It was like we got that letter. You know the one. It starts like this, “Dear John…” except this one said “Dear Eagles fans, we're through, signed The 2010 Season.” Oh the sadness, the heartache, the tears, when we see The Season leave us for someone else. And had the nerve to do it right in our face! It started with subtle flirting. Next thing you know we got dumped in the most public of breakups one could have. It was supposed to be us that won, not the Packers! Well from our perspective at least. But we didn’t win and here we are again, the team with no ring looking like the proverbial bridesmaid. That makes 45 of those ugly dresses hanging in our closet now which begs the question of how many broken hearted seasons can one fan base endure?
We could smell it this year! Dallas was on the tip of everyone's tongue as we thought of that glorious Bowl, there for our taking. Instead we got took by Green Bay. This was not like being dumped for a supermodel. It was more like the not-so-cute-but-really-nice-girl who shared a common interest and maybe did a few things better than we did, but just barely. It doesn't matter now because we won't be at the big dance again this year, let alone be crowned Prom King and Queen.
So what happened? Let's just say not enough. Not enough of the same things that plagued us much of this past year. Not enough defensive stops. Not enough protection from the offensive line. Not enough of a running game. Not enough pass completions. Not enough field goals through the uprights. Not enough execution in the red zone. Not enough healthy players. Not enough coaching savvy. Not enough to win, plain and simple. Green Bay just played better.
Five points, one touchdown was the difference in the final score of 21-16. The Birds gave it a final shot at the end but the result was an interception, not a touchdown. Sometimes it’s better when it’s a blowout because there are fewer of those woulda-coulda-shoulda thoughts. What hurts even more is to know that the SEAHAWKS advanced and the Eagles didn’t? Well at least we're not the team that lost to them! Nothing against Seattle or New Orleans; it's just that I'm currently pigging out on the Sour Grapes Diet.
It’s time now to wait another year and hope and believe in next season. Honestly, we’re kind of used to that. However, that's if there isn't a lockout due to the CBA negotiations between the league and the players association. We’re already wondering what the future of Michael Vick with the Eagles is or Kevin Kolb for that matter. I don't automatically assume that things will be worked out anytime soon. There are quite a few determining factors involved including the CBA agreement.
But bright side pictures look like this. Most Eagles followers, me included, had no idea that we'd have a 10-7 season or that we’d make it to the playoffs. 2010 was to be a rebuilding year and when you really think about it, it was. We have a great foundation to build on for next year with a busy off season ahead. Priority number one is to lock in Michael Vick and Desean Jackson, then improve the offensive line and also look to regain that reputation of having one of the best defensive units in the league. That’s enough of a start for me. One can only focus on the future and look to the possibility of things being even better next year.
Now I have to come up with another plan for my birthday since I was going to see the Eagles in the Superbowl. Maybe I’ll have a Superbowl birthday party. Since I’m not springing for the trip to Dallas, guess I’ll treat myself to a new iPhone with my favorite Eagles app and NFL Live instead to get ready for all the off-season fun. If this year’s down time is anything like last year for Philadelphia, then we’re in for another wild ride! So I’ll see you on the Eagles’ sideline next year, but in the meantime I’ll be on the couch, the computer, and the chase for what’s happening in football until then.
Thanks so much for reading my commentary this season. I enjoyed sharing!
Helen “Love My Eagles” Little
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