The Eagles were able to outlast the Baltimore Ravens by the score of 24-19 on Sunday. The Eagles’ defense played very well against Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. The team was also fortunate that Justin Tucker, the Ravens hall of fame kicker, probably had his worst game as a Raven. He missed two field goals and one extra point. The Eagles still need to get off to a much better start in games. Once again, they didn’t show up in the first quarter, and were down 9-0 very quickly. Saquon Barkley had another really good game, but most of his best work was in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles’ next game is against the Carolina Panthers who have started to play a whole lot better in the last two weeks. If the Eagles want to have a chance to get to the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, they have to take the Panthers seriously.
In college football news, coach KC Keeler, who won the Division 1AA national championship with the University of Delaware in 2003, has taken the job as head coach for Temple football. This is going to be difficult for him because Temple has really struggled as a Division I-level team. Next year, Delaware is going to transition to the Division I level as well. This is going to be tough for the Blue Hens as well for at least a few years as they get adjusted. I don’t know why they weren’t allowed to play in the playoffs for Division 1AA this year. It doesn’t make any sense. The Hens had a successful 9-2 season this year.
The 76ers have started to play better in the past week. They won two out of the last three games. Paul George has come back from his second knee injury to help Tyrese Maxey in their joint attempt to right the ship. Right now, I am very happy that the NBA expanded their playoff format three years ago to 10 teams in each conference. That gives the 76ers a fighting chance to get back into the playoff mix. The unfortunate part is that no one knows when or even if Joel Embiid is going to come back this year from his mystery knee injury. So I think their playoff prospects will be up to Paul and Tyrese this year.
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
