Philadelphia Feables

As is typical of Philadelphia also-rans, the story of Super Bowl XXXIX wasn't so much what the New England Patriots did to win, but what the Philadelphia Eagles did to lose. While everyone gives Pats QB Tom Brady and wide-receiver Deion Branch their props, the questions about the Eagles failures seem to dominate. "Why was their clock-management so poor?" "Why does McNabb throw picks in the biggest games at the biggest moments?" "Why didn't they capitalize on scoring opportunities in the first quarter?" You'd think if one of these questions was answered, they'd be sporting the Lombardi bling.

I'm happy the Eagles made the Super Bowl. (It beats going 4-12.) They're a fun team to watch. And they should be fun to watch for at least a few more years. They're a good team. But they're not a great team. In the 22 years since Philadelphia has last hosted a championship parade, there have been many good teams -- but they've been beaten by great teams. Since the Sixers brought home their NBA title in 1983, each of the Philadelphia teams has fallen victim to championship juggernauts. I know I sound like a pathetic whiner, but I'm not exaggerating. Check this out:

1985 and 1987 Flyers: Lost to Edmonton Oilers who won 4 Cups in 5 years
1993 Phillies: Lost to Toronto Blue Jays who were the defending champions, winning their second Series in a row.
1997 Flyers: Lost to Detroit Red Wings who went on to win the Cup again in 1998
2001 Sixers: Lost to LA Lakers who were in the second-phase of their 3-Peat
2005 Eagles: Lost to New England Patriots who have now won 3 Super Bowls in 4 years

I can only hope that one day we'll catch a break and a Philadelphia team will beat a team as "good" as they are in a championship match-up.