Today was a tale of two totally different outcomes for Philadelphia's football and baseball team.

The Phillies have been hanging out in second and third place in the NL wild card race. They have been winning some games but have not been able to close teams out to make a strong push for the wild card lead.

Both the Phillies and Eagles had chances today to close out their opponents. The Phillies did, the Eagles did not.

With wins on Friday and Saturday over the Houston Astros, the Phillies completed a three game sweep today, behind two home runs from catcher Mike Leiberthal. The win moves them to within one game of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lost their division lead with a loss to San Diego today.

The Eagles on the other hand, had a 17 point lead over the New York Giants heading into the fourth quarter. Horrible execution, or lack there of, cost them the game and the chance to close out the Giants and take an early two game lead in the division.

It's funny, the Phillies are so close to a playoff spot, yet I am more bumed out today over the Eagles loss than I am excited about the Phillies win. You would think that any positive out of a Philadelphia team would excite me.

But there is something about the Eagles and all of the disappointments they have had this century. Maybe it is the fact that I don't expect much out of the Phillies. Year in and year out, they come up way short. I don't expect them to catch the wild card lead. And if they do, I don't expect them to hold onto it.

But I expect more from the Eagles. They blew those expectations today. They could not close the door, and it cost them.

It's amazing how, as a fan, I can feel so rejected after an Eagles loss.

It's more than just a game. It's part of my life.

So after the New York Giants overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat the Eagles in overtime today, I am very bummed out.

They had this game. All they had to do was put it away. But New York scored 17 points in the 4th quarter to tie the game. Philadelphia, meanwhile, could not move the ball.

Letting up a 17-point lead in the last quarter is ridiculous. The offense going into a shell as well is not what the Eagles needed.

There is no excuse for this loss. No way, it was a very important division game that should have given the Eagles an early two game lead over New York.

Leading 24-7 heading into the last quarter, the Giants completed a pass deep in Eagles territory. Plaxico Burress fumbled the ball into the end zone and Michael Lewis had a chance to recover, however, Tim Carter pounced on the ball in the endzone for a touchdown.

On the ensuing drive, Eagles running back Brian Westbrook fumbled, which led to an Amani Toomer TD. Jay Feely tied the game with a field goal with 15 seconds remaining.

The Eagles stopped the Giants on their first posession of overtime and after a nice return by Dexter Wynn on the punt, Phiadelphia failed to capitalize, going 3-and-out.

As they did in the 4th quarter, the Giants moved the ball at will, leading to a 31-yard touchdown to Burress to win the game.

The Eagles should be absolutely ashamed at their second half performance.
There was no way they should have lost this game. They blew a big opportunity to pull out in the NFC East.

This is a costly loss. No doubt.   This one hurts.  Not only is this a loss, but it is a division loss.  And a game the Eagles should have won with ease - not because the Giants are not a good team, because they are.  But because the Eagles had this game in their hands.   It was painful last year to see the Eagles fall apart.   It was just as painful today to see them fall apart again.

It's time for the Philadelphia Eagles to go out and take what is their's to take - a two game lead in a very tough NFC East.

With a win over the New York Giants, the Eagles would stand alone atop the division and be two ahead of the Giants and either the Dallas Cowboys or Washington Redskins (they are both 0-1 and play each other this weekend).

Make no mistake, this is a huge game for both Philadelphia and New York. It's early, but every single division game matters.

After a promising win over the Houston Texans, Philadelphia now needs to prove they can compete in the division, a year after going 0-6.

A Philadelphia win would be huge and give them a chance to go 4-0 with San Francisco and Green Bay next on the schedule, before a big division game against the Cowboys.

A New York loss would be huge because they play defending NFC Champion Seattle in week 3 and could easily go to 0-3.

The Giants looked really good against Indianapolis in week 1, but made a lot of mistakes, which cost them the game. Philadelphia will need to pressure Eli Manning into making mistakes, as well as stopping the always dangerous Tiki Barber.

