Sunday Misery

Posted: January 4th, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 71 Comments »

Watching Dallas win a playoff game is crushing. I mean soul-crushing. Jason Garrett is smiling. Tony Romo has that stupid grin on his face. Jerry Jones has his evil smile, although you have to wait until Chris Christie is pried off of him before you can even see it.

Seeing all of that is just pure torture.

We now become the biggest Green Bay fans on the face of Planet Earth. They must beat Dallas on Sunday to keep the universe in harmony.

As to the refs picking up the flag today, I have no idea what to say. I’ve never seen anything like that. Normally there is a conference and then a call. Today we got the announcement of the penalty and then someone reversed it. There are no guarantees that the Lions win even with the call, but seeing that go the other way was just maddening. It was made even worse since the Cowboys OL got away with a ton of holding calls all day.

I hate the Cowboys, but not in an irrational, rage kind of way. I’ll give them credit when they deserve it. And they did take advantage of the breaks they got today. But seeing them get those breaks was tough. I hope things even out next week and the Packers get every questionable call to go their way.

* * * * *

Seeing the ugly ARZ-CAR game was more than a bit frustrating. The Cardinals fell apart due to injuries. Carolina just isn’t a good team. They’re hot right now, but still weren’t impressive on Saturday. I would take the Eagles over either team, but that’s not how it works.

Next year it sounds like a 7th team will make the postseason in each conference. I’m totally against that. Making the playoffs should be hard. Let’s not dumb it down to get extra teams in. The Eagles should have won an extra game or two this year.

* * * * *

I started to write a normal post today, but then got sidetracked by the games. I forgot how playoff football can do that to you. Even when you don’t care about a game, you can’t help but get caught up in it. I’ll get my post up for Monday morning.

* * * * *

We didn’t beat enough good teams this year, but this is a great point by Roob.

_

71 Comments on “Sunday Misery”

  1. 1 shah8 said at 9:53 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    You never bet on football. Because there’s always a control mechanism with calling holding on the offensive line. Usually, it’s not fixed to the point that the ref has to be told to pick up the flag.

    Of course, the fix is about thumbs on the scale, and not outright impossible to have contrary outcome.

  2. 2 Mr. Magee said at 12:09 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Are you saying you believe it’s fixed and outcomes are predetermined?

  3. 3 DarthBanner said at 12:13 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    I didn’t, until today. I wouldn’t go so far as predetermined, but that was about as corrupt as it gets.

  4. 4 Mr. Magee said at 12:20 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    I assume you’re just venting

  5. 5 ICDogg said at 12:28 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Was it venting when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

  6. 6 GermanEagle said at 7:54 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    why do we keep bringing up the Germans when Dallas is involved,

  7. 7 Mark F said at 8:21 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    LOL

  8. 8 Jonathan Ashby said at 6:09 AM on January 6th, 2015:

    You do know the Germans didn’t bomb Pearl Harbor… that was the Japanese. Or is this some in joke I’m not privvy to?

  9. 9 ICDogg said at 10:21 AM on January 6th, 2015:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7vtWB4owdE

  10. 10 DarthBanner said at 12:55 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Nope. I’m saying that’s about as fixed as you can get in the NFL. A penalty disappears a full minute after it has been announced with no explanation other than the stadium PA and completely changes the game? Not only that Dez gets to run on the field helmetless to scream at the ref that threw the flag without an unsportsmanlike conduct? I’m still speechless hours later, and strongly considering not renewing my NFL sunday ticket.

  11. 11 Mark F said at 12:14 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    If John Calvin were alive today…

  12. 12 A_T_G said at 12:15 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    …he would be startlingly old.

  13. 13 ICDogg said at 12:17 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    which would have been predetermined

  14. 14 shah8 said at 9:56 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Colts made a crazy decision to throw the ball instead of running to set up the winning field goal.

    Carolina was at rock bottom in terms of their OL, and not having *any* speed guys at all on the field–Joe Webb was literally the fastest guy available.

    Dallas straight up whupped us when it really counted. Wasn’t Romo not fully healthy on Thanksgiving?

  15. 15 BreakinAnklez said at 9:24 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Philly Brown

  16. 16 shah8 said at 9:58 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    I had fun imagining what would have happened if Jim Harbaugh had been on the sidelines instead of Jim Caldwell.

  17. 17 George said at 7:39 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    he probobaly would have spontaniously combusted after they picked up the flag

  18. 18 GermanEagle said at 7:52 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Or Bruce Arians….!

