Saint 76er

Hard to grade the Iggles just now as they are competently getting the job done but against substandard opponents. Foles tied the all time NFL record for throwing TD passes against Oakland, but the Raiders were truly dreadful and yesterday's win at Lambeau would normally be in the 'Amazeballs' category, except that Aaron Rogers was out for the Pack and his backup lasted ten minutes and they had to play a QB from their practice squad. Next up is the politically incorrect Redskins at the Linc, a game the Eagles should win bar the fact that they haven't won at home for over a year! No one can explain why they can't win at home but, I think, it is five wins away this season and four losses at Lincoln Financial Field. The mood of the crowd will play a big part in this game and the angst will be palpable if things go badly against a hated local rival. On the other hand a third straight win will bring a celebratory mode to a city in desperate need of sporting excellence, and may anoint Foles as the starting QB for the rest of this season and possibly beyond.

You sure got that right. Every single one of the Philly major league teams is a complete mess right now. You should hear the angst on sports radio, the natives are not happy and in keeping with the city's historic traditions revolution is in the air. At least the Sixers have a plan .. tank for Wiggins! Having just about run out of QBs (and possibly ideas) it's maybe time for the Eagles to tank (ie just keep doing what they're doing) for Marcus Mariota.

Yes, but next year it's all about Johnny Football, can't you feel the hype already? However, Teddy Bridgewater is probably better, but the Eagles will want Marcus Mariotta from Oregon if they can get him. MM is a quality QB who ran Chip Kelly's offense the last year or two and is thus a perfect fit to run it in Philly. Vick gets hit because he runs too much and won't slide, but it's sure exciting to watch though! Foles simply doesn't have Vick's legs so is strictly a pocket passer, which is fine if you're Tom Brady but Foles is not quite at that level yet (or anywhere near it!). The word today is that MV7 is expected to start this week although he may not yet be 100%, but as you say Kelly will want him out there if humanly possible. It was indeed a missed opportunity last week to give the advantage to a hated rival, but with another divisional rival up next it is imperative they put away the G-Men (who won on Monday) for the second time in a few weeks.

Immobile? This doesn't sound like a pacey player to me .....

To get this thread back on topic, I just wanted to say that I think crime in multi-story carparks is just wrong, on so many levels ....

After that little debacle they may need you at QB, Window Cleaner! The newly named Nick Folds has a concussion (apparently) and Vick is still struggling, so Barkley (gimpy shoulder and all) may be it next week. I think James Casey (TE) is the emergency QB, so if you want to hang around the Linc with your boots WC, well who knows? Seriously, things will have to improve next week, although it is only the dreadful G-Men coming to town. Defense was okay and continue to improve but the somewhat vaunted offense went into meltdown along with Foles. Fortunately, next years draft is stacked with quality QBs and the Iggles may be heading for an early pick.

I've only one thing to say about Morgan's stunning chase and tackle on Welbeck ...... Bobby Moore.

Vick sits for this one and Foles starts, according to MV7 himself. If Foles out duels Romo then we might be looking at a changing of the guard at QB. However, the Eagles O+D lines will need to come to the party to give Foles the support he needs, but these two high scoring teams may turn it into a pseudo basketball game ... in which case, may the Eagles get the last possession!

"When the ball hits the net, it's not Johnny Depp ... it's Osvaldo!" There you are, that should do it ...

Well, MRSA MRSA me, the MRSA-less Eagles have won the Bacteria Bowl on the back of a fine display from backup QB Nick Foles. This leaves the Chipper with an interesting problem if Mike Vick is fit to resume next week, but just maybe the future was on display in TB yesterday. With improved play from both the O+D lines this Eagles team is starting to pick up the pace quite nicely, although they will play better teams than the hapless Bucs, and Romo and his Cowgirls are up next ...

