Eagles come up short in bid for first tackle in 50 years

Despite the growing buzz surrounding the Eagles for much of the season, another heartbreaking loss to the Packers put an end to the team’s pursuit of its first recorded tackle since 1960.

“I think Ernie [Sims] got a hand on somebody in the third quarter,” Andy Reid said of Sims’ touching of an opposing player, the first by an Eagles defender since a late-hit on a punter in Week 2. “We really thought this was our year to finally bring home that tackle that this city has been waiting for.”

The Eagles kicked this season off with a loss against the Packers while wearing throwback kelly green uniforms to commemorate the 50th anniversary of what is now known as “the tackle,” and ultimately fell to them again after Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns and 9th-string running back James Starks ran for 123 yards.

“We looked at tape and found out Eagles defenders are weakest when you run directly at them,” said Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. “If you do that and sort of slow down where they can really size you up and figure out the best way to tackle you, their head will explode and you’ll be able to run right by them. It worked to perfection tonight.”

Sources close to the team indicate that Reid’s 12th consecutive year as head coach without a recorded tackle could earn him a five-year contract extension this offseason.

Favre’s resentment, 3 TDs spark rift between Vikings, Packers

Brett Favre’s days with the Packers are long gone and it appeared on Monday that the days of mutual respect and post-game marshmallow roasts between the Vikings and Packers may be coming to an end as well.

After spending 16 years of his career in Green Bay, Favre was traded to the Jets prior to the 2008 season and signed with the Vikings this past offseason with the intention of sticking it to the Packers, though he had no intention of starting a natural rivalry between the two Midwest teams.

“Even when I was with Green Bay, I used to love coming [to Minnesota],” Favre said after Monday’s game. “The fans made us feel right at home and no one even cared about the final score, just that the beer was cold and the players were happy. I guess I messed all that up by holding a grudge.”

Favre sunk his old team by throwing for 271 yards and three touchdowns against the Packers, who will look to return the favor when the Vikings visit Green Bay on November 1.