My first Eagles game

I can still remember the first Eagles game that I went to with my Dad. It was the most exciting thing that had happened to me that year. I was 14yrs old and fully understood the rules of game and anything that I had a question on was easily answered by my dad.

As the day approached I got more and more excited about actually getting to see my favorite team play in person. It was so exciting to think that I was going to be in the stadium where the magic happens. I’m sure my dad was just as excited since he had not been to a game in a long time either. It was going to be a special time for a father and daughter.

Once Sunday arrived we started our day off as usual, going to church in the morning. Something we do every week, and since the game was a night game it worked out that we did not have to rush through our day to try and get to the stadium. After church we went home and got something to eat and began to prepare for the game. The seasons were changing and it was going to be cold during the game which meant we needed layers. Layering up in was not debatable especially since my mother would not let us leave the house unless she knew we would be warm. Regardless of my dads clothing, he was an adult and could handle the weather,  my mom was not trying to let her daughter freeze in a football stadium. So needless to say I left the house like Ralphie’s brother from a “Christmas Story”. Despite the ridiculous amount of layer I had on I was prepared for a great time.

Driving to the game me and my dad were analyzing who we believed would win this game. They were played the Packer that Sunday, and had a good shot of winning. Well at least that what I was hoping. Even as a child I was pretty superstitious about watching games at home. I believed moving off the couch at any time except half time would cause some horrible turnover or bad set of downs. So staying strong even when I had to pee was something I got use to. I stuck with my superstitious ways even when it was difficult. Going to the game I knew could only be positive because I would be able to channel positive energy to the team to help them win. Although I was young I felt like these things were true. To this day I rarely move on the couch or bed since I am in school now while watching an Eagles game. Sometimes old habits just die hard.

Getting to the game we had to walk forever because parking is always crazy during game-day. There was no time for tailgating which was kind of sad but I was more excited just to watch the game. I got my program so I could have something to save from the game along with the ticket. As we walked into the stadium it was amazing to see how big it actually was. When you watch the games on TV you never really understand how big the stadiums really are; that is until you have been inside one. I was amazed to say the least. Looking around at all the different fans dressed in their own specific Eagles attire. People’s faces were painted; huge helmets were on their heads, bird masks, along with tons more creative Eagles apparel you could think of. It was such a sight for a little girl but I loved it.

Once we were seated and the game began the environment just got more exciting. After all the players took the field and you get to see the start of the game and the ball is being kicked off it becomes real. You realize this is what you’ve always been seeing on TV. After that I began to realize how different watching a game on TV is from watching it in the stadium. You can not see all the intricate plays and moves that the players make after a catch. That yellow line that indicates how far the first down is was not there, which I knew but is not something you realize until you don’t see it. The sideline markers are still there but it does make it easier to judge a rushing play.

           

As the game continued play after play it just got more exciting. Enjoying the players touchdown dancers on the big screen was so cool. Also watching the extra point being kicked through the up rights was amazing. There were no commercial breaks during time outs it was just you and the field the whole time. You got to see the cheerleader’s performance and the mascots entertain the crowd. Aside from the amazing game that was played the environment of the stadium was something like no other. All the loyal fans was also something that was to not be forgotten. people always say Philadelphia fans are the best out there. That night I realized it was true. Any fan from the opposing team was taunted the entire game. You would have also thought everyone in the stadium that was an Eagles fan was related because of how friendly they act to each other. After every touchdown or field goal people   Being there with my dad was also something so special that I will never forget it. I know my dad was enjoying this special time with me as well because this was the first football game I ever went to and I was able to enjoy this time with my dad. He was able to answer the questions that I had about different plays that I had never seen before and help me learn other football tactics that could only be seen in person. I was such a great experience.

Finally once the game was over and the Eagles came out victorious I went home happier that ever. I got to see my favorite team and players storm the field and dominate the game. They came away with a win and I was able to see everything first hand. I already had a love for the game but this experience with my dad added even more to my passion for sports in general and especially a deep love for football. 

Top 10 review, smiles and frowns

Well here it is, I’m finally sitting down to make this post. I really had to take extra time and think about what I wanted to say because after this week there really is a lot to say. So bear with me guys this is going to be a LONG one, but I promise it will be worth it.

Let start off with a few things that I need to address I need to tell you guys about the top ten list I made earlier and what teams did successfully get the win and which ones took the L. Ok well I am going to give you the list of teams that I picked just in-case you didn't see me previous post or you don't feel like scrolling down.

10. Tennessee Titans 
          9. Houston Texans 
                     8. Dallas Cowboys 
                              7. Oakland Raiders 
                                       6. Washington Redskins 
                                                 5. New York Jets 
                                                           4. New England Patriots 
                                                                      3. Green Bay Packers 
                                                                                2. Detroit Lions 
                                                                                         1. Buffalo Bills

I did it up all fancy like too, okk starting with #10 the Titans. They got a win this week against the Browns who are suffering a little but still aren't a horrible team when they are matched against and equal opponent. Matt Hasselback threw 3 touchdowns (TD) in the first half which is very impressive for any QB. Although the Browns lost Colt McCoy did throw for 350 yards in the game and came away with 40 quality completions. They didn't win but still put forth a good effort on the ground and in the air. For some reason they could not finish when they reached the end zone. The score at the end of the game was 31-13 Titans.