Matt Barkley will dress for this one if Vick can't play (if he can, he'll start). Barkley was a gun college QB, but came into the season with a damaged shoulder that affected his throwing strength. Even he is not sure how it will hold up under match conditions, so best that Foles takes charge and doesn't need replacing. At training all QB's are permanently red shirted (no hitting) so you need to see them under match conditions to be sure they are over any injury. Foles will be fine though, he may not be mobile but otherwise has good QB instincts and is a good NFL backup. May not have to worry about the QB situation though, as bizarrely the game could conceivably be cancelled due to an outbreak of MRSA (a nasty flesh eating Staph infection) in the Tampa area. Several Bucs players have gone down with it and authorities are to report on the status of the stadium facilities before approving the game to proceed. However, in a clash of players H+S against TV rights and Vegas bookies ... well, I think we all know what the outcome of that will be!

When the ball hits the net, it's not Johnny Depp .... it's Osvaldo! (With apologies to Dean Martin and some guy on the DE forum)

Yeah, it's a sh!te division this year alright and 8-8 will probably win it and 7-9 may be enough. Iggles play the winless Bucs on sunday and could well be 3-3 afterwards. Tampa Bay are shambolic at present and Glennon starts only his second game at QB, he doesn't look up to it yet and Eagles D may have a day out for once. The previous QB left in dubious circumstances with rumours of his own coach or FO leaking info about him to the authorities. Coach seems at war with his own players and amongst other things they are rumoured to be tipping off their opponents in match about dangerous plays being called which may cause injury. Sounds a complete mess down in the Florida sunshine, so just hope the Eagles don't stuff it up and lose what they should win. Vick is likely out with his hammy and Foles starting. Foles should be fine as he leads drives well with level headed intelligence and doesn't seem to panic, however Eagles do lose a bit on the run plays as he doesn't have Vick's mobility and this impacts on Shady McCoy's plays and he is their best weapon. Should still win though .... Fly Eagles, Fly!

Nah, just steal 'im while no ones looking ...

Is Artur the player we can least afford to lose at present? If he's not there those world class saves don't get made (probably) and our new found defensive record goes to sh!t. Our D+DMs have done good, but even so those saves still needed to be made and I can't see Kelvin replicating how Boruc is playing this season. So a long term injury to AB is a frightening prospect.

Crowd were superb today and when we were flagging with 15-20 to go the crowd lifted the level and willed the team to hang on with a near constant OWTS and the players seemed to respond to that. Supporters were a real twelfth man today. Are we really fourth now? This is getting sooooooo crazy, it's almost scary ...

This was certainly one of the names Tord Grip was alleged to have recommended to us and this guy does seem very highly regarded. Thing is that he is apparently available free on a Bosman in January, so we would only have to outbid others on wages and the player says he wants to play in England. At no transfer fee it would be a cheap way to add an apparently quality player for depth, regardless of position. This guy is a Swedish international and, I believe, captain of Malmo who are top of the Swedish league and surely with Tord's influence in Sweden he could direct him to us if we were keen.

Glad to see you're still with us sammysaint. If you think this is bad just wait for the sixers to start, but at least they will be tanking for a shot at Wiggins (no not Bradley!). Iggles D is probably beyond redemption this season, only hope is that offense can outscore opponents. Shady and Djax are pro bowl quality, but MV7 has to stay upright and provide the ammo. Sadly, Jeremy Maclin did his ACL pre season and is out for the year and is being missed. Jason Peters is, I think, playing with a broken hand which doesn't help. Brent Celek was a quality TE but seems to have become decidedly average this season and IMO Riley Cooper (he's not really racist, he's just a naughty boy) is not an NFL quality receiver. If he were he'd actually catch the ball occasionally and God knows Vick throws it to him enough. Although it looked bad it's worth noting that possibly no one will win at Mile High this year as Denver are very good and Peyton Manning is in imperious form. Eagles, I thought, played pretty well in the first half but then ran seriously out of steam. It happens a lot in Denver to coast dwellers as the thin air catches up with you and PM demoralises you! Finally, Andy Reid has a 2-14 team from last year currently sitting at four and 0 ... you're sh!tting me!!!

Yes, but have you forgotten how jealous we are of them and how much we'd like to swop places with them?

