Rich's Rants and Random Thoughts

Former Patriot LB Andre Tippett was among the 17 finalists announced for the 2007 NFL Hall of Fame class. Andre Tippett? Yes, he had 100 sacks during his 12 year career and he made five Pro Bowls, but don't you have to be among the best in the game during your career to warrant this consideration?

Was he? I honestly don't remember him being that great.

Will Rex Grossman be 100% prepared to play against Seattle? He'd better be, or you might see a rare QB switch (to Brian Griese) during the Bears playoff game against the Seahawks.

No upsets in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs this year. Three road teams: New England, Indy, and Philly have a legitimate chance for the upset this weekend.

NYG head coach Tom Couglin's contract has been extended for one year. Fans in Washington, Dallas, and Philadelphia couldn't be happier.

Only a little more than a month remains in 2006. If you itemize your deductions on your tax return, you may want to consider making some charitable donations before the end of the year.

You'd be helping out and getting a tax break at the same time. If you don't have any extra income with the holidays approaching, look through your closets and bring a bag of clothes you don't wear anymore to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. You'll be helping families less fortunate.

People helping people. It's a good thing.

Each year, my office puts "holiday" trees in the lobbies of the buildings. Generic decorations with none representing Christmas as not to offend those of other faiths.

There are "holiday" gatherings, etc. I guess I understand that companies have to be politically correct these days, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

So when anyone wishes me a "Happy Holidays", I always respond with "Merry Christmas."

I heard someone talk about what to do if some of your Thanksgiving guests are vegetarians. You know - prepare alternate dishes, etc. My response: We're having turkey. If you don't want to eat it, we have stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, bread, yams, cranberries, and a ton of other food.

Or don't come to my house. It's up to you. But know that I'm not making tofu burgers as an alternative.

The other day I was behind a Corvette with the license plate VROOM. What's the matter? Was CULTR taken?

Interesting fact about Phi. Eagles game preparation: When McNabb is healthy, the backup QBs get zero reps with the 1st team offense during weekly practices.

This fact came out after McNabb tore his ACL vs. the Titans and Jeff Garcia came in to finish the game. Normally, Garcia said, the backups on his previous teams got 10 - 15% of the reps.

Not the best foresight by Andy Reid considering McNabb has had major injuries in two of the previous four seasons prior to this one.

Lots of speculation the last couple of weeks that Jay Cutler would take over for Jake Plummer in Denver. I doubt it will happen now. Unlike Bill Parcells with Tony Romo, Mike Shanahan missed his window of opportunity to make a switch.

How can you switch QBs after 10 games?

Revised 11/23 Rumor now is Plummer will play on Thanksgiving and then Cutler week 13. In any case, I don't anticipate this being a Super Bowl run for the Broncos.

Former Eagles and Cardinals safety Andre Waters died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. I don't know what the circumstances were that caused him to take his own life. I just know that I'll remember him as one of the fiercest hitters I've ever seen play in the NFL.

He and Wes Hopkins were the hardest-hitting safety combo I've ever seen.

Randy Moss isn't productive because he's not happy? Awwww. The rest of us are so happy to go to work, and get a small fraction of what you earn in a year. Gimme a break.

I'm so glad I'm not a Raiders season ticket holder.

So OJ Simpson is coming out with a book titled "If I Did It". Are you freakin kidding me? Why not just title it "I got away with it" or "Buffalo Slasher"?

I'm not very religious or philosophical, but if there is an afterlife with a heaven and hell, he has his spot in hell reserved.

I can't really blame FOX for showing an interview with him because they're a television network and realize that everyone is still fascinated by this guy.

I would encourage everyone not to buy this book. And if he has the audacity to have a book-signing tour as many "authors" do, please spit in his face for me.

The Saints are the early-season feel-good story of the NFL. Can they outlast both the Panthers and the Falcons and win their division? Probably not.

Tiki Barber says he's leaning towards retirement. And he's playing great and coming off his best year. Surprising? Yes.

but Barry Sanders did it, too.

When you're feeling down because your team lost, just think At least, I'm not a Cardinals fan. My God. How does a team lose after being up 20 at halftime, forcing 6 turnovers, and not allowing an offensive touchdown?

Coach Dennis Green responds by firing the offensive coordinator the next day. Yeah, like it was his fault. Way to take ownership, Denny.

Do you think KC RB Larry Johnson calls Willie Roaf every week and begs him to un-retire? I do.

NFL Network's NFL replay is a great program if your cable company offers you that channel. They show two replays on Tuesdays and two more on Wednesdays. They pick what they consider the best four games that week and condense them into 1.5 hours.

Watching the Cowboys-Eagles game on Sunday seemed to take forever. I watched the condensed version Tuesday night and it had all the action, with post-game comments from players and coaches mixed in. I highly recommend checking it out.

