Rob Q. Ink - A Philly Sports Blog

This is the hardest week of pro football to predict, so I’m doing what I should’ve done more often in my rookie year of picking games online — taking a pass on the weekend. After going 2-1 last week, I finished 2005 with a record of 22-18-2. Determined to kick-off the new year on a high note, I’m picking just one game this week. I’m taking Notre Dame to win against Ohio State, and, if I actually bet, would take the money line of +165. I may add BCS picks Tuesday. Happy New Year!

One of the dullest Eagles seasons — on the field — in recent years is finally winding down. ( So glad I started a sports blog this year!) After getting SHELLED last week, I stand at 20-17-2. This week my for-fun-only picks include NE -6, KC+1.5, and the Eagles+1. Enjoy the holidays.

Dear Santa: The Philadelphia sports scene is in a funk over the Eagles pathetic excuse for a season. The Sixers are on a winning streak, and while tonight’s game against the Heat will draw attention, the Wachovia Center is half empty on most game nights. No one ever cares about the Flyers til the playoffs. The Phillies could be fun, but they’re still months away from playing. So, Santa, here’s what I want for Christmas as a Philadelphia sports fan: · A number one receiver. Since this is apparently a confusing subject in Philly, let me explain — a receiver who can create separation, isn’t afraid to go over the middle, can catch, won’t find the “west coast offense” akin to physics, and, by the way, is mentally stable. · A post-up presence. I’m not asking for Moses Malone — just a guy who can catch the ball on the block and have a chance to score. · A therapist to help Andy Reid over his fear of running the ball. · Leaders of the NAACP with better things to do than make assinine statement

After the Eagles lost their third straight NFC title game, I lost some of my passion for the Birds. I was reminded of that when I heard the venom of Eagles fans after the Birds were embarrassed on Monday Night Football. I heard comments like “Lurie owes me my money back,” “The Eagles SUCK,” and “Fire Reid.” I just don’t get it. This team’s been DOA for weeks. Their best two offensive weapons are done for the year. You can now add Brian Westbrook to the list. Where do fans still get the energy to spew the venom at this point? Were people still dumb enough to believe the playoffs were still within this team’s grasp? I waited several months before launching this blog, thinking the Birds would carry me til at least February. You can rip the team on many fronts. Their philosophy of letting their own free agents has finally bit them in the ass. They should’ve been more decisive on T.O. Westbrook probably should’ve been signed soon. And, why, exactly, didn’t we sign Plaxico Burress who went f

Is there anyone else that would like to make an ass of themselves commenting on Terrell Owens? Anyone? C’mon . . . you’ll have good company. You can add Arlen Spector and Bernard Hopkins to the list of idiots so desparate for attention they’ve gone out of their way to comment on T.O. Spector promised to look into whether or not the Eagles broken any anti-trust laws. Thanks, Arlen. Good to see you’re spending your time as a career politician wisely. Then there’s Hopkins. He understands T.O. Great. They’re both idiots who won’t have anyone who cares what they’re doing this weekend. Someone please tell Bernard to stop trying to portray himself as Mr. Philadelphia. Psst, Bernard, no one cares enough to watch you on pay-per-view. Phils sign Gordon. Ok, the Phils didn’t want to guarentee a 4th year to 34-year-old Billy Wagner, possibly the best reliever in the National who just signed with the division rival Mets. Yet, they turned around and signed 38-year-old Tom Gordon — who hasn’t been a