Too Light-Too Heavy sports coverage

Bless me Tim Tebow for I have sinned. Huh? It must be all that extensive coverage of everyone's favorite Christian quarterback on ESPN. For the record, he is the second-favorite Christian QB on the D-train Daily. You just HAVE to love Colt McCoy. He looks as if a startling moment would cause him to blurt, "Golly gee willikers!"

Back to Tebow; his participation in an “anti-abortion” add that will run on Super Bowl Sunday in which his mother says tells the story of how giving birth to the divine QB could have threatened her life but she had him anyway. And in that is the true message behind this ad… that women consider that this 18+ year investment will one day pay for itself. “Before you take that trip to the clinic ladies remember those two important words…SIGNING BONUS!

That whole controversy started a debate amongst the staff of the D-train Daily, and it was pleasing to find out that everyone is neither pro-life or pro-choice, but rather pro-tection.

It is hard to tell if ESPN is selling Tebow or his faults. Do they want to make him into a great success story or see him fail? Make no mistake, their coverage is leaning to a particular point of view; it always does. But in defense of the Eternal Speculation and Pontification Network, you can do it your way when you are hands down number one.

To take a brief respite from ESPN's heavy-handed coverage the TV in the break room of the D-train gets switched to Comcast Sports Net. However viewing the two is the sports viewing equivalent to Bud Light's "Too Light, Too Heavy" ads. Although, it should be said, that the livelier version of Dei Lynam makes for much easier viewing. It used to seem as though doing her job was painful for her. Now it looks as though she gets an adrenaline shot to the heart right before air-time. Seriously, however it got done... thank you.

In now a bit of Pro Bowl news; and unlike the game this is actually interesting. According to FOXSports.com, six Colts players will be at the all-star game... until halftime. The players are excused from the Pro-Bowl due to their team playing in the game that people will be watching the following weekend, however if they want their game check from the Pro-Bowl they need to attend the game. The players on the winning teams will get $45,000, while the losers will get $22,500.

The Players will be flying from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale for the menial game. Really flying from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale?! They could've driven there in the time that it will take to get through security and get that plane in the air.

At any rate that is rule-wrangling that a tax lawyer would appreciate.

May the Awesomeness be with You.

Conference title game theatre

The New York Jets, also known as The Why Nots, traveled to the plains of Indiana blustering with confidence; and why not? Winning two consecutive games, going away, and on the road will do that for a team. They were even up 17-6 with 2:11 in the 2nd and then…

Peyton Manning closed the game in a fashion reminiscent of former Oakland A’s Pitcher Dennis Eckersley. Indy ran off 24 unanswered to end the game and vanquish the upstart Jets. The Colts are demonstrating intense focus. It may be time for Indy fans to think about letting Coach Jim Caldwell off the hook for not going for 16-0.

As for the Jets, the future is bright. Their defense and running game are set, and by the end of the season, young Mark Sanchez looked like a credible quarterback.

But the “now” belongs to Indy.

What a wonderful mess that night game was. Did every offensive player for Minnesota have a fumble? Apparently Brett Favre is/was bound and determined to end it with a bad interception at a critical juncture. There just is no other explanation for his interception late in regulation that doomed his team’s chances of go-ahead points late in the game.

On the Brett Favre Network, it was not as sad as one might think…. They think he’s going to give it one more go ‘round! You can bet that the rumor mill is going to start churning out McNabb to Minnesota rumors. That would be surprising if Vikings brass would pay the likely 1st and 2nd, if not 2 firsts price the Eagles will be demanding.

It is good that the Pro-Bowl is this weekend. Now guys that would have played in the Super Bowl and then sat out the Pro-Bowl don’t look like that arrogant one that turned down the honor. These guys officially have an alibi. However what’s bad about it is that it will be played on the same field as the Super Bowl. The belief here is that Chargers Kicker Nate Kaeding should skip the festivities.

In an update on our training progress for The D-train Run to Run the Ball, let’s just say progress was made. Today’s goal: 800 meters!

An Important Eagles Fan Service Announcement

Okay so the train has been off the rails for the past couple of days. We had a signal problem that if untended would’ve led to a catastrophic wreck. Thankfully our top notch maintenance staff solved the problem.

Enjoying our break was not possible due to the fact that there is work to be done. In Tuesday’s edition of The D-train Daily, we proposed that a campaign needs to be undertaken to garner attention to a problem that affects us all. This campaign is not one to raise public awareness, but rather particular awareness. The “particular”, in this case is Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid.

