Well, another week, another ugly game. The Eagles lost to the mediocre Chicago Bears 24-20 once again stinking it up on the national stage in prime time. The Eagles were once again without star Brian Westbrook, who was inactive for last night's game with an ankle injury that was sustained during last weeks game.
The offense should some sporadic signs of life, but when they needed the big play, the came up short. WR DeSean Jackson, showed his talents off again, in both running (2-35), and receiving (5-71, 1 TD (this time making sure he was in the end zone this time)), but I will fall short of a coronation ceremony since his muffed punt led to a Bears TD, and on a subsequent punt he let it roll and the Bears were able to down it deep in Eagles territory.
Even the venerable place kicker David Akers missed two field goals, yeah one was from 51 yards out, but the other one bonked off the right upright. The last couple of years his inconsistency has been a problem for the Eagles. The excuse of getting used to a new holder should no longer be a factor. Akers needs to start nailing these field goals. The two misses last night cost the Eagles the game, although the offense lack of putting the ball in the end zone is the bigger issue.
The defense and special teams came up with big games. The special teams making the ever dangerous Devin Hester a non factor in punt returns, although he did almost bust a kickoff return, but was stopped by kicker David Akers on a remarkable play, which almost makes up for his FG misses.
Next week the Eagles host division rival Washington in an important must win game. The Eagles are last in the division and need a division win to keep pace with the Giant and Cowboys. This should be interesting next week, as a game five if necessary in the NLDS would be on Sunday as well at Citizens Bank Park, and if that happens (and I hope it doesn't) parking, etc will be a nightmare, so the best seat for both games will be right here at my house.
The only consolation to yesterday's Eagles loss was that the Cowboy's got smacked by the Redskins.
Looks like its going to be one of those roller coaster seasons yet again.
--gfo
29 September, 2008
27 September, 2008
2008 National League East Champions
Congratulations to the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies on clinching their second consecutive National League East title today against the Washington Nationals.
Closer Brad Lidge, saved his 41st game is as many games, although it was a nail biter. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins made a remarkable play and turned the first part of the game ending double play, with one out and the bases loaded.
Will have to wait until tomorrow to see if the Dodgers or Brewers are coming to town.
Congratulations guys on a remarkable season, and best of luck in the post season. Let's see if we can end this 25 year championship drought.
--gfo
Closer Brad Lidge, saved his 41st game is as many games, although it was a nail biter. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins made a remarkable play and turned the first part of the game ending double play, with one out and the bases loaded.
Will have to wait until tomorrow to see if the Dodgers or Brewers are coming to town.
Congratulations guys on a remarkable season, and best of luck in the post season. Let's see if we can end this 25 year championship drought.
--gfo
An Update and analysis
Yesterday I finished up with my outpatient physical therapy (was going x3 days a week). I see the neurosurgeon on Monday, then it's back to the office on Wednesday.
After almost two months since the baclofen pump was implanted there is a dramatic improvement in my leg strength. I think the pump combined with the intensive inpatient and subsequent outpatient PT, plus keep up with a program at home on my non PT days has helped.
What has also helped is the getting a set of articulating ankle braces (AKA AFO's). Shown below, it prevents my foot from dropping, which has been a problem, when ascending and descending steps, or stepping over obstacles around the house, causing stumbles and falls. It is adjustable with a little screw located at the base of the upper part of the brace. I have had the braces nearly a week, and are still getting used to them. I did a session of PT with the braces and she was happy with how they worked for me. I will still be using the cane when I leave the house, but that is for my own security. The braces keep me pretty steady.
After almost two months since the baclofen pump was implanted there is a dramatic improvement in my leg strength. I think the pump combined with the intensive inpatient and subsequent outpatient PT, plus keep up with a program at home on my non PT days has helped.
What has also helped is the getting a set of articulating ankle braces (AKA AFO's). Shown below, it prevents my foot from dropping, which has been a problem, when ascending and descending steps, or stepping over obstacles around the house, causing stumbles and falls. It is adjustable with a little screw located at the base of the upper part of the brace. I have had the braces nearly a week, and are still getting used to them. I did a session of PT with the braces and she was happy with how they worked for me. I will still be using the cane when I leave the house, but that is for my own security. The braces keep me pretty steady.
