Here we are, with just two moments to go on the list. Before the 2008 baseball season, this moment was a clear Number 1, but now, it has to settle for being the second best moment of the decade. The Philadelphia Eagles took all of us on one hell of a ride during the past ten years, and the peak was back at the end of the 2004 season, when finally, it all came together.
Moment #2: The Philadelphia Eagles win the NFC Championship-January 23, 2005
Coming into the 2004 NFL season, the Eagles had made it to the playoffs four years in a row, but had never been able to make it over the hump. In 2000, they lost to the New York Giants in the Divisional Round, then followed that up with three straight trips to the NFC Championship Game. In 2001, they were the underdogs to the powerhouse St. Louis Rams, and they lost, 29-24. The next two season, the Eagles had homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, but they failed to take advantage of it. The 2002 season ended with a horrible 27-10 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while 2003 ended with a 14-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Three straight trips to the NFC Championship had resulted in three straight losses, and things were getting rough.
It was like rooting for the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990s, without the satisfaction of actually getting to a Super Bowl. That's what it was like as an Eagles fan during the early part of this decade. The teams were good enough to get to a certain point, then fell apart when it mattered the most. In 2004, that changed. Jevon Kearse and Terrell Owens were brought in during the offseason, and the mood around the city became "Super Bowl or bust." There was no other option. The season started out the way many expected it, with seven straight wins. A loss to Pittsburgh was followed up with six more wins before the starters were rested for the playoffs.
It wasn't like the Eagles were winning the games by close scores, either. The team outscored their opponents by 126 points in 2004, and Donovan McNabb had his best season ever, throwing for 31 touchdown passes compared to only eight interceptions. The Eagles suffered a huge loss, however, when Terrell Owens was lost with a broken leg in a late season game against the Dallas Cowboys. The starters wouldn't play a full game again for almost a month, and when they did, they beat the Minnesota Vikings, 27-16, in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, setting up a matchup with the most dynamic player in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons weren't one of the best teams in the NFC on paper in 2004. In fact, they were downright average. What made them a special team was the man at quarterback. Michael Vick had come back from a lost 2003 season and put up the best numbers of his career. While he only threw for 14 touchdowns, he rushed for over 900 yards, and Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett helped lead the top rushing attack in the NFL. That was why, even though the Falcons had lost a game during the season by 46 points, people were picking Atlanta to send the Eagles home in the NFC Championship Game for the fourth straight season. The thought of Michael Vick, along with the loss of Terrell Owens, was just supposed to be too much for the Eagles to handle.
Someone forgot to tell the Philadelphia Eagles about that, though. After a snowstorm dropped over a foot and a half of snow on Philadelphia on Saturday, the Eagles and Falcons took the field under clear, but very cold skies for the NFC Championship. Philadelphia made sure everyone knew that this year, they were going for broke. On their first possession of the game, they drove down into field goal range, but Andy Reid decided to call a fake kick. The Falcons snuffed it out and drove into Philadelphia territory, making people nervous early in the game. Luckily, the defense stomped out the Falcons, and the offense responded with a drive that was capped by a four yard Dorsey Levens touchdown run. Atlanta answered back with a 17 play drive that made it to the Philadelphia three yard line, but Michael Vick was sacked on third down, and Atlanta had to settle for a field goal. The Eagles trumped that on their next drive, as Donovan McNabb hit Greg Lewis for a 45 yard bomb that set up a three yard pass from McNabb to Chad Lewis. The Eagles led, 14-3, but they weren't out of the woods yet.
The Falcons answered again on their next drive, but it came at a big price. The biggest play of the drive was a 31 yard pass from Michael Vick to Alge Crumpler that put Atlanta at the Philadelphia ten yard line. The only problem was, Crumpler was laid out on the play by Brian Dawkins and was totally ineffective for the rest of the game. Before the hit, Crumpler had caught three passes in the first half. After the hit, he had just one for the rest of the game. It didn't matter on this drive, as Warrick Dunn took it in from ten yards out to make the score 14-10 in favor of the Eagles at the half.
In the second half, Philadelphia came out and put all of their NFC Championship demons to bed. Their first drive ended with a David Akers field goal, and then the defense took over. The Falcons were forced to punt on every drive in the second half, save for two. The first time they didn't punt, Brian Dawkins intercepted Michael Vick and returned the ball to the Atlanta 11 yard line, setting up another field goal by Akers. As for the second time? Well, I'll get to that in a minute. First, the Eagles were busy sealing Atlanta's coffin. With ten minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Philadelphia embarked on an 11 play, 65 yard drive that took almost seven minutes off the clock. When Donovan McNabb found Chad Lewis for the second time on the day on a two yard touchdown pass, everyone knew that the game was over.
It had taken four tries, but the Eagles were finally headed to the Super Bowl. Oh, the second time the Falcons didn't have to punt? That was on their next drive, when they turned the ball over on downs. After McNabb took three knees, the game was over, and dark cloud seemed to be lifted from Lincoln Financial Field. After 24 years, the Eagles were headed back to the Super Bowl, and had done so against the most dynamic player in the NFL and without their top offensive weapon in Terrell Owens. I have seen a lot of wins by the Eagles during this decade, but there is none that made me feel so satisfied as that one did.
I remember watching the game with my friends in college. Because of the snow, they had actually allowed us to come back from winter break a day early, which meant that we could stock up on beer and all the other essentials for the game the next day. We somehow found a place that was open and delivering food, and promptly ordered 100 wings. As the game went on, it even felt different than the last three NFC Championships. After Chad Lewis scored that second touchdown, we knew. We just knew. I'd never seen a group of college kids that happy about a football game. We popped open a bottle of cheap champagne and drank it out of plastic cups. The rest of the night is hazy, but I remember waking up the next morning with the biggest smile on my face. I knew what had happened the day before, and it was worth it. All the struggles, the constant criticism of Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid, bringing in Terrell Owens...it all was worth it. The Eagles were headed to the Super Bowl.
This might be the best video I've found for the Top 25. Just watch and enjoy.
Oh, and then there's this one. Brian Dawkins is speaking for all Philadelphia Eagles fans when he takes that trophy.
That's all from me today. I've got a New Year's bash to get to. Number 1 will be posted tomorrow. If you don't know what it is, you've been living in a cave for the last decade.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 3
The top three moments of the decade in Philadelphia sports are now here. While the rest of the list has been full of incredible events, these last three basically defined Philadelphia sports from 2000-2009. This moment is honestly the most improbable out of any on the list, and some may have argued for it to be Number 2.
Moment #3: The Phillies complete their comeback by winning the National League East: September 30, 2007
On September 12, the Phillies lost to the Colorado Rockies, 12-0, putting them seven games behind the National League East leading New York Mets with just 17 games to play in the regular season. With a three game series against the Mets starting on September 14, the 2007 season looked like it would go down the same path that almost all of the Phillies' seasons had gone down during the decade. Aside from the 2000 season, the Phillies had always been close to making the playoffs, but fell just short.
In 2007, something else happened. Behind the strength of Jimmy Rollins, who came out and said that the Phillies were the team to beat in the National League East in 2007, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, the Phils began to climb out of the hole they were in. They beat the Rockies on September 13, then swept the Mets, putting them just three and a half games back. For the next two weeks, the Mets were able to keep the Phillies two and a half to a game and a half back, and going into the last week of the season, it still looked like the Mets were going to be able to win the division. Then, the Mets forgot how to win, while the Phillies couldn't lose. New York dropped five straight games, and the Phillies took three of their next four games to actually take a one game lead. The Mets were able to tie the division again with a win and a loss by the Phillies on Saturday, September 29, setting up the 162nd game of the season as the most important. If one team lost, all it would take for the other team to win the division would be one more win.
The Mets game against the Florida Marlins actually started a half an hour earlier than the Phillies game against the Washington Nationals, and I remember watching Tom Glavine get out on the mound for the Mets and get absolutely shelled. The Marlins sent 12 batters to the plate in the first inning, and after Glavine hit Florida pitcher Dontrelle Willis with a pitch with the bases loaded, he left the game. Florida scored seven times in that first inning, and with each run the Marlins scored, Citizens Bank Park grew louder and louder. The fans could see the scoreboard and knew that the Mets were done. Jamie Moyer started for the Phillies in their most important game of the decade up to that point.
The ageless Moyer did exactly what he had to do that day, pitching 5 and a third innings of five hit, one run baseball. He struck out six before giving way to the bullpen. Meanwhile, the offense wasn't going to wait around on this day. They started scoring runs early. Jimmy Rollins started out the game with a single, then stole second and third base before scoring on a Chase Utley sacrifice fly. Ryan Howard scored two runs on a bases loaded single in the third inning, and that would be all the Phillies would need. They would score three more runs in the later innings, but Moyer and the bullpen did their job. The Mets game against the Marlins came to a close with the Marlins winning 8-1, and with the Phillies leading 6-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, everyone watching the game, whether they were at the stadium or watching at home, could feel what was about to happen.
Brett Myers, who started the season as the Opening Day pitcher before being moved to the bullpen, came out to close the game. He struck out Dmitri Young, then got Austin Kearns to fly out to Michael Bourn in left, putting the Phillies one out away from a division title. Wily Mo Pena stepped to the plate, and the crowd at Citizens Bank Park somehow got even louder. Myers quickly fired two strikes before Pena took a ball. Then, with over 44,000 people standing and cheering, Myers threw a curveball past Pena for strike three. The Philadelphia Phillies, who were seven games out of first place with just two and a half weeks of baseball left to play, had come all the way back and won the National League East for the first time since the 1993 season. Myers threw his glove into the air, and the team stormed onto the field around him. After years of coming up just short, this time, the Phillies really were the team to beat.
Looking back on that run in 2007, it's amazing to see how much of the 2008 season really started then. The Phils showed heart that I had never seen out of a Phillies team, and even though they were swept out of the playoffs by the Colorado Rockies, they had gotten that taste of the playoffs that would carry over into the next season. Jimmy Rollins ended up winning the MVP in 2007, largely on the strength of those last two and a half weeks of the season. While he had a career year in 2007, if the Phillies hadn't made good on his "team to beat" statement, I doubt he would have been named MVP.
You really can't appreciate how improbable the comeback the Phillies made was until you put it into comparison. Only two other teams in baseball history had ever made up a seven game deficit in the last month of the season, and no team had failed to make the playoffs after having a seven game lead that late into the season...until the 2007 Mets came along. The Phillies hadn't made the playoffs in 14 years, while the Mets finished a game away from the World Series in 2006. The Phillies allowed 821 runs, and had a team ERA of 4.76. No one thought that this team had enough pitching to carry them to the playoffs, and yet they made it. Hardly anyone thought that Charlie Manuel was smart enough to manage a Burger King, let alone a major league baseball team, but he did everything right down the stretch. The Phillies had possession of first place for just two days during the entire season, but one of them was on the day when it mattered the most. In the end, while people may argue that the Mets were the better team in 2007, the Phillies stood alone on top of the division.
The end of the 2007 season officially brought baseball back to the forefront in Philadelphia. For most of the decade, the Phillies had been an afterthought, a team that was always nice to drop a couple of bucks on tickets to go see, but no one ever thought that they could win anything. Afterall, this was a team that had won a single World Series in over 100 years, so it wasn't like people were expecting much. This season changed all of that, and by the end of the 2008 season, Philadelphia was a baseball town. That's what this moment means to the city and the fans of Philadelphia.
Here is Wily Mo Pena's at bat to end the game. I've hardly ever heard a crowd get as loud as they did when Brett Myers struck him out.
The final two moments are coming up. Moment Number 2 brings the Eagles front and center again, and proves that even after three years of failure, a fourth try at success can be very, very sweet.
Moment #3: The Phillies complete their comeback by winning the National League East: September 30, 2007
On September 12, the Phillies lost to the Colorado Rockies, 12-0, putting them seven games behind the National League East leading New York Mets with just 17 games to play in the regular season. With a three game series against the Mets starting on September 14, the 2007 season looked like it would go down the same path that almost all of the Phillies' seasons had gone down during the decade. Aside from the 2000 season, the Phillies had always been close to making the playoffs, but fell just short.
In 2007, something else happened. Behind the strength of Jimmy Rollins, who came out and said that the Phillies were the team to beat in the National League East in 2007, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, the Phils began to climb out of the hole they were in. They beat the Rockies on September 13, then swept the Mets, putting them just three and a half games back. For the next two weeks, the Mets were able to keep the Phillies two and a half to a game and a half back, and going into the last week of the season, it still looked like the Mets were going to be able to win the division. Then, the Mets forgot how to win, while the Phillies couldn't lose. New York dropped five straight games, and the Phillies took three of their next four games to actually take a one game lead. The Mets were able to tie the division again with a win and a loss by the Phillies on Saturday, September 29, setting up the 162nd game of the season as the most important. If one team lost, all it would take for the other team to win the division would be one more win.
The Mets game against the Florida Marlins actually started a half an hour earlier than the Phillies game against the Washington Nationals, and I remember watching Tom Glavine get out on the mound for the Mets and get absolutely shelled. The Marlins sent 12 batters to the plate in the first inning, and after Glavine hit Florida pitcher Dontrelle Willis with a pitch with the bases loaded, he left the game. Florida scored seven times in that first inning, and with each run the Marlins scored, Citizens Bank Park grew louder and louder. The fans could see the scoreboard and knew that the Mets were done. Jamie Moyer started for the Phillies in their most important game of the decade up to that point.
The ageless Moyer did exactly what he had to do that day, pitching 5 and a third innings of five hit, one run baseball. He struck out six before giving way to the bullpen. Meanwhile, the offense wasn't going to wait around on this day. They started scoring runs early. Jimmy Rollins started out the game with a single, then stole second and third base before scoring on a Chase Utley sacrifice fly. Ryan Howard scored two runs on a bases loaded single in the third inning, and that would be all the Phillies would need. They would score three more runs in the later innings, but Moyer and the bullpen did their job. The Mets game against the Marlins came to a close with the Marlins winning 8-1, and with the Phillies leading 6-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, everyone watching the game, whether they were at the stadium or watching at home, could feel what was about to happen.
Brett Myers, who started the season as the Opening Day pitcher before being moved to the bullpen, came out to close the game. He struck out Dmitri Young, then got Austin Kearns to fly out to Michael Bourn in left, putting the Phillies one out away from a division title. Wily Mo Pena stepped to the plate, and the crowd at Citizens Bank Park somehow got even louder. Myers quickly fired two strikes before Pena took a ball. Then, with over 44,000 people standing and cheering, Myers threw a curveball past Pena for strike three. The Philadelphia Phillies, who were seven games out of first place with just two and a half weeks of baseball left to play, had come all the way back and won the National League East for the first time since the 1993 season. Myers threw his glove into the air, and the team stormed onto the field around him. After years of coming up just short, this time, the Phillies really were the team to beat.
Looking back on that run in 2007, it's amazing to see how much of the 2008 season really started then. The Phils showed heart that I had never seen out of a Phillies team, and even though they were swept out of the playoffs by the Colorado Rockies, they had gotten that taste of the playoffs that would carry over into the next season. Jimmy Rollins ended up winning the MVP in 2007, largely on the strength of those last two and a half weeks of the season. While he had a career year in 2007, if the Phillies hadn't made good on his "team to beat" statement, I doubt he would have been named MVP.
