Micc's Quickies

Some random observations about the NFL and Eagles:

- you know a lot of folks are talking about the demise of the Eagles D, and I agree that the talent level has dropped, primarily because they've ignored the LB position for too long, but also because of a few bad decisions along the D-line. But, isn't this the same scheme that stifled LaDainian Tomlinson to 7 yards on 17 carries last year? How did they do it? I mean, LT is torching the league this year, dominating like no player I've seen since Marshall Faulk (ok so that wasn't so long ago). I know that was last year, but LT was awesome last year and is even better this, so how it is possible that the Eagles did that and yet just played a string of games in which they didn't look like they could've stopped the Ridley Raiders running game. We stopped Tiki earlier, and Frank Gore, yet somehow we've managed to pull numerous Mr. Hyde imitations and allowed rookies like Joseph Addai, Vince Young and DeAngelo Williams to break big big plays on us....I don't understand it...

- My biggest concern defensively last night (besides the return of the can't-tackle-a-tickle-me-elmo brigade on several plays) wsa the coaching decision to insert BOTH Jerome McDougle (the roster-spot burgler) and Brodrick Bunkley in the 4th quarter. To set the stage, we had just kicked a FG to make the score 21-17 (in favor of the Panthers) and the Special Teams had done their usual lapse-at-a-critical-juncture worst and allowed the Panthers to return the kick-off to the 40...We needed a stop...it is COMPLETELY THE WRONG TIME TO INSERT one true bust (2003 1st round selection McD) and another potential draft bust into the game...What happened? Two plays, two huge runs right over McDougle's end spot...I tried to catch it last night, but I couldn't tell if Bunkley lined up next to JMcD or if it was Walker....Both yanked, and then the Panthers run game got doused....but you know what the 4th qtr of a must-win game that you are currently LOSING is NOT the time to experiment and put in two struggling dudes who've barely played in the game...

- How did the Chiefs hork up a huge, playoff endangering loss to the foundering Cleveland Browns? Green did great, and LJ topped 100, and you lose to back-up QB Derek Anderson...DEREK WHO??? What...how??? I really thought the Chiefs were showing something by rallying around Huard and playing so hard when Trent went down....Now that he's back, they're back to old tricks....hmmm

- Notice to Broncos fans: Your team is officially playing for the future....they aren't going anywhere this year with Jay Cutler...

- Titans fans, an apology. I really thought that with Norm Chow as offensive coordinator that your team should've gone with Matt Leinart in the draft. Now there is no telling what Matt & Norm would've been able to do, but you know what, who cares, you all got yourselves a pretty exciting and dynamic leader in Vince Young (who is 5-4 so far this year)....enjoy....and thanks for beating the Giants...

- Where would the Raiders defense be without Derrick Burgess? Wouldn't he still look good in midnight green? hmmm, not allowed to upload a photo....dang

- Hollis Thomas got busted by the NFL for steroids....HOLLIS THOMAS??...you sure about that...see a photo of that dude lately? Color me suspicious...I don't want to believe he did it...but I'd also like to credit the NFL with being mildly humane and gotta think there must've been something else he popped for besides the asthma medication....maybe we'll never know the true story...