  19. 19 scratcherk said at 10:04 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    That picture… SMH. I think thats the play where they called DEFENSIVE holding. Ridiculous. I’ve never been this furious at a non-Eagles game.

  20. 20 TommyLawlor said at 10:08 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    It was the play where they called holding on Levy, the LB.

  21. 21 Mitchell said at 10:40 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Yep, I saw it live and was livid.

  22. 22 livingonapear said at 10:57 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Usually “Bull F**King Sh*t” doesn’t leave my mouth unless its an Eagles game. It did tonight.

  23. 23 oreofestar said at 10:11 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Damn seeing Suh crying like that is…. man

  24. 24 ICDogg said at 12:19 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Tears of missed opportunity… (of stomping on Romo, that is)

  25. 25 Mr. Magee said at 12:21 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    And leaving the beautiful city of Detroit

  26. 26 ICDogg said at 12:27 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Wonder where he’ll wind up.

  27. 27 RobNE said at 8:48 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Patriots with Larry Fitzgerald

  28. 28 Thorin said at 10:16 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    When does the hurting stop?

  29. 29 oreofestar said at 10:16 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    When do they play GB?

  30. 30 Cafone said at 10:41 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    I don’t know man… Jason Garrett has never lost a playoff game.

  31. 31 UKEagle99, execute better said at 9:44 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Whilst that is true, it’s not funny.

  32. 32 oreofestar said at 10:18 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    A close win won’t cut it for me I hope GB destroys the Cowboys and the framing refs too, you cant convince me that game wasn’t rigged I could never get into wrestling because of the same crap. GB 66-3

  33. 33 mark2741 said at 10:23 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Rumor has it that Chip Kelly’s people are reaching out to Joe Banner for the open Eagles’ GM job. You heard it here first.

  34. 34 anon said at 2:07 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    they must have reading his twitter

  35. 35 GermanEagle said at 7:51 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Why would we need two ‘cap guys’?!

  36. 36 mksp said at 10:44 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Whatever. If the Cowboys are going to win a playoff game, I want it to be one where everyone on the planet thinks the game was fixed and the refs gave them this one.

    Based on the way they played this weekend, fairly certain the Eagles could have beat any of the 8 Wildcard teams.

    Should have gotten the job done during the season.

    Demarcus Lawrence looked pretty good on that last sack by the way. Let’s hope Marcus Smith III gets it together, or that situation could turn into another Sean Lee fiasco.

  37. 37 oreofestar said at 10:46 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Not sure about the Ravens but yeah everyone else probably…. I think

  38. 38 Charlie Kelly said at 11:10 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Need to hold these bad refs accountable. picking up that flag was unacceptable just like it was for an NYPD officer to choke a man to death. Both the ref and daniel pantaleo needs to be held accountable. the ref fired and the cop arrested. That is all.

  39. 39 oreofestar said at 11:19 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Don’t know why we are bringing the NYPD into this

  40. 40 Charlie Kelly said at 11:30 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    lol.. the phrase “hold accountable”, made a connection in my brain.

  41. 41 BobSmith77 said at 11:56 PM on January 4th, 2015:

    Jones celebrated by licking some Metamucil wafers off a stripper’s behind.

    Christie just double-fisted some bear claws.

  42. 42 ICDogg said at 12:22 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    http://uproxx.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/727445846.gif

  43. 43 ICDogg said at 12:31 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    in a similar vein

    http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0nff2U7aI1rn1isao1_500.gif

  44. 44 Baloophi said at 1:12 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    I believe you mean: “in a similar CLOGGED vein.”

  45. 45 Mr. Magee said at 12:12 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    I’m not rooting for them, but I have no problem with the Cowboys winning.. Means we’re a little closer to the top, and have a small advantage from a draft perspective.

  46. 46 ICDogg said at 12:16 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Cowboys must be eviscerated and their corpses devoured by predatory birds.

  47. 47 GEAGLE said at 8:46 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Cowboys are a joke. They were celebrating like they won a Super Bowl last night… Pathetic. Act like you have been there… Oh that’s right, those bums haven’t Been THERE!
    .

  48. 48 Guest said at 8:10 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Odell Beckham did the same thing against us, removing his helmet, and also resourced l received no penalty and didn’t have to sit out a play. The quality of refereeing in the league is a complete joke and the league must take action. It’s plain unacceptable.