Lawrence Phillips going to jail? This waste of talent was convicted on seven counts of assault with a deadly weapon for driving his car at a group of boys/men. He actually struck a 14 year old and a 15 year old with his car.

Does Maurice Clarett need a cellmate? Maybe they can get Rae Carruth to the same prison and do another remake of The Longest Yard.

Blame Brian Westbrook's 1st quarter fumble on his lack of practice. This will cause some worry until after the bye week.

Terrell Owens did very little on the field in his return to Philadelphia, only catching three passes for 45 yards. It was his whining on the sidelines and after the game that made the biggest impression.

The chant of OD...OD...OD...O..D let Owens know how much he is hated in Philadelphia and hearing TO badmouth Bledsoe after the game must have been music to Eagles' fans ears.

You could see the pained look on Owens face as he watched McNabb throw some very pretty deep balls to Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett.

That's how he rolls....

I know the story is a few weeks old, but an NFL coach getting arrested for nude drunk driving deserves a mention.

If you didn't hear about this, here's an article from the Detroit Free Press on defensive line coach Joe Cullen's naked adventure.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006609080471

The truly disturbing post-script is that Cullen was arrested one week later for another DUI. He also had a 2005 arrest for public intoxication. Clearly, the guy's got problems. Hopefully, he can get some help.

PS. With crazy Mike Martz on offense, this guy coaching defense, and Matt Millen still in the front office, I don't see much to hope for the Lions anytime soon.

Maurice Clarett is going to jail. Although I expected this, I'm still always somewhat surprised when a famous (or infamous) person actually has to serve time.

The sky is falling in Philadelphia after a monumental collapse against the hated NY Giants last Sunday. Philly fans have to wonder how good their team really is.

The architect of the offense and much of the personnel is head coach Andy Reid. He and McNabb are now in their 8th season together and there are reports that Reid stated McNabb didn't have the authority to change a playcall on a 4th-and-1 in the 4th quarter.

With Reid having total control over the offense and McNabb very little choice but to run the plays that Big Red calls, one has to wonder if McNabb will ever reach his full potential as a QB. Perhaps if he had some input he could develop the leadership skills most Philly fans wish he had.

There are numerous Dateline NBC shows during the week, but the one they show with Perverted Justice may be both the best and worst thing on television.

If you haven't seen it, someone from Perverted Justice pretends to be a teenage boy or girl and gets perverts to come to a house thinking they're going to score with a teenager.

The Dateline NBC reporter emerges from the shadows and grills the perv on why he's here, why he brought booze, etc. until they go running for the door, where the police are waiting in the bushes ready to arrest him.

It's a great show because it's getting perverts off the street and it's great to see their reactions when they get busted. It's also the worst show because it reminds us of how many sick, twisted people live among us.

Anyway, give it a shot. There's a new one tonight (9/13) at 8 PM.

Former NFL RB Dave Meggett was arrested on second-degree rape charges of his ex-girlfriend. I remember seeing his Super Bowl ring for sale on eBay a few years ago. When I read the article on the rape charges, there was a blurb that in 2004 he had to come up with over $190,000 in back child support or he'd go to jail. OK. Now I know why he pawned his ring.

If he's guilty, here's hoping he does his jail time like any other common criminal.

The Vikings signed Eagles castoff WR Todd Pinkston. They already have backup QB Mike McMahon and disappointing WR Billy McMullen on their roster as of 9/1.

For Vikings fans who don't know Pinkston, here's a brief synopsis. He's a skinny "deep-threat" receiver coming off a blown Achilles tendon injury. His good Achilles tendon bothered him this pre-season and he practiced very little. He tends to drop passes in key situations and makes excuses like "I lost it in the lights." He is as soft as a marshmallow.

Eagles fans have been offering to drive this guy out of town for years.

Beer fest alert: Stoudt's Brewery in Adamstown, PA is having their third Microfest of 2006 on Saturday October 14th.

http://stoudts.com/5-micro-fest.asp

I went to the one this past June and had a blast. 15 different breweries come with two varieties. For $26, you get a tasting glass, dinner, and live entertainment. Also, the hotel we stayed at had a shuttle to the brewery.

One word of warning: If your significant other wants to find something similar to Coors or Miller  Lite, she won't find it. Someone in our party asked for something close to Coors Light. They poured her a glass of water.

I still think the NFC East will be the most competitive division in the league this year. Each team seems improved since last year, although each team's starting QB has questions surrounding him.

Will Bredsoe and Brunell make it through the season uninjured? Will Eli Manning continue to develop or take a step backwards, as he did the second half of 2005? Is McNabb fully recovered and good enough to spread the ball around a la Tom Brady?

The Eagles made some nice moves recently. Getting Donte Stallworth and cutting Todd Pinkston is huge for their receiving corps. Now, with Brown and Stallworth they have two legitimate starters.

Cutting Koy Detmer had to be done. You can't pay a guy $1M to be a holder. Replacing him with AJ Feeley, who knows the system, is good insurance for McNabb and Garcia.