You really can't appreciate how improbable the comeback the Phillies made was until you put it into comparison. Only two other teams in baseball history had ever made up a seven game deficit in the last month of the season, and no team had failed to make the playoffs after having a seven game lead that late into the season...until the 2007 Mets came along. The Phillies hadn't made the playoffs in 14 years, while the Mets finished a game away from the World Series in 2006. The Phillies allowed 821 runs, and had a team ERA of 4.76. No one thought that this team had enough pitching to carry them to the playoffs, and yet they made it. Hardly anyone thought that Charlie Manuel was smart enough to manage a Burger King, let alone a major league baseball team, but he did everything right down the stretch. The Phillies had possession of first place for just two days during the entire season, but one of them was on the day when it mattered the most. In the end, while people may argue that the Mets were the better team in 2007, the Phillies stood alone on top of the division.
The end of the 2007 season officially brought baseball back to the forefront in Philadelphia. For most of the decade, the Phillies had been an afterthought, a team that was always nice to drop a couple of bucks on tickets to go see, but no one ever thought that they could win anything. Afterall, this was a team that had won a single World Series in over 100 years, so it wasn't like people were expecting much. This season changed all of that, and by the end of the 2008 season, Philadelphia was a baseball town. That's what this moment means to the city and the fans of Philadelphia.
Here is Wily Mo Pena's at bat to end the game. I've hardly ever heard a crowd get as loud as they did when Brett Myers struck him out.
The final two moments are coming up. Moment Number 2 brings the Eagles front and center again, and proves that even after three years of failure, a fourth try at success can be very, very sweet.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 4
For the most part this decade, the Philadelphia 76ers have struggled. There have been poor seasons on the court, bad decisions made in the front office and coaches coming in and out faster than most people can keep track. There was one season where everything came together, and this moment comes from that year.
Moment #4: Allen Iverson steps over Tyronn Lue-June 6, 2001
The 2001 season for the Sixers was one that looked like it would have promise when it started, but then snowballed into something far greater. The team won its first ten games and proceeded to finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference. A midseason trade for Dikembe Mutombo helped solidify the defense, and the team raked in the awards for the season. Allen Iverson was named the MVP, Mutombo won Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron McKie was named the Sixth Man of the Year, and Larry Brown won Coach of the Year. Things didn't go as smoothly in the playoffs, as the Sixers faced seven game series against both the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks that could have gone either way with just a few key plays. In the end, the Sixers stood atop the Eastern Conference for the first time since the 1983 season, but the team they would face in the NBA Finals was on a roll that no other team had ever been on.
The Los Angeles Lakers finished the 2001 season with the second best record in the Western Conference, but that didn't matter. In all three rounds of the playoffs, the Lakers swept their opponents. First, Portland was beaten in three games, and then Los Angeles took out both Sacramento and San Antonio in four games to earn an 11-0 record heading into the Finals. Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were still in pre-breakup mode and playing at an insane level, while Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Robert Horry and Horace Grant helped build around the foundation that head coach Phil Jackson had to work with.
To say that the odds were against the Sixers heading into Game 1 would be like suggesting the Pope is Catholic. The Sixers had just been through the ringer in the Eastern Conference, playing 18 games in their three series, while the Lakers were well rested and undefeated in the playoffs. The Finals were set to open in Los Angeles, and just about everyone assumed that the Sixers would just be another speed bump on Los Angeles' way to a second straight title.
For most of the first quarter, those people were right. The Lakers had a 16-0 run in the first quarter on their way to building a 21-9 early lead. After that, Allen Iverson took over. The MVP brought the Sixers back to within a point by the end of the first quarter, and dropped 30 points in the first half to give the Sixers a 56-50 lead at the break. The Philadelphia lead would grow to as many as 15 points in the second half, and it looked like the Sixers were not only for real, but were going to stun the Lakers at home in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. It wasn't the ideal situation for the Lakers, and they responded by unleashing their secret weapon.
Tyronn Lue played in only 38 games during the 2001 regular season, but the second year player from the University of Nebraska was Los Angeles' answer to Allen Iverson. Phil Jackson used him in the time leading up to the NBA Finals to mirror Iverson's moves in practice, and now he was going to be used to guard Iverson during a key stretch of Game 1. The plan worked perfectly. Iverson was held to just three points during the fourth quarter, while Lue was able to produce three assists and two steals to help the Lakers get back into the game. The Sixers as a team only scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, and after Dikembe Mutombo missed two free throws near the end of the quarter, the game headed into overtime tied at 94.
As the overtime started, it looked the Lakers would be too much for Philadelphia. Los Angeles scored five points to build a quick lead, and the Sixers looked lost. Finally, as it was during the regular season, Allen Iverson put the team on his back again for one last run. The NBA MVP showed why he won that award during the overtime, scoring seven straight points, including the shot that is the fourth best moment of the decade. With about a minute to play in the overtime, Iverson got the ball down in the corner, with Tyronn Lue guarding him again. This time, Iverson worked over Lue, and eventually crossed him up to gain space for a three point shot. The shot hit nothing but cotton, Lue hit the floor, and in a moment that will be remembered forever, Iverson looked down at Lue, then stepped over him on his way back on defense. The basket put the Sixers ahead for good, and they would eventually shock the Lakers with a 107-101 victory in Game 1. The hope of an undefeated Los Angeles postseason run was over, thanks to a six foot guard from Georgetown.
Unfortunately, the rest of the series didn't turn out so well. The Lakers would take Game 2 to even the series, and then won the next three games in Philadelphia to claim their second straight title. Allen Iverson averaged over 35 points a game, but even he couldn't get the Sixers another win. Even with the outcome, the fact that he scored 48 points in the first game of series that most people didn't think his team even belonged in is impressive even now. The shot he made over Tyronn Lue remains one of the iconic moments of his entire career, and will be seen in every highlight reel of moments of this decade until the end of time.
I actually didn't even get to see the first half of this game when it happened. That night, I was at the Phillies game with my dad and brother, watching them take on the Mets. I remember walking back to our seats at some point after the Sixers game had started, and there were more people watching the NBA Finals in the bars around the Vet than there were watching the Phillies play. That's how much the Sixers had captivated the city during the 2001 season. I got home just in time for the overtime period, and watched as Allen Iverson nailed that shot over Tyronn Lue. Even then, I knew that was a moment that was going to be remembered for a long time. Now, eight and a half years later, it still is known as one of the top basketball moments of the decade, let alone one of the Philadelphia sports moments.
Yes, there is video for this one as well. Enjoy watching Iverson own Lue time and time again.
That's all for the Sixers and Flyers on the countdown. We finish up with the final three moments, which belong to the Phillies and Eagles. The Phils get the next one, and it's a moment that New York Mets fans would like to forget. As for me, I love it.
Moment #4: Allen Iverson steps over Tyronn Lue-June 6, 2001
The 2001 season for the Sixers was one that looked like it would have promise when it started, but then snowballed into something far greater. The team won its first ten games and proceeded to finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference. A midseason trade for Dikembe Mutombo helped solidify the defense, and the team raked in the awards for the season. Allen Iverson was named the MVP, Mutombo won Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron McKie was named the Sixth Man of the Year, and Larry Brown won Coach of the Year. Things didn't go as smoothly in the playoffs, as the Sixers faced seven game series against both the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks that could have gone either way with just a few key plays. In the end, the Sixers stood atop the Eastern Conference for the first time since the 1983 season, but the team they would face in the NBA Finals was on a roll that no other team had ever been on.
The Los Angeles Lakers finished the 2001 season with the second best record in the Western Conference, but that didn't matter. In all three rounds of the playoffs, the Lakers swept their opponents. First, Portland was beaten in three games, and then Los Angeles took out both Sacramento and San Antonio in four games to earn an 11-0 record heading into the Finals. Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were still in pre-breakup mode and playing at an insane level, while Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Robert Horry and Horace Grant helped build around the foundation that head coach Phil Jackson had to work with.
To say that the odds were against the Sixers heading into Game 1 would be like suggesting the Pope is Catholic. The Sixers had just been through the ringer in the Eastern Conference, playing 18 games in their three series, while the Lakers were well rested and undefeated in the playoffs. The Finals were set to open in Los Angeles, and just about everyone assumed that the Sixers would just be another speed bump on Los Angeles' way to a second straight title.
For most of the first quarter, those people were right. The Lakers had a 16-0 run in the first quarter on their way to building a 21-9 early lead. After that, Allen Iverson took over. The MVP brought the Sixers back to within a point by the end of the first quarter, and dropped 30 points in the first half to give the Sixers a 56-50 lead at the break. The Philadelphia lead would grow to as many as 15 points in the second half, and it looked like the Sixers were not only for real, but were going to stun the Lakers at home in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. It wasn't the ideal situation for the Lakers, and they responded by unleashing their secret weapon.
Tyronn Lue played in only 38 games during the 2001 regular season, but the second year player from the University of Nebraska was Los Angeles' answer to Allen Iverson. Phil Jackson used him in the time leading up to the NBA Finals to mirror Iverson's moves in practice, and now he was going to be used to guard Iverson during a key stretch of Game 1. The plan worked perfectly. Iverson was held to just three points during the fourth quarter, while Lue was able to produce three assists and two steals to help the Lakers get back into the game. The Sixers as a team only scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, and after Dikembe Mutombo missed two free throws near the end of the quarter, the game headed into overtime tied at 94.
As the overtime started, it looked the Lakers would be too much for Philadelphia. Los Angeles scored five points to build a quick lead, and the Sixers looked lost. Finally, as it was during the regular season, Allen Iverson put the team on his back again for one last run. The NBA MVP showed why he won that award during the overtime, scoring seven straight points, including the shot that is the fourth best moment of the decade. With about a minute to play in the overtime, Iverson got the ball down in the corner, with Tyronn Lue guarding him again. This time, Iverson worked over Lue, and eventually crossed him up to gain space for a three point shot. The shot hit nothing but cotton, Lue hit the floor, and in a moment that will be remembered forever, Iverson looked down at Lue, then stepped over him on his way back on defense. The basket put the Sixers ahead for good, and they would eventually shock the Lakers with a 107-101 victory in Game 1. The hope of an undefeated Los Angeles postseason run was over, thanks to a six foot guard from Georgetown.
Unfortunately, the rest of the series didn't turn out so well. The Lakers would take Game 2 to even the series, and then won the next three games in Philadelphia to claim their second straight title. Allen Iverson averaged over 35 points a game, but even he couldn't get the Sixers another win. Even with the outcome, the fact that he scored 48 points in the first game of series that most people didn't think his team even belonged in is impressive even now. The shot he made over Tyronn Lue remains one of the iconic moments of his entire career, and will be seen in every highlight reel of moments of this decade until the end of time.
I actually didn't even get to see the first half of this game when it happened. That night, I was at the Phillies game with my dad and brother, watching them take on the Mets. I remember walking back to our seats at some point after the Sixers game had started, and there were more people watching the NBA Finals in the bars around the Vet than there were watching the Phillies play. That's how much the Sixers had captivated the city during the 2001 season. I got home just in time for the overtime period, and watched as Allen Iverson nailed that shot over Tyronn Lue. Even then, I knew that was a moment that was going to be remembered for a long time. Now, eight and a half years later, it still is known as one of the top basketball moments of the decade, let alone one of the Philadelphia sports moments.
Yes, there is video for this one as well. Enjoy watching Iverson own Lue time and time again.
That's all for the Sixers and Flyers on the countdown. We finish up with the final three moments, which belong to the Phillies and Eagles. The Phils get the next one, and it's a moment that New York Mets fans would like to forget. As for me, I love it.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 5
So, after almost a month of moments, we've reached the Top 5 in the countdown. It seems fitting that I've placed this moment at Number 5, because it took five overtimes for this game to end.
Moment #5: Keith Primeau beats the Penguins in the fifth overtime-May 4, 2000
Throughout this decade, the Philadelphia Flyers have been one of those teams that's been close to reaching the Stanley Cup, but something has gotten in their way each season. In the first Stanley Cup playoffs of the new decade, it looked like the Flyers would knocked out in the second round after a 105 point regular season. After finishing the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Flyers took out the Buffalo Sabres in five games, only to run into the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round. The Penguins promptly took the first two games of the series in Philadelphia by a combined 6-1 score, leaving the Flyers with very little room for error heading to Pittsburgh.
The Flyers came back with a 4-3 overtime win in Game 3, and then took the ice for Game 4 knowing that the fate of their season likely rested on the outcome of the game. With a win, the series would be tied, and the Flyers would have home ice advantage once again. If they lost, the Penguins would have a three games to one stranglehold on the series, and it seemed likely that they would be able to finish off the Flyers. The game certainly started out in Pittsburgh's favor, as Alexei Kovalev drilled a slap shot past rookie Brian Boucher less than three minutes into the game to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead. The score would remain the same until the third period, when John LeClair redirected a shot by Eric Desjardins past Ron Tugnutt that would tie the game and send it into overtime.
The beauty of overtime playoff hockey is that there is always a chance that the game can go into multiple extra periods. The chance of seeing two, and in rare chances, three overtimes is always there, but in most cases, the first overtime is all that is needed. That wasn't the case in Game 4 between the Flyers and Penguins. Philadelphia dominated the first overtime, but couldn't get anything past Tugnutt. The Penguins returned the favor in the second and third overtimes, benefiting from two power plays in the third extra period, but they too couldn't figure out a way to get past Brian Boucher. As the fourth overtime began, those left in attendance and watching on television had watched two full NHL games, and they wouldn't be done yet. The fourth overtime gave way to a fifth, and the game was almost seven hours old as it began.
Through most of the fifth overtime, the action had slowed, as both teams were struggling with fatigue. This was, at the time, only the third NHL game to need a fifth overtime, and it was the first since 1936 to go as long as it had, so it was understandable to see most of the players slowing down and struggling to clear the puck out of their own zone. Finally, with the game looking like it would never end, the Flyers managed to put together a bit of an offensive attack midway through the fifth overtime, but the Penguins were able to squash it and clear the puck into Philadelphia's zone. However, the Flyers got back to the puck quickly, and Keith Primeau eventually ended up with the puck along the right wing boards. He carried it into the Pittsburgh zone, made a move past two defenders, and fired a shot.
After seven hours, and an hour and a half of overtime, the third longest game in NHL history had finally come to an end. Primeau's shot got past Ron Tugnutt and the Flyers had tied the series at two games a piece. Tugnutt had stopped an incredible 70 shots by the Flyers, but he needed to stop at least one more. Brian Boucher stopped 57 shots in net for Philadelphia. The game was the longest in the NHL since the expansion era began, and it hasn't been reached since. Only one other game, Anaheim and Dallas in 2003, has reached five overtimes, and that game ended early in the fifth overtime. For the Flyers, it was the shot in the arm that they needed. The Penguins were clearly discouraged after losing Game 4, and Philadelphia turned the tables by winning Game 5 by a 6-3 score and then closed out the series with another 2-1 win in Pittsburgh. Their run to the Stanley Cup seemed clear, as they built a 3-1 lead against the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals, but they would drop the next three games and then watch as the Devils claimed their second Stanley Cup.
Keith Primeau would play another five seasons with the Flyers and became one of the most beloved players of the decade during his time here. Eventually concussions would end his career, but in Philadelphia, he'll always be known for his goal in this game. On a personal memory, I remember watching every minute of this game back when I was a sophomore in high school. For some reason, I didn't have school the next day, so I was free to watch the entire game. There were times when I thought that the Flyers were going to be able to take the game, and then during the second and third overtimes, I was sure that the Penguins were going to take it and crush my young hopes and dreams. In the end, I couldn't make much noise, since everyone else in my house was already asleep. I mean, it was 2:35 in the morning, so I had to keep it quiet. Even so, I remember going to bed that morning knowing the Flyers were going to win the series, and I had the biggest smile on my face. I still think the 2000 Stanley Cup should belong to the Flyers. If only they hadn't blown that lead against the damn Devils.
