Ugh, how bout 'dem Cowboys

Preview of Eagles vs. Cowboys

5 things to watch

Watch your back Romo, literally

Cowboy QB Tony Romo, whose had numerous back surgeries in the past, re-injured his spine 3 weeks ago courtesy of the Redskins Defense who cracked two of his vertebrae. (Who knew Romo had a spine? Me neither.) It's no question Romo will be favoring his back and will look to stay on his feet, however, if the Eagles can get to Romo and sack him a few times early and often, who knows if that injury will flare up and effect his play. The Cowboys back up is Brandon Weeden, who is no match for the Eagles secondary...I think. 

Run, Demarco, Run

Demarco Murray has had a stellar rushing season thus far, accumulating 1,354 yards and 7 TDs. The bigger story is the play of the Cowboys offensive front who have opened holes for Murray to drive trucks through. The Cowboys will look to establish their perennial runner, but the Eagles run defense isn't too shabby themselves. If the Eagles can slow down the Cowboys run game, there are two things to consider: Dallas has given up 21 sacks , good for 11th in the league. Not bad, but proof they are better run blockers than pass blockers. Also, Murray does have fumbling issues having fumbled 3 times this year, losing all 3. 

Don't be yourself, Mark

Mark Sanchez is averaging 2.75 turnovers per game, which is a terrible stat if the Eagles intend on making a deep run into the playoffs. That needs to stop, however, given Sanchez's reputation, it most likely won't. It'll all depend on what the Cowboys do with the 2+ expected turnovers that will haunt the Eagles. Keep the 'Boys to 3 points and they'll stay in it, give them 7 and expect a blowout. 

Dez Bryant vs. Toast Flecther

Do I even need to mention this here? Bryant is one of the premiere WRs in the NFL and Bradley Fletcher has been getting picked on all year like a red-headed stepchild. Bryant, who is very physical and strong, will look to expose the weakness that is the Eagles cornerback. Fletcher, who can't seem to get a break, is looking to not be noticed today, which would be a good thing. 

Jerry's World

Jerry Jones, owner of the Cowboys, loves me some me. How many times do you think the TV broadcast will pan over to Jerry Jones sitting in the owner's box? My over under is 4.5. Take the over. 

3 musings

• Cheez-Its or Crack: What's more addicting? Discuss...
• I love ketchup with my fast food. So, on a recent trip to Wendy's, I asked for some ketchup packets for my order of a 1/4 lb. Burger, large fries, and two 6-piece nuggets. How many packets do you think the lady at the drive-thru gave me? 3. Thanks, DeWanda. 
• I realized that I'm officially old now because I looked into the mirror and said to myself, "I have to shave my ears."

Reason No. 2,723 as to why I suck at Fantasy Football

I held a 40 point lead heading into the Monday Night games with my QB (D. Brees) left to play against 4 of my opponents players (J. Forsett, F. Jackson, J. Tucker, & Buffalo's Defense). A comeback was possible but I still felt that I was in pretty good shape. Nope. I end up losing by 17 points and take a sure fire lock of a playoff spot and flush it down the toilet. A fucking 57 point swing. Absolutely, positively, fucking unreal, regardless of who my opponent had playing. 

Oh and by the way, did I mention that Calvin Johnson sucks? (I still can't not start him.)

Prediction: Cowboys 27, Eagles 23

You can't blame the short week since both teams are playing on one, however, the road teams in Thursday games are 8-4 this year. Edge: Cowboys. The Cowboys strength is in their run game-ranked 2nd in the league-however, the Eagles run defense is only allowing 109 rushing yards per game which should force the Cowboys to stray from their strength and give the Eagles opportunity to rush Tony Romo who struggles against the blitz. Edge: Eagles. It'll come down to the play at the line of scrimmage, where I think the Cowboys hold an edge and the play of Mark Sanchez, who can't seem to shake the turnover woes. Cowboys win the game,  27-23. 

Happy Thanksgiving all! 

Take me to another place, take me to another land....

