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.