The “awareness” that we are attempting to raise in Coach Reid is an affliction that he has suffered for years now and had been on display for all to see. And it should be said that his affliction has caused the Eagles and thus Eagles fans to also suffer. What is Big Red’s affliction? It is evident that he suffers from steadfast refusal to run the ball with any consistency over the course of a season.

How do we intend to raise Coach Reid’s awareness you might ask? Simple, we will run the ball… from Lincoln Financial Field to the beginning of training camp in Bethlehem, PA. It seems to us that extreme action must be taken to combat Reid’s extreme stubbornness. We can no longer just bitch, whine, moan, and complain about Reid’s unbalanced approach to offense. We must act. And as Bayard Rustin once said, “you must act and you must do so with your body.”


This event, The D-train Run to Run the Ball (benefiting those unaware of the power of balanced offense) is the beginning of a movement. You see, if balance on offense doesn’t happen, then neither will the Eagles bring a Lombardi Trophy to the area as long as Big Red is here. So with a healthy contract extension in place, our only course of action is to change, or alter, the Mad-bombing Mormon. It is the only way to get that Super Bowl victory we all so desperately crave.

So as you all are watching the conference title games this Sunday, think of us. We will be training, making the sacrifice, doing our part to bring Super Bowl glory to Philadelphia.

Enjoy your weekend, and may the Awesomeness be with you.

MONDAY on The D-Train Daily: RECAP OF CONFERENCE TITLE GAMES AND AN UPDATE OF OUR FIRST WEEKEND IN TRAINING

We Can Make a Difference

Yesterday was not only a holiday, but also, it was GLORIOUS outside. So the staff called out and that was that, as they say.

Speaking of yesterday let's talk about yesterday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. On that day, one pays some sort of tribute to Dr. King, whether it be volunteering somewhere or being respectful of your fellow man (or woman). Yesterday, one could be thinking of the symbolic leader of the movement and the other central figures. The more prominent names include: A.J. Muste, A. Phillip Randolph, Ralph Abernathy, E.D. Nixon, and of course, Bayard Rustin. What they accomplished with non-violent civil disobedience in a violent world, against the system no less, is no less than legendary.

Then last evening someone in the cafe car brought up the Eagles. "Eagles! Civil Rights Movement!! I got it shouted our off-duty engineer. "I'm having an epiphany!
WE can make difference."

More on that shortly, for now let's hit on the weekend's games.

If the New York Jets were a music band their name would be The Why-Nots. Their first album would be entitled, "We made it this far." Rex Ryan has made the Kool-Aid and his players are drinking it, if you'll pardon the expression. Now on their way to Indy to face a team with more experience, on the road, with a rookie QB (3 of last 5 years a rookie has started AFC title game). Coach Rex Ryan, in all seriousness, said that he will be "shocked" if his team doesn't win. Can the Jets do it? Why Not!

As for San Diego... tsk, tsk, tsk. They never were able, or weren't allowed, to take control of the game up 7-0. They let the New York hang in there and it bit them on their bum. Of course, the three missed field-goals by Chargers Kicker Nick Kaeding would have changed the complexion of the game. Kaeding, slated to be in the Pro Bowl next week, should really think about skipping it. And we'd be remiss if the penalties and turnovers weren't mentioned. While the Jets defense could be blamed for the San Diego turnovers, nothing excuses the frequency and manner of penalties that the Chargers incurred were ridiculous. And in effect, that's why their going home.

Didn't anyone tell Keith Brooking that there's no crying in football, particularly playoff football. The Dallas Cowboys linebacker ran towards the Purple sideline to voice his disapproval at the Vikings decision to go for it on fourth & three on the Dallas 11, up 17 points. When Brooking did all his huff and puff barking, what he was really saying was, "MERCY! MERCY!" Does Mr. Brooking think that he is back in college? There is no such thing as running up the score in the NFL. You could hear the chuckles all through out Eagles country.

Steady boy, steady. So go the Colts. And now The Why-Nots are playing their town this weekend. This will be interesting.

Would someone tell Sean Payton and the New Orleans offense that it's "football" and not "pinball." Is it possible for an offense to be too much fun to watch?

Returning to the epiphany story; after our engineer blurted out like grandpa on The Simpsons, the staff put their heads together. We are going to bring the lack of balance to Andy Reid's attention. The only way to get Big Reid to FINALLY acquiesce to offensive balance by running the ball is to show him. So we will literally be running a ball from Philly to Allentown, arriving on the first day of training camp. The cleaning staff is excited, since everyone here has to quit smoking!

More news to follow in subsequent posts.