I'm kind of surprised they haven't signed a big RB yet. Stephen Davis must have nothing left. While they have a massive offensive line, they still don't have a TE who can block. Unless Reid gets creative by inserting another Tackle or Guard on short-yardage plays (which I doubt), the Birds will struggle on 3rd-and-short all season.

9/2 update: In their final preseason game vs. the Jets, the Eagles used 350 pound center Nick Cole as a lead blocker on a successful 1 yard TD run. I know Eagles fans were hoping for this kind of imagination in previous years, but it's a start.

Recently got back from a mini-vacation in Baltimore. If you haven't been to Camden Yards to see an Orioles game, I highly recommend it. It's a beautiful park, and within walking distance from the inner harbor. Stop by The Wharf Rat either going to or coming from the game. They have a nice selection of craft beers and their sandwiches are very tasty.

If you're considering going to Baltimore, check out priceline for the room. I was able to book a four-star hotel for $100 per night by using their "Name your own price" feature. Normally, the rooms are $250 - $300 per night.

If you want another place to find great beer, take a water taxi to Fell's Point and go to Max's. They have 70 beers on tap and about 300 different bottled. They also will give you free samples to try. Great place to spend a lazy afternoon. Also, it's rated one of the 50 best places in the U.S. to have a beer.

http://beeradvocate.com/acbw/2006/places

If you don't know the story of Vince Papale, go see the movie "Invincible". I can understand how most of the country might never have heard of this guy, but was shocked when my brother-in-law wondered why his story was such a big deal. I almost punched him in the face (sometimes I have rage issues). I proceeded to explain: Papale was a 30-year old high school teacher and part-time bartender, who had played two years of semi-pro football and was a season ticket holder to Eagles games.

When Dick Vermeil took over as head coach, the Eagles did not have a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round draft pick for the upcoming season. So, he holds open tryouts. Papale tries out, runs a 4.5 40, catches everything in sight, and is a demon on special teams. Bottom line: he makes the team and plays three years in the NFL. Big deal, you say? This occurred when the league was smaller, the guy was a 30-year old rookie and he lasted in the league for three years. How many players can you think of who never lasted three years in the league? Quite a few, I bet.

Another almost-rage incident: My wife and I were recently at the National Constitution Center. They had a sports exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian, so we checked that out, in addition to everything else at the Center.

While in the gift shop, I overhear a teenage boy tell his father if Wilt Chamberlain were playing today, he'd be an average player. And his father failed to correct him! It took a lot of restraint not to say anything, but I thought he's just another ignorant kid who never bothered to read about sports history. If you hear people debating a top-5 or top-10 list of the greatest NBA players, is he not in every discussion? Usually, it's a Jordan-Chamberlain debate as to the greatest of all-time. and he'd be an average player today?

I'll tell you this. When I'm 65 years old, and I hear a young whipper-snapper say that Jordan would be an average player in the future NBA, he's going to get an earful of bitter, Philadelphia-fan, old-man rage.

Plea to all those attending televised sporting events: Please, please, please stop calling your friends while on your cell phone and waving into the camera. Noone cares if you are on TV.

The easiest story for a sportswriter to regurgitate is how Philadelphia has the worst, most negative fans in the country. I'm soooo tired of reading about snowballs thrown at Santa. That happened once, almost 40 years ago, yet people in other cities must think this occurs every year. It does not. Yes, there are obnoxious fans, but they are a minority and obnoxious fans reside in every city.

We're more jaded than hostile. The baseball team has exactly one world championship in 123 years, will register their 10,000th loss next season, and has one playoff appearance the past 23 years.

The football team hasn't won a title since 1960 and seems to be content in remaining competitive, rather than making one big run at a Super Bowl.

The basketball team has no clue on putting a team together and the GM hands out ridiculous contracts to average players: Korver, Dalembert, etc. and every 20 years or so they'll trade away a superstar and get nothing in return: Chamberlain, Barkley.

The hockey team always seems competitive, but can't win the big one.

So, we've come to expect disappointment. When one of our teams has a legitimate chance to win a championship, the entire region gets excited ('04 Eagles, '01 Sixers most recently). But we won't blindly swallow everything the owners and GMs tell us when they try and sugarcoat their flaws. The Philadelphia sports fan is passionate, knowledgeable, and perpetually disappointed. The buffoons you read about, or hear on sports talk radio are the minority. Please don't judge the entire region by these clowns.

I ordered a cheese steak and a soda for dinner last night. The cashier had left the previous order rung up in the register, so she asks me for $17.05. I ask, "For a cheese steak and a soda?" She stares at me blankly. It took about five minutes for her to figure this out.

People who start "gaper delays" on highways should be arrested, or at least ticketed. I lost about 45 minutes of time this week because of these morons. Most of the time it's just a cop ticketing someone. I don't care if someone's getting a ticket. I just want to get to my destination.