After being out of work for what will be two months, I have mixed feelings about going back. I know that I am ready to go back, but getting back into the swing of things, and trying to maintain my PT program is going to be a challenge especially with the both of the kids involved in sports and scouts, but my PT advised me to do what I can when I can as time allows.
I have to say that doing the inpatient and then outpatient PT was probably more helpful than the pump itself. Getting the pump implanted instilled the confidence in me that I had lost. Once I got back into an exercise routine, it all came back to me, and the drive and enthusiasm that I used to have came right back and I was very good with keeping up with my at home programs, and while I was in therapy sessions, I listened well, and adhered to all the suggestions. Sure I had some setbacks, and I will say that I was harshest critic, my PT team, and family were my biggest supporters and kept me motivated and on track. I have a great program that I will be following and as noted above will try and keep to despite my time limitations.
So a big thanks to Marianna and Dianne for all their help, support and direction. I could not have done it without you.
Go Phillies, and Go Eagles
--gfo
21 September, 2008
Eagles 15 Steelers 6
In a game that Stillers QB Ben Roethlisberger spent a good portion of the game on his back (sacked nine times) or running for his life, in what ultimately became a game of field position, the Eagles prevailed over their cross state rivals 15-6.
QB Donovan McNabb, delayed his return in the second half, and backup QB Kevin Kolb, got a chance for a few snaps. Despite McNabb's delayed return, he was pretty effective today, completing 24 of 35 passes, but only for 196 yards, and one touchdown. With that TD pass, McNabb surpassed infamous QB Ron Jaworksi for most TD passes by an Eagles QB (176). Most of McNabb's passes were short dump offs, and anytime he tried throwing the long ball, it was too long, too short, picked off, or off target.
One big concern is the apparent ankle injury to RB Brian Westbrook who left the game early in the first quarter. Looking at replay's of the injury, it looks like he stepped on one of his own players and may have tweaked it a little bit, but perhaps there is more to it, as he didn't return to the field of play for the remainder of the game.
Any questions that were raised (including your's truly) about Brian Dawkins ability to keep pace, was put to rest as he came up big today, compiling five tackles, two assists, one sack and one forced fumble.
My player of the game was former Australian rules football player turned NFL punter Sav Rocca, who came up with a couple of booming punts three of which pinned the Stillers deep in Eagles territory, one of which led to a two point safety. Kicker David Akers secured the victory with a late 31 yarder field goal
Overall a pretty lackluster offensive performance by both teams, the Eagles defense came up big today, getting in quarterbacks faces, and holding the Stillers less than 200 yards of total offense.
Next week the Eagles travel to Chicago to face the 1-2 Bears in a Sunday night prime time game.
Let's hope the Westbrook injury isn't to serious, Buckhalter and Bookers are good backup and role players but the absence of Westbrook was definitely felt today.
--gfo
QB Donovan McNabb, delayed his return in the second half, and backup QB Kevin Kolb, got a chance for a few snaps. Despite McNabb's delayed return, he was pretty effective today, completing 24 of 35 passes, but only for 196 yards, and one touchdown. With that TD pass, McNabb surpassed infamous QB Ron Jaworksi for most TD passes by an Eagles QB (176). Most of McNabb's passes were short dump offs, and anytime he tried throwing the long ball, it was too long, too short, picked off, or off target.
One big concern is the apparent ankle injury to RB Brian Westbrook who left the game early in the first quarter. Looking at replay's of the injury, it looks like he stepped on one of his own players and may have tweaked it a little bit, but perhaps there is more to it, as he didn't return to the field of play for the remainder of the game.
Any questions that were raised (including your's truly) about Brian Dawkins ability to keep pace, was put to rest as he came up big today, compiling five tackles, two assists, one sack and one forced fumble.
My player of the game was former Australian rules football player turned NFL punter Sav Rocca, who came up with a couple of booming punts three of which pinned the Stillers deep in Eagles territory, one of which led to a two point safety. Kicker David Akers secured the victory with a late 31 yarder field goal
Overall a pretty lackluster offensive performance by both teams, the Eagles defense came up big today, getting in quarterbacks faces, and holding the Stillers less than 200 yards of total offense.
Next week the Eagles travel to Chicago to face the 1-2 Bears in a Sunday night prime time game.
Let's hope the Westbrook injury isn't to serious, Buckhalter and Bookers are good backup and role players but the absence of Westbrook was definitely felt today.