It's still amazing to look back on this game and see some of the stats. I have to give credit to Ron Tugnutt for his 70 saves. Even in a loss, that is an amazing figure, and one that is still impressive today. Several players on both teams played almost 60 minutes, which would be a full game, and Dan McGillis of the Flyers actually played 61 minutes to lead everyone. To look back on this game almost ten years later is to look back at one of the best games in NHL history. Sports Illustrated named it the best NHL game of the decade, and ESPN put it at Number 25 on their list of the greatest games of the decade. Anyway you look at it, this game was one for the history books, and the fact that the Flyers won it makes it even better. It's a very fitting member of the top 5 moments of the decade, and things are only going to get better from here.
Oh yes, there's video with this one, too. The goal happens at about 2:30 in the clip.
The top 5 continues with the last moment from the Sixers up next. It's another from the early part of the decade, and is pretty much included on every Allen Iverson highlight reel you'll ever see.
Moment #5: Keith Primeau beats the Penguins in the fifth overtime-May 4, 2000
Throughout this decade, the Philadelphia Flyers have been one of those teams that's been close to reaching the Stanley Cup, but something has gotten in their way each season. In the first Stanley Cup playoffs of the new decade, it looked like the Flyers would knocked out in the second round after a 105 point regular season. After finishing the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Flyers took out the Buffalo Sabres in five games, only to run into the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round. The Penguins promptly took the first two games of the series in Philadelphia by a combined 6-1 score, leaving the Flyers with very little room for error heading to Pittsburgh.
The Flyers came back with a 4-3 overtime win in Game 3, and then took the ice for Game 4 knowing that the fate of their season likely rested on the outcome of the game. With a win, the series would be tied, and the Flyers would have home ice advantage once again. If they lost, the Penguins would have a three games to one stranglehold on the series, and it seemed likely that they would be able to finish off the Flyers. The game certainly started out in Pittsburgh's favor, as Alexei Kovalev drilled a slap shot past rookie Brian Boucher less than three minutes into the game to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead. The score would remain the same until the third period, when John LeClair redirected a shot by Eric Desjardins past Ron Tugnutt that would tie the game and send it into overtime.
The beauty of overtime playoff hockey is that there is always a chance that the game can go into multiple extra periods. The chance of seeing two, and in rare chances, three overtimes is always there, but in most cases, the first overtime is all that is needed. That wasn't the case in Game 4 between the Flyers and Penguins. Philadelphia dominated the first overtime, but couldn't get anything past Tugnutt. The Penguins returned the favor in the second and third overtimes, benefiting from two power plays in the third extra period, but they too couldn't figure out a way to get past Brian Boucher. As the fourth overtime began, those left in attendance and watching on television had watched two full NHL games, and they wouldn't be done yet. The fourth overtime gave way to a fifth, and the game was almost seven hours old as it began.
Through most of the fifth overtime, the action had slowed, as both teams were struggling with fatigue. This was, at the time, only the third NHL game to need a fifth overtime, and it was the first since 1936 to go as long as it had, so it was understandable to see most of the players slowing down and struggling to clear the puck out of their own zone. Finally, with the game looking like it would never end, the Flyers managed to put together a bit of an offensive attack midway through the fifth overtime, but the Penguins were able to squash it and clear the puck into Philadelphia's zone. However, the Flyers got back to the puck quickly, and Keith Primeau eventually ended up with the puck along the right wing boards. He carried it into the Pittsburgh zone, made a move past two defenders, and fired a shot.
After seven hours, and an hour and a half of overtime, the third longest game in NHL history had finally come to an end. Primeau's shot got past Ron Tugnutt and the Flyers had tied the series at two games a piece. Tugnutt had stopped an incredible 70 shots by the Flyers, but he needed to stop at least one more. Brian Boucher stopped 57 shots in net for Philadelphia. The game was the longest in the NHL since the expansion era began, and it hasn't been reached since. Only one other game, Anaheim and Dallas in 2003, has reached five overtimes, and that game ended early in the fifth overtime. For the Flyers, it was the shot in the arm that they needed. The Penguins were clearly discouraged after losing Game 4, and Philadelphia turned the tables by winning Game 5 by a 6-3 score and then closed out the series with another 2-1 win in Pittsburgh. Their run to the Stanley Cup seemed clear, as they built a 3-1 lead against the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals, but they would drop the next three games and then watch as the Devils claimed their second Stanley Cup.
Keith Primeau would play another five seasons with the Flyers and became one of the most beloved players of the decade during his time here. Eventually concussions would end his career, but in Philadelphia, he'll always be known for his goal in this game. On a personal memory, I remember watching every minute of this game back when I was a sophomore in high school. For some reason, I didn't have school the next day, so I was free to watch the entire game. There were times when I thought that the Flyers were going to be able to take the game, and then during the second and third overtimes, I was sure that the Penguins were going to take it and crush my young hopes and dreams. In the end, I couldn't make much noise, since everyone else in my house was already asleep. I mean, it was 2:35 in the morning, so I had to keep it quiet. Even so, I remember going to bed that morning knowing the Flyers were going to win the series, and I had the biggest smile on my face. I still think the 2000 Stanley Cup should belong to the Flyers. If only they hadn't blown that lead against the damn Devils.
It's still amazing to look back on this game and see some of the stats. I have to give credit to Ron Tugnutt for his 70 saves. Even in a loss, that is an amazing figure, and one that is still impressive today. Several players on both teams played almost 60 minutes, which would be a full game, and Dan McGillis of the Flyers actually played 61 minutes to lead everyone. To look back on this game almost ten years later is to look back at one of the best games in NHL history. Sports Illustrated named it the best NHL game of the decade, and ESPN put it at Number 25 on their list of the greatest games of the decade. Anyway you look at it, this game was one for the history books, and the fact that the Flyers won it makes it even better. It's a very fitting member of the top 5 moments of the decade, and things are only going to get better from here.
Oh yes, there's video with this one, too. The goal happens at about 2:30 in the clip.
The top 5 continues with the last moment from the Sixers up next. It's another from the early part of the decade, and is pretty much included on every Allen Iverson highlight reel you'll ever see.
Six Eagles Named to the Pro Bowl
The Pro Bowl rosters were announced today, and after all the votes were tallied, six Eagles ended up being named to the team. The six players is tied with Indianapolis and Dallas for the second most representatives in the league and trailed only the Minnesota Vikings, who are sending eight players to Miami. There were a few slam dunks and more head scratching omissions than there normally are, but the Eagles will be well represented at the Pro Bowl.
Leonard Weaver was named the starting fullback for the NFC, and honestly, who else could have gotten this spot? Weaver has done everything he's been asked to do as a member of the Eagles this year, and has shown exactly a fullback can do in this offense. His selection was easy, and I'm glad to see that the voters got this one right.
At wide receiver, DeSean Jackson was named as a starter. He'll playing playing opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Again, this was another easy choice in my mind, and the minds of the voters. In just his second year, Jackson has become one of the biggest playmakers in the NFL, and the Eagles have used him to perfection this year. Also, Jackson was named the starting kick returner for the NFC as well, making him the first wide reciever to be named a starter at two different positions. I'd say he's had a good season.
Then comes Jason Peters, who was named a starter on the offensive line. While Peters has had some frustrating moments this year, he's settled down into a very nice protector for Donovan McNabb, and his play has gotten better and better as the year has gone on. Yes, he still gets called for penalties now and then, and he will miss a block or two, but for the most part, he's solid now. He's held his own against some of the best pass rushers in the NFC this year, and now he's going to be rewarded for it. Honestly, this selection was the biggest question that I had out of the six Eagles, but Peters has earned the nod.
On the defensive side of the ball, Asante Samuel was named a starting cornerback as well. His nine interceptions clearly stand out, and while his route jumping leaves him open to double moves, and his lack of tackling skill is evident, you can't argue with how well he's played this year. Samuel and Sheldon Brown have held the secondary together in the wake of Brian Dawkins heading to Denver, and without both of them, it could have been a much different season than the one that's taken place.
Trent Cole is also headed to Miami as a backup on the defensive line. He's one of the most under the radar players in the NFL, but his 12.5 sacks leads the Eagles, and he has become a defensive force in a division full of great pass rushers. As the anchor on the defensive line, he clearly earned a spot on the Pro Bowl team, and I'm glad to see him make it. You can't really argue that either Jared Allen or Julius Peppers shouldn't start, but it's still good to see Cole on the roster.
Last but not least is David Akers. Even at age 35, Akers is still one of the best kickers in the NFL, as he leads the league in made field goals this year. His 88.9% accuracy is one of the best in the NFC, and in a year when several teams have made kicking changes throughout the year, Akers has been solid. He's missed just four kicks all season, and three of them have been from 40 yards or longer. After a couple of seasons where it looked like he may have lost his edge a little bit, it's good to see him bounce back and make his first Pro Bowl since the 2004 season.
As for the snubs, there's really two that should stand out to everyone. First, Brent Celek is having a breakout season at tight end, and with a good game against the Cowboys on Sunday, could get to 1,000 yards on the season. Instead, the votes came in for Jason Witten and Vernon Davis. You can't argue with Davis' selection, as he too has a chance at 1,000 yards and has already brought in 12 touchdowns this season. As for Witten, the yards are there, but he has just one touchdown this year as Tony Romo has spread the ball out more to other receiving options in the red zone. It's a tough choice to make, but I think Witten ended up taking the spot because of name value more than anything else. If there was a third tight end spot, I would put money on Celek being named, but only two get to go, so he's out. It's a shame, too. He's had one hell of a year.
The other snub is Sheldon Brown. Basically, take what I said about Asante Samuel helping hold the secondary together, and apply it to Brown as well. Plus, Brown is not afraid to tackle and has five interceptions and 17 passes defended. If you add in the fact that he's been playing hurt for much of the year and came into the season demanding a new contract, you have a Pro Bowl player. Once again, it comes down to how many corners can be named to the team. With there only being three spots, Brown was squeezed out, but if you left it to the Eagles fans, he would have been named in a heartbeat. He might be having the best season of his career, but the only people that seem to notice are those wearing Eagles green.
Leonard Weaver was named the starting fullback for the NFC, and honestly, who else could have gotten this spot? Weaver has done everything he's been asked to do as a member of the Eagles this year, and has shown exactly a fullback can do in this offense. His selection was easy, and I'm glad to see that the voters got this one right.
At wide receiver, DeSean Jackson was named as a starter. He'll playing playing opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Again, this was another easy choice in my mind, and the minds of the voters. In just his second year, Jackson has become one of the biggest playmakers in the NFL, and the Eagles have used him to perfection this year. Also, Jackson was named the starting kick returner for the NFC as well, making him the first wide reciever to be named a starter at two different positions. I'd say he's had a good season.
Then comes Jason Peters, who was named a starter on the offensive line. While Peters has had some frustrating moments this year, he's settled down into a very nice protector for Donovan McNabb, and his play has gotten better and better as the year has gone on. Yes, he still gets called for penalties now and then, and he will miss a block or two, but for the most part, he's solid now. He's held his own against some of the best pass rushers in the NFC this year, and now he's going to be rewarded for it. Honestly, this selection was the biggest question that I had out of the six Eagles, but Peters has earned the nod.
On the defensive side of the ball, Asante Samuel was named a starting cornerback as well. His nine interceptions clearly stand out, and while his route jumping leaves him open to double moves, and his lack of tackling skill is evident, you can't argue with how well he's played this year. Samuel and Sheldon Brown have held the secondary together in the wake of Brian Dawkins heading to Denver, and without both of them, it could have been a much different season than the one that's taken place.
Trent Cole is also headed to Miami as a backup on the defensive line. He's one of the most under the radar players in the NFL, but his 12.5 sacks leads the Eagles, and he has become a defensive force in a division full of great pass rushers. As the anchor on the defensive line, he clearly earned a spot on the Pro Bowl team, and I'm glad to see him make it. You can't really argue that either Jared Allen or Julius Peppers shouldn't start, but it's still good to see Cole on the roster.
Last but not least is David Akers. Even at age 35, Akers is still one of the best kickers in the NFL, as he leads the league in made field goals this year. His 88.9% accuracy is one of the best in the NFC, and in a year when several teams have made kicking changes throughout the year, Akers has been solid. He's missed just four kicks all season, and three of them have been from 40 yards or longer. After a couple of seasons where it looked like he may have lost his edge a little bit, it's good to see him bounce back and make his first Pro Bowl since the 2004 season.
As for the snubs, there's really two that should stand out to everyone. First, Brent Celek is having a breakout season at tight end, and with a good game against the Cowboys on Sunday, could get to 1,000 yards on the season. Instead, the votes came in for Jason Witten and Vernon Davis. You can't argue with Davis' selection, as he too has a chance at 1,000 yards and has already brought in 12 touchdowns this season. As for Witten, the yards are there, but he has just one touchdown this year as Tony Romo has spread the ball out more to other receiving options in the red zone. It's a tough choice to make, but I think Witten ended up taking the spot because of name value more than anything else. If there was a third tight end spot, I would put money on Celek being named, but only two get to go, so he's out. It's a shame, too. He's had one hell of a year.
The other snub is Sheldon Brown. Basically, take what I said about Asante Samuel helping hold the secondary together, and apply it to Brown as well. Plus, Brown is not afraid to tackle and has five interceptions and 17 passes defended. If you add in the fact that he's been playing hurt for much of the year and came into the season demanding a new contract, you have a Pro Bowl player. Once again, it comes down to how many corners can be named to the team. With there only being three spots, Brown was squeezed out, but if you left it to the Eagles fans, he would have been named in a heartbeat. He might be having the best season of his career, but the only people that seem to notice are those wearing Eagles green.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Some Bad News From Yesterday's Game...Jamaal Jackson Has a Torn ACL
So basically, what the title says is the issue right now. Jamaal Jackson, the only player on the entire Philadelphia offense to play every single snap this year, has a torn ACL and is going to miss the rest of the year, and the playoffs.
The loss of Jackson is probably bigger than most people think. He had started 71 straight games on the offensive line, and if anyone needs to know how big of an impact he has on the game, just look at how poorly the Eagles played on offense after he left the game. While Jackson was in there, the Eagles were able to move down the field like a well oiled machine. Once he left, they struggled, and the Broncos were able to get back into the game.
The worst part about this injury is that it can sometimes take a year to come back from, meaning Jackson might miss a good part of the 2010 season as well. If that's the case, the Eagles need to look into drafting either a center in the middle rounds of next year's draft, or finding another guard to take Nick Cole's place on the line while Cole moves over to center. For the rest of this year, Max Jean-Gilles will take Cole's spot at right guard. This is the point where the failure of both Shawn and Stacy Andrews really stands out, because their lack of success and playing time this year now has come back to really bite the Eagles in the ass.
I'm not saying that this injury is going to derail the Eagles' season. In fact, it's far from it. I think the Eagles still have a great shot to move through the NFC playoffs and head to the Super Bowl, since the Vikings seem like they're a sinking ship, and the Saints have dropped their last two games at home. Without Jackson, though, things are going to be a lot harder. He was the anchor on the offensive line this year. While everyone else that was supposed to start on the line missed games, or the entire season, he was still there. For the last four and a half seasons, he's been the man at center for Donovan McNabb, and now, someone else is going to be there. It won't be easy, but I think the Eagles can make it through. I just hope Jackson is able to come back and play well again next year and beyond.
