Driving home the other night from work, I went through my normal progressions of drive-time radio. As always, my first choice is WFAN. Until more recently, I have started listening to Mike Missenelli (950-AM, ESPN affliate) as my “Philly talk alternative”. Mikey Miss understands sports, is fun to listen to, and presents his show in a hip way. If you haven’t already done so, try him out. It won’t be long before he takes over that time slot in the ratings war.
But of course, during a commercial, I decided to slide down the dial to 610-WIP and Howard Eskin. Eskin, whose anti-Phillie/pro-Eagle views are so transparent, continues to spiral downward in putting together a legitimate show. Once the self proclaimed “King” of sports radio in Philly, his overbearing, caustic style along with juvenile callers who he either berates or hangs up on has lost its appeal. You know his show is concerned because they are now actually trying to work in more interviews, rather than have listeners hear just Eskin for the full four hours.
Almost predictably, the name Eli Manning would come up with a big Giants/Eagles game on the horizon. And I have to admit, the stuff coming out of Eskin’s mouth was pure garbage. Much like we have seen and heard in this electoral year, people will sometimes say anything to defend their party.
Let’s get into some details, and I quote Eskin (mind you, this was only about 20 minutes of listening):
“There is no comparison between Donovan McNabb and Eli Manning.” Look, I’m not here to debate who is better. In my mind, they are both Top 10 QB’s. But when Eskin calls Manning “not terrible” and “not bad”, he is really showing his ignorance. If Eskin can’t compel himself to call Eli a good NFL quarterback (who incidentally is only going to get better now his fourth full year of starting), he is just fooling himself.
“Even Trent Dilfer has a Super Bowl ring.” Ummm, yes he does Howard. But what you fail to mention is Manning is the only QB in Super Bowl history to throw two fourth quarter TDs (which gave his team the lead both times). You also fail to mention that Manning is the only QB to take over the ball with two minutes left and his team needing a touchdown to win and…well you know the rest. And a few more words about Dilfer. He does have a ring, and I bet Eskin could sport that same ring if he had QB’d the Ravens back in 2000. That’s because the best offensive play that season for the Ravens was to hand the ball off. Let’s face it, Dilfer has a ring because of that great Raven’s defense, arguably the best ever for a single year. Big difference, buddy. Manning was right in the middle of everything during that playoff run.
“The Giants rely on their running game and make sure Manning doesn’t lose them the game”. Again, perfect example of being misinformed. Eskin insists the Giants run more than they pass. Anyone who reads this blog knows how I feel about this: THE GIANTS THROW THE BALL TOO MUCH. I actually want the Giants to run more with the considerable talent they have at that position. The Giants through eight games have run the ball 250 times and passed it 251. And when you consider the Giants have been involved in a few blowouts this year (meaning they are simply running to wind down the clock), you can see Eskin’s failure to recognize the facts. Furthermore, anyone who has closely followed the Giants since Manning took over would know that this coaching staff has thrown so much at him, it’s a wonder his head didn’t explode those first three years. But, admittedly, it has really paid off. Manning takes as much responsibility into a game as any QB in the league with regards to audible calls.
“The defense and special teams won the Green Bay playoff game”. Hello?? If you watched this game, there was no denying who the two best players on the field were: Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress. Upon further review, it was Manning who TWICE drove his team into FG range for his kicker to win the game in the fourth quarter. The kicker missed both times. I could argue quite convincingly that it was the special teams that nearly lost them the game. Eskin also mentioned that Manning failed to throw a touchdown pass in the game. What he fails to realize is that when Manning gets the Giants down inside the five yard line via the passing game, they don’t rely on trick pass plays to a tackle eligible. They power the ball in with the run. Finally, when you consider Manning’s play in the third coldest game in NFL history, outplaying Brett Favre, there is no doubt that he took center stage in the contest, with the help of a number one receiver (which Eskin to this day still thinks is not a championship requirement – wrong again).
“If David Tyree doesn’t make that catch, Manning doesn’t win the Super Bowl”. Here is a news flash, Howard. When you upset what would have been the greatest team in NFL history (had they won), your teammates have to make GREAT plays. That’s just the way it works. Manning made a great play to escape, and Tyree did the rest. Perhaps Eskin is unfamiliar with this concept?
I shouldn’t get so worked up, and in fact, it’s my own fault. So do yourself a favor. Try Mikey Miss at 950-AM. It’s apparent that the King’s reign is about to end.
