Eagles 17 Bills 9

In a season that had more downs than ups, the Philadelphia Eagles ended the season on a positive note, besting the Bills 17-9. In a game where in neither team had anything to play for save for a .500 record, both teams came out as if they had something to prove.

QB Donovan McNabb, perhaps silenced some of his critics today, by having one of his better games this year, completing, 29 of 41 passes, with one touchdown throw, and one costly red zone interception. Brian Westbrook played minimal today, but had enough yardage to break the Eagles franchise single season record for yards from scrimmage, with 2,015, a record previous held by Wilbert Montgomery. Westbrook also set a single season record for most reception with 89, a record previously held by Irving Fryar. Westbrook then sat out the second ½, a decision which I am sure will be questioned.

The Eagles defense came up big today, despite missing pro bowl safety Brian Dawkins, and CB Lito Sheppard, holding the Bills to only three field goals, and less than 300 yards of offense. Perhaps the best defensive state was the Bills third down efficiency (2-12) and red zone efficiency, (0-4). The Eagles red zone defense has been very impressive of late, and has saved many a touchdown.

While not a real exciting game, it was nice that the Eagles came out with a win, which was their third in a row...why they started playing some of their best football at the end of the season, is another question that I like to have answered.

I would have liked to have seen the Eagles put up some more points, and then put rookie QB Kevin Kolb in a get some snaps, and experience, but it didn't happen, so the starters save for Westbrook played the entire game.

Now to the off season.

--gfo

Well The Patriots Did It

They managed to squeak out a victory last night over the the New York Giants, in what should have been a meaningless game for both teams as they both locked up their respective playoff positions, and the started should have seen minimal playing time, turned out to be a battle royale for both teams. The Giants trying to play spoiler to the Patriots Cinderella season.

It was one of the most exciting games I have seen in a long time. The Patriots proved how good they really are, but as the Eagles did a few weeks ago, showed that the Patriots are not invincible. As was mentioned numerous times last night, the Giants appears to have really studied the Eagles/Patriots film, which showed that getting in Brady's face early and often is a way to keep him off of his game.

So the Patriots have made NFL history, besides having a perfect season, Tom Brady broke golden boy Peyton Manning's single season touchdown record by throwing 50, Randy Moss broke the single season touchdown receiving record previously held by Jerry Rice, and the Patriots set a single season scoring record as well. It should be noted that all three of the respective records were broken one touchdown throw.

So now that that drama is over, we have some games with playoff implications today, and a meaningless Eagles game, albeit with a win they will finish with .500 record.

Side note, its tough to watch two former Eagles that are now Patriots (WR's, Stallworth and Gaffney) do so well and think what they could have done had they still been here.

Sometimes hindsight, isn't always 20/20

--gfo

On Christmas

The joy of my children's faces every years is perhaps one of the best perks of being a parent every year, and I really lucked out this year, I don't have any that has the tag line some assembly required, the only thing I need to do is open boxes.

The Mrs has to work 0700-1530 today, so the children woke up when they heard her putzing around this morning. I figured my time in bed would be very limited at that point, so I decided to get up. As a bonus the Mrs was able to watch the kids open their presents.

So, for now they are enjoying their gifts, and I am enjoying my coffee.

--gfo

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

May the peace of season be with you and yours throughout the year


--gfo

Eagles 38 Saints 23

Well it what was a surprise to most Eagles fans, the Eagles came out and played like a team that had something to proved, and they sure did, besting the Saints 38-23. After a first quarter that saw five touchdowns scored in the first quarter between both teams, the game slowed down a bit and the it became a defensive game.

Brian Westbrook proved once again his value to the teams, running for a 100 yards, and catching 3 balls for only 9 yards. QB Donovan McNabb after having a tumultuous week with comments that he did or did not make prior to last weeks game, came out and had one heckuva game, completing 24/35 passes, for 263 yards, and throwing three touchdown passes. He got lucky on the first touchdown of the game when he fumbled the ball but it was recovered in the end zone by wide receiver Kevin Curtis.

The defense while playing inconsistently came up big in the third quarter stopping the Saints, four times while the Saints had the ball on one or two yard line. On the the subsequent series the Eagles marched the ball down the field and scored a touchdown, which turns out to have sealed the Saints fate.

It was nice to see the Eagles came out and play as well and as hard as they did today. I only wished they played that way all year, and they may have had a chance to be in the playoffs.

At least the Eagles fans got a nice Christmas present.

Next week Buffalo comes to town for the season finale, in what may very well be Donovan McNabb's last game here in Philadelphia.

--gfo

Eagles 10 Cowboys 6

In what was predicted to be a Dallas blowout turned out to be a Dallas blowup. In a highly defensive contest, the visiting Eagles got the better of the Cowboys, in what was one of the most bizarre endings to a football game I have ever seen.

RB Brian Westbrook could have easily added a touchdown to the Eagles 10 points but with the clock winding down to the two minute warning, he slid on the one yards, in what turned out to be a brilliant way for the Eagles to win the game. With the Cowboys out of timeouts, all the Eagles had to do was take a knee as the Cowboys could sit aimlessly by and watch the time tick away.

