And then there were two -
Philly Fans "I can't take it anymore"
Pats tell Colts "Get on your Pony and Ride"
by Ivette Ricco, President of Femmefan.com

January 19, 2004

In the real estate business it's all about Location-Location-Location, in the football business it's all about Defense-Defense-Defense. That mantra should be written on NFL owners' foreheads 100 times.

Eagles fans are groaning, "I can't take this anymore!"

Yes, the Eagles once again found a way to choke, at home, for the third time, in the NFC Championship game. The "City of Brotherly Love", was in no mood for any type of love brotherly or otherwise on Sunday as their Liberty Bell got rung by a tough Panthers defense, as they were only able to put a lousy, stinkin' 3 points.

"You can't get over this", said a heartbroken Joe Procaccino, 26 of Levittown.
"Three times…This is 24 months of pain, agony, despair, tears, sadness,"
"Third time's a charm? My a--," said Procaccino's disgusted wife, Julie, 30.

No doubt Philly fans will be looking for a scapegoat, someone to blame for this very painful loss. And whom should they blame?

The Quarterback?
The Receivers?
The Defense?
The Offense?
The Coaching?
The Panthers?
Rush Limbaugh?
Yo Mama?

I think there's enough blame to go around.

However, the one person they shouldn't blame is Donovan McNabb, who was once again expected to carry the team on his back. One player shouldn't have to make up for the shortcomings of the rest of the team even if he does get paid in truckloads of dollars. His wide receivers dropped passes when they were thrown their way while the offensive line allowed four sacks and gave him little time to find receivers or a running lane. The Panthers' defense simply took it to them with a menacing attack that forced four Eagles turnovers in a frosty Lincoln Financial Field. McNabb took some vicious hits and was left with a battered ribcage and a dented ego. Number 5 completed 10 of 22 passes for 100 yards but was intercepted three times and sacked four more. After the hit on McNabb things went from bad to worse. Brentson Buckner, Panthers' defensive tackle said, "When he got up kind of slow, it was like sharks smelling blood in the water."

Without McNabb's ability to run and make plays the Eagles became a very ordinary if not, mediocre team. A fourth interception came later when Eagles back-up quarterback Koy Detmer was thrown to the Panthers as fresh meat.

The fans seemed stunned into silence as they watched the Panthers overpower the NFC's number one seed. By the middle of the fourth quarter with 5:16 left in the game and the Birds' fourth turnover fans made an early exit. Once again chocking on the bitter bile of disappointment.

"We're becoming the Buffalo Bills Junior Varsity," said David Waters, 41, referring to the team that won four conference championship games in a row - and lost all four Super Bowls.
"I feel sick right now," said Joe Biondo, 24, standing in stunned silence on the main concourse of the Linc.

The city of Brotherly Love now has to face more than two decades without a championship and a long off-season full of "what-ifs".
"All we can do is hope for next year," said Joe Procaccino, as he turned to face another winter of discontent.
His wife, Julie, stared at him incredulously:
"Aren't you sick of saying that?"

The Panthers captured their first Championship in their short nine-year history, and displayed a menacing and solid defense. Running back Stephen Davis who injured his quadriceps a week ago finished with 19 carries for 76 yards. Ex- NFL Europe - Ex - New Orleans Saints - free agent quarterback - Jake DelHomme completed 9 of 14 passes for 101 yards but that was all they needed to control the game and win it 14-3. Carolina offered no apologies for its conservative approach on offense. These "Cinderella" Panthers have risen from 1-15 in 2001 to a berth in the Super Bowl. "There's nothing wrong with playing not to lose," Buckner said. "When in the end you don't."

Quotes courtesy of Philly.com article by Jim Nolan, Monday January 19, 2004.

Pats to Colts, "Get on your Pony and Ride".

The AFC Championship game was played in a cold and snowy Foxboro and was hyped as a battle between the Pats' head coach Bill "Take No Prisoners" Belichick vs. the Colts Co-MVP quarterback, Peyton "Make No Mistake" Manning. I must admit that I was anticipating another spectacular performance from the geeky - technician - Manning. His ability to read defenses and change plays at the line of scrimmage has earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league.

But the Patriots were riding a 13 game winning streak into the game and redefining the word "team" just as they did when they won the Super Bowl two years ago. The Patriots showed their poise and confidence right from the get-go.

From the moment the whistle blew it was obvious that the Patriots were going to play aggressive football, making a statement by going for it on 4th and 1 on their very first drive. The Patriots converted on that fourth down and drew first blood. That signaled the beginning of the end for the Colts.

Indianapolis was never able to get into its rhythm as the Pats defense shut down Marvin Harrison with physical play jamming the Colts' receivers and forcing Manning to hold the ball. The Patriots' aggressive defense stymied Manning all game long, resulting in four picks and only 23 of 47 completed passes as the Patriots lassoed the Colts 24-14.

Tough defensively and efficient offensively, the Patriots led by Tom Brady (left), went on to their 14th victory. Brady said, "We still haven't achieved our goal". "Winning14 in a row is great, but if it's not 15, it's all for naught."

Brady hasn't earned the accolades Peyton Manning has, but he is a winner. I expected great defense, from the Patriots but I didn't expect then to dominate the Colts as they did.

The New England defense, which permitted the fewest points in the league during the season, looks ready to win number 15. This was an impressive performance by the Patriots and they are the early favorites to win Super Bowl XXXVIII.

My Super Bowl predictions will appear on Friday January 30, 2004.
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