Public Enemy

By Michael Rushton

In order to gage the national impact of this Saturday’s game between the feel-good New Orleans Saints and the darling Philadelphia Eagles, one has to step out of the local realm.

Our passion, stake and enthusiasm for our Eagles just won’t let us see what this game appears to mean to the country outside of the Philadelphia region. Face it Philly, we are public enemy Number 1, and this time it has nothing to do with snowballs, Santa, or batteries.

The Eagles were cast in an unfortunate role this weekend. Every good movie needs a bad guy, whether it’s a rough dirty Hawks team ala Mighty Ducks, or the nice, sweet boyfriend who did nothing wrong, but just isn’t compatible with Julia Roberts.

The Birds fall into the latter category. They are a feel good story themselves; a club that overcame a cancer that damaged their locker room last season and a devastating injury to their franchise quarterback that occurred during an already shocking losing streak.

If there ever was a phoenix in the NFL, it's Jeff Garcia. A quarterback cast aside after a pair of miserable seasons in two separate cities, the former Pro Bowl signal-caller rose from the ashes as an emotional leader for a team that was spinning down the drain.

Dawk and Trot take care of the D, but the one thing missing from the offense was passion. Sure, B-West is exciting and can change a game, but an emotional leader? I don’t think so. Just think back to when Garcia stupidly spiked the ball towards a defender after a first-down run. Dumb yes, but also passionate.

So how can America be rooting against the Birds? Sure, just like we cheer for anyone who plays Dallas, there are invested Eagles haters spread across the nation. But even the casual fans will be fist pumping for Bush, Brees and company on Saturday.

Because while the Eagles emerged after on-the-field events -- a losing streak and injury -- the Saints have risen above a national disaster.

So, now I finally present the argument. Do the Saints NEED a win more than the Eagles?

The two sides go like this. The city of New Orleans, still rebuilding, still recouping, needs something to feel good about, and a Super Bowl run will do that. The city needs the positive national spotlight. And sure, if the Bears lose to the Seahawks, another home game would help as well.

Or, you can say that what happens on the field doesn’t matter. No matter what the score is, or what events transpire, none of it will transfer into the city itself, physically. Win or lose, the city is still in need.

I could take the easy way out and say that is for you to decide, but that wouldn’t help me keep my job, now would it?

So, pushing my hometown bias as far out of the equation as I can, I still have to go with the latter. A win for the Saints would be nice and would keep the story of hope and perseverance going, but it’s not necessary.

To be honest, it doesn’t matter what happens on the field Saturday, in the large scheme of things. A Saints win won’t rebuild hospitals or schools, force people to donate blood and money, or ensure something this tragic never happens again.

As a matter of fact, I’ll bet no matter the outcome tomorrow night, the Saints will walk off the field with their heads high amidst a standing ovation from their renewed faithful.

See, the Saints have done more than enough already. They turned a displaced 3-13 team last year into a Super Bowl contender. In fact, many feel the winner of this game will represent the NFC in the big game.

Not only that, the Saints appear to have set themselves up for the long run here. Their city will be enjoying some good football for the next few years. They have already given their fans hope, regardless of Saturday’s results.

So don’t feel too bad for the Saints. The Eagles aren’t the bad guys here. Just a victim of circumstance.

Don’t agree or have something to say. Let Michael Rushton know at rushpac@comcast.net or phanaticmag@comcast.net.


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The Phanatic