ESPN.com: Jackson has season ending ACL injury
The loss of Jackson is probably bigger than most people think. He had started 71 straight games on the offensive line, and if anyone needs to know how big of an impact he has on the game, just look at how poorly the Eagles played on offense after he left the game. While Jackson was in there, the Eagles were able to move down the field like a well oiled machine. Once he left, they struggled, and the Broncos were able to get back into the game.
The worst part about this injury is that it can sometimes take a year to come back from, meaning Jackson might miss a good part of the 2010 season as well. If that's the case, the Eagles need to look into drafting either a center in the middle rounds of next year's draft, or finding another guard to take Nick Cole's place on the line while Cole moves over to center. For the rest of this year, Max Jean-Gilles will take Cole's spot at right guard. This is the point where the failure of both Shawn and Stacy Andrews really stands out, because their lack of success and playing time this year now has come back to really bite the Eagles in the ass.
I'm not saying that this injury is going to derail the Eagles' season. In fact, it's far from it. I think the Eagles still have a great shot to move through the NFC playoffs and head to the Super Bowl, since the Vikings seem like they're a sinking ship, and the Saints have dropped their last two games at home. Without Jackson, though, things are going to be a lot harder. He was the anchor on the offensive line this year. While everyone else that was supposed to start on the line missed games, or the entire season, he was still there. For the last four and a half seasons, he's been the man at center for Donovan McNabb, and now, someone else is going to be there. It won't be easy, but I think the Eagles can make it through. I just hope Jackson is able to come back and play well again next year and beyond.
ESPN.com: Jackson has season ending ACL injury
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 6
After a little break for Christmas, the Top 25 returns, and now we've really hit the best moments in Philadelphia sports this decade. The Eagles make another showing now, as does Freddie Mitchell for the third time. While this moment itself didn't win the game, the sheer improbability of it happening, along with the fact that it was a playoff game, makes it one of the best moments of the last ten years.
Moment #6: Fourth and 26-January 11, 2004
Heading into the NFC Divisional Playoffs in 2004, the Philadelphia Eagles were one of the hottest teams in the NFL. They had taken the momentum from Brian Westbrook's punt return against the Giants, and turned it into wins in ten of their last 11 games. Donovan McNabb hadn't had his best statistical season, throwing for only 16 touchdowns, but the Eagles had finished the regular season with a 12-4 record and home field advantage in the NFC for the second year in a row. The only team that may have been hotter than them was the Green Bay Packers, and that was who they were going to be playing in the second round of the playoffs.
After a loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, the Packers turned their season around, winning their last four games to get into the playoffs, then defeating the Seattle Seahawks on an Al Harris interception return in overtime. Brett Favre had lost his father four days before Christmas, and responded by leading his team to blowout victories over the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos to close out the season. The game against Seattle was close, but with the two hottest teams in the NFC facing off, people were expecting a close, well played game.
The Packers came out on defense and made their first statement midway through the first quarter. Donovan McNabb was sacked, and fumbled the football at the Philadelphia 40 yard line. It took Brett Favre one play to hit Robert Ferguson for a touchdown and a Green Bay lead. The next Packer drive went just as well, with Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport pounding the Eagles on the ground. Favre hit Ferguson again, and just like that, the Eagles were down by two touchdowns. McNabb would lead the Eagles on a scoring drive midway through the second quarter, hitting Duce Staley on a seven yard touchdown pass, but that would end the scoring until the fourth quarter.
The game remained 14-7 in favor of the Packers as the fourth quarter began, but it only took one play to change that. Todd Pinkston brought in a 12 yard touchdown pass from McNabb, and the game was tied. After the defense stopped the Packers on their next drive, it looked like the Eagles would have all the momentum, but back to back sacks of Donovan McNabb and a poor punt by Dirk Johnson put the Packers right back in the driver's seat. Brett Favre hit Javon Walker for 44 yards on the first play of Green Bay's drive, and Ryan Longwell kicked a 21 yard field goal with just ten minutes to play. Once again, the Philadelphia offense was quiet, with McNabb being taken down on third down and three to end the drive. The Packers then embarked on a 10 play drive that ate six and a half minutes off the clock. By the time they finally punted the ball, there was just 2:21 left in the game.
The Eagles started their drive quickly, with a 22 yard run by Duce Staley to move them out to their 42 yard line. From there, things went backwards in a hurry. Donovan McNabb was sacked on second down for a 16 yard loss, and after an incomplete pass on third down, the Eagles faced a fourth and 26, with their season on the line. McNabb took the snap, and an offensive line that had been dominated all day managed to give him time to look down the field. The Packers played a soft zone on the play, which allowed Freddie Mitchell to run, almost uncovered, down the middle of the field. As he reached the Green Bay 48 yard line, he turned and caught the pass from McNabb. From the first look, it seemed like Mitchell was right at the first down marker, but the officials marked his forward progress to the Green Bay 46 yard line, giving him a 28 yard catch and an improbable first down.
Of course, the Eagles still weren't even in field goal range. Donovan McNabb hit Freddie Mitchell for nine yards after an offsides penalty against the Packers, then followed that up with a three yard run for another first down. A ten yard completion to Todd Pinkston put the Eagles well into range for David Akers, and he nailed a 37 yard field goal with just five seconds to play in regulation. The Eagles won the coin toss to start overtime, but could do nothing with the ball again, and Dirk Johnson's punt only made it to the Green Bay 42 yard line, putting them in great field position. Then, the second amazing moment of this game happened. Brett Favre dropped back to pass and unleashed a floating, wounded duck of a pass that looked more like a punt. Brian Dawkins made the interception and returned it to the Green Bay 34 yard line. Six plays and 21 yards later, David Akers nailed a 31 yard field goal to win the game for the Eagles and send them to their third straight NFC Championship.
I wish I could rank this moment higher, but there's just no way. The Eagles came out the next week and were outplayed in every aspect of the game against the Carolina Panthers, losing their third straight NFC Championship. Not only that, but the conversion didn't win the game; it just kept a drive alive that the Eagles needed to tie the game. It was the Dawkins interception of Favre that actually shifted the game in favor of the Eagles. Regardless, whenever you can have a game where Donovan McNabb is sacked eight times and still manages to throw for 248 yards and rush for another 107, that's impressive. Freddie Mitchell had three great plays in his entire career, and all of them are on this list. He may not have made many plays, but when he did, they were big ones.
Here is Fourth and 26, also known as the peak of Freddie Mitchell's career. Considering how badly the offensive line had played during that game, it was amazing how much time Donovan actually had to throw on that play.
We enter the Top Five with the next moment on the list. This one is the earliest moment of the decade, and save for Game 3 of the 2008 World Series, it is the one that ended the latest into the night.
Moment #6: Fourth and 26-January 11, 2004
Heading into the NFC Divisional Playoffs in 2004, the Philadelphia Eagles were one of the hottest teams in the NFL. They had taken the momentum from Brian Westbrook's punt return against the Giants, and turned it into wins in ten of their last 11 games. Donovan McNabb hadn't had his best statistical season, throwing for only 16 touchdowns, but the Eagles had finished the regular season with a 12-4 record and home field advantage in the NFC for the second year in a row. The only team that may have been hotter than them was the Green Bay Packers, and that was who they were going to be playing in the second round of the playoffs.
After a loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, the Packers turned their season around, winning their last four games to get into the playoffs, then defeating the Seattle Seahawks on an Al Harris interception return in overtime. Brett Favre had lost his father four days before Christmas, and responded by leading his team to blowout victories over the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos to close out the season. The game against Seattle was close, but with the two hottest teams in the NFC facing off, people were expecting a close, well played game.
The Packers came out on defense and made their first statement midway through the first quarter. Donovan McNabb was sacked, and fumbled the football at the Philadelphia 40 yard line. It took Brett Favre one play to hit Robert Ferguson for a touchdown and a Green Bay lead. The next Packer drive went just as well, with Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport pounding the Eagles on the ground. Favre hit Ferguson again, and just like that, the Eagles were down by two touchdowns. McNabb would lead the Eagles on a scoring drive midway through the second quarter, hitting Duce Staley on a seven yard touchdown pass, but that would end the scoring until the fourth quarter.
The game remained 14-7 in favor of the Packers as the fourth quarter began, but it only took one play to change that. Todd Pinkston brought in a 12 yard touchdown pass from McNabb, and the game was tied. After the defense stopped the Packers on their next drive, it looked like the Eagles would have all the momentum, but back to back sacks of Donovan McNabb and a poor punt by Dirk Johnson put the Packers right back in the driver's seat. Brett Favre hit Javon Walker for 44 yards on the first play of Green Bay's drive, and Ryan Longwell kicked a 21 yard field goal with just ten minutes to play. Once again, the Philadelphia offense was quiet, with McNabb being taken down on third down and three to end the drive. The Packers then embarked on a 10 play drive that ate six and a half minutes off the clock. By the time they finally punted the ball, there was just 2:21 left in the game.
The Eagles started their drive quickly, with a 22 yard run by Duce Staley to move them out to their 42 yard line. From there, things went backwards in a hurry. Donovan McNabb was sacked on second down for a 16 yard loss, and after an incomplete pass on third down, the Eagles faced a fourth and 26, with their season on the line. McNabb took the snap, and an offensive line that had been dominated all day managed to give him time to look down the field. The Packers played a soft zone on the play, which allowed Freddie Mitchell to run, almost uncovered, down the middle of the field. As he reached the Green Bay 48 yard line, he turned and caught the pass from McNabb. From the first look, it seemed like Mitchell was right at the first down marker, but the officials marked his forward progress to the Green Bay 46 yard line, giving him a 28 yard catch and an improbable first down.
Of course, the Eagles still weren't even in field goal range. Donovan McNabb hit Freddie Mitchell for nine yards after an offsides penalty against the Packers, then followed that up with a three yard run for another first down. A ten yard completion to Todd Pinkston put the Eagles well into range for David Akers, and he nailed a 37 yard field goal with just five seconds to play in regulation. The Eagles won the coin toss to start overtime, but could do nothing with the ball again, and Dirk Johnson's punt only made it to the Green Bay 42 yard line, putting them in great field position. Then, the second amazing moment of this game happened. Brett Favre dropped back to pass and unleashed a floating, wounded duck of a pass that looked more like a punt. Brian Dawkins made the interception and returned it to the Green Bay 34 yard line. Six plays and 21 yards later, David Akers nailed a 31 yard field goal to win the game for the Eagles and send them to their third straight NFC Championship.
I wish I could rank this moment higher, but there's just no way. The Eagles came out the next week and were outplayed in every aspect of the game against the Carolina Panthers, losing their third straight NFC Championship. Not only that, but the conversion didn't win the game; it just kept a drive alive that the Eagles needed to tie the game. It was the Dawkins interception of Favre that actually shifted the game in favor of the Eagles. Regardless, whenever you can have a game where Donovan McNabb is sacked eight times and still manages to throw for 248 yards and rush for another 107, that's impressive. Freddie Mitchell had three great plays in his entire career, and all of them are on this list. He may not have made many plays, but when he did, they were big ones.
Here is Fourth and 26, also known as the peak of Freddie Mitchell's career. Considering how badly the offensive line had played during that game, it was amazing how much time Donovan actually had to throw on that play.
We enter the Top Five with the next moment on the list. This one is the earliest moment of the decade, and save for Game 3 of the 2008 World Series, it is the one that ended the latest into the night.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Eagles Aftermath: Eagles-30, Broncos-27
What happened?
The Eagles blew a 17 point lead in the second half, but managed to come back and win their sixth in a row with a late David Akers field goal. Oh, and Brian Dawkins came back to Philadelphia as a member of the Denver Broncos.
The Good:
He didn't have the best second half, but Donovan McNabb finished the game completing 20 of 35 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns. He also broke a 27 yard run late in the fourth quarter that turned field position around and allowed the Eagles to get into position to kick the game winning field goal.
Brent Celek was great in the first half, catching four passes for 121 yards and a touchdown.
Jeremy Maclin returned from his foot injury and had six catches for 92 yards, including a 27 yard catch on the final Philadelphia drive that put the Eagles in field goal range.
David Akers was three for three on field goal attempts, hitting the game winning kick with just seven seconds to play.
The Bad:
Brian Westbrook returned from his concussion issues, and led the Eagles in rushing yards, but he only had 36 on nine carries.
DeSean Jackson had an early touchdown, but was shut down in the second half. He finished the game with four catches for 33 yards.
The Ugly:
Did you see the way this team played in the second half? Aside from the last four minutes of the game, it was horrible.
Macho Harris was the worst offender, looking lost on defense and fumbling the ball twice, with one being recovered by the Broncos.
The Breakdown:
It's been a recurring theme during this six game winning streak, but I'm going to say it again tonight: it doesn't matter how it looks, a win is a win. For the first 30 minutes, this game certainly didn't look like it was going to be an ugly win for the Eagles, but a poor second half by the offense and defense let the Broncos back into the game. Only a great run by Donovan McNabb, a huge defensive stand deep in Denver territory and a great catch by Jeremy Maclin allowed the Eagles to pull this game out.
This game really was a tale of two halves. In the first half, the Eagles could do no wrong. Donovan McNabb looked sharp, hitting DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek with touchdown passes, and leading the Eagles on two other scoring drives to put the team up 20-7 at the half. Then, after a McNabb interception led to a Denver field goal, the Eagles answered with a six play, 80 yard drive that ended with McNabb's third touchdown pass of the game, this one to Jason Avant. After that though, most of the second half belonged to the Broncos. An Asante Samuel interception that was returned to midfield was called back to the Philadelphia one yard line thanks to a penalty on Macho Harris, and Philadelphia then called three straight passing plays from the one yard line. Denver responded to the poor play by driving 41 yards in five plays, and after Harris fumbled the ensuing kickoff back to the Broncos, this became a football game again.
Denver scored again to make the score 27-24, and with the Eagles unable to move the ball at all, it became obvious that this was now the Broncos' game to lose. When Matt Prater hit a field goal from 46 yards out, I think most people thought the game was going to Denver. Hell, I know I did. Luckily, Donovan McNabb still had a scramble in his legs, and his 27 yard run on a third down and 25 turned the field over, and the Eagles were able to take advantage. The defense forced a three and out, and Jeremy Maclin's 27 yard catch set up David Akers' 28 yard field goal. The Eagles stopped the Broncos on the ensuing kickoff, and just like that, they were 11-4.
This wasn't a perfectly played game, not by any means. The Eagles got the win, and that's what matters the most, but I still don't think that they played well at all in the second half. After the touchdown by Jason Avant, the Eagles went south, and fast. When a team is up 27-10 midway through the third quarter, you would expect the game to be over. Usually, the Eagles are able to put their foot right on their opponent's throat, but tonight, they couldn't do it. For whatever reason, they let the Broncos back into the game, and things snowballed from there. The defense couldn't make plays when they had to, the offense relied entirely on the passing game, and nothing went right.
The main culprit in this situation was Macho Harris. With Quintin Demps inactive today, the Eagles used Harris on kickoff returns, and things did not go well. He fumbled the ball twice in the second half, including one fumble following a Denver touchdown that allowed the Broncos to get the ball right back. Not only that, but his personal foul penalty on Asante Samuel's interception return helped push the ball back to the Philadelphia one yard line after Samuel returned the ball to midfield. Hopefully, Demps is back next week against Dallas, because I, and many other Eagles fans, don't want to see Harris on the field for anything in what could be the biggest game of the season.