--gfo
16 September, 2008
Eagles 37 Cowboys 41
Although the outcome wasn't exactly the way Eagles fans would have liked to have been, in one of the most exciting and highest scoring MNF games in a long time, the Cowboys bettered the Eagles by a score of 41-37
The first half of the game was a clinic in scoring, as both teams, put a combined total of 54 points, with the lead changing hand multiple times.
Once the second half got under way, the tone and momentum of the game slowed down immensely.
The Donovan McNabb that is so famous for his line drives into ground, and over throws came out in force in the second quarter. After a near perfect game this week, as well as a first half last night, he fell right back into his old ways, as well as being a part of two fumbles, one of which probably cost the game, as the Cowboys scored on the subsequent drive.
The defense played okay, but gave up way too many points. Brian Dawkins, as much as I love the guy, and what he has brought to this team over the years, got burned too many times yesterday. His age is definitely starting too show, and as much as an asset his veteran leadership is too this team, his on field skills are drastically weakening, and are becoming a liability. Of course next week, he could come out like a beast and have a phenomenal game, and I as well as lot of others will eat crow.
As exciting as the game was, I would have liked to have seen the Eagles come out with a W, especially in Dallas. It was nice that TO was shut down in the second half after his big TD
Probably beating a dead horse here, but DeSean Jackson's bonehead play that negated a touchdown, was just plain stupid, and I am sure that Coach Reid can and will give him an earful about that, so there is no reason for me to preach about that. Thank goodness B-West punched it in on the next play, at least the Eagles salvaged Jackson's stupidity.
So the Eagles are 1-1 now, with the Stillers (sic) coming into town Sunday for a intrastate match up.
--gfo
The first half of the game was a clinic in scoring, as both teams, put a combined total of 54 points, with the lead changing hand multiple times.
Once the second half got under way, the tone and momentum of the game slowed down immensely.
The Donovan McNabb that is so famous for his line drives into ground, and over throws came out in force in the second quarter. After a near perfect game this week, as well as a first half last night, he fell right back into his old ways, as well as being a part of two fumbles, one of which probably cost the game, as the Cowboys scored on the subsequent drive.
The defense played okay, but gave up way too many points. Brian Dawkins, as much as I love the guy, and what he has brought to this team over the years, got burned too many times yesterday. His age is definitely starting too show, and as much as an asset his veteran leadership is too this team, his on field skills are drastically weakening, and are becoming a liability. Of course next week, he could come out like a beast and have a phenomenal game, and I as well as lot of others will eat crow.
As exciting as the game was, I would have liked to have seen the Eagles come out with a W, especially in Dallas. It was nice that TO was shut down in the second half after his big TD
Probably beating a dead horse here, but DeSean Jackson's bonehead play that negated a touchdown, was just plain stupid, and I am sure that Coach Reid can and will give him an earful about that, so there is no reason for me to preach about that. Thank goodness B-West punched it in on the next play, at least the Eagles salvaged Jackson's stupidity.
So the Eagles are 1-1 now, with the Stillers (sic) coming into town Sunday for a intrastate match up.
--gfo
08 September, 2008
An Open Post To The DNC, RNC, and All Other PAC's
Enough of the attack ad's, he said, she said, and finger pointing. I want to hear and read about substance and what your plans are to move this country forward, and what your candidates stand for, what they are against, what they are going to do if elected.
I don't give a shit about, how much, or how little experience the candidates have to say about each other, or how many houses they may or may not own, if their spouse is a good dancer, speaker, parent, etc.
Substance, is what I want to hear about. Give me an idea of who you are, what you want to do, what you don't want to do. Foreign and domestic policy, taxes, gas prices. I'd also like to see a candidate that does not say what they think people want to hear, and I'd also like to see a candidate that isn't in bed with its party, big donors, and special interest. You work for and are elected by the people. Sometimes politicians forget that.
I know I am just some forty something working middles class schmuck from suburban Philadelphia, who has this tiny blog that post's on a variety of subjects, that not to many people read, but I felt the need to get this message out.
Now I feel better
--gfo
I don't give a shit about, how much, or how little experience the candidates have to say about each other, or how many houses they may or may not own, if their spouse is a good dancer, speaker, parent, etc.
Substance, is what I want to hear about. Give me an idea of who you are, what you want to do, what you don't want to do. Foreign and domestic policy, taxes, gas prices. I'd also like to see a candidate that does not say what they think people want to hear, and I'd also like to see a candidate that isn't in bed with its party, big donors, and special interest. You work for and are elected by the people. Sometimes politicians forget that.
