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Mon. Sep 12, 2005

Deja Football

The last time the Atlanta Falcons played a real football game, it was a much anticipated matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Tonight, in their next real game, it’s a much anticipated matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s Deja Football.

The AJC points out one difference: “So, it has come to this. The rematch on Monday Night Football. A prime-time audience. The national spotlight. However, this time it’s at the Georgia Dome, where it promises to be full and loud. Can it get any better?”

Well, it could only get any better if I had a pair of tickets to the game. But there’s a couple of other big differences from the game eight months ago. One, that game was for the NFC Championship, and this one, at best, may determine the home field advantage for the next NFC game, if there’s a third meeting between these two teams.

And two, eight months ago the Eagles All-Pro quarterback and All-Pro wide receiver were on speaking terms, even if one of them didn’t play due to injury. This time, they’re both healthy, both playing, but not exchanging vowels and consonants. In fact, Donovan McNabb has told Terrell Owens “Keep my name out of your mouth. Keep my family’s name out of your mouth.”

Now they communicate through glares, the media, and coaches. Maybe some sign language or attempts at telepathy. Maybe the Eagles are a team that requires some “creative tension” to spur them on. I suppose we’ll see tonight.

“Are you ready for some football,” indeed. I’ve been ready for nearly eight months.