TOMORROW ON THE D-Train Daily: COULD THE SIXERS BLOW A 40 POINT LEAD IF THEY HAD TO?

May the Awesomeness be with you.

A preview of this weekend's playoff action

ARIZONA vs. NEW ORLEANS

This one has all the earmarks of a shootout waiting to happen. Both offenses that are capable of putting up a slew of points, while each teams defense is statistically below average.

It will be interesting to see how Arizona travels this weekend. After an exhaustive victory over Green Bay last week, they now must gather themselves and go to the Superdome where an enthusiastic, boisterous crowd will greet them. Are the Cardinals batteries recharged to take on the Saints and on the road no less? Arizona is the defending NFC champion. Except for Anquan Boldin, injuries are not a big problem at the moment. Boldin will certainly play this weekend after missing last week's game with an ankle; this is a fellow that once played with a fractured face! Former Buckeye Beanie Wells, who had 91 yards last week, is probable with an ankle injury, but will he be consistently productive? Wells has a history with injuries that goes back to when he was pounding defenses for The Team from Columbus. The Arizona defense will be looking to avoid a repeat of their performance in the Wild Card round when they played consistent defense for the first 34 minutes; the problem was that a game is 60 minutes.

Meanwhile, the nation will be waiting to see what the Saints do after basically backing into the playoffs. Should they lose, prepare for the inevitable storm of talking heads on ESPN to debate resting starters versus playing them. In totality, however, it would seem as though New Orleans reached their zenith after their blowout win over New England in week 12. After that game, the Saints escaped Washington with a game, when the 'Skins were a competent kicker away from victory. The next week in Atlanta, New Orleans barely got past a short-handed Falcon team. Not to mention, the Saints went 3-6 in the redzone against one of the worse defenses in the league. The Saints were the top offense in the NFL during the regular season. Despite their appearance as a passing team they displayed exquisite balance averaging 131 rushing yards/game at a 4.5 yard/carry clip. New Orleans has all the tools to keep the Cardinals defense on its heels all day.

Suffice to say, it is hard to envision both teams being sharp in the early going. The first quarter, and the first half will certainly be paced by each team's defense. Whichever team is more successful running the ball and limiting turnovers will emerge victorious. It appears, at the moment, that team will be the Saints.

BALTIMORE vs. INDIANAPOLIS
The Colts are another team that will invoke the rest versus playing debate. However, they did play their starters for a portion of their final two regular season games. Indy will not accommodate Baltimore's desire to run the ball as much as New England did last week. The Colts will almost surely be watching Ray Rice and his tree trunk thighs with a discerning eye. Rice was not only a key to the Baltimore running game, but the passing game as well. Few teams protect their meal-ticket as well as the Colts; They surrendered 13 sacks all season. The Ravens had trouble consistently getting to the passer all season. It should be said that Terrell Suggs return late in the season bolstered their pass-rush significantly.

The Ravens Achilles heel on defense is their secondary. No disrespect to the great Ed Reed, but the corners are more than vulnerable. Also, Reid has been playing with lower body injuries for the latter third of the season. It's a safe to say this should be a tight one. Yes, Baltimore went 1-6 against playoff teams, but their average margin of defeat in those games was six points. Unfortunately for Baltimore, QB Joe Flacco has a hip problem that became especially evident when he scrambled against the Patriots in the last game. Joe Cool labored when he scrambled and his throws, all 10 of them, were usually off-target.

Baltimore will try to stay in this one with defense and running, but with Flacco's injury, the prospect of passing against a front that includes Dwight Freeny (13.5 sacks) and Robert Mathis (9.5) can hardly seem settling to John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. If Flacco is healed however, Baltimore just might remind one of the '05 Steelers. They have a second year quarterback who experienced playoff success in his rookie season, and they have a solid defense with a secondary that is vulnerable except for it superlative safety.

Unfortunately for the Ravens the Colts have had two whole weeks since the end of the regular season for everyone to remind them of their past playoff failures. It is almost a sure thing that the AFC Title game will be in Indy next weekend.

DALLAS versus MINNESOTA

The Cowboys appear to have found their stride, winning games in December and bouncing the beloved Birds from the playoffs with gusto. Now they take on a Vikings team that has questions.

The first question concerning the Vikings is simple: will they be able to get Adrian Peterson on track? Peterson's last 100-yard game came against no other that the Detroit Lions. Only once in the last seven games did he average over four yards/carry and that was the season finale, against a Giants team that appeared to be looking very forward to the off-season. Also fumbles didn't do much to inspire his confidence or the confidence of others around him. When he's looking to break tackles, the ball becomes a loaf of bread in his hands. Vikings running back coach, Eric Bienemy was a horse in college; you could jump on him and ride the day out. So why can't Public Bienemy number on get Peterson to grasp the concept of "high and tight?"

