Ugh.

That's what the fans in Philly are saying after their Eagles opened the new Lincoln Financial Field with a big loss against the Patriots, 24 - 12.

"We just didn't play our best [Friday]," said Eagles owner Jeff Lurie. "But the Patriots look as though they're going to be a very tough team."

"It's only preseason," head coach Bill Belichick said.

"We're not near the point of where we need to be when we play Buffalo [to open the season]," quarterback Tom Brady said. "We have a lot of things to work on, with four turnovers. They dropped some interceptions, too. I'm sure they won't be dropping them in three weeks. I know it will be different in three weeks when their first-stringers are playing the whole game and they're game-planning for us. The game is so much faster than practice. That's why I'm glad we have another preseason game. You gotta be ready for that first game."

Brady should be careful how he evaluates the game. He threw three touchdown passes - two to David Patten.

And with the new addition at nose tackle, Ted Washington, the Eagles could only rush for 10 yards on 5 carries, a good sign that the Patriots have a defense they've been looking for.

And was also brutal on the Eagles. Wide Receiver James Trasher suffered neck and head injuries from a hit from Ty Law and defensive end Jamaal Green broke his leg. Linebacker Carlos Emmons suffered a sprained ankle, while defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis suffered a concussion.

Rumor has it four of the toilets backed up in the club suites as well.

Overall, the Eagles have a lot of holes to fill, and the Patriots while not perfect (preseason never is) can hardly argue against it with a perfect record.

Veteran cornerback and two time Patriot Otis Smith is no longer a Flying Elvis Helmet Head. New England released O-T-I-S on Monday. Smith, 37 was in his second outing with the Patriots - he had been apart of the 1996 team that went to Super Bowl XXXVI, and was coming off surgery for a torn bicep he suffered in the game against the Titans last year. Smith had only practiced one day in training camp, which didn't help his case, but certainly gave rookies Asante Samuel and Eugene Wilson plenty of time to shine.

"I can't deny it. That was definitely a factor," head coach Bill Belichick said of the rookies getting more time in camp.

"He was disappointed, but he leaves with absolutely no animosity toward Bill and the Patriots organization. He's very grateful to them for allowing him to go to an AFC Championship and for winning a Super Bowl," Smith's long time agent Jim Solano said of the release. "He wanted to finish his career in New England, and that doesn't look as if it's going to happen now. That part is very disappointing, but if I know Bill the way I think I know Bill, I think this was just as hard on him."

His former teammates echoed the sense of loss. Ty Law and Lawyer Milloy declined comment on Smith's release. Both were close to him.

"Tough for everybody, because he set such an example," said quarterback Tom Brady. "He's a true winner. He set an example by hard work, showing up and playing tough, and did everything a coach could ask for. I can't say enough about him. A true professional in every sense of the word."

O-T-I-S played hard, and his experience will be missed. It remains to be seen whether the rookies and new guys can fill in where Smith left off.

The biggest add, no pun intended is 375 lb nose tackle Ted Washington formerly of Chicago. The Patriots traded a fourth round pick for him on Wednesday, and Washington was in uniform - number 60 for the game in Philly on Friday.

"We have a lot of respect for Ted's play over the years," said Patriots coach Bill Belichick in a statement. "And we're excited about getting to work with him."

Washington echoed the sentiment. "I'm excited to be here. It's a playoff team. I'm ready to go. Just give me the playbook, go with a few plays, get the kinks out and get back out there."

The Patriots also acquired right guard Corbin Lacina, signing him to a one year deal. This came after the Offensive Guard Questionnaire - with one question on it.

"That's the first thing [Belichick] asked me, `You're not gonna retire are you?' No, I'm here to play," said Lacina.

And on the way out...

The Patriots released running back JR Redmond and last year's seventh round pick Antwoine Womack, as well as nose tackle Ken Kocher and defensive end Buck Rasmussen.

Also released was veteran punter Daniel Pope, along with rookies Chad Lee and Spencer Nead. Offensive lineman Marques McFadden was also waived this week.

Duce Staley has ended his holdout from training camp and was expected to report to the Eagles on Sunday. Staley is in the final year of his contract, expected to collect $2.2 million this season and was upset about not getting an extension. He was fined $5,000 a day for not reporting to the Eagles, and his bill for this holdout will cost him in exceeds of $130,000...Jets quarterback Chad Pennington is expected to be out for 12 weeks after he broke his wrist in a preseason game Saturday night against the Giants...Tampa Bay has given wide receiver Andre Rison a chance for a spot. Rison was reinstated to the league this summer after two years out of the league following a four-game suspension for substance abuse...Bill Parcells has named Quincy Carter the starting quarterback for the Cowboys - for now...Steeler coach Bill Cowher has benched Jerome Bettis and will start Amos Zereoue at running back....

Monday Night football will feature Indianapolis at Denver at 8:00 pm on ABC.

The Patriots play the Bears at Gillette Stadium Wednesday night in their final preseason game. The game will be aired on WCVB-TV 5 with Don Criqui and Randy Cross in the booth, or Gil Santos and Gino Cappelletti on WBCN 104.1.

1. O-T-I-S will be M-I-S-S-E-D, but this is a smart move. It's hard to make an argument for a roster spot for someone who has not been playing, even with the experience.

2. Nice move by the Pats getting Ted Washington. That's the big threat they need on the defensive line.

3. Another nice move getting rid of JR Redmond and Antwoine Womack. Redmond just hasn't carried his weight ever, and Womack was a risky pick in the first place. I hope Buffalo is watching (a la MaGahee).

4. I'm not sure how to feel about Chad Pennington. In one way, its great for the Patriots, but I always worry about Vinny Testeverde, and veterans who get that second (or last) chance. Ah, forget it. Jersey is done for!

5. Man, those Phillly fans have got to be scratching their heads. The Eagles are picked to win the NFC this year. They may do that, but will they get past the Patriots in the Super Bowl?

6. I think the Steelers are in a lot of trouble this season. Bill Cowher looks like he's going to blow a blood vessel in his head.

7. What's up with the Red Sox? I mean, they're winning.

8. Bummer for the Saugus little league team. But they did better than the Sox have in 83 years or however long it has been.

9. If I were the Eagles, I would really ream into Duce Staley. What was he thinking? You never holdout of camp - especially when you HAVE a contract!

10. Nice weather this weekend. I barely got to enjoy it, but it is nice to finally have summer around.

ejh