Philadelphia will counter with Donovan McNabb, who accounted for 314 yards and three touchdowns in week 1. If McNabb continues to connect with new receiver Donte Stallworth to the tune of eight catches for 141 yards, the Eagles will be in good shape.

The national media picked the Eagles to finish last in the East. Now is their chance to prove them wrong.

But even more important, now is their chance to take a huge step towards getting back to where they belong - competing for a Super Bowl title.

Ok, I know it is only the end of week 1.  And I know the Eagles played Houston.  But I can't help feel a little bit of "I told you so" against the national media.

The Philadelphia Eagles have been given little respect by the national media heading into this season.  But they played very well in week 1.  The Cowboys dominated early but lost to Jacksonville.  The Giants played well but killed themselves with mistakes in a loss to the Colts.  And the Redskins, very overrated in my opinion, lost to the Vikings tonight.

So after week 1, Philadelphia sits by its lonesome atop the NFC East.

Sure, the NFC East is going to be a very tough division.  But how can the media count out the Eagles?

They have so much firepower on offense.  The D-line is fantastic and had five sacks against the Texans.

Why the media always counts out the Eagles, I have no clue.  But they are way wrong with their opinions this year.

This upcoming Sunday should be a good measuring stick, as the Giants come to town.

Philadelphia can hang with anyone in the league.  And they will have a good shot to send the Giants to 0-2.

Maybe then, the media will give them the respect they deserve.  And if not, then the Eagles will continue to fly under the radar, which is fine by me.

Funny comment from Sunday's game: Did anyone see Andy Reid's comment right before the touchdown pass to Donte Stallworth?  You could read his lips say, "watch this, watch this."   Then McNabb hit Stallworth for a a long TD.

In alphabetical order:

Dallas Cowboys

Why they will win - In the biggest move of the offseason, the Cowboys acquired one of the top receivers in the league in Terrell Owens.  Owens is a game breaker and opposite Terry Glenn, this tandum will be very tough to stop.  Dallas also has two very good running backs in Julius Jones and Marion Barber and a top notch TE in Jason Witten.  The defense is solid with star safety Roy Williams.  Mike Vanderjagt has joined the team as one of the best kickers in the NFL.

Why they will not win - T.O.  Bill Parcells is already visably annoyed with all of the media attention around Owens.  He can break a locker room apart - he did it in Philadelphia.  While Owens is solid on the field, he disrupts a team off of the field.  Owens was recently fined for missing meetings.  That coupled with the fact that the aging Drew Bledsoe is behind center could cause for some tension on the sideline.

New York Giants

Why they will win - Quarterback Eli Manning is coming into his own.  And if he is anything like his brother Peyton, watch out.  Tiki Barber is one of the best all around backs in the league, they have a top receiver in Plaxico Burress, and one of the top tight ends in Jeremy Shockey.    With the offseason acquisision of linebacker Lavar Arrington to go with Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, the defense is solid.

Why they will not win - Manning is still young and makes mistakes.  He looked horrible in the playoffs least year.  Strahan is getting old and has lost a step.  Barber has talked about retiring after this year and one has to wonder if he is wearing down.

Philadelphia Eagles

Why they will win - Coming off a horrible season, the Eagles have a lot to prove after not making the playoffs for the first time in 5 years.  Donovan McNabb is the divisions top quarterback.  Running back Brian Westbrook can hurt an opposing defense from anywhere on the field.  With the addition of receiver Donte Stallworth and the emergence of Reggie Brown, the offense is looking like it is going to put up a lot of points.  Both the offense and defense first teamers have looked fantastic in the pre-season.

Why they will not win - The second half of their schedule is brutal, with three straigh division road games, surrounded by games versus Indianapolis and Carolina.  Westbrook hurt his foot and misses time every year.

Washington Redskins

Why they will win - Washington has done a lot this offseason.  They added receivers Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and running back TJ Duckett.  The Redskins already had pro bowlers Santana Moss and Clinton Portis.