  49. 49 Baloophi said at 1:10 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    I’m trying to think what I would’ve done had this been us instead of the Lions. I definitely would’ve broken something. I’d probably make a big show out of threatening to overturn the TV, think better of it, then settle on punching the wall, thereby shattering my hand.

    Then I assume there’d be some sort of Tolkien-esque march of Eagles fans to the gates of NFL HQ?

  50. 50 ICDogg said at 8:51 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Simpsons-angry-mob-pitchfork-torches.jpg

  51. 51 Baloophi said at 1:21 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Maybe Chip will interview Dean Blandino for the GM spot…

  52. 52 Eagles News: NFL VP of Officiating was seen on the Cowboys party bus | nflfans247.net said at 6:44 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    […] Sunday Misery – Iggles BlitzWatching Dallas win a playoff game is crushing. I mean soul-crushing. Jason Garrett is smiling. Tony Romo has that stupid grin on his face. Jerry Jones has his evil smile, although you have to wait until Chris Christie is pried off of him before you can even see it. Seeing all of that is just pure torture. We now become the biggest Green Bay fans on the face of Planet Earth. They must beat Dallas on Sunday to keep the universe in harmony. […]

  53. 53 Chiptomylou said at 7:41 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    I do have an irrational, unhealthy, very passionate hate for the Cowboys. The nightmare continues. Go Pack Go!

  54. 54 tomw said at 7:54 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Must have been some pretty hot strippers on that Dallas party bus.

  55. 55 Eagles News: NFL VP of Officiating was seen on the Cowboys party bus | Sports Feedr said at 8:00 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    […] Sunday Misery – Iggles BlitzWatching Dallas win a playoff game is crushing. I mean soul-crushing. Jason Garrett is smiling. Tony Romo has that stupid grin on his face. Jerry Jones has his evil smile, although you have to wait until Chris Christie is pried off of him before you can even see it. Seeing all of that is just pure torture. We now become the biggest Green Bay fans on the face of Planet Earth. They must beat Dallas on Sunday to keep the universe in harmony. […]

  56. 56 IrishEagle25 said at 8:06 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    I’m only seeing all these bad calls not, but Dallas were getting no-calls on holding when we played them on Thanksgiving too, seemed at least once a series Cole would beat Smith inside, Romo would slide left and when Trent spun to go back out he got pulled back, never called.

    Ref’s should be judged on their performances and appropriate action taken, that crew last night should not get another play-off game or Dallas game until they prove competence in a simulated environment. That’s how it works here anyway for GAA, if the ref has a bad game, he wont get another one for the year most likely, until he has undergone refresher courses, and explain to all parties why the calls were made.

  57. 57 GEAGLE said at 9:08 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    The problem is these arent the normal ref crews we see during the year
    .
    NFL treats playoff refs like an Allstar team. They breakup all the regular season ref crews, and make brand new crews for the playoffs using the highest graded refs from the regular season.
    ..
    The ref’ing during the season is bad enough, it’s really bad when you take away their continuity and make them team with new refs during the playoffs,
    ,,
    refs are ruining the NFL

  58. 58 IrishEagle25 said at 9:13 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Peter king made the point in MMQB of how can you have 70 ‘all star’ refs for the playoffs, I completely agree it makes no sense

  59. 59 RobNE said at 9:17 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Peter King made sense?

  60. 60 IrishEagle25 said at 9:21 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    It’s all Voodoo!

  61. 61 GEAGLE said at 8:44 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    What a despicable start to the playoffs… Hard to not question the integrity of the game after yesterday…what’s really souring me on the NFL this year is how ridiculous the Refs have been all year at extending drives for the offenses. It’s disgusting… We dealt with it as Eagles fans, half the 3rd down stops we thought we made where taken away by the penalties…. But even when I’m watching games that have nothing to do with the Eagles or their fate, I can’t help but be disgusted by all the offensive drives the refs extend with ridiculous penalties….
    …
    As for last night, forget that I’m a die hard Eqgles fan, I’m a football fan first, and the way the refs performed during the Cowboys game was sickening. The Lions havent won a playoff game in decades, I cant imagine how we would feel today if we lost a playoff game like that.
    …
    Not only did they pick up a flag for the home team with no explanation. That was blatant pass interference. You can’t tell an Eagles fan that wasn’t Interference, when we been burnt by that same call all season. Our corners were the kings of not turning around and seeing the ball. We paid the price for it all year long….and you let a cowboy defender get away with that crap in cranch time of a playoff game? Despicable… On top of all that, everyone saw Dez run on the field, shouting with no helmet, the despicable part was DEZ did that right in front of a ref who saw him do the entire thing…
    …
    What a joke

  62. 62 RobNE said at 8:50 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    The refs explained the no call in their presser afterwards, said the other ref said it wasn’t enough to be a penalty. Who knows, but they did a terrible job of communication, I agree with GEAGLE that similar plays were called PI against us all year, and worse, the Dez thing is automatic.