The second question concerning the Vikings is where is the teeth in the pass-rush? Defensive End Jared Allen's play tapered off after Minnesota's bye. And no doubt his season totals were helped by walking through that swinging gate that is the Green Bay offensive line twice this season. Allen had better do whatever it takes this side of getting another DUI, to get up for this game.

The last question concerning the Vikings is how prepared are they? Over their last eight games, the Vikings only played two teams with a winning record, and one of those teams was the questionable Cincinnati Bengalis. They defeated Cincy after getting pounded by Arizona the week before. Also, the Vikes lost two of their last three games getting blown out by Carolina, and making Chicago look as though an offense resides there (36 points allowed).

The case for a Cowboys victory is simple. They look like an avalanche, rolling downhill gaining momentum sweeping up everything in its path. Tony Romo has discovered how cut down on the turnovers. Dallas is running the ball with conviction. The defense looks like they can play with anyone. Look for Dallas to key on Peterson on first and second down, and to turn the pass-rush loose in obvious passing situations. Vikings' Offensive Tackles Phil Loadholt and Bryant McKinnie are massive. Dallas Outside Linebackers Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware match up well against them in passing situation. Spencer and Ware will be too athletic to be contained by McKinnie and Loadholt. Unless Minnesota overpowers Dallas in the run game, they will have trouble scoring.

This is painful to say, but the Cowboys momentum will continue for at least another week.

NY JETS versus SAN DIEGO

New York Cornerback Darrelle Revis is the truth when it comes to pass coverage. Watching him go toe-to-toe with Randy Moss twice this season without blinking was impressive. His footwork and ability to position himself on a receiver are without peer in the league. It won't do a bit of good this weekend. San Diego wideout Vincent Jackson is a physical specimen; he is literally Revis' biggest, strongest challenge of the season. And San Diego has other weapons in their cache. They will be able to attack the Jets best unit, their defense. Can the New York defense keep them in this one is the only operative question. San Diego will load the box and dare New York rookie QB Mark Sanchez to beat them. He likely won't.

It would help the rookie's cause if Braylon Edwards didn't drop balls as though they had been dipped in anthrax. Seriously, where former Oakland wideout Fred Biletnikoff used to coat his hands in Stickum, Edwards must use Murray's grease on his? In a bit of irony Edwards won the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate receiver, in 2004. "They don't like me because I went to Michigan," said Edwards shortly before his ouster out of Cleveland. No Mr. Edwards, they didn't like you because your hands are made of bacon grease. Edwards’ father recently came out and said that the criticism against his son is fair. Hopefully son Edwards is still seeking daddy's approval; otherwise he is hard for a football fun to watch.

At any rate, punch San Diego's ticket to Indianapolis next weekend.

The D-train Daily is pulling onto the train yard until Monday. Until then...DON'T GET CAPTURED! Good Night & Good Luck.

A closer look at the 2009 Eagles. Death to "The College Experiment"

Okay, The D-train Daily was prepared, albeit prematurely, to discuss basketball. It was mainly to help escape the pain of football season's inevitable end. And sometimes you have to be prepared for something you love to walk out the door. Then faithful and frequent passenger Julie T. of Philadelphia made the excellent point that the 2009 Eagles did not beat a team with a winning record.

Sad to say, but this was news to The D-train Daily. Oftentimes this publication has spoke of Andy Reid and the Eagles as Fox News did (does) of George W. Bush and the Republican Party... they can do NO wrong. So we went back and pondered Julie T.'s excellent point and actually put an impartial microscope to the Eagles 2009 season. The findings were, in a "d" word, disconcerting.

Consider, that in the losses to Oakland, San Diego, and Dallas (both games), the Eagles averaged 12, actually 11.5, rushes per game. And with the exception of the second Dallas game they were within one score at halftime.

Delving further; consistently getting points was a problem as well. If the Birds offense was not set up by a turnover or big special teams play, they rarely moved the chains consistently to score touchdowns. Hmmm, there's that "c" word again; consistent. Against the New Orleans they only had 2 touchdowns, one on a big play, the other set up by a long kick return. Against the Raiders they scored zip, zero, zilch, nada touchdowns. Against Dallas (first game), the Birds managed one touchdown, but they needed a 45 yard play on that drive to get it. Are we curious about the loss to San Diego? They scored two TD's, both coming in the fourth quarter just for the Eagles to get back into the game. By the way one of those drives started just outside the 50 yard line due to a Charger penalty. The second Dallas game, they were blanked completely.

