With the 2000's reaching their final day today we figured we would take a look at the best and worst moments in Philadelphia Sports this decade. Let's take a look at the 5 moments that made us sick to our stomach and re-live them. Why not, right?
5. NFC Championship loss to the Panthers in 2004 and Cardinals in 2009
Both of these losses were devastating because the teams were favorites in each game. Both games were drastically different though. Watching the Panthers game was like watching a Varsity team beat up on a JV squad. This was the Eagles third straight time in the NFC Championship and everyone thought they would win, but no one told that to the receivers who couldn't break press coverage which resulted in 3 Ricky Manning INTs. They were harassed the whole night and this game served as the evidence needed when the Eagles were contemplating signing TO.
The game against the Cardinals had a completely different feel to it. The Eagles had won two straight road games to make it to the Championship game, taking out the number one seed Giants in the process. There were basically two games in one for this. In the first half, the Eagles offense could get nothing going and the defense could not contain Larry Fitzgerald. In the third quarter the Eagles offense scored on three consecutive drives and holding the Cardinals to 3-and-outs in the process. The Eagles took the lead in the 4th but the defense couldn't hold it, and Kevin Curtis' dropped pass in the final drive signaled the 4th loss in NFC Championship games this decade for the Birds.
4. Flyers lose ECF to Lightning in 2004 and Devils in 2000
Both series went to game 7, both series saw great games and great goaltending. In 2000, the Flyers were up 3-1 in the series and lost 3 straight games to the rival Devils. In the process, in game 7, Scott Stevens effectively ended the Eric Lindros era in Philadelphia by giving him a concussion.
In 2004, with their backs against the ropes in Philadelphia for Game 6, the Flyers won in Overtime thanks to a Simon Gagne goal. However, the Flyers would fall 2-1 in Game 7.
3. 2009 World Series loss
This would normally be higher, if not for the absolute euphoria flowing through Citizen's Bank Park the year before when we did win the Series. But this still hurt. The Phils jumped out to a 1-0 series lead thanks to a masterful performance from Cliff Lee in Yankee Stadium. The Game 4 loss was particularly demoralizing. After a Pedro Feliz home run to tie the game in the bottom of the 8th, Brad Lidge gave up 3 runs in the top of the 9th to seal a victory for the Yanks.
2. Super Bowl XXXIX loss to Patriots and the fallout
After three straight years of NFC Championship losses, the Eagles finally made it to the Promised Land. In Jacksonville they took on Tom Brady and the Patriots. In the first half the Eagles scored first and managed to keep Brady in check. But three Donovan McNabb INTs were too much and the Eagles could never recover in time to pull it out. Even though it was against Belichick and the Pats, you always had the feeling that the Eagles were the more talented team, but alas, they came up short. Ultimately, this loss ended the honeymoon of McNabb and Owens which spilled into next season, eventually getting Owens suspended and the Eagles finishing 6-10 in 2005.
1. NFC Championship loss to Bucs
No-brainer. Last game at the Vet. A team that sucks in cold weather. A team you beat the last three times. Get off to a 7-0 lead in the first minute. I was in the building for this game and never in my life have I ever been so distraught over a sporting event. After the game, so many fans just sat in their seats in shock and disbelief at what they witnessed. This was the perfect setup and the Eagles blew it. Even though it was 6 years ago, it's still hard to forget.
OK enough of the depressing stuff, here are the best moments in Philly sports this decade.
5. J-Roll & Matt Stairs own the Dodgers in NLCS
Both of these moments have become iconic within the last year so I had to combine them. Jimmy Rollins walk-off in the 2009 NLCS against the Dodgers was a thing of beauty. The Phils fought back as they often do and Jimmy finished the job with a shot to right center-field. The year before Matt Stairs hit a pinch-hit home run that still hasn't landed yet, that tied the game and was eventually won later in the inning by Carlos Ruiz. Both shots came off Jonathan Broxton.
4. 4th & 26
This was our modern day "Miracle at the Meadowlands." There was no way in hell that they were gonna get this first down...until they did. Donovan McNabb hit Freddie Mitchell for a first down and the rest is history. Brett Favre throws a quacker that Brian Dawkins intercepts and David Akers kicks the game-tying and game-winning field goals to propel the Eagles to the NFC Championship.
3. Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals
A true David vs. Goliath matchup between the Sixers and their diminutive leader AI against Shaq, Kobe and the LakeShow. Even though the Sixers ended up losing the series, this game was one for the books. Iverson's step-over of Tyronne Lue will forever live on in Sixers lore. This was the culmination of an exciting year with the Sixers.
2. NFC Championship Victory over Atlanta
The city had just survived a blizzard the day before. The fans knew the situation all too well. It was the 4th straight NFC Championship appearance for the Eagles, third straight at home, and all the city wanted was a W. With TO on the sidelines, this game was won on by the defense containing Mike Vick and the offense spreading the ball around. Chad Lewis scored two TDs, breaking his foot on one of them. This was a glorious day in Philadelphia.
1. Phinally "World F*ckin Champions!"
The city had waited 25 years to be called champion, and when Brad Lidge struck out Eric Hinske to give the Phils their second title in the team's history, the city was able to call itself a champion once again. The stadium erupted like never before, strangers hugged each other, people cried, it was a truly surreal scene at Citizen's Bank Park. The parade that followed was equally amazing, as well.
Thanks Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and Sixers for providing us with all these great moments, good or bad, and hopefully the next decade provides us with a few more parades.
No comments:
Post a Comment