The first article I read on Maurice Clarett's latest escapade made me think someone was after him and he was protecting his newborn daughter. The second article pointed out he was only blocks from a witness' house in his upcoming trial for attempted robbery. I think I believe the second article - he was going to eliminate this witness.

Went to bincrawler.com as Stephen suggested. Not only was nude preteens a most requested search, but also preteen model and preteen models. My skin is crawling right now and I just threw up a little in my mouth. I too wish all of these pervs would be publicly identified. Hopefully, someone is working on this.

Eagles' safety Brian Dawkins broke down and cried during a recent interview, when asked how he'd like to be remembered in Philadelphia. Why? Because he wants to finish his career in Philly and compete for a championship with the only pro team he's played for. Ownership offered him a 2 year $5M contract, yet owner Jeff Lurie states how Dawk is his all-time favorite Eagle and he wants him to remain. Talk about underwhelming someone. I guess Lurie didn't see the offer Ty Law (same age) got to go to KC.

Worst scenario for Philly fans: BDawk has a typical great year for a mediocre team, signs with Dallas in the off-season and he and Roy Williams destroy Eagles WRs in 2007.

Donovan McNabb will run more this year. He has to. Many will push him down their draft boards, so be ready.

I work with a woman who cackles maniacally at anything remotely funny. She's almost like an evil villain in a comic book. It's very difficult to get anything done when she starts up. Thank God for headphones.

Deuce McAllister blew his knee out last year. Don't let his presence scare you if you're considering Reggie Bush.

I always chuckle when I see a really short guy (5' - 5'2") climb into the driver's seat of a huge SUV.

Eagles GM Tom Heckert on Philly sports radio: "We're happy with our receivers". Not what Eagles fans wanted to hear. Yes, the defense looks improved, but without a playmaker this is the 2002-2004 Eagles.

Can't Barry Bonds just go away? Speaking his name in the same sentence with Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth makes me ill.

Art Shell was hired for his second turn as the Raiders head coach - possibly because noone else wanted to be Al Davis' puppet. No word yet on whether Jay Schroeder will be brought in to compete at QB.

The Pro Bowl is on this Sunday. Does anyone care? One thing I was wondering is do the players that back out of going to Hawaii still get bonuses because they were voted in, or do they have to play in the game?

Watching Seattle's mismanagement of the clock at the half and at the end of the Super Bowl, I thought I was watching an Eagles game. So that's where Andy Reid learned poor clock management. Not a good lesson to pick up from your mentor.

Random Thought: Do you do anything with umbrage besides take it?

The entire playoffs showed a clear need for full-time officials. I can't remember this many blown calls or ones which took forever to get the correct result.

Donovan McNabb stated the whole Terrell Owens saga equated to "black-on-black" crime. He said this on February 1st, the first day of Black History Month. This shows how out-of-touch he is with real people and how sensitive he is when criticized. He's still holding onto the anger from the boos he received from about 30 jackasses. Eagles fans should be very concerned.

How many times have you heard McNabb say he's the leader of the team - the captain of the ship? Real leaders don't have to announce they are leaders. Between the fragile psyche of McNabb and the poor play-calling and time management of Andy Reid, the team cannot win a SuperBowl as it currently exists. Sorry Eagles fans. 46 years and counting since a world championship. In another five or ten years, the "How he only wanted to see the Eagles win a SuperBowl before he died" stories will begin to appear.

Think about this too, Philly fans. If you're under the age of 28, you don't know what it's like for one of your teams to win it all. If you're 28, you may remember the Flyers losing in the Finals in 1985 and again in 1987. You were 15 when Mitch Williams broke your heart in 1993. You thought the FLyers had the best chance with Lindros against Detroit and they get swept. It's 2001 and AI and the boys just beat the Lakers in game 1 of the Finals. You believe. Then, they lose the next four. Now, it's 2005 and TO looks amazing in the SuperBowl. Again, you believe. They're out-playing the Pats in the first half. This is it! It's going to happen! But, why can't they put them away? They're behind by 10, but there's still time. Why are they taking all this time in the huddle when the time is running out?????? What are they doing? They're blowing it!!!!!! WHAT THE F#%& ARE THEY DOING???????? NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT AGAIN!!!!!!

I saw a poll on ESPN's website regarding whether the SuperBowl should be annually rotated among all NFL cities. Over 60% voted yes, myself included. It's a great idea, but it will never happen.

This just in: Jerome Bettis is from Detroit.

Hopefully, during the Super Bowl the network breaks out the George Seifert "Blame it on the Bassanova" commercial from the archives.

I was volunteered to host a Super Bowl party this year. We're serving Roethlisbergers. Here's the recipe:

1. Combine beef and sausage, mix well.
2. Form 6 burger patties out of the meat mixture.Place in the refrigerator until chilled.
3. Grill patties to well done-170°F.(There's pork in there!).
4. Near the end of grilling, top each patty with a slice of provolone and a slice of cheddar to melt.
5. Toast buns.
6. Assemble burgers: bottom bun, bbq sauce, burger, bacon, ranch dressing, top bun.