The point being, big plays were the crux of the Bird's offense. What about consistent, chain-moving plays? If the Eagles opponents didn't surrender the big play, the Bird's rarely got it done. As a wise man once said, "If you live by the sword, you will die by the sword."

This penchant for heaving the ball all over the place rather than say, tote it, left the defense vulnerable. Apparently Reid thought that the Eagles defense, circa 2001-2004 was suited up. Back then the Eagles surrendered around 17 points a game, which was enough to stay competitive against any team. This year, between injuries and a lack of beef and discipline (FAR too much gambling in the secondary among other issues), the 2009 edition of the Eagles defense rarely got teams off the field when it needed to.

That's not to say the defense wasn't good, but it was... limited. So in order to protect them why not run the ^%$^*, *^%%$,)(&%), @&($# ball. Really, we've only been saying this since say 2002! Unfortunately it looks as though renowned social commentator Sean Carter, a.k.a. Jay-Z, was talking about Big Red and his bombs away approach when he said, "You can't change a playa's game in da ninf innin'"

And again as Julie's question pointed out, the Eagles only beat teams with losing records, which makes every win essentially unimpressive by default. So as it stands now, we have a team that is fun to watch and will contend on the surface, but will ultimately fall victim to its systemic limitations. Thanks Julie. Reality bites.

Yesterday, in an effort to expand our horizons, the staff at the D-train Daily watched The College Experiment, which is an online skit program. Every Wednesday it runs at www.foxsports.com. This was our first, last, one and only viewing of this insulting series. In the intro it says, "The College Experiment is to sports, what The Daily Show is to Politics. Umm. No. The Daily Show has... wit. To call the humor "low-brow" would've been a high compliment. It was full of lewd, crass, vulgar, sophomoric, and offensive comments that made it unbearable. For instance, the shabby looking badly dressed host of the show said that Colt McCoy pulled himself out of the Rose Bowl game not because his shoulder was hurt, but because he wanted to "rub one out" over his girlfriend. These guys found themselves quite funny. They were alone in that respect. It seemed that these were the guys who snuck a keg into their dorm not as a matter of drinking convenience, but because they thought it was cool.

TOMORROW ON The D-train Daily, A PREVIEW OF THIS WEEKENDS PLAYOFF MATCHUPS.

Kid Kiffin goes West. Canseco's too tough to cry

The D-train daily wanted to keep it simple today. A little discussion on last night's NBA & NCAA basketball action. But then...

In a testament to the sad state of loyalty in Div. 1-A er, FBS college football, USC brass went with what appeared to be their seventh choice to replace Pete Carroll by selected Tennessee Head Coach Lane Kiffin.

Lane Kiffin? USC must have been desperate to fill the head coaching vacancy as quickly, if not as efficiently as possible. They certainly didn't look at the Vol's 2009 season. A 3-1 non-conference record with those three wins coming against renowned powerhouses Western Kentucky, Ohio, and Memphis.

After the one loss against UCLA Kiffin, always the mature one, said that his team should've won by "multiple touchdowns".

Did the folks at USC notice that Kiffin had not one notable win? Unless you count a 10 point loss to defending National Champ Florida and a 2 point loss to eventual SEC and National Champ Alabama as wins. Well they weren't. Surely USC's search committee noted the decline in discipline during Kid Kiffin's on year stint at Rocky Top; Player arrests, penalties, and so forth. What about the blowout loss in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl against Virgina Tech? Maybe Kiffin got hired because he will abscond from Nashville with a pretty solid staff that might produce victories in spite of him.

Did anyone notice that he didn't even thank his former players or the University of Tennessee for this past season at his farewell press-conference?

At any rate, USC should've exercised more patience. Aside from a lack of accomplishments on the field Kid Kiffin behaved like, well a kid off of it. Let him tell it, losses were the fault of questionable officiating. He accused Florida Head Coach, as of this moment, Urban Meyer of recruiting violations. Overall, he just seemed to lack any class or respect.

When Kiffin was hired at Tennessee last Spring the Oakland Raiders, who had fired Kiffin in the Fall of the previous year released this statement, "Lane Kiffin is a flat-out liar. He lied to the team, he lied to the fans, and he lied to the media. He will try to destroy that university like he tried to destroy the Raiders."