  63. 63 RobNE said at 8:54 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    I can see the concern about over drafting, but I’m not sure Howie is a savant either. We have no idea who has been making the good and bad draft calls the past few years (even before Chip). Even if 2012 was Howie, was that acumen or a statistical anomaly?

    Chip took 2 years to evaluate this side of things, and decided he could do better. Who knows if he can, but he seems to be a really thoughtful person. I don’t think the concept of “you shouldn’t overdraft” is lost on him. And I’m not such a believer in Howie’s drafting to think no one can do better.

  64. 64 GEAGLE said at 9:03 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Reports are that the scouts got pissed last year, when the coaches were allowed to change the draft board after the scouts set it up.
    ..
    I just hope whoever replaces Roseman can do as good of a job at knowing the draft board, who will fall to what round. And I’d assume we will miss the relationships ROSEMAN built up league wide, when it comes time to make trades since Roseman had gotten so mNy trades done over the years…
    …
    It’s no surprise that the coaches were picking the players last year anyway.
    ..
    malcolm Jenkins and the free agents last year were all the coaches picks anyway. Coaches wanted the steal of free agency, malcolm Jenkins, I can guarantee that Roseman wasn’t reaponsible for wanting to sigń all the free agent additions like Braman, Maragos and Nolan.l that was all chip kelly..
    ..
    We may question his picks from the last draft, but that’s. Foolish until we see what these players can become.
    ..
    As long as someone will know how to accurately set up the draft board, and know what rounds we can wait TIL to get the player we want we will be fine

  65. 65 RobNE said at 9:19 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    who knows who is leaking these “reports”. I agree Chip needs help, but he seems smart enough to know that.

    This result to me, is much preferable than say if Chip left.

  66. 66 GEAGLE said at 8:55 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Can the bengals even thing about moving forward with Dalton? That guy is terrible in playoff football…
    …
    Looking at the top of the upcoming draft, we see a interesting scenario:
    1) Bucs are taking a QB, if they trade out. Whoever picks firat will draft Marriotta I assume.. After the BUcs, the next 3 teams, Jags, Raiders and Titans don’t need a QB… So the Redskins with the #5 pick, could see Jameis Winston fall right into their lap… however, it won’t be hard for teams to guess that the skins will take the second QB, so there is a great chance we see a team like the Jets trade ahead of the skins to steal Jameis Winston.
    …
    There is a great chance Winston or Marriotta fall to the skins, hope we see their dreams shattered with a team trading up to the Raiders pick(who always want to trade back) and stel a QB right from under the skins nose

  67. 67 BreakinAnklez said at 9:14 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    Didn’t they just give him a $100M contract? Think they are stuck with him for time being…

  68. 68 anon said at 9:54 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    think he got the better version of the Kaep deal in which he can be cut after the first couple of years w/ no dead

  69. 69 P_P_K said at 9:35 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    This was the first time I thought something fishy really might be going on in a game. Prior to this, I always figured human error was to blame and those screaming “fix” were just angry fans or delusional conspiracy nuts. When the flag was picked up, however, and Bryant wasn’t called for going onto the field (I can still hardly believe that), it does seem possible we’ve moved into the realm of interference with the outcome of a game. I’ll bet we’ll never know for sure because even if the League finds out there was something going on, they would cover it up like a life-or-death matter.

  70. 70 UKEagle99, execute better said at 9:49 AM on January 5th, 2015:

    The officiating did sour what was a great game (until Dallas won). They should make Defensive backs contact beyond the 5-yard area a point of emphasis this year.

  71. 71 Raul Estrada said at 1:06 PM on January 7th, 2015:

    I concur with you Tommy about a 7th team making the postseason. The playoffs actually start when teams are fighting for a spot. It separates the pretenders from the contenders. That’s why the NFL’s tried to schedule divisional games late in the season and possible conference games with playoff implications.