t Proven They Can Keep Fourth-Quarter Leads: A Fan’s AnalysisThe Eagles blew fourth quarter leads all the time last year, but have already erased two late deficits this year. Yet until they hold a late lead all the way through, the Eagles still won’t have proven if they’ve learned from their mistakes.
-
Giants Finally Put Together 60 Dominant Minutes Over Panthers: A Fan’s RecapThe Giants had been good and bad in equal measure through their first two games. Yet despite being banged up and exhausted, the champions put together 60 full, dominant minutes in a brutal 36-7 statement blowout over the Panthers.
-
Phillies Stave Off Execution Again with Late Howard Homer: A Fan's TakeThe final obit for the Phillies' season would have been all but written up, if they yielded one more out to the Mets on Sept. 19. But with one out to spare, Ryan Howard saved the season with a home run - yet did he save it for more than another day?
-
Which Giants Team Will Show Up in Carolina?: A Fan's PreviewThe Giants have been ugly for most of their first two games, but got pretty long enough to escape the Buccaneers anyway. Yet with a short rest and a bunch of injuries, the good Giants may have a hard time holding back the bad ones in Carolina.
-
Eagles Above the Fray of Parity-Stricken NFL: A Fan's AnalysisA record-setting 20 teams are 1-1 through two weeks this season - with the Eagles escaping the fray at 2-0. This bodes to be one of the more parity-stricken regular seasons at this rate, which gives the Eagles as good a shot as anyone.
-
National League Only Has Second Wild Card for September Drama: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies are on the edge of contention in the second wild card race. Without it, not only would their season be over, the National League would have no intrigue left in September - since the Nationals, Reds, Giants and Braves are cruising to October.
-
Cardiac Eagles, Cardinals to Test Their Luck Together: A Fan's OutlookNo one has been luckier so far this season than the Eagles and Cardinals. But after they each got off to a 2-0 start and narrowly avoided starting 0-2, one of their lucky streaks will finally give out when they play each other this Sunday.
-
Eagles, Cardinals Developing Unlikely Rivalry: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles and Cardinals weren't really rivals when they played together in the NFC East. But the two franchises have played some rather big games over the last few years, with the latest to come on Sept. 23 as they both come in unbeaten.
-
Phillies Need to Finally Master Mets: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies must sweep the Mets to get back in the playoff race, as their 3-1 win last night was a good start. If it's not enough, their three losses to the Astros last weekend - and their 10 losses to the Mets this year - will be a big reason why.
-
Eagles in an Unlikely Collection of Perfect NFC Teams: A Fan's OutlookThere are only four perfect teams left in the NFC - and the Packers, Giants, Lions and Cowboys aren't among them. But the Eagles are somehow in the mix along with the Cardinals and Falcons, with the 49ers towering over all of them.
-
Eagles Climb into Top Five of Week 2 NFL Power Rankings: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles got the signature win they needed over the Ravens to climb up the NFL power rankings - no matter how they got it. But with a bunch of other elite teams stuck at 1-1 while the Eagles are 2-0, it was a little easier.
-
Phillies Relieved to See Astros Leaving National League: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies and Astros will no longer be rivals after Houston joins the American League in 2013. But this is a case of good riddance for the Phillies, after the Astros shattered another September for them with three stunning wins this past weekend.
-
Vick Somehow Stays Upright to Power Eagles Through Ravens: A Fan's OutlookMichael Vick took more of a beating from the Ravens than he did from the Browns. Yet while several Eagles went down to injury, the fragile Vick stayed upright, cut down on his interception and incompletion, and gave the Eagles another last-minute win.
-
Eagles Have Much More Impressive One-Point Win Over Ravens: A Fan's RecapLast week, the Eagles made everyone panic when they only beat the Browns by one point and had five turnovers. This week, they only beat the Ravens by one point and had four turnovers - but there are more reasons to be proud of this great escape.
-
Phillies, Kendrick Cooled Off by Astros: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies and Kyle Kendrick each struggled badly for four months, before becoming red hot over the last month. But Kendrick finally stumbled against the Astros - like the Phillies as a whole have - as they got rocked for a 5-0 defeat.
-
Eagles Look to Regain Home Field Advantage: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles used to have a clear cut advantage playing in Philadelphia - but it's been gone since roughly December 2010. After starting 1-5 at Lincoln Financial Field last year, the Eagles need a much better start when they host the Ravens today.
-
Eagles Need Much Better Week 2 Performance Than Last Year: A Fan's AnalysisLast year, the Eagles struggled against the inferior Rams in Week 1, then broke against the far better Falcons in Week 2. This year, the Eagles struggled against the inferior Browns in Week 1, but must improve against the superior Ravens in Week 2.
-
Phillies About to Keep Bragging Rights Over Pirates in Pennsylvania: A Fan's TakeFor the first time in ages, the Pirates looked like the best baseball team in Pennsylvania instead of the Phillies. But the Phils may be about to keep that throne after all, as the collapsing Pirates and the rising Phillies are now all locked up.
-
Eagles Need Healthy Jackson, Maclin to Light Up Ravens: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles have a supposedly top notch wide-receiving duo in DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, yet both are game-time decisions against the Ravens. Yet if one or both of them take the field, they'll then need to come up huge for Michael Vick.
-
Ravens Hope to Finally Break Through like 2004 Eagles Did: A Fan's AnalysisThe Ravens have won at least one playoff game in the last four years, but haven't reached the Super Bowl. Andy Reid did that with the Eagles in four straight years before reaching the Super Bowl in a fifth, like the Ravens hope to do.