That statement was no doubt penned by Raiders owner Al Davis. At the time, on the surface, it looked like the kooky old man was losing it a little more in a public setting. In hindsight, it looks like Old Man Al has still got his intuition about him.

Mark McQwuire spent Monday admitting to taking steroids and yet refuting Jose Canseco's claims about injection sessions in the bathroom (There's a joke there). Duplicitous? Maybe. Throw in some tears and it might appear contrite.

Yesterday in an interview with ESPN's Pedro Gomez, Canseco had this to say in response to McQuire's Monday Media Montage, "What McQuires suffered, and I can say this straight to McQuire's face, is NOTHING; not even REMOTE to what I've suffered. And he sits there and starts crying. "(To the camera)Mark there's no crying in baseball, you know that."

Oh snap! Ladies, ladies! Take it easy. No one wants to be bombarded with an ESPN time lines of the back and forth sniping for the rest of the week. Let's just call it even. You both have suffered. Let's move forward. We're not here to talk about the past.

TOMORROW ON THE D-train Daily, WE'LL TRY TO START TALKING SOME BASKETBALL.

Donnie # 5 Alive

So last night the D-train Daily ran late due to it running up and down the 95 corridor between here and D.C. During that time good/bad news, depending on your perspective, hit the Philly area.

Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid removed the need for speculation by saying that Donovan McNabb will return as the Eagles starting QB next season.

"That's my call," said Reid. No kidding coach. "I think he's a great player. His work over the last 11 years has proven that." No doubt that McNabb's body of work over the last 11 seasons proves Reid's point. However Eagles' fans see the one glaring absence in the things McNabb has accomplished... A Lombardi Trophy. And considering the talented teams that McNabb has played on it can only be McNabb that is holding da Iggles back. That would be short-sighted.

The truth is it wouldn't have mattered who is under center next season. The fact remains that the Eagles problem is Andy Reid.

His inflexibility and refusal to lend more balance to the offensive play-calling cannot be ignored. This season, for instance, as the Eagles were on a five-game winning streak that began in week in week 10 the balance on offense was obviously contributing to the team's success. For a moment, a quick moment, it looked as if the Mad Mormon had finally learned his lesson. Had he seen the possibilities that came with more balanced play-calling? Then the Denver game, when Reid abandoned the run. McNabb dropped back to pass 44 times; he had five rushing attempts and was sacked four times so the 35 passing attempts doesn't look as bad. It was painfully apparent, once again, that when it comes to balanced offense Andy Reid is more stubborn than Fox News Channel personality Bill O'Reilly; a truly frightening prospect.

The times when the offense showed the most balance was when McNabb was injured, forcing Reid to minimize the deficiencies at the QB position by running the ball on offense. It should be plain to see that Reid puts too much on McNabb to carry the offense.

So, the question moving forward is will Reid evolve as a coach? It's doubtful considering his track record. Unless Eagles fans know one hellava hypnotist, unfortunately the offense will continue to struggle when it has a lead and the defense (not the stalwart unit we envision they are) will be put in bad positions. In essence: McNabb fans should not expect him to grab the one thing that has eluded him throughout his tenure, nor should McNabb haters expect anything different in 2011 with Kevin Kolb under center. The fact of the matter remains that there will be one common denominator, Andy Reid and his stubborn, inflexible, hard-headed way of coaching.

So yesterday, Mark Mcgwire admitted what everyone knew already. Well kinda admitted it. Mcgwire had the stones to say that the steroids weren't meant to enhance his performance, but rather his health. "I did this for health purposes," he told Bob Costas on the MLB Network. "There's no way I did this for any strength use." Right, right. Knowing that would be a by-product of taking them didn't hurt though.

Mcroider did deny the homoerotic injection sessions in the bathroom that Jose Canseco divulged in his book. "There's absolutely no truth to that whatsoever," he told Costas when the subject was broached. Who can blame him there? That leaves him open to a multitude of gay encounter in the bathroom jokes, and the injection thing makes for a hellava punchline.

Mcgwire's admission was reminiscent of a junkie admitting drug use to a relative.

"I have something to tell you. I'm using drugs."

"What!? Nooo. I never saw this coming. I mean your house is in a state of squalor, you stopped going to work, you lost weight, and you tried to sell me copies of Ebony Magazine from Barack Obama's election."

"I'm sorry. I didn't do it for fun or to escape pain; I did it for more energy."

"It's okay. Let's just get you in a good rehab program."

"I'm not doing in-patient!"

Of course now there will be discussion on what baseball does with the slew of records that took place during the steroid era. The suggestion of the D-train Daily, put a star to denote Roger Maris' 61. When people look see the notation, only one word is neccessary... VALID.

