Turkey Day is for the Birds

Around 8:30pm tomorrow night feathers will be flyin’ as the Eagles and Cardinals engage in a Thanksgiving tussle. Let’s hope Philly dosen’t get stuffed. I would hate to see Donovan plucked from the lineup. The Eagles can not afford to play foul. Alright, enough of my stupid puns. Let’s talk football. I’ll be watching this one closely to discern if our beloved Birds have anything left in the tank. Here’s five things I want to see in tomorrow night’s game:

1. Donovan McNabb reclaim his starting job - Donovan has to put the last few days behind him and just ball. I want to see him deliver his best performance of the season. This isn’t about winning a game, it’s about preserving his legacy in Philadelphia.
2. The defense attack from all angles – The D has been up-and-down all season. Enough of that. I want to see disruptive plays, batted balls, crushing sacks and oh yeah, how about an interception or two? Create a frenzy. Get the crowd riled. Make Kurt Warner wish he never set foot on Lincoln Financial Field.
3. Balance on offense – I realize Brian Westbrook is banged-up. I understand Buckhalter will not play. I don’t care. As much as I dislike Lorenzo Booker, give him a shot. Hell, hand it to Dan Klecko. RUN THE DAMN BALL. If it’s only for three yards a pop, so be it.
4. A wide receiver have an impact – DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Hank Baskett, somebody please step up. One of these guys needs to help McNabb. Do your job: create separation, get open, CATCH THE BALL.
5. A sense of urgency – We hear the term “urgency” thrown around a lot for good reason. If they don’t play like this is the last game they’ll ever play, I will be extremely disappointed. Jobs, careers, futures are on the line. Play with passion. Play with pride. Play to win the game.

These five things I hope to see. Do the 2008 Eagles still have a pulse? Or are they in need of life-support? We’ll get the answer tomorrow. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Go EAGLES!