Futbol Americano! The Eagles Ride the Broncos Out to Pasture!

The only thing that can pry me away from white sand beaches and the turquoise sea is Eagles’ Green! While vacationing in the tropical, tranquil Caribbean I stole away to another paradise, the resort’s Sports Bar that was showing American Futbol! I put my drink with the umbrella in it down and separated myself from the sun and sand to enter a dark den decorated with pictures of Sammy Sosa and A-Rod on the outside and a pitch black ceramic replica of Michael Jordan on the roof. Inside was a cardboard cut-out of an unknown New York Giant who even though constructed of stiff paper, had to be beyond embarrassed by his team’s performance in front of defensive greats like Carl Banks, Harry Carson, and my fellow UNC Tarheel, Lawrence Taylor.

As I entered the male only room all heads turned and looked at me with that “what is she doing in here” look. Whatever. Then they gave me the insincere “hey little lady” half smile before going back to their shots and the screens showing both the NFC and the AFC games. I was way early for the Eagles game since I was an hour ahead of Philadelphia so I watch the Giants get sacrificed by the Carolina Panthers. It looked like a case of karma after what they did to the Washington Redskins this past Monday. I watched like an onlooker passing a traffic accident while I sipped a few beers with my new football comrades who realized I was no cheerleader or a hen coming to peck out some poor guy’s grid iron TV time. It was actually very cool intermingling with football fans from all over the place like the Green Bay guy from Canada, the Patriot peeps, the grieving Giants, and my favorites, the drunk, obnoxious and rowdy Eagles fans! My people! All it took was one shout from the other side of the bar of E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES for me to realize I was not alone.

When you’re traveling outside the country there’s no guarantee that your team will be the game that gets shown. I crossed my fingers and hoped that we’d get TV time and the next thing I know is that CBS 2 in Atlanta is pre-promoting next up, Denver in Philadelphia! All of the sudden the room got raucous and loud with Philly fans that came from under sand dunes and cabanas to cheer on the Birds. We owned the room and acted like it was ours while we awaited the return of Brian Dawkins, a beloved Eagle until the 2009 season who is now the heart and soul of the Denver defense. After on sentimental moment though, we got over it and our guys went to work. This was the first game we didn’t score on the opening drive in many, but we made good shortly thereafter.

The first half belonged to us and it was great to see Brian Westbrook back on the field. He looked brand new. Jeremy Macklin was back too. But Brent Celek was the star of the show! Denver’s defense spent so much time doubling Desean that Donovan used Celek like a wide receiver at one point. Asante Samuel snatched his 9th interception of the season and everything was peachy or better yet beachy when we headed to the locker room at the half with a 20-7 lead.

Denver came back for the second half with purpose. Although we added some key penalties, they put forth a gallant effort and even quieted a few of my rowdy Eagles-favoring friends in the bar. Either that or they just plain passed out from too many drinks. At times I could have sworn I was back at the Linc in the 300 section with the most spirited of fans way up in the nose-bleed section. But that hush soon turned back to a roar when we got the ball back with under two minutes to work our magic. Donovan moved the team down the field with his usual grace and speed when the clock is ticking down. Once in field goal range David Akers made it do what it do baby and broke a tie that Denver was able to muster making the final score with two seconds left on the clock, 30-27.

Whew. But I never had an ounce of doubt on my brain, not one. And how’s this for an all inclusive vacation? I won two fantasy league championships! Special thanks to Donovan McNabb, Brent Celek, Desean Jackson, and David Akers for the points that pushed me to the top! You guys are the best.

Next up, we make our New Year’s resolution. We resolve to beat the crap out of the Dallas Cows. I can’t wait until we enter Jerry’s house in D-Town, well actually it’s in Arlington, Texas where Six Flags is. Amusement will be available at either park after we get them back for the defeat in our stadium. What a way to kick off the New Year and to crown a great season for our hardworking Philadelphia Eagles.

Enough of this laptop stuff, there is sun to be soaked up and open bars to be closed down. After all, I’m on vacation. Just not from football!

Thanks for taking the time to read about my passion for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. Stay tuned for more in 2010. And I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
See you on the sidelines!

Helen “Love My Eagles” Little