Rob Ellis: In The Rearview
Each Monday columnist Rob Ellis will look back at the week that was in Philadelphia sports in a column we call “In The Rearview.”
As usual it’s been an eventful, bizarre, frustrating, exhilarating roller-coaster ride in Philadelphia sports this week. Here’s a look back at what we’ve seen.
Phillies Yin and Yang
The Phils began the week with what appeared on paper to be a series they should take at least three out of four. The Houston Astros were a bad team that looked to be playing out the string. But one of the many things that doesn’t show up in a box score or stat sheet is desire.
So while Astros had no visions of the postseason dancing in their head as they pulled up to the teller window at the big bank on Pattison, they did have a little good old fashion vengeance in mind. “The baby Phils” were replete with former Phightins. From Ed “how can I help you, Ruben?” Wade, Brett “stick it to them” Myers” and Michael “blink and I’ll score from second” Bourn to J.A. “what just happened?” Happ and Jason “yes, I’m still playing” Michaels, Houston had plenty of motivation.
Myers kicked off the carnage with another excellent outing, but it was Bourn’s base-line geography that began what turned into a two-day running feud with the men in blue.
Game 2 saw arrogance to the nth degree as third base umpire Scott Barry literally taunted Ryan Howard, then tossed him the next pitch, resulting in Roy Oswalt playing left and another Phils loss.
The next night it was Happ outdueling Roy Halladay, and just like that the Phils had dropped the first three games of the series. Thursday’s matinee horror show was capped by Bourn scoring from second on a grounder to third. The Phillies played listless, dumb, uninspired baseball. Houston wanted it more, and it showed. And, oh, by the way, the offense scored seven runs in the four games and was embarking on a weekend series with a team that led the league in ERA.
The Phils limped off to San Diego looking like a team that might be on the outside looking in come playoff time. But just as this club has done time and time again the last few seasons, they got up off the canvas throwing haymakers.
Late Friday night with many in the Delaware Valley using toothpicks to keep their eyelids open, they survived a game-tying balk by Brad Lidge and went on to win in 12 innings on a slide for the ages by Jimmy Rollins (think the anti-Werth slide from Thursday’s game).
On Saturday, Shane Victorino, the “grounded Hawaiian,” woke up from his 1-for-23 slumber vs. righties to deliver with his bat and arm, gunning out the potential game-winning run at the plate.
Sunday it was Cole Hamels’ homecoming, and once again the lefty was brilliant, hurling eight shutout innings en route to his first win since July 11. In his previous eight starts, Hamels was 0-3 despite a 2.83 ERA. The five-spot the Phils put up was more runs than they scored in his last four starts combined.
And just like that, hope is alive as the Phightins head to Chavez Ravine with four more out west and 32 remaining in the regular season. The daily drama and ups and downs make for the beauty of baseball season.
Eagles Chief Concerns
There is no denying the Eagles’ first team offense has been nowhere near ready for primetime. The only touchdown it scored in the preseason was the direct result of the Chiefs’ gift-wrapped fumble on the first play from scrimmage in Friday’s preseason game.
Kevin Kolb appears to have regressed since the exhibition opener vs. Jacksonville. Everything from his accuracy, to his decision-making, to pocket awareness can be called into question. And it has been by many.
All legit concerns, but your friendly neighborhood patience bureau would once again like to remind you he has played six quarters. His maturation is a process, not a light switch – it will take time. Does he need to get rid of the ball faster? Yes. Does he need to feel that blitz coming from his right? Yes. Can he throw that bad pick into double-coverage? No. He has to play better, period.
But the bigger Eagles issue is the offensive line. Jason Peters, who is supposed to be the anchor of this group, has played more like a dingy in the early going. He already has four penalties this preseason. Keep in mind he led the O-line with 11 last season. The Birds gave up a first-rounder and signed him to a big deal last offseason. And despite a reputation Pro Bowl selection, Peters has not kept up his end of the bargain.
Speaking of bargains, how’s that six-year, $38.9 million deal Stacy Andrews signed prior last year looking? Andrews is now splitting reps with Max Jean-Gilles. The line has holes, namely center, until Jamaal Jackson is back.
You saw far too many Chiefs charging at Kolb unabated. He was sacked four times against a Kansas City defense that ranked 30th last season. This goes far beyond the quarterback.
Not to mention DeSean Jackson played a snap and Jeremy Maclin had a severe case of the “dropsies.”
Kolb has started two NFL games, so the jury is out whether he can play or not. Ultimately until we have more of a body of work, we won’t know for sure. But please stop with the Bobby Hoying comparisons and the pronouncements he’s not the answer. We do not know yet.
The only silver lining from the Kansas City game is that Trent Cole and DeSean Jackson’s injuries don’t appear to be serious. So it could have been worse.
Sweeps, sacks, ejections, unknowns – just another week at the office in Philly sports.
Contact Rob Ellis at rellis@phillysportsdaily.com.
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