The old guy in the eHarmony.com ads creeps me out. I had to get that off my chest.

Two years ago, my wife gave me one of the all-time best Christmas presents - a full-size version of the leg lamp from A Christmas Story. It's proudly displayed in our living room window and you should see how it looks from the street. She found it at www.leglamp.com

It comes in the crate marked F R A G I L  E which can be used as a stand.

Has anyone's stock risen faster this year than Chiefs RB Larry Johnson? If he's not in the top three with LT and Shaun Alexander in every draft next year, I'd be shocked. Note to Andy Reid: Inquire about Priest Holmes' health and availability.

Random thought: Sirius Satellite radio is flying off the shelves this holiday season. Whether you like him or not, Howard Stern will probably at least double their existing subscription base. The stock is still pretty cheap. Symbol: SIRI

The last two times the Seahawks have played the Eagles in Philadelphia, the combined score of the two games was Seahawks 80 - Eagles 0.

Daunte Culpepper was among four Vikings charged with were charged with indecent conduct, disorderly conduct and lewd or lascivious conduct for the "Love Boat" scandal. The others were Bryant McKinnie, Moe Williams, and Fred Smoot.

Essentially, they flew hookers in from out of state for a giant orgy. If I acted as a pimp and was caught, I'd probably get five years in jail. These guys will get small fines (for them) and have to do PSAs or community service.

No comment thus far from the NAACP - either in Philadelphia or Minnesota.

Tom Brady is always in the conversation when discussing best QBs in the NFL. However, what if Drew Bledsoe never gets hurt in 2001? He would have sat on the bench another two or three years or perhaps would still be 2nd or 3rd string. My point is that the PATs got extremely lucky they found a franchise QB with a 6th round pick.

A black writer in Philadelphia recently questioned Donovan McNabb's "blackness". Add this to the long list of stupid issues McNabb has had to deal with in his seven years in Philadelphia: booing of pick on draft day, fans calling for AJ Feely after 0-2 start in 2003, Rush Limbaugh, and the Terrell Owens fiasco. I really don't know how he can keep it together so well.

As an Eagles fan, all I care about is if he wins games. Yes, he hasn't won the big game yet. But, you know what? Last time I checked, no Eagles QB has won the Super Bowl. He has won more playoff games than any other QB in franchise history and prior to this year the team was among a select few who had a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl in each of the past five years.

Football fans have short memories - Eagles fans shorter than most. Next time you hear an Eagles fan bitch about Donovan McNabb, remind him or her about such great QBs of the not-so-distant past like: Rodney Peete, Ty Detmer, Bobby Hoying, Bubby Brister, and Doug Pederson.

Since I was bounced out of my fantasy league's playoffs, I thought I'd look at my first seven draft picks and think about whether I'd take them again. If some of these picks seem like they were reaches, keep in mind I am in a 16-team league. My picks were in the following order:

• RB Lamont Jordan - I expected the Raiders to score a lot of points this year. Even though they didn't, Jordan was very consistent and I would draft him again.

• RB Brian Westbrook - I envisioned a 2000 combined yardage season, which he easily would have attained if Andy Reid showed any commitment to running the ball. I would draft him again, but only if I'm picking late second round. Otherwise, I'm trying to get Tiki Barber.

• WR Javon Walker - Basically, he destroyed my chances in week one. Now, coming off ACL surgery, I would not touch him.

• WR Larry Fitzgerald - He may be a top-5 WR now. I would definitely try to get him again.

• QB Trent Green - I was very excited about this pick after my draft. By the end of the year, I was starting Kurt Warner (a waiver-wire pickup). I will probably avoid him next year.

• TE Randy McMichael - Solid, if unspectacular. If Gates, Gonzalez, Shockey, and Witten are off the board when I need a TE next year, I'd consider him. Unless, of course, he's in jail for beating his wife.

• K Adam Vinatieri - Big disappointment. I'm not taking a kicker this high ever again. Best to wait a few more rounds.

All in all, it was an OK year. My team scored the third highest points out of 16 teams. We won our division. Bad luck that both Jordan and Westbrook had sub-par performances in the first round of the playoffs, but that's how it goes.

There's no guarantee that Brian Westbrook will be 100% by the time the 2006 season begins. That being said, add RB to the long list of positions the Eagles need to address this off-season. So far, the list looks like:

• RB - Moats will be on the roster. They need an upgrade from Gordan and Mahe. Eagles fans would love to see them make a run at E. James or S. Alexander, but it won't happen.

• Backup QB - McNabb is the franchise and is not going anywhere. Not having a quality backup is a recipe for disaster, as Eagle fans are realizing. Detmer gets over $1M to hold the ball for David Akers. McMahon can't play.

