Johnson a no-show for three points for Eagles

closer very quickly. That was the reason for a rushed field goal. One problem, Johnson never showed up to kick the field goal. As a result, the place holder snapped the ball to Pederson, who was forced to throw a pass which was incomplete. This was a wasted opportunity because the Eagles' could have gone in the locker room with a little confidence.

What kills me most of all is that Johnson is a 17year veteran of the National Football League. That was probably one of the big reasons why they signed him. It

BRIAN O'CONNELL

by Brian O'Connell sports editor

Organization and responsibility are two main key elements to have if a person wants to be successful in life. Whether it be working, taking care of a family, or showing up on time to kick a field goal to score some points as was the case at the Eagles' game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sure, this team is horrible this year. Sure, they have a long road ahead of them till they get to the point where they will start winning some games. However, one would agree the road to success has just stretched itself on this football team. Just ask kicker Norm Johnson about paying attention to when he is needed to put three points on the board for his team.

The Eagles drove to the Tampa Bay 31 yard line with 53 seconds left in the first-half. Quarterback Doug Pederson threw a two-yard pass to Kevin Turner which kept the clock running. The half was coming to a makes perfect sense, because you would want someone you can count on to show some leadership and responsibility for your team. Especially with the big pay checks these players are collecting each year.

Johnson took full blame for failing to show up for the field goal. Right now, I would just say, forget about it and move on to the next challenge. If I were Coach Andy Reid, I would bench Johnson for a game and give him some time to think about what he did to cost his team.

Speaking of the coach, he confessed that it was ridiculous and the incident should have never happened. He seemed to be very upset that a veteran player like Johnson cost the team those points. I can only imagine what he really said to Johnson in the locker room after the half ended.

The fans knew the Eagles were really bad this year. But are they so bad that they have to hold a player's hand and explain to them their role on the team. Give me a break, this is the National Football League. Last I checked, this league is supposed to be full of professionals.

Will this really be the Eagles of this season? Will other players forget their roles and not show up for a play? This goes to show that the fans will have to wait a long time before something positive comes out of this team. Before they worry about winning games, the coaching staff should read out the roster and remind the players of their roles on the team. This incident fits in with the charts Rich Kotite had when he was coach. Also, there was Tom Hutton's fumbled snap against the Dallas Cowboys.

This team had better get its head on straight if they expect to move forward any time soon. Coach Reid had better step up and take control of the team. Work on this, then worry about winning.

Eagles Notes

With the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Philadelphia Eagles are now 0-3 to start out the Andy Reid era. Their next game is up against the Buffalo Bills next Sunday at 1:00.

Starting quarterback Doug Pederson went 12-19 in passing accounting for I 00 yards of the Eagles' offense.

Rookie quarterback Donovan McNabb went 4-1 I for a total of 26 yards.

The Eagles will face off against their biggest rival, the Dallas Cowboys on October l 0, at home and on December 12 at Texas Stadium.