Regardless of the mishaps in the second half, the Eagles still managed to pull off a win today. This was their sixth win in a row, and is the third time that Donovan McNabb has led either a come from behind or game winning drive in the fourth quarter during this streak. I'm not saying that these drives have been John Elway-esque, but that fact that they're happening after years of seeing this team fall short when the chips are down is a sight to behold. For the first time in his career, McNabb is surrounded by playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, and it's really showing late in the season. DeSean Jackson had a touchdown today, Brent Celek torched the Broncos in the first half, Jeremy Maclin had six catches for 92 yards, and Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy carried the load in the running game. Donovan became the first quarterback to throw for over 300 yards against the Denver defense this year, and the Broncos have played teams like New England, Indianapolis, Dallas, New York, San Diego and Pittsburgh. Those teams all have good, if not great, quarterbacks, and McNabb is the only one out of all of them to cross the 300 yard threshold. Just think about that for a second.
Again, today was not a pretty win, but the Eagles once again showed that they can win when the chips are down. This team has shown more heart than any Eagles team that I can honestly remember, and if they can continue to play on this level, they could make a deep run into the playoffs. The Saints are leaking after dropping back to back games at home, and the Vikings have enough problems with Brett Favre and Brad Childress right now. They've clinched a playoff spot, but that's all right now. At this point, the division looks like it's going to come down to next week's game in Dallas. It should be one hell of a game, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Eagles take the division in Jerry Jones' expensive as hell stadium.
The Eagles blew a 17 point lead in the second half, but managed to come back and win their sixth in a row with a late David Akers field goal. Oh, and Brian Dawkins came back to Philadelphia as a member of the Denver Broncos.
The Good:
He didn't have the best second half, but Donovan McNabb finished the game completing 20 of 35 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns. He also broke a 27 yard run late in the fourth quarter that turned field position around and allowed the Eagles to get into position to kick the game winning field goal.
Brent Celek was great in the first half, catching four passes for 121 yards and a touchdown.
Jeremy Maclin returned from his foot injury and had six catches for 92 yards, including a 27 yard catch on the final Philadelphia drive that put the Eagles in field goal range.
David Akers was three for three on field goal attempts, hitting the game winning kick with just seven seconds to play.
The Bad:
Brian Westbrook returned from his concussion issues, and led the Eagles in rushing yards, but he only had 36 on nine carries.
DeSean Jackson had an early touchdown, but was shut down in the second half. He finished the game with four catches for 33 yards.
The Ugly:
Did you see the way this team played in the second half? Aside from the last four minutes of the game, it was horrible.
Macho Harris was the worst offender, looking lost on defense and fumbling the ball twice, with one being recovered by the Broncos.
The Breakdown:
It's been a recurring theme during this six game winning streak, but I'm going to say it again tonight: it doesn't matter how it looks, a win is a win. For the first 30 minutes, this game certainly didn't look like it was going to be an ugly win for the Eagles, but a poor second half by the offense and defense let the Broncos back into the game. Only a great run by Donovan McNabb, a huge defensive stand deep in Denver territory and a great catch by Jeremy Maclin allowed the Eagles to pull this game out.
This game really was a tale of two halves. In the first half, the Eagles could do no wrong. Donovan McNabb looked sharp, hitting DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek with touchdown passes, and leading the Eagles on two other scoring drives to put the team up 20-7 at the half. Then, after a McNabb interception led to a Denver field goal, the Eagles answered with a six play, 80 yard drive that ended with McNabb's third touchdown pass of the game, this one to Jason Avant. After that though, most of the second half belonged to the Broncos. An Asante Samuel interception that was returned to midfield was called back to the Philadelphia one yard line thanks to a penalty on Macho Harris, and Philadelphia then called three straight passing plays from the one yard line. Denver responded to the poor play by driving 41 yards in five plays, and after Harris fumbled the ensuing kickoff back to the Broncos, this became a football game again.
Denver scored again to make the score 27-24, and with the Eagles unable to move the ball at all, it became obvious that this was now the Broncos' game to lose. When Matt Prater hit a field goal from 46 yards out, I think most people thought the game was going to Denver. Hell, I know I did. Luckily, Donovan McNabb still had a scramble in his legs, and his 27 yard run on a third down and 25 turned the field over, and the Eagles were able to take advantage. The defense forced a three and out, and Jeremy Maclin's 27 yard catch set up David Akers' 28 yard field goal. The Eagles stopped the Broncos on the ensuing kickoff, and just like that, they were 11-4.
This wasn't a perfectly played game, not by any means. The Eagles got the win, and that's what matters the most, but I still don't think that they played well at all in the second half. After the touchdown by Jason Avant, the Eagles went south, and fast. When a team is up 27-10 midway through the third quarter, you would expect the game to be over. Usually, the Eagles are able to put their foot right on their opponent's throat, but tonight, they couldn't do it. For whatever reason, they let the Broncos back into the game, and things snowballed from there. The defense couldn't make plays when they had to, the offense relied entirely on the passing game, and nothing went right.
The main culprit in this situation was Macho Harris. With Quintin Demps inactive today, the Eagles used Harris on kickoff returns, and things did not go well. He fumbled the ball twice in the second half, including one fumble following a Denver touchdown that allowed the Broncos to get the ball right back. Not only that, but his personal foul penalty on Asante Samuel's interception return helped push the ball back to the Philadelphia one yard line after Samuel returned the ball to midfield. Hopefully, Demps is back next week against Dallas, because I, and many other Eagles fans, don't want to see Harris on the field for anything in what could be the biggest game of the season.
Regardless of the mishaps in the second half, the Eagles still managed to pull off a win today. This was their sixth win in a row, and is the third time that Donovan McNabb has led either a come from behind or game winning drive in the fourth quarter during this streak. I'm not saying that these drives have been John Elway-esque, but that fact that they're happening after years of seeing this team fall short when the chips are down is a sight to behold. For the first time in his career, McNabb is surrounded by playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, and it's really showing late in the season. DeSean Jackson had a touchdown today, Brent Celek torched the Broncos in the first half, Jeremy Maclin had six catches for 92 yards, and Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy carried the load in the running game. Donovan became the first quarterback to throw for over 300 yards against the Denver defense this year, and the Broncos have played teams like New England, Indianapolis, Dallas, New York, San Diego and Pittsburgh. Those teams all have good, if not great, quarterbacks, and McNabb is the only one out of all of them to cross the 300 yard threshold. Just think about that for a second.
Again, today was not a pretty win, but the Eagles once again showed that they can win when the chips are down. This team has shown more heart than any Eagles team that I can honestly remember, and if they can continue to play on this level, they could make a deep run into the playoffs. The Saints are leaking after dropping back to back games at home, and the Vikings have enough problems with Brett Favre and Brad Childress right now. They've clinched a playoff spot, but that's all right now. At this point, the division looks like it's going to come down to next week's game in Dallas. It should be one hell of a game, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Eagles take the division in Jerry Jones' expensive as hell stadium.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 7
The top of the list is in sight, and while I'm sure those of you reading this know what it is, the next six moments leading up to Number 1 have their own appeal and significance in Philadelphia sports. In fact, without some of them, the top moment never would have happened. That's the case with this moment at Number 7. The Phillies have made some under the radar moves that have paid off for them in the last few years, but very few gave them a return like this one.
Moment #7: Matt Stairs hits a moonshot against the Dodgers-October 13, 2008
On August 30, 2008 then general manager Pat Gillick made a move that was considered a late waiver wire deal, at best. He aquired 40 year old Matt Stairs from the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later. Stairs had been in the major leagues since 1992, and the Phillies were his 11th team, so he was used to moving around, but the Phillies brought him in for one reason and one reason only: to hit home runs off the bench. The Phils needed a power bat to come off the bench, and Stairs was that. He hit two home runs in 16 games with the Phillies, and because he was aquired before September 1, he was allowed to join the Phils in the playoffs.
After cruising through the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS, the Phillies were set to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had swept the Chicago Cubs in their first round series. The Dodgers had only won 84 games during the regular season, but a trade deadline deal for Manny Ramirez had turned their season around. With Manny leading the way, the Dodgers cruised through the NL West. Manny hit .389 with 17 home runs in just 53 games with the Dodgers, and was the main reason why some people had favored Los Angeles over the Phillies in the NLCS.
The Phillies quickly showed that they were not afraid of the Manny mojo, winning Games 1 and 2 in Philadelphia. However, when the series moved back to Los Angeles, the Dodgers turned things around, pounding Jamie Moyer for a 7-2 win in Game 3 that involved a benches clearing incident. As Game 4 approached, Phillies fans had a feeling that the series, and the season, would rest on how this game played itself out.
Things started out well, as Chase Utley and Ryan Howard drove in first inning runs off of Derek Lowe, but the Dodgers would chip away at Joe Blanton. Los Angeles took a run back in the first inning on a James Loney double, then took the lead in the fifth inning with a Manny Ramirez single and a Russel Martin RBI groundout. Even when the Phils tied the game in the top of the sixth inning, the Dodgers build a two run lead up in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a home run by Casey Blake and a Ryan Howard throwing error. Suddenly, the Dodgers had the momentum, and the Phillies were running out of outs. It looked certain that the series would be tied, and even with Cole Hamels pitching Game 5, things were looking bleak for the Phillies.
Things didn't get any better in the seventh inning, as Hong-Chih Kuo retired the side in order. Then came the top of the eighth inning. Ryan Howard started things off with a single, and Kuo was replaced by rookie Cory Wade. After getting Pat Burrell to pop out, Shane Victorino, whose reaction to being thrown at sparked the dugout clearing incident in Game 3, took the first pitch he saw from Wade over the right field fence. The game was tied at five, but there was still work to be done.
Wade bounced back, getting Pedro Feliz to line out to left, before Carlos Ruiz singled. Los Angeles manager Joe Torre had seen enough, and called for big Jonathan Broxton. The young righthander struck out 88 batters in just under 70 innings in 2008, and the Phillies responded by sending Matt Stairs out to face the hard throwing Broxton. Stairs was up there to do one of two things: either strike out and end the inning, or launch a pitch into the California night that would give the Phillies the lead.
After Broxton ran a 3-1 count on Stairs, everyone had their answer.
Broxton hung a belt high fastball right over the plate, and Matt Stairs didn't miss. From the moment the ball hit the bat, everyone watching the game knew that ball wasn't coming down until it landed well into the stands in right field, and that's exactly what happened. A sea of blue coated Dodger fans began shuffling collectively to the exits as the Phillies had taken a 7-5 lead. All the momentum, everything that the Dodgers had gained throughout Game 3 and most of Game 4, had just shifted back to the Phillies side of the diamond. J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge worked scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth, and the Phillies had taken a 3-1 lead in the series.
The rest, as you all know, is history. The Dodgers came out in Game 5 and were shut down by NLCS MVP Cole Hamels. Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run, and Rafael Furcal committed three errors in one inning, which was more than enough to give the Phillies a 5-1 win and their first trip to the World Series in 15 years. Matt Stairs only had one hit through the 2008 playoffs, but it was the biggest hit of his life, and it's the reason why, even though he didn't play well this past year, that he was still greeted with nothing but cheers each time he came to the plate in Philadelphia.
Oh, and the player to be named later in the deal that brought Stairs to the Phils? A one Fabio Castro, who has yet to see the major leagues with the Blue Jays. All in all, I think that deal worked out pretty well for Philadelphia.
Now, if you're like me, you love to watch the video of this moment, even though Joe Buck is cold and emotionless during it. Here it is, thanks to MLB.com's video service.
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=3618349
We say goodbye to the 2008 Phillies for a while now, and say hello to Freddie Mitchell once again. For the last of his moments on the countdown, we head back to an NFC Divisional game, where one of the longest conversions in Eagles history set up another trip to the NFC Championship.
Moment #7: Matt Stairs hits a moonshot against the Dodgers-October 13, 2008
On August 30, 2008 then general manager Pat Gillick made a move that was considered a late waiver wire deal, at best. He aquired 40 year old Matt Stairs from the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later. Stairs had been in the major leagues since 1992, and the Phillies were his 11th team, so he was used to moving around, but the Phillies brought him in for one reason and one reason only: to hit home runs off the bench. The Phils needed a power bat to come off the bench, and Stairs was that. He hit two home runs in 16 games with the Phillies, and because he was aquired before September 1, he was allowed to join the Phils in the playoffs.
After cruising through the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS, the Phillies were set to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had swept the Chicago Cubs in their first round series. The Dodgers had only won 84 games during the regular season, but a trade deadline deal for Manny Ramirez had turned their season around. With Manny leading the way, the Dodgers cruised through the NL West. Manny hit .389 with 17 home runs in just 53 games with the Dodgers, and was the main reason why some people had favored Los Angeles over the Phillies in the NLCS.
The Phillies quickly showed that they were not afraid of the Manny mojo, winning Games 1 and 2 in Philadelphia. However, when the series moved back to Los Angeles, the Dodgers turned things around, pounding Jamie Moyer for a 7-2 win in Game 3 that involved a benches clearing incident. As Game 4 approached, Phillies fans had a feeling that the series, and the season, would rest on how this game played itself out.
Things started out well, as Chase Utley and Ryan Howard drove in first inning runs off of Derek Lowe, but the Dodgers would chip away at Joe Blanton. Los Angeles took a run back in the first inning on a James Loney double, then took the lead in the fifth inning with a Manny Ramirez single and a Russel Martin RBI groundout. Even when the Phils tied the game in the top of the sixth inning, the Dodgers build a two run lead up in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a home run by Casey Blake and a Ryan Howard throwing error. Suddenly, the Dodgers had the momentum, and the Phillies were running out of outs. It looked certain that the series would be tied, and even with Cole Hamels pitching Game 5, things were looking bleak for the Phillies.
Things didn't get any better in the seventh inning, as Hong-Chih Kuo retired the side in order. Then came the top of the eighth inning. Ryan Howard started things off with a single, and Kuo was replaced by rookie Cory Wade. After getting Pat Burrell to pop out, Shane Victorino, whose reaction to being thrown at sparked the dugout clearing incident in Game 3, took the first pitch he saw from Wade over the right field fence. The game was tied at five, but there was still work to be done.
Wade bounced back, getting Pedro Feliz to line out to left, before Carlos Ruiz singled. Los Angeles manager Joe Torre had seen enough, and called for big Jonathan Broxton. The young righthander struck out 88 batters in just under 70 innings in 2008, and the Phillies responded by sending Matt Stairs out to face the hard throwing Broxton. Stairs was up there to do one of two things: either strike out and end the inning, or launch a pitch into the California night that would give the Phillies the lead.
After Broxton ran a 3-1 count on Stairs, everyone had their answer.
Broxton hung a belt high fastball right over the plate, and Matt Stairs didn't miss. From the moment the ball hit the bat, everyone watching the game knew that ball wasn't coming down until it landed well into the stands in right field, and that's exactly what happened. A sea of blue coated Dodger fans began shuffling collectively to the exits as the Phillies had taken a 7-5 lead. All the momentum, everything that the Dodgers had gained throughout Game 3 and most of Game 4, had just shifted back to the Phillies side of the diamond. J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge worked scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth, and the Phillies had taken a 3-1 lead in the series.
The rest, as you all know, is history. The Dodgers came out in Game 5 and were shut down by NLCS MVP Cole Hamels. Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run, and Rafael Furcal committed three errors in one inning, which was more than enough to give the Phillies a 5-1 win and their first trip to the World Series in 15 years. Matt Stairs only had one hit through the 2008 playoffs, but it was the biggest hit of his life, and it's the reason why, even though he didn't play well this past year, that he was still greeted with nothing but cheers each time he came to the plate in Philadelphia.
Oh, and the player to be named later in the deal that brought Stairs to the Phils? A one Fabio Castro, who has yet to see the major leagues with the Blue Jays. All in all, I think that deal worked out pretty well for Philadelphia.