Both Quarterbacks especially the newly minted golden boy Tony Romo, had lousy games. I expected more from Romo, and he came up really small today. Perhaps the fact the Cowboys locked up a first round bye may have played a part in it, but, this is still a division game, with a much hated opponent, and I believe it was also the final home game for the Cowboys.

Although the Eagles chances of seeing post season action are slim, a win in Dallas, is always a good thing.

Even though it was ugly, it was a win.

--gfo

Cardinal Foley Returns Home

Less than a month after his elevation to the College of Cardinals, Cardinal John Patrick Foley celebrated a mass of thanksgiving at his home parish, which happens to my families as well. Cardinal Foley was born and raised in Sharon Hill and never forgot his roots or his home parish. The Parish was a packed as I have ever seen it, and the Cardinal was enthusiastically greeted with numerous standing ovations.

In his homily, he reflected on his growing up in Sharon Hill, his discernment to the priesthood, and the fond memories he has of the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. His anecdotes for both funny and awe inspiring.

On a personal note, my daughter was one of the altar servers, and I was the lector. So it was truly a memorable evening for the Oaster family, as we not only got to meet a Cardinal, but be a part of his mass. He was most gracious spending time greeting all the parishioners after the mass, even though he was not feeling well.

He was truly a humble and funny man, it was a honor to meet him, and be a part of his the mass. It is something we will never forget.

Thank you Cardinal Foley, for all you do for the church, and for our parish.

--gfo

photo from my personal collection

On The Mitchell Report

The big question that I have is, are there enough buses in this country for everyone involved in baseball (owners, players, unions, league management, etc.) for everyone to start throwing each other under.

Not that this report was surprising at all. As a fan I expected it to reveal what those who are not on the river denial already knew about the rampant steroid, and other performance enhancing drugs existed is and was prevalent and tolerated in major league baseball.

Now what can be done about. Here is my 2¢ (just a working stiff, who is exercising his first amendment right of free speech, and doing so through the wonderful world of blog land):

• Both Bud Selig and Donald Fehr should resign their respective positions immediately. Both men allowed and tolerated, and probably indirectly encouraged this problem, for the better of the league and the players wallets. If any changes are to occur, and baseball restores some creditability, it would be best done with neither of these men in the respective positions
• All players implicated, should be thrown out of the game, but not before given the opportunity to disprove otherwise by a panel of independent experts, and others whom have no connection to baseball.
• All players going forward should be tested weekly, and any player who tests positive, be suspended for a year. A second positive test, a lifetime ban from baseball, no exceptions
• Congress and the individual States, need to enact, and enforce tougher laws against steroid use, and those who provide them to players.
• Finally, MLB and its players need to come out and strongly speak out against, steroid and other performance enhancing drug use...and most importantly apologize to the millions of fans and sponsors.

The tip of the iceberg has been reached, now we as fan's need to push for change. This is a dark day for all sports, and its sad it has been allowed to go on for as long as it has.

Now let the finger pointing begin

--gfo

Cardinal Foley Visit Part I

This evening, Philadelphia (and Sharon Hill's) native soon returns home for his first of two masses of thanksgiving, since being elevated to a Cardinal.

This evening mass will be streamed on the archdiocese website so for those who are unable to attend the mass at the Cathedral.

--gfo

A Milestone

Last night, a little after 2000, I surpassed what to me is milestone. I went over 10,000 miles of cycling miles. My total to date now stands at, 10,009.476. I started cycling in June 2002. Then it was more of a casual thing, just to supplement my running, and at that time, I had it in my mind that I wanted to a triathlon the following year.

Well less than a year later, my fitness goals, and life changed significantly,as my running career came abruptly to an end with the diagnosis of three heart conditions, most notably Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

After a few months of inactivity, and getting the fitness bug back. I approached my cardiologist and asked him what he thought of me riding a bike, albeit at a reduced rate/effort. I wanted to keep moving forward, not only for the physical benefits, but at the time it was a much needed mental boost that I so desperately needed. The cardiologist enthusiastically approved with the stipulation that I take it easy. I should also note that he told me that he wished more of his patients would ask him if they could exercise.

So, on 02 May 2003, I embarked on my first bike ride post heart diagnosis. It was only a 4.76 mile ride, a little over 23 minutes, at 12.2 MPH average pace, and from there I have been pedaling ever since.

Although since I started have the MS issues over a year ago, I have kept myself to riding the bike in the basement on the trainer. More as a safety issue, since I have problems with my balance. I miss riding outside, and perhaps one day I will return to the open roads when my medical team gets things stabilized and under control.

As the late Jim Croce sang so wonderfully, Moving ahead, so life won't pass me by, which has become my battle cry. Every turn of the crank begets another, ergo another tenth of a mile, which appertains into miles, which then means that although I am riding stationary, I am that much ahead of two life altering diseases, that at times does its best to keep me down. As long as I am in the saddle, and pedaling, the diseases are at least for those brief moments, are behind me.