Why they will not win - Quarterback Mark Brunell is getting old.  Portis is hurt and Washington has looked horrible this pre-season.

There you have it.  This will be the best division in football and two teams from the division will make the playoffs.  My guess is that it is the Cowboys and Eagles.

The above picture was a long time waiting for the Philadelphia Eagles and its fans.

All that waits now is a Super Bowl.

The Eagles enter this season as huge underdogs in a very tough NFC East.  It will be a dog fight, but if the Eagles can stay healthy, they have as good a shot as any team in the East of winning the division.  But the Eagles have what others do not - big game experience.

With McNabb returning to the ranks of the franchise QB and the talent he has surrounding him, Philadelphia is in a good position to make a run at it's second trip to the Super Bowl in three years.

Are there question marks?  Sure.  The Eagles don't have a stud WR.  They don't have a big running back.  While I would like for them to go out and get an upgrade receiver such as Ashley Lelie, they don't need him to have a chance to win the Super Bowl.

It's been a long time coming.  Philadelphia fans are still looking for a parade down Broad St.  This is the year they will get their wish.

It has been a long offseason for Philadelphia Eagles fans.  Especially when we are used to the team making it at least to January and the NFC Championship game.

But last year was a huge disappointment, as the Eagles missed the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Fans spent the offseason analyzing how the team fell apart.  We wondered how much the T.O distraction had to do with it.  We wondered if egos would heal.

Players spent the offseason healing from so many season ending injuries.

This will be a different team on the field tonight in the Hall of Fame football game.  There will be guys on the field we have not seen in a while due to short seasons last year.  There will be some new guys in the mix.

Eagles fans will watch with intensity.

It's time - football season is here once again.

Without a doubt, one of the best defensive players in NFL history, Reggie White was inducted into the Hall of Fame Sunday, about 18 months after passing away at age 43.

White, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, will mostly be remembered for his amazing football abilities.

However, White would rather be remembered for something else - his willingness and dedication to serving the Lord.

"I hope that my life serving God and doing what he called me to do would overshadow anything I did in football," White told The Associated Press in 1998.

While White's calling as an athlete led him to be one of the most dominant defensive players ever, it was his calling to serve God that I will most remember him. He gave everything he had on the football field, but gave even more in ministry off the field.

"He ministered to everybody, but his first ministry was to his teammates," LeRoy Butler said. "Because he knew that if he could get you to live right, the team was better off."

The Minister of Defense focused on more than football. His focus was on life itself and living not for his own purpose, but that of the Lord's.

With chants of REG-GIE, REG-GIE being shouted among the crowd in Canton, Ohio, his late wife, Sara White, remembered him for the person he was.

"Reggie was an honest, humble, honorable, dedicated, determined, passionate and caring man," she said. "He is inducted today not only because of his athletic achievements, but because he was a great player on the field in accordance with being a great person throughout life."

White was a two-time defensive player of the year who made 13 straight Pro Bowls. He is second on the career sacks leaderboard with 198.

He played for the Philadelphia Eagles for 8 years before joining the Green Bay Packers and leading them to a Super Bowl.

I will always remember White leading a phenominal Eagles defense in the 90's.

But looking back at his life and the person he was, I will remember him more for the positive effect he had on others.

 

at Houston - After passing up on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams with the first overall pick in this year's draft, the Texans will look to turn around their terrible history.  The Eagles, meanwhile, will look to begin their quest back to the Super Bowl.  Philadelphia will start clicking right away and overwhelm the Texans 28-10 to start the season 1-0.

Eagles 1-0

vs New York Giants - The Giants looked to be the team to beat in the NFC during last season, before they got crushed in the playoffs.  With another year under his belt, Eli Manning should give the Giants a chance to win the NFC East.  This is the first of division games, in which the Eagles were 0-6 last year.  The Giants win this one, a close 17-14.

Eagles 1-1

at San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers won only 4 games last year and lost their best receiver in Brandon Lloyd this offseason.  They will be no match for the Eagles offense.  Birds win, 35-7.

