Pedro's gem caps great day in Philly Sports

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Pedro Martinez's performance Sunday night was exactly why the Phillies chose to pull Jamie Moyer from the rotation. Martinez, facing his old team, the Mets, had a masterful game, pitching 8 shutout innings to lead the Phillies to a 1-0 win. It was the second win of the day for the Phillies over the Mets, a win that completely eliminates the Mets from playoff contention.

Pedro was the story of the night, mowing down batters and going deeper into the game than he had ever gone this season. It took 130 pitches, but Pedro got through those 8 innings by striking out 7 batters and generally looking like the Pedro of a few years ago. Pedro has quickly become a must-start in the playoffs for the Phillies and has made Ruben Amaro look like a genius for taking a chance on him.

The night wasn't complete without a little closer drama as Ryan Madson took the mound for the save. Madson gave up one hit but looked pretty sharp in getting through the 9th inning. He certainly fared better than Brad Lidge, who gave up 2 runs and backed into a save, did earlier in the day. The closer situation is still very muddled going forward.

Pedro's gem caps an outstanding day in Philly sports. Not only did the Phillies sweep their doubleheader with the Mets but the Eagles also manhandled the Panthers. The only negative on the day is the fact that Donovan McNabb got injured but at least that doesn't look too serious. It really doesn't get much better than this, Philly fans.

Eagles crush Panthers, McNabb hurts ribs

(AP Photo/Rick Havner)

Except for one little thing, you couldn't ask for a much better way to start the season for the Eagles as they dominated the Panthers in every facet of the game, winning 38-10. Of course, that "one little thing" I'm referring to could be huge: Donovan McNabb got injured.

McNabb was injured while running for a touchdown when two Panthers landed on his back. As he lay on his back in pain, the entire city of Philadelphia held his breath hoping for the best, knowing that the season could already be over. Eventually, McNabb got to his feet and limped off the field under his own power. He then went straight to the locker room and did not return to the game. The early word is that McNabb injured his ribs but there is no report on how severe the damage is. With Michael Vick still suspended, Kevin Kolb would be the starter next week if McNabb can't go.

On the field, the Eagles defense led the way. Taking advantage of a shaky Jake Delhomme, the Eagles defense had 5 sacks, 5 interceptions, two forced fumbles and a touchdown. The Eagles did so much damage that the Panthers eventually benched Delhomme for Josh McCown, who subsequently got injured and forced the Panthers to go with Matt Moore at QB. Needless to say, those that were worried about how the Eagles defense would do with Jim Johnson gone need not worry anymore. They are still an attacking, turnover-producing machine.

Offensively, the Eagles didn't do much because they didn't need to. Due to all the turnovers, the Eagles had a short field all day, leading them to score three offensive TD's yet have no standout receiver or runner. On special teams, DeSean Jackson also added a nice punt return for a touchdown.

The Eagles dominated this game from start to finish, but, unfortunately, the story will now be whether Donovan McNabb will be able to play next week. McNabb was wincing in pain after he returned to the sidelines late in the game, so the initial prognosis might not be good. Of course, McNabb could have been wincing because he had to watch Kevin Kolb attempt to play quarterback. With the Saints explosive offense looming next week, the Eagles are going to need a great QB behind center to keep up. Let's keep our fingers crossed for McNabb.

Eagles/Panthers Week 1 Inactives

The Eagles and Panthers have announced their inactive players for Week One:

Eagles: RT Shawn Andrews, DE Jason Babin, WR Reggie Brown, WR Brandon Gibson, OL Todd Herremans, S Sean Jones, LB Joe Mays, G Mike McGlynn

Panthers: FB Tony Fiammetta, DT Ra'Shon Harris, QB Matt Moore, OL Duke Robinson, RB Tyrell Sutton, DE Hilee Taylor, OL Garry Williams, DB C.J. Wilson

As expected, 2/5ths of the Eagles projected starting offensive line will be sitting out this week as Shawn Andrews and Herremans deal with injuries. That forces Nick Cole and Winston Justice into the starting lineup. While Cole should do just fine, whoever lines up against Justice for the Panthers (Julius Peppers) will be licking his chops. Not very many other surprises for the Eagles, I figured they would only dress 5 wideouts and that Brown and Gibson were the odd ones out. Jason Babin, everyone's favorite preseason defensive end, will have to wait to make an impact. The Eagles did not declare a third QB because they don't have one!

None of the Panthers inactive players are surprising, nor have I really heard of any of them. Sutton is the 3rd running back and his benching means that Jonathon Stewart is healthy enough to be the backup.

Just under an hour now until the Eagles season kicks off! Go Birds!

Flyers unveil Winter Classic Jerseys

Click here for 2012 Winter Classic JerseysThe Flyers unveiled their Winter Classic Jerseys today in dramatic fashion, having players from the team shatter a block of ice to reveal what they will wear on the January 1st outdoor game against the Bruins at Fenway Park. As expected, the team went with a classic white jersey, a counterpart to the classic orange jerseys they will be wearing at home this season.
It's a shame this sharp looking jersey will only be worn once this season, perhaps the Flyers will put it into their rotation if the fan feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The return of these classic Flyers jerseys are a welcome sight; they remind the city of the last time the team won the Cup and they look darn good, too.
(Pictures via @Philabright on Twitter)

The Eagles work out Jon Runyan

There has been a Jon Runyan sighting in Philadelphia! Runyan, who anchored the Eagles offensive line for 9 years, was back in Philly today working out in the NovaCare Complex. While still recovering from offseason knee surgery, Runyan has been working out for a few teams around the league with the hopes of getting back on the field.