--gfo

Eagles 13 Giants 16

Well the Eagles blew another one here at the Linc, therefore securing them a seat at their homes watching the playoff instead of playing in them.

I must say this has been a very disappointing season, with the exception of the play of Brian Westbrook is having one hell of a year, and if it wasn't for some stellar performances by him, the team would probably have a few more losses than wins. While his numbers today were still impressive, (116 rushing yards on 20 carries, and 38 receiving yards on five catches including the Eagles only touchdown), he did have a costly fumble, I believe it was his first in over 500 touches, which is an incredible feat considering how often he gets the ball.

QB Donovan McNabb returned to the starting role after being out for two weeks. His numbers sucked, 20/30 only 179 yards, but most importantly no interceptions.

I missed most of the first ½ and part of the third quarter since we were at my daughters basketball game. Looks like I missed the most productive and exciting part of the game.

The defense looked so-so, holding Manning to 219 yards and one touchdown and keeping the running game in check.

I think its time to bring rookie Kevin Kolb in and give him chance at running things. He couldn't do any worse than McNabb or Feeley.

I think a major overhaul is needed, and I hope management addresses this in the off season. Eagles fans aren't used to this, and are tired of lip service and canned responses from the coach and ownership.

Its time for action not lip service.

--gfo

On The More To Come

Well, a few weeks have past since my last neurology visit, and I have been doing a lot of think, and soul searching. Its tough realizing you have a disease that seems to be as unpredictable as a Donovan McNabb pass. Some days are good, and I have no problems, others really suck and then there are the days that are so-so, meaning a mixture of good and bad.

Through all this, I am still an employee, a husband, and a father, and with that the responsibilities that are part of being the aforementioned. Balancing life, work, and still managing to stay focused on all the tasks at hand is quite a task at times. Most of the time I do so with very little complaining, and keeping a smile on my face...even though I am really having a tough time mentally and sometimes physically coping with the challenges of MS, and a heart condition.

I still mange to get 4-5 days of indoor bike riding, averaging about 13 miles or so (35 +/- minutes). Depending on how I feel I go more or less. When I go less because I am too fatigued I get mad at myself, and it typically affects my mood.

Then there is the newly developing cognitive issues, which are frustrating especially when speaking. Hopefully the visit with the specialist next month will shed some light on, and we can move forward with some treatment options.

One day at a time, as easy as it sounds, its a lot tougher than it is.

--gfo

The Church Is Clean

A banner is hung, the people are ready and waiting, for Cardinal Foley our priest son, now Cardinal to make his visit next Saturday.

Today a bunch of folks came to the church and gave it a stem to stern cleaning. In fact at the 1700 mass tonight, the aroma of Murphy's Oil and Pledge still filled the pews. The church looks great, and the anticipation is strong amongst the faithful of our small parish community.

A Cardinal Foley Welcome Home banner was hung earlier today, and looks great. Other last minute preparations are coming together and now all we need is the Cardinal.

--gfo

Wow What A Week

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, a busy and hectic work schedule, driving kid's to and from various activities, I haven't had much time to blog this week.

I have gotten a little bit of Christmas shopping done albeit on line. I still have to get the Mrs some things, but I have ideas.

Next week, we have some final preparations for the Cardinal Foley's mass next Saturday at our Parish.

Even though things have been tumultuous around here. I have managed (with some help from my elves) to get the house mostly decorated, and the tree up. I still have one set of lights to put up, which I hope to get done this weekend.

More to come later.

--gfo

Eagles 24 Seahawks 28

Another game where AJ Feeley comes up small again, especially in the waining seconds, the Eagles dropped a heart breaker to the Seahawks 28-24. This loss puts the Eagles at 5-7, and although they still have a slim chance to make the playoffs, the are mathematically still in the hunt.

Brian Westbrook continues to carry the team on his shoulders, gaining, 93 yards on the ground, 46 in catching, and nearly busting a game winning punt return of 64 yards.

I don't know what else to say, about yesterday's game. Four interceptions, and completing less than ½ of your passes does not win football games. Its obvious, at least to me, that the Eagles need to concentrate more on their running game, as that is where they seem to having the most success. But the Eagles coaching staff is content on throwing the ball, and we see the results.

I have little faith left in the coaching staff, and I think some changes need to made, especially in the play calling. Ownership needs to sit the coaching staff and put their jobs on the line. Also it would be real nice if the ownership would go out and get some talented receivers, and screw whether they get along with Donovan McNabb.

Also, I think its time for the Kevin Kolb era to begin. Feeley just doesn't have what it takes to be an NFL starter...unless you play defense.

--gfo

Our First Snow

Well its more freezing rain than anything, but its the areas first winter storm (in the fall). I just stepped outside to get the paper and its a bit on the slick side.

If its a slow news day, maybe the local media will have something to do today.

Should make for an interesting Eagles game today.

--gfo