Preview of Titans vs. Eagles

5 things to watch for:

Looking ahead

The worst thing you can do in sports is underestimate and overlook your opponent. The Titans come into town with a abysmal 2-8 record having lost their last 4 games, including this past Monday night's meltdown against the Steelers. However, the average points per loss in those 4 games was only 8.25 points and they held a 24-13 lead over the Steelers going into that 4th quarter. Their QB is 6th round rookie named Zach Mettenberger, and although a rookie, has shown some big game promise. 

The Eagles will look to rebound this week after a demoralizing loss against Green Bay, but don't tell me that they don't have at least a smidgen of the Cowboys on their mind, who will be awaiting for them come Thanksgiving Day for a very important NFC East     . The question is, will the Eagles fan base be biting their fingernails come the 4th quarter if the Eagles decide to look past the Titans? 

The Rebound

How will the Eagles respond after that thrashing by the hands of Green Bay? Will they come out flat? Will they come out hot? That is the question on most of the Eagles fans and that should be answered within the first half of Sunday's game. The Eagles need to bury the Titans and hold at least a 10 point lead to reassure Birds fans that the Eagles are still Super Bowl contenders. 

The Jury on Sanchez

So far Mark Sanchez has played in 2.75 games for the Birds and has 4 interceptions and 1 fumble lost. Pretty standard given Sanchez's past, but obviously a concern if the Eagles will rely on the Sanchize for the rest of the season. Sanchez's formula has always been simple, pound the rock and don't force Mark to win you the game with his arm. Chip needs to realize that. It's not that Chip's system shouldn't work, it's just that the run-pass option should favor the run game. 

McHappines for McCoy

Obviosly, Shady McCoy is not having the same statistical season as years prior, but hey, we're still winning right? True, but in order to keep one of the best backs in the league from going all T.O. on us, you have to keep him happy. Give him the rock, and for god's sake, stop handing it off to him in shotgun. 

The Eagles Kryptonite

The biggest thing that was exposed last week were actually two things: Obviously, the play of our secondary, but the other being the lack of pass rush. These two always go hand in hand, and if one is missing than it's most likely neither will be successful. We knew going into the season that our secondary was weak, but in order for us to make a long push deep into the playoffs we'll need that pass rush. Look for the Eagles front 7 to be very hungry come Sunday.

3 musings

• So the Oakland Raiders won their first game Thursday night and rookie QB Derek Carr was interviewed right after the game and who do you think was the first person he thanked? God, of course. My question is: If God helped you win the football game, how did he do it? Did God help you stuff the Chiefs run game? Did God make that pass go incomplete to end the game? I don't get why players do this. Listen, nothing against religion, just leave it out of sports. 
• Can we not see pictures of newborns on Facebook as soon as they enter the world from their mother's vajeen? I mean, sheesh, clean the placenta off before you plaster your kids first pic all over the internet. It's like 'Hey, welcome to the world baby McGlone...don't mind my pubes and bloody discharge stuck to my baby's head but baby and mother are doing great!'
• The answer is: Internet ads before a video, traffic because of a left hand turn, and . What are the most annoying things in the world, Alex?

Reason No. 3,721 as to why I suck at Fantasy Football

I was in desperate need of a win last week to separate myself from the pack and secure a playoff spot, so what do I do? Of course I lose by 19 points to a team who started an RB who was ruled out earlier in the week. But also because I have Calvin Johnson, who has been a conundrum for fantasy owners all season. You can't sit him for the mere fact that he could explode any week, but fantasy wise, he's been terrible. 

Prediction: Eagles 37, Titans 21

I do think the Eagles come out a little flat in this one, but halfway through pick it up in pure anticipation for the Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Cowboys. The Titans are on the road, coming off a short week, and the Eagles need to regain some confidence in both their offense and defense. Look for it to be close early, but a blowout come the second half. 

Helping #33

The McGlone Family announces fundraiser in honor of their son and brother Bill, who is successfully recovering from rare brain infection.

As most of you are well aware by now, my brother Bill McGlone, a 2002 Ridley graduate and University of Maryland alum, was diagnosed with a rare brain infection called Neurosarcoidosis in September of 2014. After undergoing two successful surgeries to treat the infection and lengthy stay in the hospital, Bill was finally released to come home and begin his recovery process. A 3^rd surgery-to replace the piece of Bill’s skull that was removed during the 2^nd surgery-has yet to be scheduled.