Eagles 2-1

vs Green Bay Packers - In their first Monday night game, the Eagles continue their dominance in prime time games under Andy Reid, and crush the rebuilding Packers.  Eagles win 27-10.

Eagles 3-1

vs Dallas Cowboys - The much awaited game vs T.O's new team.  Philly fans will be pumped for this one and the team will be ready to go.  Dallas will contend for the NFC East Title this year, but the Eagles win this one on emotion, 20-17.

Eagles 4-1

at New Orleans Saints - The Saints have a stud back in Reggie Bush.  But wait until he faces the Philly defense, who dominated LaDanian Tomlinson last year.  The Saints were the second worse team in the NFL last year.  Eagles win, 42-14.

Eagles 5-1

at Tampa Bay Bucaneers - This will be a tough game.  The Bucs were a playoff team last year and have won big games agaist the Eagles.  Tampa Bay gets the best of the Eagles in this one, 21-14.

Eagles 5-2

vs Jacksonville Jaguars - By no means will this be an easy game for the Eagles, but they pull out a close one, 14-10.

Eagles 6-2

BYE

vs Washington Redskins - By now we will know if all of the offseason moved Washington made has paid off.  Washington will be a good team and has a shot at winning the East, but this game is in Philadelphia and the Eagles pull out a close one, 24-21.

Eagles 7-2

vs Tennessee Titans - After losing Steve McNair, the Titans, who have struggled, will not be much better this year.  Eagles win easily, 28-10.

Eagles 8-2

at Indianapolis - The start of a brutal stretch takes the Eagles into Indy.  The Colts will contend in the AFC and blow out the Eagles in this one, 38-17.

Eagles 8-3

vs Carolina - This Monday night matchup features the two teams that will play in this years NFC Title game.  The Panthers win this one, but the Eagles will even the series in January.  Panthers, 28-24.

Eagles 8-4

at Washington - This time, in the nations capital, the Redskins get the best of Philadelphia, 28-17.

Eagles 8-5

at New York Giants - The rough stretch continues, but the Eagles battle out a close win, 17-14.

Eagles 9-5

at Dallas Cowboys - In a Christmas showdown, the Cowboys get revenge, 24-7.

Eagles 9-6

vs Atlanta Falcons - The Eagles close out the year with a win over Atlanta, 24-14.

Eagles 10-6

After reaching four straight NFC Title games, the crew at ESPN still does not have any respect for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The "experts" at ESPN have the Carolina Panthers defeating the New England Patriots in the Supoer Bowl.

I guess that is what one bad season does to you - not that the national media ever respected the Eagles.

Yes, the NFC East improved. But the Eagles are only one year removed from a trip to the Super Bowl - in large part to injuries and a guy named T.O.

With a very strong draft and addition to depth via free agency, the Eagles front office has once again put the team in a place to contend for a division title and a trip to the Super Bowl.

I don't remember anyone in the media dissing the Patriots the year after they missed the playoffs in the midst of their great run. So why does the national media never give the Eagles any credit?

Once again, disappointment has set into Philadelphia fans.

As usual, although much earlier this year, the Phillies got our hopes up, pulling to within a couple games of the New York Mets for the National League East division lead. But then they lost 15 out of 18 games and seven in a rwo - until beating Baltimore tonight.

So the long summer sets in as we wait for our next hope to win a championship for a city that so dearly craves a title. The last one came in 1983 when the Sixers won the NBA Championship.

I am optimistic about the Eagles. The national media has basically forgotten about the team that went to four straight NFC Championship games. A lot of the focus has been on the improvements made by the rest of the division.

Fine by me, I have no problem with the Ealges being the underdog. If they can stay healthy, they are a better team than two years ago, when they went to the Super Bowl. They have a lot of depth and playmakers. The only position they do not have a star that they had two years ago was...well, you know who. But who wants him anyway.

Either way, the start of the NFL season is still a little ways off.

So Philadelphia fans will have to sit and wait - again - and hope that the next season will finally be the year.