Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Lurie and Banner have a problem

That “gold standard” that they keep referring to around the Eagles headquarters at the NovaCare Center has an image problem.

Actually the image is tarnished. That’s what happens when you proclaim yourself to be “gold” but keep delivering copper instead.

But the Eagles have an even bigger problem, one that I think eats away at Jeff Lurie and Joe Banner.

They are being eclipsed in their home town. This was always a football town first. The Eagles ruled. Not so any more.

In case you missed it, the Phillies are now World Champions. They are the team featured on the Back Page of the newspaper. People stood in line for an hour Friday night at Granite Run Mall just to get a peek at the Phils’ World Series trophy.

Then look at what the Phils did in the off-season. New GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is batting 1.000. He signed every one of his free agents to new deals, with the coup de grace coming Monday when the Phils managed to bring home run king Ryan Howard into the fold – and away from the arbitration table – with a new, $54 million, three-year deal.

All of which means the buzz surrounding the Phillies is bigger than ever. Once again this summer Citizens Bank Park will be the place to be, one of the region’s hot spots.

Meanwhile, across the street, Lincoln Financial Field will remain dark, with nary a championship banner hanging from its rafters.

For this reason, here’s a name to keep in mind this off-season. Anquan Boldin.

Don’t be surprised if the Eagles make a big play for the Cardinals’ star wideout.

If there’s one thing Lurie and Banner can’t stand, it’s being in second place. Not in the standings, they pretty much do that all the time. I’m talking about the hearts and minds of the fans.

Boldin could put them back in the headlines. And maybe on the path to the Super Bowl.

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