• WR - Greg Lewis plays softer than Todd Pinkston and cannot stretch the field as Pinkston can when he's healthy. McCants is a special teams player at best. Reggie Brown and Billy McMullen are keepers. Reggie Wayne would look good in midnight green.

• OL - Tra Thomas may not be back and the team has soured on guard Artis Hicks. Look for Shawn Andrews to possibly play LT, rookie center James Jackson to take over for Hank Fraley and the re-signing of RT Jon Runyan.

• DL - So many holes to fill. Rookie RE Trent Cole has played well enough that ND Kalu should announce his retirement now. DT Mike Patterson will start next year. There's some veterans who should be very nervous right now: Kalu, and DTs Hollis Thomas and Darwin Walker have been awful.

• LB - Outside linebacker is a position that has been almost as disappointing as the DL. Dahani Jones and Keith Adams have been brutal. How can the Eagles continue to ignore this position?

• Safety - Brian Dawkins has lost a step. Is it age or results of his Lis Franc injury? In any event, with JR Reid possibly never playing again, his future replacement needs to be found.

• GM - The time has come to name Tom Heckert the team's official GM. He currently assists Andy Reid with player evaluation and personnel decisions, but it's clear Reid should be focusing on coaching.

Reggie White was the greatest defensive end I ever saw. I get the feeling I'll be saying that to my children and grandchildren the way some discuss Jim Brown or Johnny Unitas.

On a night the Eagles organization honored the memory of Reggie White, the current roster put forth their worst loss in 33 years.

Some people I just flat-out hate:

• The ones ahead of me in a convenience store line who wait until the cashier totals up the bill before getting the money ready. Then, they look for the exact $0.83 so they won't have to break another dollar.

• The old ladies who pay by check at the super market. In addition to the check, they will study their bill on the way out and always return to dispute something just as I am ready to pay.

• The people on the road who speed up to cut in front of you in order to take an exit when there's noone behind you in your lane. Lately, I speed up and keep pace with them to see if they will either miss their exit or get behind me. It's pretty funny when they miss their exit and you know they missed their exit.

• People who don't use turn signals.

• People who knock up at my house and try to sell me something.

• Ed Wade.

• People who don't turn off their cell phone ringers at the movies, in office meetings, etc. Sometimes, it does come back to bite them in the ass. A few years ago, I was in a large corporate meeting room where the president of the company was giving his annual address to over 500 people. He's in the middle of making a point when a cell phone starts blaring the Mexican Hat Dance three rows directly in front of him. Of course, the woman had a gigantic purse and couldn't find the phone right away. If there were a hole in the floor, she would've jumped into it.

For Michael Irvin: If it's your pipe, just admit it. People are willing to forgive fallen athletes if they are honest (see Brett Favre). However, if you lie people will not be so eager to forgive (see Pete Rose).

PS. Maybe if you toned it down a little when you're on the air, I wouldn't suspect you of being coked up.

Random TV thoughts: The finale of The Biggest Loser aired the other night. Most of the contestants lost a huge amount of weight. In some cases, over 40% of their total body weight. As I was watching the show though, the only thing I was hoping for was that someone would put host Caroline Rhea on the scale.

The other day, there were three Ben Stiller movies on at the same time: Dodgeball, Meet the Fockers, and Along Came Polly. All three came out in 2004. I thought Wow. What a great year he had. Then, Envy (with Jack Black) appeared on the screen. Also 2004. He starred in Starskey and Hutch and had a cameo in Anchorman - also 2004.

The governor of Pennsylvania appears on the post-game show after every Eagles game. Now, one of PA's senators (Arlen Specter) is devoting some of his time to looking into whether the Eagles violated anti-trust laws with Terrell Owens. As a Pennsylvania resident, I would like to see these guys focusing on issues like improving healthcare, fighting elderly and child abuse, lowering property taxes, etc. It's an embarrassment.

Terrell Owens has become Lord Voldemort in Philadelphia. "He Who Must Not Be Named" is being discussed less and less in the media and on local sports radio. Both the players and fans have been ready to move on for about a month. I guess the media finally is tired of all the nonsense as well.

Advice for some Eagles after the Giants loss:

Mike McMahon - Hold onto the ball. Three fumbles is three too many. Lucky bounces prevented turning the ball over. And don't blame the center. You've been practicing with him all year.

Trent Cole - Fall on a fumble. Don't kick it 10 yards downfield.

Keith Adams - The shortest distance to the quarterback is a straight line. You had a clear lane to Manning on the Burress TD pass, yet you chose to take a wide route to him.

Sheldon Brown - Also on the Burress TD, look at the receiver not the backfield. Didn't you see enough film of Sheppard's mistake on Terry Glenn a week ago? Also, if the receiver gives you a stutter-step move you do NOT hesitate.

Brian Dawkins - You don't seem to be able to cover one-on-one anymore. Do you have an injury you're not telling anyone about? Did you just lose a step? Please explain what's going on with you.