I think there's a lot of truth in above post. We do need to get JWP in the team and to find a new/adapted role for MS. It seems a lot of people on here expect VW to dribble through an entire defence and start spraying precise 40 yard passes around, due to him costing a lot. However, he was bought to play the role he is performing and block up the middle of the park, which he does well and the defence is better for it. Yes, MS and JC were good last year but opponents just waltzed through central midfield and put us under too much pressure. We had DMs and AMs but nothing really between them and that is why VW is now on the payroll. His role is to win/receive the ball and pass it off to move us forward and the AMs then take over. However, at present there is little movement of people making themselves available to receive 'safe' passes from him, or running into channels for him to attempt something slightly more ambitious. It's all a work in progress right now to get everybody on the same wavelength, but it will come and Big Vic will be an important part of it IMO.

I thought this idiot was Scottish??? In which case he can STFU about our national team ...

What Phil says is correct. The ferry from Circular Quay to Watson's Bay is a great way to see the harbour. The F&C are Doyles Seafood Restaurant and are famous in Sydney, you can choose their kiosk or fine dining. It's worth climbing up the cliffs (easy) for a great view of the entrance to the harbour and the ocean beyond. These rocks are crowded on Boxing Day for the start of the iconic Sydney-Hobart yacht race. Then go to the nearby bus stop and catch the local bus to Bondi Beach. If you can drag yourself away from the beach babes simply hop on another bus back into central Sydney. A great days sightseeing for a handful of dollars. If you ask a cabbie you will likely end up in Kings Cross and that is plain dangerous these days, be warned. Darling Harbour is the go, lots of bars and restaurants in a lovely location and quite safe. Unfortunately, they have pulled the monorail down now, but just walk around DH (on the edge of the CBD) and pick a bar/rest you fancy. My suggestion is to find the James Squire pub/rest as their beers are really good. Last time I was there it was down past the aquarium. Final suggestion for a great day out (not boozy) is to book a tour to the Blue Mountains. Go with the small company using minibuses not the big coaches full of pensioners, these will be cheaper, have a younger crowd and more personalised service and will pick up from your hotel. Spectacular scenery such as 'The Three Sisters' and you can walk down to the forest floor and catch a (very steep) funicular railway back up. Or just take the cable car if you prefer. Also, if you are lucky, you get to visit the Sydney Olympic Park on the way. BTW, if you do get a chance to climb the Bridge then don't miss it. Apart from stunning views, how iconic is it to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and know you have stood on top of it!

Wow, Chip was the real deal! Iggles simply blew them away in first half and had more points than Skins had plays amongst many other crazy stats. Chip pulled the shutters down when 33-7 in the third to give players a rest from his warp speed offense, but it had been everything advertised and something not seen to that extent probably ever in the NFL. Spectacular game from Shady McCoy and also Vick. MV is tough and is used to taking hits (states the obvious) so would expect him to line up next week. If you check the media and radio stations the whole city of Philadelphia is euphoric and this one win seems to have excised the ghost of Andy Reid and put fun back into football for the first time in nearly a decade. Nice line from Les Bowen of the 'Daily News' ... "Chip Kelly introduced himself to the NFL today, sort of in the same way that Cortez introduced himself to the Aztecs". Next week it's the visiting Chargers and hopefully more of the same!

Chip can make himself an instant hero if he can beat out the hated Cowgirls! You could well be right on that one. Foles was poor against Jets yesterday, but was only basically a reserves match and he didn't get much protection. Many of those guys won't be on the roster come Saturday when squads must be reduced to 53 for the season. Ins and outs can still happen but 53 must be maintained, so expect Kelly and Roseman to trawl the cutdowns from other teams for possible signings. Cornerback and particularly safety are in desperate need of an upgrade if they can find anyone suitable. Then it's on to Washington for the opener, a tough start especially as RG111 says he will be playing. This is first chance to really see what Chip has to offer as exhibition games were deliberately vanilla to keep opponents guessing. At this stage Kelly is a 'mystery man' and much interest around the NFL to see what he's got in his locker. Anyway GO EAGLES, the Super Bowl awaits ....

Ipswich fans on twitter (on DE website) saying that Billy Sharp having a medical there today. No idea if this has any credibility but should this be true then my first thought was Aaron Cresswell to us as part of the deal. This could then presage the release of DF to Bolton or whoever (assuming those rumours had any basis in fact). Would be good if true.