A couple hundred years ago, an underdog cluster of colonies took on the most powerful dynasty in the world. Britain had a stronger economy and a squad of accomplished generals leading a seemingly unbeatable army that had, until then, crushed its opponents at will. The contest was so lopsided the bookies were offering up a hundred point spread.
Today, we Philadelphians find ourselves in the same position. Economically, Boston boasts median incomes of $75,000 (to Philly’s $34,000), and one of the best school systems in the country. Boston’s army is led by a coach and quarterback who have brought home the Lombardi Trophy five times. Philly’s Eagles have only twice before made it to the Super Bowl (I forget what happened). We have a rookie coach (whom—and let’s be honest here--some among us wanted to tar and feather after the first game). Our star quarterback went down in December (Merry Christmas!) and his spot had to be taken by a third-round draft pick we’d once given the boot to.
And just as the colonies folded under the weight of the British Empire, the Eagles’ season collapsed like a house of cards-NOT!
What’s happening here? The same thing that happened in 1776—A Revolution! Ironically, the only people who don’t seem to see what’s coming are the “Patriots.” Thus, said one misguided Patriot fan, “In Boston we just know we are going to win.”
I know that in titling this blog after Dickens' novel, I’m mixing my revolutions (that book was about the French revolution). But I don’t care; the Eagles vs. the Patriots is indeed a Tale of Two Cities. And when it’s all over it will be “the best of times” (in Philly) and “the worst of times” (you know where).