The Chart is Still Wet...
By Tony Romeo
phillypage2 columnist (1-20-2003)

Again indeed Ray. Again indeed. We all saw what happened against the Bucs, and Philly of all places, with a sports misery index off the charts, should be used to it. We’ve seen this disappointment, time and time again. The Ryans, Vermiels, Rhoades and Kotites in the modern era, bestowed upon us countless lessons about how good football teams can be just as frustrating and heartbreaking as those that have no shot. So why did this one hurt so much?

Because you believed, that’s why.

And YOU, you of all people know better. And what is worse you know, you should know better. You’re not some school-boy with a crush anymore. You know the consequences of abandoning skepticism and having confidence in a Philly team. You have been down this road too many times. You know heartache, and you’re guarded and jilted and jaded, and rightfully so. Yet for whatever reason, you threw caution to the wind, and you let this team win you over.

You gushed over this team like Uncle Junior gushes over that “Young Cooz” to his demise in the Sopranos. In fact, you lost you’re head just like he did. You went so far that…

You didn’t care that the Coach’s press conferences have been nothing more then arrogant displays of hollow lip service all year.

You didn’t gripe that the 2nd, and 3rd string QB’s had MUCH more impressive command of the team and the offense then did your 100 million dollar man, and when he was “ready” you welcomed him back, because the Eagles told you too.

You took it in stride when the Eagles management shat upon 31 years of vet history, called it a dump, and did nothing to honor its memory, or the time, money and emotions fans pumped into it for generations.

You went as far to rationalize to others that “accuracy” isn’t an essential qb tool.

You overlooked that last years first round draft pick had a whopping 12 catches in his breakout second year, for a team who’s receiving Corp is suspect. You even overlooked that YOU had the same number of receptions as him in the playoffs…

You had no problem with SBL’s, or the loss of our top middle linebacker, or a very questionable group of receivers.

And then you laughed at the freezing temperatures for the last month, painted your face, pumped your fist, and left your voice box at the Vet for every game. You emptied your savings to adorn you and your kids in Eagle gear, and plan trips to San Diego, and parties galore… You just went with it you believed.

And then the Eagles, to a man, (minus B.mitch), thanked you for your hospitality by not even showing up for the NFC championship game in YOUR house.

And what was left of your Philly heart, after too many years like this, was broken…yet again.

Next Year? Well, they are tearing YOUR house down. But you can catch the Eagles at THEIR new house starting in September. Good Luck Birds, I’ll be there with my gear, and my cash, and even my voice, but if it’s all the same, I am gonna just leave my heart at home for a while….

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