An extremely talented athlete, Bill had become a fixture in the Professional Lacrosse Leagues, playing for several major teams since 2006, most notably the (now defunct) Philadelphia Wings.

In hopes to help offset Bill’s past and future medical responsibilities, we would like to invite you to our fundraiser and help continue our support in Bill's time of need. We would love for everyone to please come out and join us for the event!

 Date: Saturday, January 17th, 2015

      

Time: 2 pm-6 pm

Location: The Deck in Essington, Pa.

Cost: $20 per ticket (Food only, Cash Bar), $30 at the door

Door Prizes will be raffled off along with chances for 50/50.

For Tickets and info contact: 

Bill, Sr.: 610-662-1857  or   Jack: 484-354-2776

Tickets will be available via check, money order, or pick up. Checks or Money Orders can be made out and sent to:

Bill McGlone, Sr. 
1197 Muhlenberg Ave. Swarthmore Pa. 19081
 OR

4216 Chatham Circle Aston Pa. 19014

(Please send contact information along with payment)

If you can't make the event yet would still like to donate, please visit Bill's GoFundMe page at: 

http://www.gofundme.com/bmfc-33

Lastly, if you or your business would like to donate a gift or prize for raffle, please contact the above mentioned. 

Thanks to all for your continued support 
and hope to see everyone there!

Cheeseheads vs. Cheesesteaks

Preview of Eagles vs. Packers

5 things to watch

Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood

Seriously, how do you stop this guy? So far this season, Aaron Rodgers is a cool 4-0 at home and has a 15-0 Touchdown to Interception ratio in those wins. Last week he threw 6 Touchdown passes against the Chicago Bears in the first half  and is basically playing the best football of his career right now. There ain't much you can do to stop this guy except maybe make him play left handed...and even then I would still be concerned. 

You're so special

Well, the Eagles did it again, getting a special teams TD from especially speedy Darren Sproles on an easy 65 yard punt return against the lowly Carolina Panthers, but how long can the Birds keep it up? The Birds have gotten at least 4 TDs from their special teams and it'll be one way to keep them in this one.  They'll have to work their magic again in order to stay in this game.

Packers WRs vs. Eagles DBs

Probably the worst match-up the Eagles could have asked for. Green Bay's Wideouts Jordie Nelson and Randall Cobb have combined for 100 receptions for 1,539 yards and 18 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Eagles secondary allows 251.9 yards per game and is good for at least one-if not two-40+ yard pass plays against their defense. I foresee a career day for one of these two receivers. 

Who's up front?

If there is anyway for the Eagles to pull this game out, it's this match-up right here. If the Birds front 7 can ultimately get a pass rush on Rodgers and disrupt his timing, they could keep the high powered Eagles offense right in the thick of things to compete against Rodgers and Co. 

The Honeymoon Blues

The Sanchize had himself a game last week, but will the honeymoon continue? There was so much joy and jubilation in Philadelphia after the Monday Night win, but we have to remember it's Mark Sanchez. Let's give it a few games before we anoint Sanchez the savior. 

3 musings

• Facebook=the land of nobody cares.
• That moment when you open a new Ketchup or Mustard bottle and with the first squeeze out comes all that juice...yeah, I hate that. 
• Why do I always see people holding their phones up in the mirror when they take pictures of themselves?

Reason No. 4,131 as to why I suck at Fantasy Football

Although I won last week, it was a nail biter. Had I started the Eagles Defense, I wouldn't have had a worry, but I didn't and escaped with a 3 point win. Who's the defense I substituted the Eagles with? Dallas, a major, MAJOR violation had I lost. 

Prediction: Packers 41, Eagles 31

And it won't even be that close. I can't imagine the Eagles DB's stopping or even slowing down Rodgers and Co., as he should have a field day with our defensive backfield. Sanchez and the Birds will keep scoring, but it'll be too little, too late. The good news is, when we looked at the schedule before the season, most of us would have circled this one as a loss, so it won't be that surprising if we lose. The bad news is, the loss will put us in a tie with Dallas but it'll just make that Thanksgiving Day tilt all the more exciting. 

