Today’s comes from befuddled Eagles veteran QB Donovan McNabb after his team finished in a 13-13 tie with the lowly Bengals losing ground in the NFC playoff race falling to 5-4-1. Somehow, the 10-year veteran wasn’t aware that ties do exist during NFL regular season if neither team scores in the 15 extra minutes which normally decide matters:

“I didn’t know that. I’ve never been part of a tie. I never even knew it was in the rule book. I was looking forward to getting the opportunity to get out there and try to drive to win the game. But unfortunately with the rules, we settled with a tie. I guess we’re aware if it now.“

This is as bizarre as it gets. McNabb’s certainly been around the league long enough to know that ties exist in the rulebook. Instead, his porous play tossing three picks and losing a fumble helped contribute to the first NFL tie in six years when the Michael Vick led Falcons and Tommy Maddox Steelers hooked up in a much more exciting 34-34 classic nearly six years to the day with that one coming on Nov.12, 2002. Wonder what exactly that means for 2014?!?!?!?!?!

Though Philadelphia rallied from a 13-3 deficit with a McNabb four-year hookup with tight end L.J. Smith in the third quarter and a David Akers 27-yard field goal with 5:18 left in regulation, it wasn’t enough to beat a team that entered with only one win in its first nine weeks of play.

Just inexcusable for a team which badly needed the game to rebound from last week’s home defeat at the hands of the Giants. Especially with them battling the Redskins and now the Cowboys who saved their season by hanging on for a hard fought 14-10 road win in the nation’s capital last night. Dallas and Washington are now tied at 6-4 a half game ahead of the Eagles who had they won would’ve been in a three-way tie instead of sitting in last in the NFC East.

The Eagles have six weeks left to try to atone with it promising not to get much easier with a road visit to Baltimore, who should be fuming after giving up a season high 207 rushing yards to the three-headed monster Giant attack in a 30-10 loss Sunday.

In fact, Andy Reid’s embattled club doesn’t have any easy games left with Arizona, at the Giants, the Browns, at the Redskins and a potential wildcard match-up versus the ‘Boys in late December.

Sadly, the Eagles were fortunate to even come out with the tie as Bengals’ normally reliable kicker Shayne Graham missed from 47 yards with seven seconds to spare ensuring the tie. It was Graham’s first miss between 40 and 49 yards all season. He had been six for his previous six. So naturally, he came away disappointed as well:

“We didn’t win. We didn’t lose, either. But sometimes, tying stings a little more.”

Let’s put it this way. Tying sucks! Especially in the NFL. With the NHL doing away with ties by opting for the shootout to decide extra points, it’s pro football which can still have the rare tie. But it’s so rare that it’s not worth examining changing rules so there’s a winner. And let’s not forget that it takes a heck of a lot of poor execution to even reach that point when games require overtime.

That doesn’t say much for the Eagles, who in bizarre fashion a week after their coach was taken to task for running two straight with short yardage using Brian Westbrook to no avail with Big Blue’s stingy run D snuffing it out opted to pass on all 18 third down situations including three third-and-one’s. Not surprisingly, they converted just 3-of-18 summarizing a day of futility in which the two teams combined to go 7-for-38 putting the definition in yuck.

Utterly ridiculous and proof that the supersensitive Reid can’t coach to save his life in big game situations. How do you have McNabb throw the ball 58 times? We realize the Eagles don’t have a conventional ground game but that kinda one-dimensional strategy just won’t work. They become way too predictable.

They might’ve celebrated the Phillies second world championship and the city’s first pro sports franchise’s big win in 25 years since Doctor J’s 1983 76ers won the NBA Title but we’re a few weeks removed now and the Philly phanatic has every right to rip on the Eagles today.

Their team was expected to contend in the NFC but now is a very big question mark to even qualify for January thanks to the continued underachieving and exasperating playcalling.

Totally bizzare.

It comes from the one and only Roger Federer following some more tennis history becoming the first male singles player to win five straight at two different grand slams after defeating Scot Andy Murray in yesterday’s U.S. Open Final 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.

The elegant 27 year-old Swiss Maestro silenced many doubters with a terrific run at the final grand slam event of the season atoning for dropping the last two finals to world No.1 Rafael Nadal including that all-time Wimbledon classic. It resulted in his fifth Open in a row becoming the first man to accomplish this remarkable feat since Bill Tilden back in the 1920′s.

The exciting victory in front of many pro-Federer supporters who adopted the graceful champion even moving him to say he “felt like a New Yorker” was his 13th career grand slam title- moving him within one of Pistol Pete Sampras’ record 14.

A man who just the other day after a well earned four set semifinal triumph over world No.3 Novak Djokovic indicated that he didn’t care who the opponent was between Murray or Nadal and “just wanted the trophy” knew again what to say after making some more tennis history. When asked by CBS veteran broadcaster Dick Enberg about whether No.13 was lucky or unlucky, a grinning Roger pointedly remarked:

“One thing’s for sure. I’m not going to stop at 13. That would be terrible.”