Andy Reid - Challenge your players. I don't want to hear "We've got to do a better job there" today. I want to hear "We suck right now" "The players have to look in the mirror", etc. Put some of the responsibility on them for a change.

John Harbaugh - Blunders and penalties on special teams are happening too frequently. Do something about it.

ND Kalu - I know you were on the field yesterday, but rookie fifth-rounder Trent Cole has done more the past two weeks as far as getting to the QB than you've done all year. Pick it up or Hugh Douglas may have a co-ambassador to hang with next year.

John Hatfield (Eagles Equipment Manager) - Test the helmets with the radio transmitters prior to gametime. Make sure the backup helmets with said radio tranmitters fit over your quarterback's cranium.

Many stories in Philadelphia this week are focusing on how no Eagles players are publicly showing support for Donovan McNabb and how the organization has been screwing players for years - either by cutting them or forcing them to re-negotiate for a lower salary, while remaining $10M - $15M under the salary cap. There have been periodic stories like this in the past, but they were overshadowed by the team winning. Not this year.

Many Eagles fans are convinced this is a one-year aberration. Well, unless they have a solid draft, spend their money on quality free agents, and Andy Reid realizes that running the ball is necessary, their run at a Super Bowl is over.

Morbid thought during the Eagles - Giants game: Who's sitting in the Giants owner's box?

Random thought: Detroit sportswriter Mitch Albom has the biggest ears on the planet. Why SNL never had him come in to do a Mr. Peeper's sketch is beyond me. He wouldn't even need props.

Next time you watch ESPN's The Sports Reporters on Sunday morning, key in on Albom's ears. You won't be able to look away. I felt the same way when I first realized how big Bill Clinton's nose was.

Random thought: How bad is Saturday Night Live? Since Will Ferrell left, the only good thing about the show is Weekend Update (which isn't really that good).

Every time Andy Reid talks about how the Eagles bring in "character guys", I think 'Really, Coach? You mean like Terrell Owens'. No reporter in Philadelphia has the balls to come back at him.

I just heard Andy Reid say the offense will not change with Mike McMahon running it. Bad news for Eagles fans. If the Eagles do not change their offense to over 50% running plays, they're looking at 6 - 10, 7 - 9 at best.

Andy Reid is both the head coach and GM of the Eagles. Up until this year, most of his decisions on letting players walk have turned out fine (Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, Freddie Mitchell). However, several errors in judgement this year (Corey Simon, Derreck Burgess, Ike Reese, Jermaine Mayberry) have led me to believe it's time for Big Red to put away the GM hat and concentrate on just coaching.

Reid's offense has become predictable. McNabb's interceptions at the end of the past two games were the result of the defense recognizing the formation and being in perfect position. Also, when the opposing defense is calling out the play the Eagles offense is about to run (Dallas "Watch the shovel".), it's time to change.

Before the (Monday Night Football) game, Ron Jaworski stated that there's a "huge" portion of Eagles fans who want Terrell Owens back.  Isn't he supposed to be the analyst with a pulse on the Eagles? Did he not see the hundreds of jerseys being tossed in a coffin at Howard Eskin's mock funeral for Owens? I've seen online polls and I've listened to sports talk.  I would estimate over 80% of the fans are completely against bringing him back. I think Jaws missed the boat on this one.

John Madden: "Reno Mahe does a lot of the same things as Brian Westbrook".  Are you kidding me? For the football fans outside of Philadelphia who never heard of Reno Mahe before last night, there's a reason. He sucks.

John Madden: "They just don't use the fullback anymore".  Who are you talking about? the Eagles? the entire league? Some teams depend on their fullback to open holes for their tailback (San Diego). I hate when he makes blanket statements like that and Michaels will never question him to explain what the hell he means.

John Madden: "Andy Reid said that Trent Cole is their best pass rusher".  When did he say this, John? And if he did, what does that say about Jevon Kearse? Why isn't Al Michaels asking these questions?

Al Michaels: "JFK Stadium was torn down to make room for Lincoln Financial Field".  It was? Wasn't it torn down years before the Eagles/Phillies made arrangements to build new stadiums?

Al Michaels: "They brought Chad Lewis back because of LJ Smith's concussion".  Al, you forgot to mention the #2 tight end is also hurt. He was the guy out of uniform on the sidelines. He's hard to miss. He's the only white Eagle with dreadlocks.

I needed some help to express how I felt watching the Eagles hand the Cowboys a victory on Monday night. So, I ripped off some quotes from Dodgeball. Patches O'Hollihan, White Goodman, et all lend me a hand to comment on the Eagles loss to the Cowboys.

Patches O'Houlihan: You couldn't hit water if you fell out of a boat!
To Donovan McNabb: Hey Donovan, what’s with the trend of throwing passes directly to the opposition late in the 4th quarter? Also, neither Harold Carmichael nor Kevin Garnett could’ve caught some of your passes on the last drive.