Now, if you're like me, you love to watch the video of this moment, even though Joe Buck is cold and emotionless during it. Here it is, thanks to MLB.com's video service.
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=3618349
We say goodbye to the 2008 Phillies for a while now, and say hello to Freddie Mitchell once again. For the last of his moments on the countdown, we head back to an NFC Divisional game, where one of the longest conversions in Eagles history set up another trip to the NFC Championship.
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 8
The 2008 Phillies have already been featured a few times on this list, and they're going to be seen a few more times as we climb closer to the top. Today's moment comes from one of the wildest World Series games that I can remember watching, as it didn't start until 10:06 PM, and ended just before two in the morning on the shortest walk-off hit in World Series history.
Moment #8: Carlos Ruiz hits a 45 foot walk-off single-October 25, 2008
The Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays had split the first two games of the 2008 World Series in Tampa Bay, and were now headed to Philadelphia for the first World Series game in Philly since 1993. The only problem was that the weather didn't want to co-operate. What was supposed to be a start time of 8:25 was pushed back an hour and a half by rains, and Game 3 of the World Series became the latest starting World Series game ever.
Jamie Moyer got the start for the Phillies, and despite his struggles in the playoffs up until Game 3, Charlie Manuel was going to stick by his veteran pitcher. It wouldn't come out until during the game, but Moyer had been up with flu like symptoms most of the night, and was nowhere close to 100% while he pitched this game. After being squeezed by umpires in his first two starts of the playoffs, Moyer's first pitch of the night would show whether or not the control oriented pitcher would get the calls he would need to do well in this game. Akinori Iwamura flew out on the first pitch, and the next pitch was on the outside corner to B.J. Upton for a called strike. Moyer was in business.
Meanwhile, the Phillies did their best to get out to an early lead against ALCS MVP Matt Garza. Jimmy Rollins singled and eventually came around to score on an RBI groundout from Chase Utley. The Rays would tie the score in the top of the second on a sacrifice fly by Gabe Gross, but Carlos Ruiz gave the Phillies the lead again with a home run into left field in the bottom of the second. The score remained 2-1 until the sixth inning, when Chase Utley and Ryan Howard hit back to back home runs to put the Phils up 4-1. Moyer ran into some trouble in the top of the seventh, and eventually was pulled after allowing two runs and striking out five. It was his best showing of the playoffs, but unfortunately, he would not get the win. The Phillies' bullpen, which had been so reliable during the regular season and the playoffs, came undone in the eighth inning.
Ryan Madson entered the game in the top of the eighth with the Phillies up 4-3. All he had to do was record three outs, and Brad Lidge would come in and do the rest. Of course, with the way that this game had gone, it wasn't easy. He allowed an infield single to B.J. Upton, then struck out Carlos Pena before Upton's speed threw a wrench into the Phillies' plans. Upton stole second on the first pitch to Evan Longoria, then stole third on the next pitch, and came around to score when Carlos Ruiz's throw sailed past Pedro Feliz. The game was tied, and about 46,000 very wet, very tired Phillies fans in Citizens Bank Park began to feel that this was when the other shoe would drop for the Phillies. It had been a great season, but going down 2-1 to the Rays meant more than likely a return trip to Tampa, and very few people saw that ending well.
Madson and J.C. Romero worked out of the rest of the eighth inning, and Jayson Werth walked then stole second to lead off the bottom of the eighth, but Chase Utley and Ryan Howard both struck out, and Werth was picked off of second to end the threat. The heart of the Phillies' lineup had gone down with a whimper in the inning, and Eric Bruntlett, who came into the game as a defensive replacement for Pat Burrell, was due to lead off the bottom of the ninth. It was not a good situation. J.C. Romero did his job in the top of the ninth, sending the game into the bottom of the final inning still tied at four each.
Then, something incredible happened. Eric Bruntlett, who reached base at just a 30% clip in 2008, was hit by a pitch to start off the inning. Bruntlett didn't have much going for him at the plate, but he did have some speed, and he used it when Grant Balfour uncorked a wild pitch to Shane Victorino. Dioner Navarro's throw to second base sailed into center field, and all of a sudden, Bruntlett was standing on third base. The winning run was just 90 feet away, but Tampa manager Joe Maddon had a plan. He intentionally walked Victorino and Pedro Feliz, then called Ben Zobrist in from right field to set up a five man infield. Carlos Ruiz came to the plate, and after the offensive season that he put up in 2008 (.219, 4 HR, 31 RBI), there were only a handful of people that didn't think a double play was in order.
Ruiz took the first pitch from Grant Balfour for a ball, then went down in the count 1-2. With the pitcher's spot up next, Ruiz had to at least keep fighting, and that's what he did. He fouled off the next pitch, then took a ball to even the count. With the crowd fully behind him, Ruiz swung at the next pitch...and dribbled it to the one place in the infield where there wasn't a Tampa Bay Ray standing with a glove. The ball bounced right in front of home plate, and rolled about 45 feet down the third base line. Eric Bruntlett was off with the crack of the bat, forcing Evan Longoria to make a decision. Longoria's choice was to throw the ball about ten feet over Dioner Navarro's head. Bruntlett scored, and the Phillies had won Game 3 of the World Series on the shortest walk-off hit in World Series history. Add in the fact that the game ended at just after 1:45 in the morning, and you have one of the most improbable moments that most fans had ever seen.
You all know how the World Series ended, and I already covered Game 4 a while back on the countdown. Game 5 will be coming up, you just have to wait for that. Carlos' game winning hit only helped propel him along in the World Series. He finished with a .375 batting average and three RBI, not too bad for a guy who only drove in 31 during the regular season.
Where would this moment be without a video of it? Enjoy watching from a fan's perspective.
We're not done with the 2008 Phillies season, not by a long shot. In fact, the next moment on the list takes place just two weeks before this one. Lots of people can look back at a moment when they knew the Phillies would win the World Series last year. Some people knew after Game 4, others say they knew after this moment, and others still went back to the NLCS, when a journeyman from Canada launched a pitch into the California night that still hasn't come down.
Moment #8: Carlos Ruiz hits a 45 foot walk-off single-October 25, 2008
The Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays had split the first two games of the 2008 World Series in Tampa Bay, and were now headed to Philadelphia for the first World Series game in Philly since 1993. The only problem was that the weather didn't want to co-operate. What was supposed to be a start time of 8:25 was pushed back an hour and a half by rains, and Game 3 of the World Series became the latest starting World Series game ever.
Jamie Moyer got the start for the Phillies, and despite his struggles in the playoffs up until Game 3, Charlie Manuel was going to stick by his veteran pitcher. It wouldn't come out until during the game, but Moyer had been up with flu like symptoms most of the night, and was nowhere close to 100% while he pitched this game. After being squeezed by umpires in his first two starts of the playoffs, Moyer's first pitch of the night would show whether or not the control oriented pitcher would get the calls he would need to do well in this game. Akinori Iwamura flew out on the first pitch, and the next pitch was on the outside corner to B.J. Upton for a called strike. Moyer was in business.
Meanwhile, the Phillies did their best to get out to an early lead against ALCS MVP Matt Garza. Jimmy Rollins singled and eventually came around to score on an RBI groundout from Chase Utley. The Rays would tie the score in the top of the second on a sacrifice fly by Gabe Gross, but Carlos Ruiz gave the Phillies the lead again with a home run into left field in the bottom of the second. The score remained 2-1 until the sixth inning, when Chase Utley and Ryan Howard hit back to back home runs to put the Phils up 4-1. Moyer ran into some trouble in the top of the seventh, and eventually was pulled after allowing two runs and striking out five. It was his best showing of the playoffs, but unfortunately, he would not get the win. The Phillies' bullpen, which had been so reliable during the regular season and the playoffs, came undone in the eighth inning.
Ryan Madson entered the game in the top of the eighth with the Phillies up 4-3. All he had to do was record three outs, and Brad Lidge would come in and do the rest. Of course, with the way that this game had gone, it wasn't easy. He allowed an infield single to B.J. Upton, then struck out Carlos Pena before Upton's speed threw a wrench into the Phillies' plans. Upton stole second on the first pitch to Evan Longoria, then stole third on the next pitch, and came around to score when Carlos Ruiz's throw sailed past Pedro Feliz. The game was tied, and about 46,000 very wet, very tired Phillies fans in Citizens Bank Park began to feel that this was when the other shoe would drop for the Phillies. It had been a great season, but going down 2-1 to the Rays meant more than likely a return trip to Tampa, and very few people saw that ending well.
Madson and J.C. Romero worked out of the rest of the eighth inning, and Jayson Werth walked then stole second to lead off the bottom of the eighth, but Chase Utley and Ryan Howard both struck out, and Werth was picked off of second to end the threat. The heart of the Phillies' lineup had gone down with a whimper in the inning, and Eric Bruntlett, who came into the game as a defensive replacement for Pat Burrell, was due to lead off the bottom of the ninth. It was not a good situation. J.C. Romero did his job in the top of the ninth, sending the game into the bottom of the final inning still tied at four each.
Then, something incredible happened. Eric Bruntlett, who reached base at just a 30% clip in 2008, was hit by a pitch to start off the inning. Bruntlett didn't have much going for him at the plate, but he did have some speed, and he used it when Grant Balfour uncorked a wild pitch to Shane Victorino. Dioner Navarro's throw to second base sailed into center field, and all of a sudden, Bruntlett was standing on third base. The winning run was just 90 feet away, but Tampa manager Joe Maddon had a plan. He intentionally walked Victorino and Pedro Feliz, then called Ben Zobrist in from right field to set up a five man infield. Carlos Ruiz came to the plate, and after the offensive season that he put up in 2008 (.219, 4 HR, 31 RBI), there were only a handful of people that didn't think a double play was in order.
Ruiz took the first pitch from Grant Balfour for a ball, then went down in the count 1-2. With the pitcher's spot up next, Ruiz had to at least keep fighting, and that's what he did. He fouled off the next pitch, then took a ball to even the count. With the crowd fully behind him, Ruiz swung at the next pitch...and dribbled it to the one place in the infield where there wasn't a Tampa Bay Ray standing with a glove. The ball bounced right in front of home plate, and rolled about 45 feet down the third base line. Eric Bruntlett was off with the crack of the bat, forcing Evan Longoria to make a decision. Longoria's choice was to throw the ball about ten feet over Dioner Navarro's head. Bruntlett scored, and the Phillies had won Game 3 of the World Series on the shortest walk-off hit in World Series history. Add in the fact that the game ended at just after 1:45 in the morning, and you have one of the most improbable moments that most fans had ever seen.
You all know how the World Series ended, and I already covered Game 4 a while back on the countdown. Game 5 will be coming up, you just have to wait for that. Carlos' game winning hit only helped propel him along in the World Series. He finished with a .375 batting average and three RBI, not too bad for a guy who only drove in 31 during the regular season.
Where would this moment be without a video of it? Enjoy watching from a fan's perspective.
We're not done with the 2008 Phillies season, not by a long shot. In fact, the next moment on the list takes place just two weeks before this one. Lots of people can look back at a moment when they knew the Phillies would win the World Series last year. Some people knew after Game 4, others say they knew after this moment, and others still went back to the NLCS, when a journeyman from Canada launched a pitch into the California night that still hasn't come down.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 9
The 2006 Philadelphia Eagles season was one of the more improbable of the decade. Not only did the team going from 4-1 to 5-6, but Donovan McNabb was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Then, backup Jeff Garcia came in and led the Eagles to five straight wins and another NFC East title. This moment comes from the first half of the season, when Terrell Owens made his return to Philadelphia as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
Moment #9: Lito Sheppard's 102 yard interception return beats Dallas-October 8, 2006
To say that the time Terrell Owens was in Philadelphia was interesting would be an understatement. His first year was a picture of perfection, as Owens scored 14 touchdowns and went for 1,300 receiving yards. After the Eagles lost in Super Bowl XXXIX to the Patriots, things started to go downhill. Owens signed Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, and began demanding a new contract, despite the fact that he was just about to start the second year of a seven year deal that he had signed when he was traded to the Eagles. From there, things began to roll downhill quickly. He called out Donovan McNabb, was sent home from training camp, did sit-ups in his driveway, called the Eagles "classless" for not acknowledging his 100th touchdown catch, fought Hugh Douglas in the locker room and was then suspended for four games and deactivated for the rest of the season. The Eagles released Owens on March 14, 2006 and he wasted little time signing with a new team.
Four days later, Terrell Owens signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He started out the 2006 season with eight catches and a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but then injured his finger against the Washington Redskins and supposedly overdosed on medication not long after. He vowed to be ready for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and as Week 5 of the NFL season arrived, he was once again at Lincoln Financial Field, only this time, he was a member of the Dallas Cowboys. It was one of the most hyped early games in NFL history, and for the most part, the game was good.
The Eagles struck first, building a 10-0 lead thanks to two turnovers by Dallas quarterback Drew Bledsoe. The Cowboys came back with the next 14 points on a Marion Barber touchdown run and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by DeMarcus Ware. Donovan McNabb struck back with a 60 yard pass to L.J. Smith that put the ball on the Dallas one yard line, and then scored on a quarterback keeper to once again put the Eagles on top. The Cowboys answered back with a long touchdown drive that was capped off by a seven yard run from Drew Bledsoe, of all people, and they took a 21-17 halftime lead.
The Eagles would take the lead back midway through the third quarter, thanks to an 87 yard touchdown bomb from Donovan McNabb to then rookie wide receiver Hank Baskett. Dallas would tie the game early in the fourth quarter on a Mike Vanderjagt field goal, but McNabb would answer once again. This time, he connected with Reggie Brown on a 40 yard flea flicker to put Philadelphia up 31-24. The Cowboys would get into Philadelphia territory on their next drive, but Lito Sheppard intercepted a Drew Bledsoe pass that was intended for Terrell Owens at the Philadelphia seven yard line. However, the Eagles could not put the game away, and with four and a half minutes to play, they punted the ball back to the Cowboys, who had to go 84 yards to tie the game.
They almost got there, but it wasn't without some help. Dallas moved the ball to their own 45 yard line, but back to back sacks by the Eagles pushed them back to their 27. A ten yard pass from Drew Bledsoe to Marion Barber put the Cowboys in a fourth and 18 hole, and Bledsoe launched a deep pass to Terry Glenn that ended up falling incomplete. However, pass interference was called on safety Michael Lewis. The 57 yard penalty put the ball at the Philadelphia six yard line with just 35 seconds to play. It looked like a tie game was inevitable, and just about everyone in the stadium knew who Bledsoe would be looking at to score the game tying touchdown.
The first pass attempt to Terrell Owens was incomplete. On second down, Bledsoe instead attempted a pass to tight end Jason Witten. For the second time in the fourth quarter, Lito Sheppard stepped in front of the pass, and this time, he took it to the house. His 102 yard interception return sealed the game for the Eagles and sent Terrell Owens into a tirade afterwords. He reportedly stormed into the Dallas locker room after the game and asked why the Cowboys even bothered signing him. Of course, his three catch, 45 yard performance during the game might have had something to do with that as well. Donovan McNabb finished the game with 354 passing yards and two touchdowns, as well as a rushing touchdown. The Eagles intercepted Drew Bledsoe three times and sacked him seven times. Two weeks later, Bledsoe was benched at halftime of a game against the New York Giants and a kid named Tony Romo took his place.
The Eagles improved to 4-1 with the win over the Cowboys, but then hit that aforementioned rough patch, which continued until Jeff Garcia turned the season around. Garcia even got some revenge on Terrell Owens later in the season, with a 23-7 win over the Cowboys on Christmas that gave the Eagles the NFC East title. Owens would play three seasons with the Cowboys before getting released this past offseason. He's now spending his time in football purgatory, also known as Buffalo.
