Philly Fans Face Tough Times

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Philadelphia is a city most notably known for its delicious cheesesteaks. Topped with melted cheese wiz, grilled onions and a condiment of your choice, the "Philly" cheesesteak is a mouth-watering treat waiting to be consumed. But what if all of a sudden those delicious cheesesteaks turned tasteless and didn't produce the same orgasmic experience as before.

Boy, Philadelphia would be in even more trouble, especially since how their sports teams have been performing lately. 2012 has not exactly been a season to remember for Philadelphia; it's been more like a season to forget.

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First, let's start with the Phillies. An inconsistent season led them to being eliminated from playoff contention, missing it for the first time since 2006. During the off-season, they have signed a few unknowns, one including an overweight outfielder, Delmon Young, who will get paid extra for losing some weight, which should ultimately give him motivation to come into spring training in shape. Even though the Phillies haven't made any huge signings, look for them to still be competitive in their weak division. 

Then, there are the Flyers. Coming off a Conference Semifinal loss to the New Jersey Devils in five games, the "Fly Guys" didn't envision losing half of their 2012-2013 season due to the NHL lockout. Yet, when the season came out of hibernation, they were not prepared, losing three straight and scoring a lowly two goals in three games. However, things are looking much brighter for the Flyers, winning the last two games and improving their record to 4-6.

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Thirdly, a team whom many seem to forget, the Union. Placing eighth in their conference with a 10-18-6 record last year, Philly's soccer team was a disappointment, especially after their 11-8-15 record during the 2011 season, when they reached the MLS Conference Semifinals. Even though they lost to the Houston Dynamo, the Union showed what seemed to be a promising future. That was not the case, as they hit a downfall in 2012.  For 2013, the Union hope the additions of Conor Casey as well as their move to reunite with forward Sebastian Le Toux will help them get back on track.

Another team struggling to find their groove are the Sixers. Head coach Doug Collins and his staff thought they hit the jackpot when they traded for coveted center Andrew Bynum; so far this season, he was been dominant...on the bench! I understand the 7-footer has knee issues, but his focus and will to get back onto the court doesn't seem legit because of his careless attitude. The players the Sixers management team brought in was specifically to help build around Bynum. Since there's no big-time presence on the floor, the team's chemistry has failed to click. Hopefully, Bynum will make an attempt to comeback during the season and show his all-star qualities. If not, they have to move forward via free agency and/or the 2013 NBA Draft.  

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Finally, we have the Eagles. There's nothing really positive to say about their performance during the 2012 NFL season. It didn't look good from the start as former head coach Andy Reid was given an ultimatum from owner Jeffrey Lurie: another 8-8 season and you're gone. The Eagles went on to go 4-12, and Lurie cut the cord on Andy Reid's tenure in Philadelphia. It was a mess of a season, deserving of a firing. Not only did Reid get fired, but he even fired some of his staff during the season such as his defensive line coach Jim Washburn and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo. After 14 years, Lurie finally decided enough was enough with Reid, and now has a fresh new start in former Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly. Kelly's innovative mindset has given Eagles fans a sign of hope to one day celebrate as did Baltimore in Super Bowl XLVII.