TOMORROW ON THE D-TRAIN DAILY: COLLEGE AND PRO BASKETBALL.

Time to start getting ready for the football season to end in totality. Sigh.

The Ravens hit the Pat with a kidney shot.

RAVENS DROP THE PATS WITH BODY BLOWS

PACK AND CARDS SHOOT IT OUT IN THE DESERT

PETE CARROL & THE GARDEN OF EDEN

The Baltimore Ravens had never beaten the Patriots. The Patriots had not lost a home play game since the late '70's. So naturally the result was going to be a Ravens blowout... right?



The Ravens established dominance on the line of scrimmage from the outset, and along with three first-quarter turnovers from the Pats, it was over quickly. Joe Flacco was probably updating his Facebook status sometimes while the Ravens were on offense; he only threw 10 passes yesterday! After the first New England turnover, Baltimore pounded them with five straight runs from the NE 17 to go up 14-0. That was the first big gut shot. The Patriots went to a knee and took a standing-8 count to gather themselves, but the pattern for the rest of the was set.

Watching the Ravens offense operate on New England was like watching one of those old episodes of Batman starring Adam West, when the caped crusader and Boy Wonder would be in a scrum with anonymous henchmen. I was waiting for the "BOOM, ZAP, POW, ZONK" to come across the screen with each bone-grinding run.

The Patriots fans voiced their disapproval of their teams' performance by booing their team during the decisive first-quarter. Now maybe it's me, but considering the great run that they Pats had with the Super Bowls, division titles, etc., those people have nerve. In fact, they are spoiled; that's right I said it, SPOILED. Here in Philly we can boo our team when they bumble, and stumble; we haven't seen high nor low of an NFL title since 1960. We can, and will, and do share our misery.

Now people will be asking is this the end of the Patriot run of dominance. Actually, that run ended last year when Brady went down in week 1. Although it must be said, the Pats didn't appear to be the same after they let the Colts come back and beat them in week 10. I can't quite put my finger on it but they seemed "off" after that game. Next season the hungry young lion that is the New York Jets will want to square off with NE to lead the AFC East pride. So if your looking to kick definitive dirt on the Pats, you will likely get your chance in the latter stages of next season.


But let's shift our attention to Baltimore and what John Harbaugh has managed to accomplish in two scant seasons. I've always liked John Harbaugh. He oozes positivity. Once I was at the NovaCare Complex, when I saw John Harbaugh walk past wilting flowers which sprung to life in his presence. Seriously, that's true. Okay, the "flowers" were actually me, but my point remains. Supported by a crack front-office led by Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens will continue to smoothly transition a defense as it ages as well as get "Joe Cool" some proper toys to play with. It's obvious that the Baltimore Ravens are going to be an AFC contender for the next few years.


So I know everyone saw the Packers-Cardinals game, but did you notice the sequence of the last few plays. With the Cards driving into position to attempt the game-winning field-goal, Kurt Warner hit Early Doucet on a slant. Charles Woodson, the likely Defensive Player of the Year, goes for the strip rather than a sure tackle (don't get me started on tackling) which enables Doucet to gain yards making the attempt easier for the kicker. Arizona's Neil Rackers shanked the kick. Woodson should've thanked Rackers. The Cardinals score the defensive touchdown, when two plays earlier they almost gave up a sure touch down, and Rackers should've thanked the defense, or rather the Packers protection. The one serious issue that the Packers offense had came back to bite them on their bum yesterday. I would assume that THE priority for Green Bay G.M Ted Thompson this off season will be addressing the protection of his QB.


After the game was over I watched Warner go to his press conference and I thought, "It's been a strange, wild, disappointing, and exultant journey for this man." I marvel at the highs and lows that his career has taken.


Oh, speaking of Warner's press conference, I saw it when I turned on NFL Gameday Final on the NFL network. Goodness gracious my eyes felt severe pain having to watch those suits that Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin had on. I'm sure the High Def didn't help. But they looked like they had on Zoot Suits. Obviously Sanders and Irvin get their suits from the same place as Steve Harvey.