Sweet Carolina....

Preview of Panthers vs. Eagles

5 Things to watch:

The Sanchize

One of the biggest stories to come out of last weeks win over the Texans was that Eagles starting QB Nick Foles is undoubtedly out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone. But to our surprise, in stepped backup QB Mark Sanchez and the Eagles didn't miss a beat scoring 24 more points and leading the offense to the tune of 483 total yards...so what does that tell us? 

Is this a new Mark Sanchez? The same Mark Sanchez of the infamous 'butt fumble'? Is this Sanchez able to lead these Birds (successfully) through the regular season and into the playoffs? Was Nick Foles really not what the Birds thought he was? Does Chip Kelly's system not need that quintessential QB to run an offense? Well, I guess we will find out. The good news is Mark Sanchez is probably the best backup QB in the NFL and has won games-playoff games too-in his short lived NFL career. The bad news: he's Mark Sanchez. 

Casey at the Bat

The 2nd and probably more important story to come out of last weeks win was the loss of Linebacker and defensive leader Demeco Ryans. Ryans was placed on IR which means his 2014 season is finished and we are left to deal with 4th year pro Casey Matthews as his fill in. Don't be surprised if Eagles fans aren't scared shitless given Matthews ineptitude of being an inadequate linebacker given his bloodline in his forgetful 4 years in the league. He'll be asked to either spy Cam Newton or cover TE Greg Olsen, or worse, both. Many a curses will fly in his direction come Monday night. Be forewarned. 

Super Man Cam

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton is in his 4th season and can be a one man wrecking crew. He's a duel threat with his arm and his legs, already surpassing 13,000 passing yards and running for over 2,200 more in his short, illustrious career. He can keep drives alive with his feet, especially if Eagles linebacker Casey Matthews swings and misses. Cam's favorite targets have been rookie Kelvin Benjamin (40 receptions, 589 yards, 5 TDs) and TE Greg Olsen (45 receptions, 539 yards, 5 TDs). Look for the Eagles to spy him on defense. If they can't contain Cam, he can and will turn into Superman. 

Return of the Mac-lin

If you were giving out mid-season team awards, you might have to give the Eagles MVP to WR Jeremy Maclin. Maclin is having a phenomenal year and is on pace to be one of the top receivers in the game by years end. If he continues this torrid pace, the Eagles must re-sign him before he hits the open market at the end of the year. The question is, will Sanchez continue to utilize Maclin as the deep threat he has become? 

Carolina's Defense, or lack thereof

Chip Kelly must expose the weakness of this Carolina's defense which ranks 18th against the pass and 26th against the run. It's the perfect formula to ease new quarterback Mark Sanchez into his first start. Run, run, run, then run some more. Pass when you have to. Sanchize's strength is managing games, not taking them over. 

3 Musings

Listen closely to this conversation bachelors:
Wife: Can you hand me the crockpot?
Husband: (hands wife the crockpot)
Wife: No, not that crockpot.  
Husband: (ears start to bleed)
This is marriage. Get used to it. 

Customer Service at the checkout line is not ignoring me while having a conversation with another cashier as you run my shit through the scanner. I get that your job sucks but do either one of two things: 
1) at least acknowledge me being there by simply saying 'hi', 'hello', or 'how are you today, sir?'
2) if you must continue your conversation with the other cashier, include me in on it. Maybe I'd like to give my two cents as to why your friend is a hussy bitch who got you kicked out of the party.

My version of hell is simple. Forced to watch continuous marathons of "Keeping up with the Kardashians". Can any one family be more egotistical and self-absorbed? Why are they even famous? Because their dead father represented a murderer and their one slut daughter got banged on video by a half-ass rapper and then sold the tape? If that was the case, Delaware County is a hotbed for celebrities. 