-
Phillies Resume Old Bad Habits Late Against Astros: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies seemed to keep rolling when they got a quick 4-0 lead over the Astros. But then they started to leave men on base, lose more of their lead and stumble in the eighth inning again, as the old Phillies let the lowly Astros cool them off.
-
Eagles Finally About to Start Season for Real: A Fan's OutlookDespite almost getting upset by the Browns, the Eagles' Week 1 escape was still practically a preseason game. With the Ravens, Cardinals, Steelers, Giants and Lions coming before the bye, the Eagles' real season is now on the horizon.
-
Packers Finally Have Fourth-and-26 Play Go in Their Favor: A Fan's PerspectiveIn 2004, a shocking fourth-and-26 catch saved the Eagles against the Packers in the playoffs. Over eight years later, the Packers had their own fourth-and-26 big play, where a fake field goal turned into a back-breaking touchdown over the Bears.
-
Phillies a Winning Team Again at Last: A Fan’s TakeHaving a winning record wasn’t a big deal for the Phillies before, but that was prior to spending three months under .500. To everyone’s shock, those days are over for now, as the Phillies got over .500 and got even closer in the wild card standings.
-
Eagles, Ravens Head for Another Rare, Memorable Showdown: A Fan’s OutlookThe Eagles approach their fourth ever game with the Ravens since they moved from Cleveland. But the last three times have been memorable for the Birds, including a tie, a win during the 2004 Super Bowl season, and a loss that triggered 2008’s run.
-
Packers Have Even Less Offensive Balance Than Eagles: A Fan’s AnalysisThe Eagles have proven that throwing twice as much as they run isn’t a Super Bowl winning formula. Yet the former champion Packers have become even more unbalanced – but Aaron Rodgers may not be enough to make up for it anymore.
-
Phillies, Brewers Somehow Eying Winning Records, Return to Postseason: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies and Brewers almost faced off in last year's NLCS, then both tanked in 2012 after getting upset by the Cardinals last October. But now both clubs have made stunning rallies to get to .500 - and to get close to catching the Cardinals this time.Also published on:
-
Eagles, Ravens Look Fine so Far Without Peters, Suggs: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles and Ravens each suffered devastating blows when Jason Peters and Terrell Suggs got sidelined by Achilles tears. Yet in Week 1, LeSean McCoy still ran without Peters blocking for him, and the Ravens defense still dominated without Suggs.
-
Ravens, Flacco Peaking as Eagles, Vick Keep Slipping: A Fan's PerspectiveBoth Joe Flacco and Michael Vick have been the biggest question marks for the Ravens and Eagles for years. Yet Baltimore's quarterback is starting to show that he might be ready to take his team over the top, unlike Philadelphia's quarterback.
-
NL's Second Wild Card May Not Interest Anyone but Phillies: A Fan's TakeThe new second wild card spot was a gift, yet the Cardinals, Pirates and Dodgers aren't treating it like one lately. In fact, they have been losing so much, they even let the Phillies get five games back for a wild card berth no one else wants anymore.
-
Ravens Head to Uneasy Philadelphia After Slaughtering Bengals: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles barely beat the Browns, which made their upcoming battle with the Ravens a bit more ominous. It got even more unsettling after the Ravens racked up 44 points, and 27 unanswered in the second half, to destroy the Bengals in their opener.
-
Eagles Drop in Week 1 NFL Power Rankings After Near Loss: A Fan's AnalysisDespite winning over the Browns, the Eagles' standing in the NFL power rankings had to drop because they almost lost. But beating the Ravens in Week 2 would likely balance that out, after they put themselves just behind the Patriots and 49ers on top.
-
Phillies Complete Two More Comebacks Over Rockies: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Rockies and rallied from deficits each time out, making two more rallies in yesterday's day-night doubleheader. For that matter, a larger comeback to a .500 record is nearing completion.
-
Eagles, Reid as Illogically Unbalanced as Ever: A Fan's OutlookDespite years of seeing the Eagles throw twice as much as they run, it was still astonishing to see Michael Vick throw 56 times against the Browns despite four interceptions. Even with his future on the line, Andy Reid is still backing the wrong strategy.
-
Eagles Only Need Six Good Minutes to Escape Browns: A Fan's RecapFor 54 minutes, the Eagles stumbled and gave the ball away at almost every turn against the Browns. But for 18 seconds at the end of the first half, and over five minutes at the end of the second, the Eagles woke up enough to pull out the victory.
-
Strasburg Shut Down Outcome in October to Affect Nationals, Phillies for Years: A Fan's TakeIf the Nationals do damage in the playoffs with Stephen Strasburg shut down, then they could be ready to shut the door on the Phillies - among others - for years. As such, this October will be a real game-changer, and not just in Washington.
-
Eagles Hope to Look More like Cowboys Than Giants in Week 1: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles will use the Cowboys and Giants as measuring sticks as they hope to take back the NFC East. To that end, the Eagles would rather match the Cowboys' opening performance in Week 1 than they would the Giants.
-
Eagles Start Another Year Against Poor Opponent on the Road: A Fan's AnalysisLast year, the Eagles started the season by beating the overmatched Rams on the road, but it provided false hope down the line. This year, the Eagles start on the road against the even more overmatched Browns - but hope to do much better afterwards.
-
Phillies Carried by Lesser Known Hitters Over Rockies: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies have usually been bailed out by Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and other big stars. Yet these days, the likes of Lance Nix, Nick Schierholtz, Eric Kratz and Dominic Brown have carried them, as they did in a comeback over the Rockies.
-
Eagles Need to Fully Exploit Their Dangerous Running Game: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles have always been a pass first team, even when it makes them more vulnerable. Yet they actually have one of the most deadly running attacks in football, thanks to LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick - so will they trust in it?