Of course, this moment needs video. Here's a shot from the stands as Lito Sheppard crushes Terrell Owens' dreams of beating the Eagles.
That wraps up the Eagles/Cowboys portion of the countdown. Up next, we head back to the 2008 World Series, where the Phillies found a very interesting way to beat a five man infield...hit the ball 45 feet.
Moment #9: Lito Sheppard's 102 yard interception return beats Dallas-October 8, 2006
To say that the time Terrell Owens was in Philadelphia was interesting would be an understatement. His first year was a picture of perfection, as Owens scored 14 touchdowns and went for 1,300 receiving yards. After the Eagles lost in Super Bowl XXXIX to the Patriots, things started to go downhill. Owens signed Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, and began demanding a new contract, despite the fact that he was just about to start the second year of a seven year deal that he had signed when he was traded to the Eagles. From there, things began to roll downhill quickly. He called out Donovan McNabb, was sent home from training camp, did sit-ups in his driveway, called the Eagles "classless" for not acknowledging his 100th touchdown catch, fought Hugh Douglas in the locker room and was then suspended for four games and deactivated for the rest of the season. The Eagles released Owens on March 14, 2006 and he wasted little time signing with a new team.
Four days later, Terrell Owens signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He started out the 2006 season with eight catches and a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but then injured his finger against the Washington Redskins and supposedly overdosed on medication not long after. He vowed to be ready for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and as Week 5 of the NFL season arrived, he was once again at Lincoln Financial Field, only this time, he was a member of the Dallas Cowboys. It was one of the most hyped early games in NFL history, and for the most part, the game was good.
The Eagles struck first, building a 10-0 lead thanks to two turnovers by Dallas quarterback Drew Bledsoe. The Cowboys came back with the next 14 points on a Marion Barber touchdown run and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by DeMarcus Ware. Donovan McNabb struck back with a 60 yard pass to L.J. Smith that put the ball on the Dallas one yard line, and then scored on a quarterback keeper to once again put the Eagles on top. The Cowboys answered back with a long touchdown drive that was capped off by a seven yard run from Drew Bledsoe, of all people, and they took a 21-17 halftime lead.
The Eagles would take the lead back midway through the third quarter, thanks to an 87 yard touchdown bomb from Donovan McNabb to then rookie wide receiver Hank Baskett. Dallas would tie the game early in the fourth quarter on a Mike Vanderjagt field goal, but McNabb would answer once again. This time, he connected with Reggie Brown on a 40 yard flea flicker to put Philadelphia up 31-24. The Cowboys would get into Philadelphia territory on their next drive, but Lito Sheppard intercepted a Drew Bledsoe pass that was intended for Terrell Owens at the Philadelphia seven yard line. However, the Eagles could not put the game away, and with four and a half minutes to play, they punted the ball back to the Cowboys, who had to go 84 yards to tie the game.
They almost got there, but it wasn't without some help. Dallas moved the ball to their own 45 yard line, but back to back sacks by the Eagles pushed them back to their 27. A ten yard pass from Drew Bledsoe to Marion Barber put the Cowboys in a fourth and 18 hole, and Bledsoe launched a deep pass to Terry Glenn that ended up falling incomplete. However, pass interference was called on safety Michael Lewis. The 57 yard penalty put the ball at the Philadelphia six yard line with just 35 seconds to play. It looked like a tie game was inevitable, and just about everyone in the stadium knew who Bledsoe would be looking at to score the game tying touchdown.
The first pass attempt to Terrell Owens was incomplete. On second down, Bledsoe instead attempted a pass to tight end Jason Witten. For the second time in the fourth quarter, Lito Sheppard stepped in front of the pass, and this time, he took it to the house. His 102 yard interception return sealed the game for the Eagles and sent Terrell Owens into a tirade afterwords. He reportedly stormed into the Dallas locker room after the game and asked why the Cowboys even bothered signing him. Of course, his three catch, 45 yard performance during the game might have had something to do with that as well. Donovan McNabb finished the game with 354 passing yards and two touchdowns, as well as a rushing touchdown. The Eagles intercepted Drew Bledsoe three times and sacked him seven times. Two weeks later, Bledsoe was benched at halftime of a game against the New York Giants and a kid named Tony Romo took his place.
The Eagles improved to 4-1 with the win over the Cowboys, but then hit that aforementioned rough patch, which continued until Jeff Garcia turned the season around. Garcia even got some revenge on Terrell Owens later in the season, with a 23-7 win over the Cowboys on Christmas that gave the Eagles the NFC East title. Owens would play three seasons with the Cowboys before getting released this past offseason. He's now spending his time in football purgatory, also known as Buffalo.
Of course, this moment needs video. Here's a shot from the stands as Lito Sheppard crushes Terrell Owens' dreams of beating the Eagles.
That wraps up the Eagles/Cowboys portion of the countdown. Up next, we head back to the 2008 World Series, where the Phillies found a very interesting way to beat a five man infield...hit the ball 45 feet.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 10
The Top 10 is upon us, and we head back to the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies season for the first of the final 10 moments. As the NLDS started, the Phillies found themselves back in the playoffs for the second year in a row, and this time, they had to face a team that had traded for arguably the best pitcher in the National League during the second half of the season. What happened in Game Two of the NLDS was one of the best things I had ever seen, and is clearly deserving of the number 10 spot on this list.
Moment #10: Shane Victorino's grand slam off C.C. Sabathia-October 2, 2008
For the second year in a row, the Phillies had clinched the National League East and were headed to the playoffs. While the 2007 Phillies had been swept by the Colorado Rockies, the 2008 Phillies knew that there was more work that had to be done. Cole Hamels took the mound in Game 1 of the NLDS and pitched a gem, pitching eight shutout innings in a 3-1 Phillies win. With that, the Phillies had won their first playoff game since 1993, but there was still a large obsticle in front of them if they wanted to take a 2-0 lead against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Milwaukee was in the playoffs for the first time since 1982 on the strength of one man. When the Brewers acquired C.C. Sabathia from the Indians in July, most people thought that he would help push Milwaukee towards the playoffs. Very few thought that a man who had gone 6-8 with a 3.83 ERA in Cleveland would then turn around and go 11-2 with a 1.81 ERA in the National League. Thanks to Sabathia's pitching, the Brewers clinched the Wild Card in the National League on the last day of the season. The Phillies had swept the Brewers in the middle of September, but had missed Sabathia during the four game series, and now would have to face him with the NLDS potentially on the line.
Brett Myers took the mound for the Phillies in Game 2 and got into trouble early. He walked three of the first five batters he faced, with a walk to Ryan Braun forcing in a run. However, he worked out of trouble and would never find himself in a situation like that again for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, the Phillies got to C.C. Sabathia in the first inning, thanks to a Shane Victorino double, but he came back with strikeouts of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to get out of the inning. In the second, he wouldn't be so lucky.
After a Pat Burrell fly out, Jayson Werth doubled to center, and Pedro Feliz followed that up with an RBI double that tied the game. Carlos Ruiz advanced Feliz to third on a ground out, and Brett Myers then stepped to the plate. To be honest, his at bat here could have made this list, but it fell just short. He and Sabathia battled, after Sabathia got Myers down 0-2 on the first two pitches. Myers took ball one, then fouled off a pitch, and repeated that process for the next six pitches until he earned a walk. Somehow, Brett Myers, who had exactly four walks in the regular season, had earned a walk off of C.C. Sabathia. The big pitcher was clearly rattled, because he walked Jimmy Rollins on four pitches, which loaded the bases for Shane Victorino.
Sabathia started Victorino out with a ball, but then came back with two quick strikes, putting him in a 1-2 hole. The next pitch was a belt high off speed pitch that Victorino drilled. The ball flew into left field and landed about six rows into the stands as Citizens Bank Park erupted in cheers. As improbable as it was for C.C. Sabathia to walk Brett Myers, it seemed even more unlikely that he would allow Shane Victorino of all people to hit a grand slam home run off of him. The grand slam was the first postseason home run of Shane's career and was only the seventh home run that Sabathia had allowed as a member of the Brewers. Suddenly, the aura surrounding Sabathia was gone. He was just another pitcher that the Phillies had taken care of early in a baseball game. The man that had led Milwaukee to the playoffs for the first time in 26 years wouldn't make it out of the fourth inning, while Brett Myers pitched seven innings of two hit baseball. The Phillies would hold on to win the game 5-2, with all the runs coming in that second inning.
As it turned out, C.C. Sabathia would never pitch another game for the Brewers again. After Milwaukee prevented a sweep with a Game 3 win, the Phillies came back and took Game 4 on the strength of four home runs. Sabathia was scheduled to start Game 5 back in Philadelphia, but he never got the chance. He would sign with the New York Yankees in the offseason, and faced the Phillies in the World Series, where he went 1-1.
I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it until the day I stop breathing: there were so many moments during the 2008 Phillies' season that made me, and others believe that they could win the World Series, and this was another one of them. Who would have thought that Shane Victorino would hit a grand slam off of the best pitcher in the National League? Who would have thought that home run would give Brett Myers, of all people, enough runs to beat C.C. Sabathia in the playoffs? I'm telling you all, there was something magical out there for the Phillies in 2008. All of these moments just didn't happen by chance.
When this moment actually happened, I wasn't watching the game. I was listening to it, parked outside my apartment, waiting for the inning to end. I had just gotten home from work, and pulled up as Brett Myers came to bat. I refused to get out of the car, knowing full well that if I did, I would jinx the Phillies. Once Shane hit that grand slam, I screamed as loud as I think I ever have, and I know people were staring at me. I didn't care. The Phillies were on the verge of doing something that I had never actually seen them do (I was nine back in 1993, and didn't actually see much of the playoffs that year, as I had a bedtime.). After seeing Cole Hamels in person shut down the Brewers the day before, I didn't think anything could top that. This did.
Here is the video of that glorious home run, matched up with Larry Andersen and Scott Franzke's call. Thanks to The Fightins, the best Phillies blog online, for the video.
The journey towards the top of this list continues tomorrow with the last moment between the Eagles and Cowboys. This one involves a certain wide receiver who was coming back into town for the first time since he left.
Moment #10: Shane Victorino's grand slam off C.C. Sabathia-October 2, 2008
For the second year in a row, the Phillies had clinched the National League East and were headed to the playoffs. While the 2007 Phillies had been swept by the Colorado Rockies, the 2008 Phillies knew that there was more work that had to be done. Cole Hamels took the mound in Game 1 of the NLDS and pitched a gem, pitching eight shutout innings in a 3-1 Phillies win. With that, the Phillies had won their first playoff game since 1993, but there was still a large obsticle in front of them if they wanted to take a 2-0 lead against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Milwaukee was in the playoffs for the first time since 1982 on the strength of one man. When the Brewers acquired C.C. Sabathia from the Indians in July, most people thought that he would help push Milwaukee towards the playoffs. Very few thought that a man who had gone 6-8 with a 3.83 ERA in Cleveland would then turn around and go 11-2 with a 1.81 ERA in the National League. Thanks to Sabathia's pitching, the Brewers clinched the Wild Card in the National League on the last day of the season. The Phillies had swept the Brewers in the middle of September, but had missed Sabathia during the four game series, and now would have to face him with the NLDS potentially on the line.
Brett Myers took the mound for the Phillies in Game 2 and got into trouble early. He walked three of the first five batters he faced, with a walk to Ryan Braun forcing in a run. However, he worked out of trouble and would never find himself in a situation like that again for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, the Phillies got to C.C. Sabathia in the first inning, thanks to a Shane Victorino double, but he came back with strikeouts of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to get out of the inning. In the second, he wouldn't be so lucky.
After a Pat Burrell fly out, Jayson Werth doubled to center, and Pedro Feliz followed that up with an RBI double that tied the game. Carlos Ruiz advanced Feliz to third on a ground out, and Brett Myers then stepped to the plate. To be honest, his at bat here could have made this list, but it fell just short. He and Sabathia battled, after Sabathia got Myers down 0-2 on the first two pitches. Myers took ball one, then fouled off a pitch, and repeated that process for the next six pitches until he earned a walk. Somehow, Brett Myers, who had exactly four walks in the regular season, had earned a walk off of C.C. Sabathia. The big pitcher was clearly rattled, because he walked Jimmy Rollins on four pitches, which loaded the bases for Shane Victorino.
Sabathia started Victorino out with a ball, but then came back with two quick strikes, putting him in a 1-2 hole. The next pitch was a belt high off speed pitch that Victorino drilled. The ball flew into left field and landed about six rows into the stands as Citizens Bank Park erupted in cheers. As improbable as it was for C.C. Sabathia to walk Brett Myers, it seemed even more unlikely that he would allow Shane Victorino of all people to hit a grand slam home run off of him. The grand slam was the first postseason home run of Shane's career and was only the seventh home run that Sabathia had allowed as a member of the Brewers. Suddenly, the aura surrounding Sabathia was gone. He was just another pitcher that the Phillies had taken care of early in a baseball game. The man that had led Milwaukee to the playoffs for the first time in 26 years wouldn't make it out of the fourth inning, while Brett Myers pitched seven innings of two hit baseball. The Phillies would hold on to win the game 5-2, with all the runs coming in that second inning.
As it turned out, C.C. Sabathia would never pitch another game for the Brewers again. After Milwaukee prevented a sweep with a Game 3 win, the Phillies came back and took Game 4 on the strength of four home runs. Sabathia was scheduled to start Game 5 back in Philadelphia, but he never got the chance. He would sign with the New York Yankees in the offseason, and faced the Phillies in the World Series, where he went 1-1.
I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it until the day I stop breathing: there were so many moments during the 2008 Phillies' season that made me, and others believe that they could win the World Series, and this was another one of them. Who would have thought that Shane Victorino would hit a grand slam off of the best pitcher in the National League? Who would have thought that home run would give Brett Myers, of all people, enough runs to beat C.C. Sabathia in the playoffs? I'm telling you all, there was something magical out there for the Phillies in 2008. All of these moments just didn't happen by chance.
When this moment actually happened, I wasn't watching the game. I was listening to it, parked outside my apartment, waiting for the inning to end. I had just gotten home from work, and pulled up as Brett Myers came to bat. I refused to get out of the car, knowing full well that if I did, I would jinx the Phillies. Once Shane hit that grand slam, I screamed as loud as I think I ever have, and I know people were staring at me. I didn't care. The Phillies were on the verge of doing something that I had never actually seen them do (I was nine back in 1993, and didn't actually see much of the playoffs that year, as I had a bedtime.). After seeing Cole Hamels in person shut down the Brewers the day before, I didn't think anything could top that. This did.
Here is the video of that glorious home run, matched up with Larry Andersen and Scott Franzke's call. Thanks to The Fightins, the best Phillies blog online, for the video.
The journey towards the top of this list continues tomorrow with the last moment between the Eagles and Cowboys. This one involves a certain wide receiver who was coming back into town for the first time since he left.
Eagles Aftermath: Eagles-27, 49ers-13
What happened?
Behind a solid showing from the defense, the Eagles beat the San Francisco 49ers for their fifth straight win and clinched a playoff spot.
The Good:
DeSean Jackson caught six passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. The 140 yards put him over 1,000 for the season, making him the third Eagles receiver under Andy Reid to reach the 1,000 yard mark.
The rushing duo of LeSean McCoy and Leonard Weaver were good, rushing for a combined 100 yards on 26 carries. McCoy also had a touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice.
Brent Celek had a solid game, catching four passes for 73 yards.