Lastly, Coach Dude, er Pete Carroll ended the speculation by being officially introduced as the new coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Dude, what is he doing? Did he really think this out? Look at the disparate climates of the two cities. He's gonna use some of that money for a huge shipment of Zoloft since he won't see the sun for days (hopefully) at a time. The Dude has to know this won't be fun. Pro players won't get hyped when Carroll has Snoop D-O-double gizzle show up at a team meeting, unless he brought a Wii and food for everyone. What I can't figure is that Carroll is been down this road, and it didn't end pretty. Now at USC, he's got it all. Great weather, job security, happiness. He's cast himself out of his Garden of Eden. Now one has to wonder is Coach Dude isn't getting while the getting is good with the NCAA snooping around about improper gifts for Reggie Bush, and Joel McKnight's "girlfriend's" SUV. I've seen every episode of "The Wire" four times, so I know about the front name on a car bit. But even if sanctions come down they won't be major, unless there's bigger dirt that the NCAA hasn't, but will, find.


Either way good luck to Coach Dude. Meanwhile there's a school waiting for his availability in say two-three years.

TOMORROW ON THE D-TRAIN DAILY: DONNIE #5 ALIVE

DOES IT ALL END IN DALLAS

DALLAS UNDRESSES PHILADELPHIA

DAVID STERN MAKES A FUNNY



Please tell me that it doesn't end like this. Is this the end of the most successful era in Philadelphia Eagles history? If it is, it did with a undressing at the hands of the despised Dallas Cowboys.


There are many of us (myself included) that hoped that the result of last week's season finale in Dallas was not a harbinger of what lie ahead. There was no way, that the Eagles would lay an egg again. They typically respond with extreme prejudice to a loss under Andy Reid. Well they did lay an egg again, didn't respond with much fire, and they just stayed in the game a little longer than last week.



There's no need to rehash the defenses failures in the game last night. In fact, I cringe when I look at the stat sheet. Take away his 73 yard touchdown run, and Felix Jones still averaged 5 yards/carry. What I will rehash is my concern about the defense. Right now the Eagles have a defense that can make plays. Is it a shutdown defense? Not if you were watching this season. The Saints, Chargers, and second Washington game aside, alarm bells had to being going off after the Giants rematch. The Giants were just begging for someone to kill them; and the rest of their opponents did. The Birds defense got positively lit up that night. 512 yards, 'nuf said. When I saw a Denver offense that couldn't more than 10 yards downfield, making plays when they need them, I officially became worried.



The defense needs that oomph, that it, that French thing. How do you say Jenet si, never mind. It's not the departure of Jim Johnson. I don't think you can put too much on Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. I don't know if it's more speed or size, but put it on this defense. And some discipline wouldn't hurt.



I won't expound on the meekness of the offense which was literally muscled off the field yesterday. Although it must be said that there are systemic errors with the protection schemes. Watching McNabb run for his life was maddening. It seems that when teams are determined to pressure our QB, they get him. And time after time the Eagles would never adjust. In fact, it's fair to say that a "failure to adjust" citation could be issued to Big Red. Honestly he's a multiple offender. Maybe keep two backs in to protect? Last night they never tried to move the pocket and get the QB away from the incessant pressure.



Of course the mob is grabbing pitchforks and torches and marching on the sports-talk lines in the Philly area to denounce Reid and send McNabb to the guillotine. With respect to Reid, forget about it. He just signed an extension that keeps him here until 2013. McNabb is, of course, in the air. One thing is for certain and it was on display last night for all to see... The Eagles problems go deeper than McNabb.





And on a lighter note I picture David Stern seeing Gilbert Arenas' "pow-pow" act here in Philly earlier this week. WILL YA LOOK AT THAT. WE'RE MAKING JOKES NOW. (TO HIS SECRETARY) GET ME MR. ARENAS AGENT. HELLO, YES THIS IS DA COMMISH. I COULDN'T HELP BUT NOTICE GILBERT WAS MAKING FUNNIES AND I WANTED TO SHOW I HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR TOO. HE'S SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY. INDEFINITELY LIKE, I'M GONNA PUT HIM ON A BACK SHELF AND FORGET ABOUT HIM. AND DOWN THE ROAD, SHOULD SOME PITIFUL FRANCHISE BE DESPERATE ENOUGH TO HAVE HIM, I'M GONNA SPANK HIS LITTLE REAR END BEFORE HE EVEN GETS A WHIFF OF A LOCKER ROOM. HOW'S THAT? NO, IT WAS RHETORICAL, I DON'T CARE. I GOTTA GO. CIAO



Seriously though, suspension aside, ya knew Arenas was in trouble when Al Sharpton, Al Sharpton called for a hard suspension this past Monday. Let's be frank, when Al Sharpton denounces a black male in such a public fashion, apparently that fella has disgraced his race!

Tomorrow on the D-Train Daily a recap of Sunday's playoff action and Pete Carroll leaves the garden of eden