I know I am just some forty something working middles class schmuck from suburban Philadelphia, who has this tiny blog that post's on a variety of subjects, that not to many people read, but I felt the need to get this message out.
Now I feel better
--gfo
07 September, 2008
Eagles 38 Rams 3
The Philadelphia Eagles sent a message to their NFC East confreres today, by stomping the St. Louis Rams 38-3, in the opening game of the 2008 season, as well as the home opener. QB Donovan McNabb came out with gun's ablazing, despite not having his two starting wide receivers. McNabb went 21/33 for 361 yards, and three touchdowns. The Eagles racked up a total net yardage of 522.
Rookie DeSean Jackson was impressive in his NFL debut, catching 6 balls for 106 yards, and was equally impressive in returning punts, returning eight punts for 97 yards, and almost busting one loose for a touchdown.
Also, the Eagles defense played with a vengeance, holding the Rams to only a field goal, and holding the Rams to only eight first downs, and a 166 net yardage of offense.
The Eagles really impressed me today, in almost of completely mistake free game, save for a few drops by LJ Smith, and a rare two fumbles (but not turnovered) by Brian Westbrook. Both offense and defense played very well, and I hope this continues through the season.
It was nice to see Kevin Kolb get some rep's in as well, although I would have like to have seen him throw the ball more than he did, instead of just handing the ball off.
Big test next Monday night in prime time, as the Eagles travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in an early season NFC East match up.
Well done Coach Reid, and staff, let's keep the good times rolling, and I'd like to see the voracity next week in Dallas.
--gfo
Rookie DeSean Jackson was impressive in his NFL debut, catching 6 balls for 106 yards, and was equally impressive in returning punts, returning eight punts for 97 yards, and almost busting one loose for a touchdown.
Also, the Eagles defense played with a vengeance, holding the Rams to only a field goal, and holding the Rams to only eight first downs, and a 166 net yardage of offense.
The Eagles really impressed me today, in almost of completely mistake free game, save for a few drops by LJ Smith, and a rare two fumbles (but not turnovered) by Brian Westbrook. Both offense and defense played very well, and I hope this continues through the season.
It was nice to see Kevin Kolb get some rep's in as well, although I would have like to have seen him throw the ball more than he did, instead of just handing the ball off.
Big test next Monday night in prime time, as the Eagles travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in an early season NFC East match up.
Well done Coach Reid, and staff, let's keep the good times rolling, and I'd like to see the voracity next week in Dallas.
--gfo
03 September, 2008
Thoughts On Back To School
Well it's that time of year, back to school. My kid's went back today, started with a ½ day, and the remainder of the week is full days. The Mrs. started back yesterday.
This was the first time since my kids have been in school, that I was home to see them off. The sentimentality of the first day of school has long worn off for them since they now each in seventh and fourth grade (hard to believe the former)
It was actually nice, to have the house to myself, so I could truly relax and get the rest I so truly need. I didn't have PT today, but on days that I don't have it, save for Sunday's, I have a PT approved program that I do here at home. So I went through that routine early this morning, then spent the rest of the morning watching mindless action movies until the kid's came home from school. I took them out to lunch as a little treat.
Rewind to yesterday, when I got the distinct honor of taking the kiddies school supply shopping. Our day began around 1000 as we headed out to our first of many stops, Wal-Mart. We spent nearly an hour getting most of the copy books, folders, pens, pencils, rulers, tape, glue, crayons, and lord knows what else. After stuffing our cart with those supplies we ventured over to the backpack section to choose the schoolbag and lunch boxes. The boy took about 8.5 seconds to pick out both of his (now he is my kinda of shopper). The girl on the other hand, spent 10-15 minutes looking through the different types and styles, and could find nothing that met her style needs. So I decided to put an end to the madness and told the girl that we could go somewhere else (Kohl's) to find something more her style. So after this utter torture we venture over to the check out, and end the first of what would be many store visits that day.
On the way over to Kohl's, we happen upon a Staples, where I suggested we stop in and see if they have the marble copy books...Wal-Mart was out. Fortunately Staples did have said items, and we in and out in ten minutes.
