A Hoffman

The New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman has become infamous during the ever evolving debacle of an invasion/occupation of Iraq for his analyses which constantly warned that "the next three to six months will be critical" to improving the situation. Friedman wrote so many of these articles over the past four years that the term, a "Friedman," was invented to signify a block of time 3-6 months long.

In Philadelphia, we now have the "Hoffman," so named for perhaps the best sports columnist in the city, Rich Hoffman, who continues to exhibit a predilection for dire predictions. A "Hoffman" is a must-win game or personnel decision that will have devastating consequences -- not only for the season but also for future seasons if it doesn't turn out right.

Two years ago, Hoffmans abounded as the TO saga played out. How Andy Reid responded and if he "lost the locker room" would shake the franchise to the core Hoffman warned. Last season, the direction of the organization through 2010 was going to be decided by whether the team could finish strong with a backup QB after losing McNabb.

This season, we now have our first Hoffman in the wake of the devastating loss to the Bears. "One week, 2 weeks, maybe 3 weeks - and the Eagles either fix this thing or the proverbial window closes.

One week, 2 weeks, maybe 3 weeks - and either the staggering turns to sprinting or the window slams shut, with shattered glass being the least of the hazards for this franchise," writes Hoffman.

There, you see it? Not only the Eagles 2007 but the larger fate of the "franchise" could be determined by the next three games. How else to interpret the "shattered glass being the least of the hazards for this franchise?" The impact of the results of the upcoming games will have consequences far beyond this season, Hoffman suggests.

For the Eagles, the next three weeks are a "Hoffman" waiting to happen.