In the first half, the defense was excellent, forcing four turnovers and getting constant pressure on Alex Smith.
Trent Cole had a great individual game, recording two sacks.
The Bad:
Donovan McNabb passed for 306 yards, but he didn't have his best game, finishing with two interceptions compared to just one touchdown. He also had a rushing touchdown in the first half.
Frank Gore had 16 carries for 107 yards, breaking the Eagles streak of keeping running backs under 100 yards.
The Ugly:
Did you see the third quarter? The Eagles came out looking horrible, allowing ten points within four minutes. Yes, the Eagles won, but for a few minutes, the game was much, much closer.
The Breakdown:
After a blizzard went and dumped almost two feet of snow on the Philadelphia area on Saturday into Sunday morning, the Eagles came out and looked hot enough to melt most of the snow and ice that was piled on the sidelines. Philadelphia needed just five plays to get on the board, and after the 49ers answered with a field goal on their first drive, the defense took over. On four of the next seven San Francisco possessions, the Eagles forced turnovers, and the offense then took advantage, scoring 13 points off of the turnovers.
The first half was all Eagles, but the second half started out a little choppy. The 49ers kicked a field goal on their first drive of the third quarter, and after Donovan McNabb threw an interception on the first Philadelphia play, San Francisco drove 35 yards on six plays. A 12 yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Josh Morgan cut the lead to 20-13. Fortunately, the Eagles were able to buckle down after the two 49er scoring drives, thanks to a 59 yard pass from McNabb to DeSean Jackson. After LeSean McCoy finished the drive with a two yard touchdown run, the scoring was finished and the Eagles were headed to the playoffs once again.
Though the Eagles did manage to win by 14 points, it wasn't the prettiest win in the world, and it feels like I've said that about a lot of games this year for the Eagles. Donovan McNabb certainly didn't have his best game today, throwing two sloppy interceptions and missing on several throws that he should have hit. Even with his missteps, the Eagles did manage to have two long scoring drives that would end up being the difference in the game. LeSean McCoy and Leonard Weaver helped pick up the running game today, combining for 100 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Though it's nice to have a running back duo that can get to 100 yards, it would be even nicer to have a healthy Brian Westbrook in the backfield.
The biggest difference today was the play of the defense, especially in the first half. The 49ers had a couple of chances to take the lead in the first half, in particular when Andy Reid made the choice to go for a fourth down on the Philadelphia 29 yard line. With the 49ers at the Philadelphia 16 yard line, Sheldon Brown forced a fumble, and Asante Samuel recovered. Five minutes later, Donovan McNabb scored on an eight yard run. Two interceptions of Alex Smith followed at the end of the second quarter, and the Eagles turned them into two David Akers field goals.
I'm not going to get into the third quarter again, because I already went over how the Eagles pretty much sleepwalked through most of it and let the 49ers back into the game. It's just nice to have a team that can respond to a challenge like they did late in the third quarter. There have been several times this year when the Eagles have had to either come back or put down a come back chance from their opponent, and they've done very well so far this year. Now, they've clinched a playoff spot and are in the driver's seat for the NFC East championship. All that it would take at this point is a win, followed by a Dallas loss, and the Eagles are going to be at least the number three seed in the playoffs.
This is honestly one of the most improbable seasons that I can possibly remember, save for the Jeff Garcia led 2006 campaign. After the Eagles dropped back to back games to the Cowboys and Chargers, I didn't think they would be in this position five weeks later, not by a long shot. Now, they're in the playoffs and are one of the top three teams in the NFC. I'm not going to say that they can come out of the NFC this year, not yet anyway. However, if they can keep finding that little extra something that's pushing them this year, it could be a very fun last month and a half.
Next week, the Denver Broncos come into town. This is going to have the feel of a playoff game, what with Brian Dawkins coming back and all. It's going to be fun.
Behind a solid showing from the defense, the Eagles beat the San Francisco 49ers for their fifth straight win and clinched a playoff spot.
The Good:
DeSean Jackson caught six passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. The 140 yards put him over 1,000 for the season, making him the third Eagles receiver under Andy Reid to reach the 1,000 yard mark.
The rushing duo of LeSean McCoy and Leonard Weaver were good, rushing for a combined 100 yards on 26 carries. McCoy also had a touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice.
Brent Celek had a solid game, catching four passes for 73 yards.
In the first half, the defense was excellent, forcing four turnovers and getting constant pressure on Alex Smith.
Trent Cole had a great individual game, recording two sacks.
The Bad:
Donovan McNabb passed for 306 yards, but he didn't have his best game, finishing with two interceptions compared to just one touchdown. He also had a rushing touchdown in the first half.
Frank Gore had 16 carries for 107 yards, breaking the Eagles streak of keeping running backs under 100 yards.
The Ugly:
Did you see the third quarter? The Eagles came out looking horrible, allowing ten points within four minutes. Yes, the Eagles won, but for a few minutes, the game was much, much closer.
The Breakdown:
After a blizzard went and dumped almost two feet of snow on the Philadelphia area on Saturday into Sunday morning, the Eagles came out and looked hot enough to melt most of the snow and ice that was piled on the sidelines. Philadelphia needed just five plays to get on the board, and after the 49ers answered with a field goal on their first drive, the defense took over. On four of the next seven San Francisco possessions, the Eagles forced turnovers, and the offense then took advantage, scoring 13 points off of the turnovers.
The first half was all Eagles, but the second half started out a little choppy. The 49ers kicked a field goal on their first drive of the third quarter, and after Donovan McNabb threw an interception on the first Philadelphia play, San Francisco drove 35 yards on six plays. A 12 yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Josh Morgan cut the lead to 20-13. Fortunately, the Eagles were able to buckle down after the two 49er scoring drives, thanks to a 59 yard pass from McNabb to DeSean Jackson. After LeSean McCoy finished the drive with a two yard touchdown run, the scoring was finished and the Eagles were headed to the playoffs once again.
Though the Eagles did manage to win by 14 points, it wasn't the prettiest win in the world, and it feels like I've said that about a lot of games this year for the Eagles. Donovan McNabb certainly didn't have his best game today, throwing two sloppy interceptions and missing on several throws that he should have hit. Even with his missteps, the Eagles did manage to have two long scoring drives that would end up being the difference in the game. LeSean McCoy and Leonard Weaver helped pick up the running game today, combining for 100 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Though it's nice to have a running back duo that can get to 100 yards, it would be even nicer to have a healthy Brian Westbrook in the backfield.
The biggest difference today was the play of the defense, especially in the first half. The 49ers had a couple of chances to take the lead in the first half, in particular when Andy Reid made the choice to go for a fourth down on the Philadelphia 29 yard line. With the 49ers at the Philadelphia 16 yard line, Sheldon Brown forced a fumble, and Asante Samuel recovered. Five minutes later, Donovan McNabb scored on an eight yard run. Two interceptions of Alex Smith followed at the end of the second quarter, and the Eagles turned them into two David Akers field goals.
I'm not going to get into the third quarter again, because I already went over how the Eagles pretty much sleepwalked through most of it and let the 49ers back into the game. It's just nice to have a team that can respond to a challenge like they did late in the third quarter. There have been several times this year when the Eagles have had to either come back or put down a come back chance from their opponent, and they've done very well so far this year. Now, they've clinched a playoff spot and are in the driver's seat for the NFC East championship. All that it would take at this point is a win, followed by a Dallas loss, and the Eagles are going to be at least the number three seed in the playoffs.
This is honestly one of the most improbable seasons that I can possibly remember, save for the Jeff Garcia led 2006 campaign. After the Eagles dropped back to back games to the Cowboys and Chargers, I didn't think they would be in this position five weeks later, not by a long shot. Now, they're in the playoffs and are one of the top three teams in the NFC. I'm not going to say that they can come out of the NFC this year, not yet anyway. However, if they can keep finding that little extra something that's pushing them this year, it could be a very fun last month and a half.
Next week, the Denver Broncos come into town. This is going to have the feel of a playoff game, what with Brian Dawkins coming back and all. It's going to be fun.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The Top 25 Philadelphia Sports Moments of the Decade: Number 11
The top 25 heads back to the magical 2008 season for the Philadelphia Phillies for moment number 11. This one closed out the regular season, and ended up setting in motion the greatness that followed.
Moment #11: The Phillies clinch their second straight NL East title via a Jimmy Rollins double play-September 27, 2008
I've said it before in this countdown, but I'll say it again: the 2008 Phillies had one of the most up and down seasons that I've ever witnessed. After pushing the New York Mets seven and a half games back in June, the Phils faltered, and by the end of September 10, they were down three games with just 16 to play. For the second year in a row, the Phillies managed to pull off an amazing comeback, sweeping the Brewers and Braves to go up by half a game. They followed that by taking two of three from the Florida Marlins to go up by a game and half. Meanwhile, the Mets were busy splitting a four game series with the Chicago Cubs and then dealing with the Florida Marlins, who had ended their season last year. The Phillies finished the year with a three game series against the Washington Nationals, and after they took the first game of their series, and the Mets dropped their first game to the Marlins, the magic number was down to one. All they had to do was win one more game.
The Mets didn't do the Phillies any favors, as they beat the Marlins 2-0 on the strength of a complete game shutout by Johan Santana. Jamie Moyer took the mound for the Phils in the same situation he had been in the year before. With a win, the Phillies would clinch the National League East and a second straight playoff spot. With a loss, the door was open for the Mets, and no one wanted that on the last day of the season. The Phillies would strike first, on sacrifice flies by Pat Burrell and Carlos Ruiz in the fourth inning, and they would add a Jayson Werth home run in the fifth inning to put them up 3-1. After Washington made the score 3-2 in the top of the eighth inning, Pedro Feliz would drive home the most important run of the season in the bottom of the inning to extend the lead back to two runs.
As the ninth inning started, Brad Lidge entered the game. In the 2008 season, he was a perfect 40 for 40 in save chances entering the game, and since the Phillies were facing one of the worst teams in baseball, most people thought that the division would be wrapped up very quickly. However, after a Emilio Bonifacio strikeout, Roger Bernadina singled and Ryan Langerhans walked. Anderson Hernandez followed that up with a single that scored Bernadina and put runners on first and second with just one out. Christian Guzman singled into center field, but Shane Victorino got to the ball quickly, keeping Langerhans at third base.
Now, the bases were loaded with just one out in the ninth inning. It looked like Brad Lidge's perfect season would go up in smoke just when the Phillies needed him the most, as Ryan Zimmerman, the best player on the Nationals, was coming up to bat. Very few people expected Lidge, who was not known as a double play pitcher, to be able to record two outs on one swing. After running the count to 1-1 on Zimmerman, Lidge managed to induce a ground ball, but it was right up the middle; it seemed like it would be impossible for anyone to get to it.
It was in that moment that Jimmy Rollins somehow managed to dive for the ball. His outstretched glove reached out and grabbed it. He passed it off to Chase Utley for the first out, who relayed it to Ryan Howard for the second out, ending the inning, and the game. Howard raised his arms in celebration, and the Phillies ran towards Rollins to celebrate their second straight National League East championship.
The next day didn't matter, but the Phillies managed to win anyway, taking the game over Washington 8-3. The Mets dropped their last game in Shea Stadium to the Marlins, and when the Brewers won their game, it knocked the Mets out of the playoffs on the last day of the season for the second straight season. Of course, you know how the Phillies finished the season, and it was obvious what they were looking at from the day they clinched the division. Rather than celebrate the fact that they had clinched, they knew, as did everyone else, that there was still work to be done. That attitude carried over throughout the playoffs, and ended with a parade down Broad Street that's going to be seen a bit later on this countdown.
This moment wouldn't be complete without the late, great Harry Kalas. Here's his call of the moment, along with fan reaction. Move towards 2:30 to get to the double play.
The Top 25 enters the Top Ten with the next entry. It only moves forward six days, but the impact is there. C.C. Sabathia will never forget it, I'm sure of it.
Moment #11: The Phillies clinch their second straight NL East title via a Jimmy Rollins double play-September 27, 2008
I've said it before in this countdown, but I'll say it again: the 2008 Phillies had one of the most up and down seasons that I've ever witnessed. After pushing the New York Mets seven and a half games back in June, the Phils faltered, and by the end of September 10, they were down three games with just 16 to play. For the second year in a row, the Phillies managed to pull off an amazing comeback, sweeping the Brewers and Braves to go up by half a game. They followed that by taking two of three from the Florida Marlins to go up by a game and half. Meanwhile, the Mets were busy splitting a four game series with the Chicago Cubs and then dealing with the Florida Marlins, who had ended their season last year. The Phillies finished the year with a three game series against the Washington Nationals, and after they took the first game of their series, and the Mets dropped their first game to the Marlins, the magic number was down to one. All they had to do was win one more game.
The Mets didn't do the Phillies any favors, as they beat the Marlins 2-0 on the strength of a complete game shutout by Johan Santana. Jamie Moyer took the mound for the Phils in the same situation he had been in the year before. With a win, the Phillies would clinch the National League East and a second straight playoff spot. With a loss, the door was open for the Mets, and no one wanted that on the last day of the season. The Phillies would strike first, on sacrifice flies by Pat Burrell and Carlos Ruiz in the fourth inning, and they would add a Jayson Werth home run in the fifth inning to put them up 3-1. After Washington made the score 3-2 in the top of the eighth inning, Pedro Feliz would drive home the most important run of the season in the bottom of the inning to extend the lead back to two runs.
As the ninth inning started, Brad Lidge entered the game. In the 2008 season, he was a perfect 40 for 40 in save chances entering the game, and since the Phillies were facing one of the worst teams in baseball, most people thought that the division would be wrapped up very quickly. However, after a Emilio Bonifacio strikeout, Roger Bernadina singled and Ryan Langerhans walked. Anderson Hernandez followed that up with a single that scored Bernadina and put runners on first and second with just one out. Christian Guzman singled into center field, but Shane Victorino got to the ball quickly, keeping Langerhans at third base.
Now, the bases were loaded with just one out in the ninth inning. It looked like Brad Lidge's perfect season would go up in smoke just when the Phillies needed him the most, as Ryan Zimmerman, the best player on the Nationals, was coming up to bat. Very few people expected Lidge, who was not known as a double play pitcher, to be able to record two outs on one swing. After running the count to 1-1 on Zimmerman, Lidge managed to induce a ground ball, but it was right up the middle; it seemed like it would be impossible for anyone to get to it.
It was in that moment that Jimmy Rollins somehow managed to dive for the ball. His outstretched glove reached out and grabbed it. He passed it off to Chase Utley for the first out, who relayed it to Ryan Howard for the second out, ending the inning, and the game. Howard raised his arms in celebration, and the Phillies ran towards Rollins to celebrate their second straight National League East championship.
The next day didn't matter, but the Phillies managed to win anyway, taking the game over Washington 8-3. The Mets dropped their last game in Shea Stadium to the Marlins, and when the Brewers won their game, it knocked the Mets out of the playoffs on the last day of the season for the second straight season. Of course, you know how the Phillies finished the season, and it was obvious what they were looking at from the day they clinched the division. Rather than celebrate the fact that they had clinched, they knew, as did everyone else, that there was still work to be done. That attitude carried over throughout the playoffs, and ended with a parade down Broad Street that's going to be seen a bit later on this countdown.
This moment wouldn't be complete without the late, great Harry Kalas. Here's his call of the moment, along with fan reaction. Move towards 2:30 to get to the double play.
The Top 25 enters the Top Ten with the next entry. It only moves forward six days, but the impact is there. C.C. Sabathia will never forget it, I'm sure of it.
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