We are another day closer.

By now, you’re just ready for the game. It turns out rookie Sidney Jones may also be ready as well.

The Eagles held practice on Wednesday afternoon and the defensive back was a full go, without limitations. Only one other player was on the injury report:

Ellerbe has been hampered by that hamstring for weeks and it may be a game-time decision on if he’l play or not in the NFC Championship showdown on Sunday night. Personally, I’d like to see Jones active as well.

Unfortunately, the game is still days away. Until then, we got analysis, analysis, and more analysis. Let’s go!

The Roundup:

The Philadelphia Police know this city. Law enforcement warned local businesses on Frankford and Cottman to prepare for what could ensue if the Eagles win on Sunday night:

Eagles fans are certainly going to be fired up before, during, and after the game, especially if the birds emerge victorious. They’ll have to match the intensity of Kyle Brandt who went on another pro-Philadelphia rant. It’s a must watch.

Now to the game itself, Kyle was all over Case Keenum and his “floaty balls”:

Keenum has had a terrific, Pro Bowl caliber season replacing the injured Sam Bradford – heretofore know as Sam Bradford – and leading the Vikings to the brink of… well, Minnesota. He should be lauded and applauded, commended and recommended, PRAISED AND RAISED for his performance, Mr. A. Smith. But now, on the cusp of a Super Bowl berth, it is time to shit all over him.

Despite the Eagles being the top seed and at home again this week, the team still doesn’t feel that they are getting the love.

Meanwhile Kevin Kinkead took a look at the Vikings’ special teams unit.

Another episode of Bleacher Report’s Gridiron Heights, featuring the Eagles, is here and is another good one:

Also on Minnesota’s side, stand-out receiver Adam Thielen did not practice yesterday.

This week has been busy for Malcom Jenkins:

The Ringer examined the unusual final four in this year’s NFL playoffs, including the Nick Foles-led Eagles. They lauded the birds for setting themselves up for success:

Philadelphia’s overall roster talent before executing those trades helped to make two years of Darby on a rookie contract considerably more attractive than any prospect who would have been available in the third round. A core that includes talents like Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, and Philly’s soul-crushing offensive line was a precursor to bold decisions. Before laying out a blueprint for building a contender without a top quarterback, remember just how hard that building process can be.

I love mic’d up videos:

You can get green beer to drink for the Eagles game.

Mike Tirico and Katie Couric(?) will host the opening ceremonies coverage of the Olympics for NBC.

Another interesting development is there will be a combined Korean team:

National champion Nick Saban is reportedly looking to bring in another disgraced former college coach to Alabama’s coaching staff:

Saban is really pushing for Freeze to be an on-the-field coach, The Tuscaloosa News has learned. Others in the program don’t want that happening. How much autonomy Saban has in this particular situation is unknown given Freeze’s recent history with the NCAA.

Dale Jr. can go in circles at 200mph, but drive in snow, not his strong suit:

The Flyers are in action tonight hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7pm. Anthony SanFilippo’s words after the team’s beatdown from the Rangers earlier this week:

And there’s no reason to recap the 5-1 loss last night. The Rangers were the better, more determined team. Brian Elliott didn’t have a good game, but his defense left him on an island to face breakaway after breakaway.

The Flyers were as awful as they were against Pittsburgh two weeks ago. Brandon Manning and Radko Gudas continue to defy logic by playing, and playing poorly, while Travis Sanheim sits in the press box.

And it was another game where, if Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, and Jake Voracek don’t create offense, no one else really picks them up.

The Phillies are inviting several to Spring Training, which is just a few weeks away:

In non-sports news…

Apple plans a big U.S. expansion.

A space station is falling towards Earth.