Reason No. 3,117 as to why I suck at Fantasy Football

I lost last week in both of my leagues. I went from 3rd to 8th in one, and went from 3rd to 5th in the other and (technically) fell out of the playoff picture in both with just that one loss. Last week and this week I have gotten killed by the bye (average of 3 players each week in both leagues) and, AND I dropped Cleveland's Defense before they shellacked Cincinnati on Thursday Night Football. Need some Fantasy God help this week to stay in the race....

Prediction; Eagles 31, Panthers 17

I hate picking the Eagles again, but the Panthers defense is bad, very bad. If Chip is smart, he'll let his running backs do the talking to set up the pass and let Mark Sanchez manage a very winnable game. Keep Sanchez's attempts around 20-25 and just run McCoy and Polk off into the sunset for another Eagles victory. Do it. Do it. 

Houston, we have a problem...

Preview of Eagles vs. Texans

5 things to watch for:

Todd Herremans vs. J.J. Watt

Herremans comes into the game with a torn biceps tendon, which usually spells the end of the season for most players, but good ol' Todd is going to try and tough it out. If he does, he'll be going up against the biggest test that he could possibly ask for in Defensive Player of the Year candidate J.J. Watt. Mr. Watt has been a one man wrecking crew for the Texans Defense, having scored 2 defensive touchdowns himself this year along with 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. 

The Return of Darren Sproles

Sproles returns after a one week absence from a sprained MCL and the timing couldn't be better. Sproles was sorely missed last week as most teams have been keying on Lesean McCoy making it tough for the Eagles to establish their run game. I'd be surprised to see Sproles get more than 12 total touches, but it'll be what he does with those touches that will matter.

On the Road again....

The Eagles are facing their second road test in a row in what I feel is a must win situation. 5 of the next 6 Eagles games are all against NFC opponents, all of whom have aspirations for the playoffs: CAROLINA, @ Green Bay, TENNESSEE, @ Dallas, SEATTLE, DALLAS. Luckily, 4 of those 6 will be played at home.  

A Black Rush-in Please

The Texans are 5th in the league in rushing offense thanks to the help of star back Arian Foster and rookie Alfred Blue. Will the Eagles Defense be able to stage off long drives that require stopping the run and forcing Ryan Fitzpatrick to beat us with his arm?

Turnovers

Nick Foles is making a strong case against himself to show that last year was a fluke by committing 12 turnovers thus far this season in just 8 games. (9 Interceptions, 3 fumbles lost). Will he continue to be the Eagles Offensive achilles heel? Meanwhile, the Texans have 13 turnovers total, but have 17 takeaways, 2nd to only Buffalo in that category. 

3 musings

• Ever notice how predictable and lame political commercials are? As the commercial narrator talks generously about the candidate, they show them casually strolling alongside some working class bozo who seems to care what the candidate has to say, then they cut to the candidate talking to a group of people, who again, seem to care what the candidate has to say, then cut to the candidate talking to his family then they all look to the camera smiling as if they were enjoying each other's company?  We then find out-after we elect said official-that the candidate cheats on his wife, the wife is an alcoholic because of it, the one son is a gay drug addict, and the other is pregnant teenage dropout. That's America, folks. 

• Did you see that certain countries are recalling Fireball Whiskey because it apparently has chemicals that are used in formaldehyde? I guess that's why I always felt like death after drinking one. Good riddance.

• Why do girls always put their hand on their hip when taking a picture? When did that pose become the norm? What does it represent? Reason number 2,091 on what I don't understand about women. 

Reason No. 3,024 as to why I suck at Fantasy Football

Had the pleasure of watching a 30 point lead dwindle down to a 7 point loss on Monday night since my opponent had Demarco Murray, The Cowboys Defense, and Pierre Garcon. Is there nothing more nut punching than watching a sure fire win be taken away while the Monday Night game progresses? And by Cowboy and Washington players? At least the Cowboys lost.

Prediction: Eagles 30, Texans 24

The Eagles should be able to put up 30+ against the Texans, who aside from J.J. Watt are not that formidable on defense. Plus, I don't see Ryan Fitzpatrick lighting up the scoreboard for Houston. The Eagles should be good enough to win this one, but they won't make you any more comfortable in doing so.