Many thought it was only a matter of time before Runyan returned to the Eagles. While this workout could be just to get Big Jon some time on the field, you have to think the Eagles are seriously considering bringing him back. Not only would Runyan supply some much-needed leadership to the team but he would also be great insurance should Todd Herremans be out for several weeks and should Shawn Andrews not be ready.

With all the uncertainty surrounding the Eagles offensive line this preseason, bringing Runyan back would really help to solidify things. At this point, no one knows if he is even ready to play football again, but if he is, you can bet the Eagles will try to bring him back.

Your 2009 Eagles Season Breakdown

We are just hours away from the NFL season officially kicking off! While the Eagles still don't play for a few more days, it's time to start taking a closer look at their prospects for the 2009 season. After an extremely eventful offseason that saw the Eagles pull off arguably the best draft of any team, re-tool their offensive line and bring in some guy name Michael Vick, excitement has definitely been building for the upcoming campaign. With a lackluster regular season that was followed by a surprising playoff run last year, what is in store for the Birds in '09?

Most media outlets agree that the Eagles will be making the playoffs (except SI's Peter King), but what they do from there is up in the air. On paper, the Birds are one of the best teams in the league but will they overcome the rash of preseason injuries and gel together to become a cohesive unit? The weapons around Donovan McNabb are scary good, with defenses being forced to deal with a slew of speedy backs and wideouts. Defensively, with the loss of Jim Johnson, Brian Dawkins and Stewart Bradley, the Eagles appear without leaders but still have talent and depth all across the board. The linebackers appear to be the only weakness on the team but there is enough talent at the surrounding positions to mask it. This Eagles team has the right combination of elite players, depth and a few wildcard players that they should be amongst the best teams in the league. How far they end up going will once again rest on the shoulders of #5.

Here is my week by week projection of how I think the Eagles season will play out.

Week 1: @ Panthers: W (1-0)
-This game could be a cakewalk or a battle depending on which Jake Delhomme shows up. If Delhomme's performance in the playoffs last season means he is washed up, expect the Birds to roll. Otherwise, don't forget how good the Panthers were in the regular season last year. I still like the Eagles either way.

Week 2: Saints: L (1-1)
-They are going to lose one of these early games and this one looks the most likely. This game will be a major test for the Eagles defense; if they slow down the Saints attack, they will be truly elite. Unfortunately, I expect a shootout here between McNabb and Drew Brees with the Saints winning the game on a late touchdown.
Week 3: Chiefs: W (2-1)
-I don't see anything the Chiefs have that should scare the Eagles. If this game was played in Arrowhead, I might think it would be close. Too bad it's in Philly; the Birds will roll.

Week 4: BYE

Week 5: Bucs: W (3-1)
-By Week 5, we'll have a better idea of just who the Bucs are. With a new coach and plenty of turnover, it's hard to tell if Tampa Bay has much of a team. At this point, I don't see how the Bucs are going to score any points against the Eagles.

Week 6: @ Raiders: W (4-1)
-I really don't feel like I have to justify my pick here. Next.

Week 7: @ Redskins: L (4-2)
-The 'Skins always play the Eagles tough so I think the two teams will split this year with each team winning at home.

Week 8: Giants: W (5-2)
-Same as against the Redskins, the Giants and Eagles will split this year with each team winning at home. Without any wideout threats on offense, the Giants aren't quite as good as the last few seasons but they still have the best line play, both offensive and defensive, in the league.

Week 9: Cowboys: W (6-2)
-This game ends a rough three week stretch where the Eagles have to play all of their division rivals. Unlike the other two teams, however, I see the Cowboys as not even close to being in the Eagles class. Therefore, the Eagles will take both against the Cowboys this year, starting with this one in Philly.

Week 10: @ Chargers: L (6-3)
-Just because the Eagles are done with the divisional opponents doesn't mean the schedule gets any easier. The Chargers are easily the class of the AFC West so I see them as the one team from the West that will actually beat the Birds.

Week 11: @ Bears: W (7-3)
-The Bears seem to always play the Eagles tough, regardless of who their quarterback is. Now that they have a legitimate one to go with their strong defense, they should be a top team in the NFC. Fortunately, so are the Eagles.

Week 12: Redskins: W (8-3)
-The Eagles finish the split by knocking off the Redskins at home. Expect it to be low-scoring.

Week 13: @ Falcons: W (9-3)
-The Falcons of 2009 aren't going to be the same as the Falcons from 2008. I think Atlanta takes a step back this season and wins 8 games so I don't see them threatening the Eagles here.

Week 14: @ Giants: L (9-4)
-The Giants beat the Eagles in the Meadowlands to complete the season split.
Week 15: Niners: W (10-4)
-I like the Niners as a surprise team this year, they could win 9 games if everything goes right. They could be playing for a chance at winning their division, but I still don't think the Niners have what it takes to slow the Eagles offense down.

Week 16: Broncos: W (11-4)
-Denver could be a total trainwreck at this point of the season so this could be a cakewalk for the Birds. No matter what, the Eagles aren't losing this one at home, no matter how many crazy plays Brian Dawkins makes in his return.

Week 17: @ Cowboys: W (12-4)
-The Eagles always beat the Cowboys at the end of the regular season. Unless the scoreboard falls on Donovan McNabb, this one is a W.

So, there you have it. Your Eagles will finish 12-4 and win the NFC East. From there, as we all saw last season, the playoffs are a whole new game where anyone can win. I see the Eagles getting to at least the NFC Championship Game (again) but I'm not sure if they can get over the hump and back into the Super Bowl.

Those are my picks for the Eagles this season. If you agree or disagree or have picks of your own, feel free to leave comments! Enjoy the first weekend of football!