Now onto Kohl's. We get there, and of course the girl is in heaven, as the backpacks, just happen to be located in the section of the store that has her sizes. I kept reminding her that we are here for a schoolbag, not wardrobe (they wear uniforms, so no additional clothes were necessary, at least according to me). Once she finally settled on her schoolbag it was time for her to choose a lunch box. Kohl's, had none that coordinated with her newly acquired schoolbag, so she decided that we needed to go to another store. I must add, that never in my years of school did I worry nor care if my lunch box matched my schoolbag, as an example of that, my boys choice of said items is a good example of the lack caring for coordination. As a reward to myself for enduring this school supply shopping adventure, I purchase a couple of Eagles t-shirts, since the one's I had are now rags. Total time in store, approximately 30 minutes.
Off to store #3, CVS, to see if they have a stylish, coordinated lunch box for the girl....thankfully they did, or she would have been brown bagging. Total time in store, about 15 minutes.
It was then off to the deli, to buy lunch meat for the week, a quick but necessary stop.
Thankfully and finally we headed home.
We carried all the bags upstairs...in one trip, had lunch, and then your's truly park his ass on the love seat, where it remained for most of the remaining part of the day.
Lesson's learned:
This was the first time since my kids have been in school, that I was home to see them off. The sentimentality of the first day of school has long worn off for them since they now each in seventh and fourth grade (hard to believe the former)
It was actually nice, to have the house to myself, so I could truly relax and get the rest I so truly need. I didn't have PT today, but on days that I don't have it, save for Sunday's, I have a PT approved program that I do here at home. So I went through that routine early this morning, then spent the rest of the morning watching mindless action movies until the kid's came home from school. I took them out to lunch as a little treat.
Rewind to yesterday, when I got the distinct honor of taking the kiddies school supply shopping. Our day began around 1000 as we headed out to our first of many stops, Wal-Mart. We spent nearly an hour getting most of the copy books, folders, pens, pencils, rulers, tape, glue, crayons, and lord knows what else. After stuffing our cart with those supplies we ventured over to the backpack section to choose the schoolbag and lunch boxes. The boy took about 8.5 seconds to pick out both of his (now he is my kinda of shopper). The girl on the other hand, spent 10-15 minutes looking through the different types and styles, and could find nothing that met her style needs. So I decided to put an end to the madness and told the girl that we could go somewhere else (Kohl's) to find something more her style. So after this utter torture we venture over to the check out, and end the first of what would be many store visits that day.
On the way over to Kohl's, we happen upon a Staples, where I suggested we stop in and see if they have the marble copy books...Wal-Mart was out. Fortunately Staples did have said items, and we in and out in ten minutes.
Now onto Kohl's. We get there, and of course the girl is in heaven, as the backpacks, just happen to be located in the section of the store that has her sizes. I kept reminding her that we are here for a schoolbag, not wardrobe (they wear uniforms, so no additional clothes were necessary, at least according to me). Once she finally settled on her schoolbag it was time for her to choose a lunch box. Kohl's, had none that coordinated with her newly acquired schoolbag, so she decided that we needed to go to another store. I must add, that never in my years of school did I worry nor care if my lunch box matched my schoolbag, as an example of that, my boys choice of said items is a good example of the lack caring for coordination. As a reward to myself for enduring this school supply shopping adventure, I purchase a couple of Eagles t-shirts, since the one's I had are now rags. Total time in store, approximately 30 minutes.
Off to store #3, CVS, to see if they have a stylish, coordinated lunch box for the girl....thankfully they did, or she would have been brown bagging. Total time in store, about 15 minutes.
It was then off to the deli, to buy lunch meat for the week, a quick but necessary stop.
Thankfully and finally we headed home.
We carried all the bags upstairs...in one trip, had lunch, and then your's truly park his ass on the love seat, where it remained for most of the remaining part of the day.
Lesson's learned:
- I have no fashion sense, according to my girl
- School shopping is about as exciting as underwear shopping
- The boy is like me, he sees what he wants, grabs and goes, no lurking, unlike the girl who says you need to look and shop.
- He who has the debit card makes the rules
- School supplies for girls in seventh grade need to coordinate.
- Picking out a lunch box and school bags is one of the biggest decisions of the school year.
- I still hate shopping, always have, always will.
So all in all in what a tiring day, only made worse by having PT at 1900, for an hour. Your's truly was a tired pup last night.
So the moral of the story, is that I am glad the kids are back in school, so now I can truly follow doctor's orders and rest and relax, which I intend to do.
--gfo
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