Ok the next team #9 Texans faced the Steelers this week and ooohh boyy did I love this game. I support and root for the Steelers but the way the Texans took control of this game from beginning to end was just solid football! I was so excited during this game because at the start you may have thought the Steelers would have run through the Texans but they came to play and were ready for this game. The Texans started off with a bang and in 19 plays drove the ball down the field finishing with the TD. Everything was going in the favor for the Texans for basically the whole game but their Achilles heel was penalties. If the Texans avoided the 2 major penalties they received they would have gotten 2 more TD in the game. Looking at the Steelers who just couldn't seem to get it together I just saw a frustrated team. QB Ben Roethlisberger threw to wide receiver Mike Wallace for a 22yd pass but then the play received a penalty (unsportsman like conduct) and was called back 15yds. They were almost able to capitalize on a fumble made by the Texans but they went for a field goal and it was wide right. During the first half the Steelers as you can see just couldn't get it to click. After half time they started to play Steelers football but it was either too late or the Texans had already made up in their mind that they were not going to lose. All in all Ben got sacked 5 times this game and just when they had a chance to tie the game the Texans punt pinned them down at the 1yd line with only 1:13 left on the clock. For next week the Steelers know what they need to fix for sure to make sure they shake off this lose.

Next up is my favorite the #8 Dallas Cowboys; I hope you all know I am completely joking when I said that. But the Cowboys played the Lions who were #2 on my list. Since everyone wants to praise Tony Romo for being the super hero that he isn't he finally showed himself again this week. They were hott in the beginning of the game where Tony threw for 3 TD's. Great good job Tony, but wait you then in the second half you manage to throw for 3 interceptions. SO in my book that makes you average. Yeah the TD's are great but the interceptions are what lost them the game. The Lions were able to capitalize twice on the interceptions thrown by Romo. And by capitalize I mean get a touchdown. The game came down to the 4th quarter where the Lions outscored the Cowboys 17-0 in one quarter. This is huge and ultimately where the Lions won the game. Mind you they did work on the field too with both offense and defense, but that 17 point deficit for the Cowboys is something they could not get back. Final score 34-30 Detroit.

The #7 Raiders played the #4 Patriots, ok let’s be honest we know the Raiders were on a high from their week 3 win against the Jets but it’s the Patriots and we all know they come to play. Come to play they did putting a serious hurt on the Raiders during their game. Jason Campbell did throw for almost a hundred more yards than Tom Brady but for some reason they couldn't find the end zone. Although his two interceptions also didn't help them get any closer to scoring. I have to say I saw this lose coming so I’m not that surprised, still wishing they could have put forth a better effort. The final score was 31-19 Patriots.

The Redskins #6 played St.Louis again almost the same this as the Raiders, we know the Rams aren't the best team and this win is just a matter of getting your defense to do the job. Plus the Redskins are on a good run of finishing the games they need to get their wins. Redskins win 17-10.

Monday Night football might have been my favorite game of the day if not second favorite. The #5 Jets played the Ravens and such sweet vindication to witness the Ravens defense just run thru the Jets. Going into my personal side, many Jets fans had the nerve to talk trash to me about the Eagles losing so watching them lose was that much sweeter. Back to the facts, the Jets have missed the mark for the second week in a row to teams that they should have semi- easily taken down no problem. From the start this game was bad for the Jets. This is simply because the Ravens came to play! Ravens were able to achieve 3 TD off of the 4 Jet turnovers! Simply that just can't happen if you expect to win. We all know the Raven's defense plays dirty! Way back when almost everyone called them the dirty birds because it gets real when they are on the field. They proved just how dangerous they are during this game. Sanchez was only able to get 119 yards this game and that is not going to get you that W. Raven get the win 34-17.

The #3 Packers clearly destroyed the Bronco's defense where Aaron Rogers achieved 408 yards. Can't even say much but most of this game was spent in the Bronco's end zone because the Packers were scoring. Well they are the defending super bowl champs for a reason. Final score 49-23.

Finally on the top ten list you have the #1 Buffalo Bills who faced their first lose. I was actually very upset when I reviewed this game. I was pulling for the Bills to continue their win streak but they feel short this week. This does not mean they cannot get things moving again this week it just means their perfect season is now out of reach. Fighting to the end with the Bengals managed to edge the Bills out with 48yd field goal with a little less than 2 min on left on the clock. Hard fought on both sides but I think the advantage of being at home was on the Bengals side they win 23-20.

I almost forgot the Vikings lost =(. I just don't know what wrong with this team. I feel like they are well rounded when looking at the offense and defense so I can't figure out what the missing piece of their puzzle is. I am more worried about the career of McNabb because when a team loses they look at the QB and the coach. Something’s got to get fixed with this team is they hope to get a win before their bye week. I hope they find their puzzle piece soon I'll keep my fingers crossed for them.

I’m done finallyy hope yall enjoyedd!!! =)

peaceouteverybody!