Nothing else has fit the expected norm during this Eagles season. Why should this week be any different.

The Birds are expected to be the sacrificial turkey as they head to New England and a Sunday night prime time offering in Gillette Stadium. And they will not get a pardon from President Bush. Those visigoth Patriots, led by their grump of a head coach Bill Belichick, are mad at the world, vowing revenge, and possibly an undefeated season, for all those who reacted with glee when it was determined the Pats were taping the opponents's signals.

Ever since the Patriots have been taking no prisoners.

The Eagles look like they will be next. QB Donovan McNabb is still hobbled with a sore ankle and bum thumb. A.J. Fely has taken most of the reps in pratice. McNabb looks like a game-time decision. But Feeley likely will get the call.

The Eagles are a whopping 23-point underdog.

It says here the lowly Eagles will not stun the world, unless you think covering the number is now something of a miracle for a team that just a few years ago came within a field goal and some bizarre clock management from Andy Reid of snatching a Super Bowl crown from the Patriots.

Oh, how far we've fallen.

Make this one Patriots 39, Eagles 17.

And as miserable as the NFC is, it still won't eliminate the Birds from playoff contention.

And heaven help us should Feeley play well or even keep the Birds in the game against the Pats. It could be the final nail in McNabb's proverbial coffin.