He sure knows how to play to a crowd who saluted him with laughter and thunderous cheers paying tribute to arguably the greatest male tennis player in the history of the sport. Something a classy runner-up Murray alluded to getting lots of applause from the crowd. For the 21 year-old Scot who officially moved up to a career high No.4 in the world making his first slam final, he was the first British man in the U.S. Open Final since Fred Perry won it back in 1936 also winning Wimbledon which marks the last time a man from their country won a major.

Though Andy had a tough call go against him which would’ve given him a break for 3-2 in the second set, he didn’t complain as Federer gave a vintage performance swinging freely from both sides rocketing that inside out forehand wherever he wanted playing the kind of match we’ve grown accustomed to seeing.

Congrats to Roger on winning No.13 and proving many including yours truly who picked Djokovic to beat him and Nadal! It was great to see.

We’ll have more later on what was another memorable Open here in NYC including American Serena Williams rising up to a strong challenge from Serb Jelena Jankovic to claim her third Open title in an ultra competitive two sets 6-4, 7-5. She also became No.1 in the world again for the first time in five years.

All in all, a great couple of weeks for tennis fans.

Today’s comes courtesy of good pal and co-host Rob “Kraze” Davis on the new SC concept:

“I’m suprised they didnt take a day to cry in their beer over manny no longer being a redsox.”

Here’s how Russian Marat Safin explained his chances against rating five-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in today’s upcoming semifinal:

“I’m playing semifinals, but that doesn’t mean that I have a chance there, because the guy has won how many times already here? “To beat Federer you need to be Nadal and run around like a rabbit and hit winners from all over the place. … It’s just a little bit too difficult.”

Think he’s trying his best to put the whammy on the greatest grasscourt player who puts a 64-match winning streak on the line?!?!?!?!?!

We’ll find out later on if the much anticipated No.1 vs No.2 battle between Federer and Rafael Nadal comes down again. Nadal will take on German veteran Rainer Schuettler. Both players will be heavy favorites.

Today’s edition comes courtesy of former New York Giants teammate and running back Tiki Barber on the retirement of Michael Strahan:

“Michael is not only one of the great Giants of all time, but also one of the great defensive players in NFL history. It was an honor to spend my entire career as his teammate.”

Tonight’s comes courtesy of victorious Kansas coach Bill Self who was quite relieved to finally guide a school to the Final Four. His team will meet former Jayhawk coach Roy Williams’ Tar Heels next week. For the love of God, go Jayhawks!

“Trust me, I was on both knees. You picture the way you win a big game like that, it would be you make a shot, you celebrate or something happens and you’re able to go congratulate all your coaches and players. This was not one of those deals. I just wanted to make sure that I hurried up and shook hands and the officials left the court so they couldn’t put any time back on the clock.”

 

Our quote of the day comes from victorious Giant head coach Tom Coughlin after his team’s thrilling 24-21 sudden death NFC Championship Game win over the Packers at Lambeau Field:

“The real key has been the heart of this team. “Their heart is in the right place.“

 

That epitomizes why this resilient group has been able to accomplish what they have already in establishing a new NFL record 10 consecutive road victories including becoming the first NFC team to win three straight road playoff games and make the Super Bowl.

For more on the historic victory, I highly recommend this very well written game recap by outstanding Daily News Giant beat writer Ralph Vacchiano.

There are some excellent quotes from Giant players which symbolize how they not only go to the wire before pulling out these games but also how they drive their own fans nuts in the process. It probably helps explain why I’m such a typical frantic New York fan.

Here’s one from veteran wideout Amani Toomer which sums it up quite well:

“It’s Giants football. We want to make sure our fans have some good, healthy blood pressure going into our games.”

Well, you don’t say Amani. This is kind of what it felt like following that 1990 team which upset the 49ers on five Matt Bahr field goals at Candlestick Park and then followed suit by pulling out Super Bowl XXV 20-19 over the Bills on that memorable January 27, 1991 evening in Tampa.

Everyone remembers why. I just won’t say it out of proper respect for my Buffalo contingent who have had to live with that heartbreaking conclusion. I won’t say anymore. Rob “Kraze” Davis and Brian “Sambone” Sanborn are two of my closest friends. I can only imagine what each is thinking at this moment with Super Bowl XLII approaching.

Just maybe these 2007 Giants can duplicate that sort of yeoman work in 12 fateful days. If you’re an avid Big Blue supporter, keep your fingers crossed.

Our quote of the day comes from Jacksonville rookie safety Reggie Nelson after his team fell to Tom Brady and the Patriots 31-20. Apparently, he wasn’t all that impressed by Brady’s near perfect night where the three-time Super Bowl winner picked apart the Jags’ secondary finishing 26-of-28 for 262 yards and three touchdowns.