Pepper Brooks: Ooh, Ouchtown, population you, bro!
McNabb said he thought he felt his groin pop when he was blocked into the turf on Williams’ interception return. It’s time for Andy Reid to shut him down for the season. I think it’s great he’s willing to play in pain, but he’s hurting the team.

Cotton McKnight: Do you believe in unlikelihoods? Average Joe's shocking the dodgeball world and upsetting Globo Gym in the championship match. Unbelievable. I have been to the Great Wall of China. I have seen the Pyramids of Egypt. I've even witnessed a grown man satisfy a camel. But never in all my years as a sportscaster have I witnessed something as improbable, as impossible, as what we've witnessed here.
I’m always pissed when the Eagles let a game slip away, even more so than the Cowboys. What really pissed me off was Reid stating the call was a safe play and McNabb’s horrible throw. Not a throw a seven year veteran usually makes. It looked Favre-ish it was so bad.

Patches O'Houlihan: Sometimes you gotta grab life by the haunches and hump it into submission.
To the Eagles team: The game is 60 minutes, not 56. I know Dawkins got burned by Price, but I also want to keep burying Lito. He wasn’t remotely close to Glenn on the TD pass. It also looked like he just pulled up when he realized he was beat. How about some effort, Lito? Dive for the effin ball, you pansy.

White Goodman: Oh, I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you think that I thought I once was.
To Andy Reid: You’re running the ball better than any game this year. You’re trying to RUN out the clock. Even if you don’t get a 1st down, maybe you take some time off the clock or force Dallas to use their timeouts. So, what do you call on 2nd and 7? A pass to the sidelines. Well done.

While I’m second-guessing the Coach. If the game was so crucial that Westbrook was returning punts, why didn’t he return the final kickoff? Asshole.

Cotton McKnight: It looks like the clock is about to strike midnight on this Cinderella story, turning Average Joe's into the proverbial pumpkin.
Pepper Brooks: I sure do like pumpkins, Cotton.
It was actually a little past midnight, but as soon as Williams crossed the goalline the Eagles playoff hopes died.

Cotton McKnight: It's time to separate the wheat from the chaff, the men from the boys, the awkwardly feminine from the possibly Canadian.
I think the playoffs are a pipe dream. I need to see at least three straight wins to convince me otherwise. With McNabb out and Andy Reid channeling the spirit of Rich Kotite, how can they make the playoffs?

Patches O'Houlihan: You're about as useful as a poopie-flavored lollipop.
To Reno Mahe: You should not be on the field other than special teams under any circumstances. For the good of the team, the next time Andy Reid attempts to line you up at RB or WR, pretend you don’t understand English.

Patches O'Houlihan: It's like watching a bunch of retards trying to hump a doorknob out there.
I don’t know exactly how many drops there were. Reggie Brown had four. Mahe had one. All seemed to come on third down. Also, 14 penalties. Several of the offensive line penalties were the result of playing with a new center. I think we expected a couple. There were penalties on special teams and the defense also. The penalties were spread out enough that I was basically pissed at all three phases of the Eagles – four if you count coaching.

Cotton McKnight: In 23 years of broadcasting I thought I'd seen it all, folks. But it looks like Peter La Fleur has actually blindfolded himself.
Pepper Brooks: He will not be able to see very well, Cotton.
During the timeout prior to the Williams interception, Donovan McNabb blindfolded himself. There can be no other explanation.

White Goodman: I know you. You know you. And I know you know that I know you. Andy Reid to Eagles fans: You know I like to throw the ball. What did you expect? Oh, by the way, I need to do a better job there.

White Goodman: This doesn't concern you, La Fleur.
Peter La Fleur: Not nearly as much as your hair does. To Stephen Spach: Get a effin haircut. You look retarded.

Peter La Fleur: Yeah, uh, Patches... are you sure this is completely necessary?
Patches O'Houlihan: Necessary? Is it necessary for me to drink my own urine?
Peter La Fleur: Probably not.
Patches O'Houlihan: No, but I do it anyway because it's sterile and I like the taste.
Peter La Fleur: ...Okay.
To Dahani Jones: You made a nice tackle for a loss on Dallas’ first offensive play. Do you have to do that stupid air guitar after every tackle? You finished the game with that one tackle and an assist. Meanwhile, Trotter seemed to be in on every tackle. He didn’t break out the ‘axeman’ routine a dozen times last night. It’s your job to tackle opposing players. There’s no need to celebrate every play you make, although if you know you’re only going to make one per game – I guess you have to celebrate it.

White Goodman: Here at Globo Gym we're better than you, and we know it.
Andy Reid to media and Eagles fans: Why do you think I’m ever going to tell you anything? My system works, OK. Every call I make is the right call. I’ll do whatever the hell I want with this team.

Random Thought: Is there any other song with the word 'cerebellum' in it other than the Ramones' Teenage Lobotomy?