The Eagles won by a score of 15-12 on Sunday against the Saints. The defense played its best game by far this season. There were some strange coaching decisions by the offensive coaching staff though. I think the Eagles would have won this game by a wider score, but for some reason the coaches decided not to use one of their best players, kicker Jake Elliott, to convert some easy field goals. They only let Jake attempt to make a 60-yard field goal that he missed, but that was not his fault.
Starting this week against Tampa Bay, I hope the Eagles stop trying to play the old version of John Madden football by going for it on every fourth down. Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert both had great games this week and pulled the Eagles across the finish line.
For the first time since 2011, the Phillies won the National League East. The Braves had dominated this division for a long time. I can’t remember a year like this one when there’s no clear favorites to win the World Series. The Phillies definitely have a shot to win their first championship in 16 years, but the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres also have a good chance to win the National League pennant this year. I am guessing it will the Yankees in the American League.
The Phillies have clinched a first-round bye. This gives them a week off after the regular season is over before they play their first playoff game Oct. 5. It will be interesting to see how the break affects them in their first playoff game. If the pitching staff plays up to its capability, the Phillies could definitely advance very far in the playoffs this year.
I am still nervous about the health of Bryce Harper though. He has a strange elbow injury that affects him on random nights. I think the rest of the lineup can and should step up for the team. Go Phillies!
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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.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and building pages, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