“He ain’t all that … He’s all right. … It was a check down game. Anybody can go 26-of-28 in a dump-down game.“

While it’s true Brady methodically drove the Pats down field against the Jags D, it still takes a lot of patience and skill to execute the way the NFL regular season MVP did. Especially with the Jags limiting deep threat Randy Moss to one catch. How about a couple of those TD passes Mr. Nelson? Were those easy to fit in?!?!?!?!?!

When Brady did air it out to Donte Stallworth setting up the Pats’ final three points, I didn’t notice Nelson or any other Jags’ DB able to make the play.

“This is the NFL. If this was high school, yeah (it might not be ‘all that’),” Stallworth responded to Nelson’s ridiculous claim.

His commentary drew a classic comeback from New England coach Bill Belichick:

“It was a little disappointing he missed two.”   :lol:

 

Tonight’s quote of the day comes from my good angry Chicago sportsfan and Hard Hits co-host John Giagnorio.

This was just too good to pass up.

The self-proclaimed stat mastah came away impressed with my use of what else but some key stats in the latest Knick loss earlier this afternoon to the Lakers. It would’ve been perfect for a graphic.

I’m always supporting teams who have grit, moxie and intangibles while the JPGer is a stats analyst all the way. Just look at how excited the Stanford senior got here:

Da Stat Mastah [4:14 P.M.]: 

“ah gritty. nice use of stats!!!!!“

Better recognize!

We’ll just call this quotes of the day, which come courtesy of some disgruntled Yankees on and off the field after yet another loss (10-7) to the Mets putting them five under .500 and 10.5 behind the Red Sox:

Yankee CF Johnny “DL” Damon: “It’s definitely embarrassing. We definitely know that we are better than we’ve showed.“

Skipper “Clueless” Joe Torre: “We’re going to turn it around. I wish I could give you a date. Until we straighten out what we need to straighten out, we can’t worry about the standings.“

GM Brian Ca$hman: “We’re not out of the race. As ugly as it looks right now, I’m never going to let that enter my mind.”

As a buddy once quoted, “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.”

Or as former WWE manager Slick would say, “The party’s ov—-ahhhh!”

It’s been over for quite some time. This Yankee team is so embarrassing that I’ve stopped caring. I no longer can watch them. They’re a disgrace to the uniform invoking memories of the early 90′s teams with players such as Mel Hall, Jesse Barfield, Mike Witt, Steve Farr, Luis Polonia, Rich Monteleone, Matt Nokes, Bob Geren, Tim Leary, etc.

Those teams played to a 3/4 empty Stadium sometimes. At least they had an excuse. Ah. How we’ve come full circle. Just wait until the spoiled wagoners who only jumped on because of all the winning start demanding refunds. Here’s a prediction: The Stadium will be half empty by August.
That Roger Clemens introduction in the Boss’ box was about as cheesy as it got. As if the 44 year-old Rocket is going to come in on his horse and save this pathetic team.

They should just admit failure and sell off the garbage such as Bobby Abreu, Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Myers. Heck. Even Mike Mussina can just get off the mound already.
There’s no way anyone can convince me that Torre shouldn’t be fired. He’s lost his mind and is just cashing a check. As for Cashman, he’ll probably take the fall for this. But ironically, some of the deals he made to restock the farm should make the team strong again in the future.

Of course, this team has sustained a ridiculous amount of injuries. Even yesterday’s winner Tom Glavine couldn’t believe their luck after Darrell Rasner went down yet again and will require surgery after taking a line drive in the leg.

Sometimes, luck changes. The good teams have it. Just look at the Mets. They get every break these days. Damion Easley has turned into a power hitter. Carlos Beltran didn’t check his swing in the eighth. Endy Chavez was a scrub until he got to Shea last year. Now he’s great.

But that’s how it goes in sports. When you’re good, everything seems to go your way. When you stink, you can’t seem to get out of your own way.
The Yanks need to start over. Tyler Clippard makes his major league debut later tonight. There need to be more prospects making their debuts this summer. They’re not catching the Red Sox. Boston right now has the best team in baseball. And they’re most likely not going to make up the ground on the wildcard between Cleveland, Oakland and probably Minnesota.

Just throw in the towel. Missing the postseason might sound like a crazy concept considering the payroll. I’m sick of it. The payroll means jack and the real baseball fans know it. Not idiots like Mike Lupica who continue to get off on contracts Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez got. At least the Yanks didn’t shortchange their own star shortstop after all those World Series.

How much do you think Jose Reyes will be getting in a few years? Is 25-30 million per year out of the question?!?!?!?!?! Good luck.
That’s the price of success.
The only baseball we’re looking forward to is the one played out here on Staten Island which gets going in a month when the two-time defending NY-Penn League champion Baby Bombers get started against the Cyclones. That should be a lot of fun.