There are really two strategies towards maximum Philidelphia Eagles Sunday Funday goodness. The first, as I discussed last week is finding your Eagles watching castle, then populating it with fellow Reidaphiliacs. The other is finding a group and taking a more nomadic approach; moving form bar to bar until you find the DeSean Jackson to your Donovan McNabb. Finding a good group can only amplify the good qualities of a bar, such as: atmosphere, prices, and the size of TV that the Eagles game is on. It can also insulate you from outside influences, such as people who root for the local team or, god forbid, non-football watchers. This week complete domination of your local gin mill is imperative. In addition to the normal Eagles party, the Philadelphia Phillies play Sunday. If you watched game one, you know you’ll want to watch it. This means you need control of at least two big screen TVs, not including side TVs for fantasy reports and big plays. You’re not going to get this on your own, finding a group is going to be the only way to get the amount of sports it will take to fulfill your Philly appetite this weekend. This week I’m going to rate some strategies to help you get the most muscle out of your group.

First step: You need to decide if you want to be the Alpha or join an existing group. Joining an existing group means all of your hard work scouting tap houses will go by the way side. The good news is, if you join a strong group, you’ll get better specials and be with strong numbers. On the other hand if you want to strike it out on your own you’ll have the ability to add anyone and everyone you see fit, including people from rival teams, girlfriends, and Emo kids. Established groups may not be as accepting of these groups as you are. You also want to keep in mind that starting your own group means you’re the first one there and the last to leave every Sunday. This can lead to increased bar tabs and decreased productivity on Mondays. For the purposes of this article we’ll assuming you’re starting out by yourself, with a dream in your mind and a dive bar in your heart.

Strategy: Empty Bar, automatic numbers…

Required People: 2+

Comments: This is the lazy man’s way to a watching party. Grab a buddy and go to a bar that no one else will and tell them to put on some games. This is also the least efficient way to go about the whole thing. There’s a reason no one else is there; the bar sucks. It could be the service, the specials, the tap selection, or the TV, who knows. What I do know is that people don’t avoid bars because they’re awesome. Since the Eagles are the late game and the Phillies are on TBS this could probably work, but Reggie White is watching and he’s ashamed of you.

Rating: Freddie “Fredex” Mitchell

Strategy: Well we’re not local team fans, so let’s hang out!

Required People: 5+

Comments: If you have a bunch of transplants that you work with, or know socially, from different cities uniting against a common enemy can be effective and fun. It’s easier and faster than trying to search out Eagles fans and as long as everyone is a good sport you should be able to have a broader spectrum of shit talking than you’re used to. These types of groups are difficult to maintain and control though. For each team represented an additional TV must be added. There’s also the difference of TV Schedule and differing bye weeks. If you’re starting one of these groups be prepared to be at the bar from at least 12:30 to 7 pm. On a good weekend for the teams represented this can turn into a brutal binge drinking marathon followed by a sick day. These types of groups require large sports bars, which are often corporate and therefore have lawyers who force them into not giving good drink specials. If you really like the people this can be worth it, but this group is going to be a lot of work and totally swing your emphasis off of the Eagles.

Rating: Hank Baskett (pre Kendra)

Strategy: I know you, you’re an Eagles fan!

Required People: N/A

Comments: In this strategy you simply go with what you know. If you live close to Philly and live in a major city, or even Pittsburgh, chances are you know other people in the area that are Eagles fans. This group could be composed of college or high school friends, people who you knew through sports or other activities. It could even involved people who you generally avoided but are now forced to coexist with. Chances are, if you live in the northeast, you’re either in, or have been in, this kind of group. Friend groups are a solid, no hassle, choice for Eagles enjoyment. The only draw backs of this style of group are that it requires background in the Philly area and doesn’t really force you to meet people in your new city. In short, this is good but not great.

Rating: Kevin Curtis

Strategy: With an NFL package my house is an Eagles bar!

Required People: 10+

Comments: There’s definitely some big play potential here. Obviously, outside of the subscription this is going to be the cheapest option. If you get people to chip into a fund every week or have everyone bring things over you can have a great time every week. You do have to keep the numbers high though; otherwise you’re having a watch get-together, or box social, which would be lame. There’s also the fact that drunks spilling drinks and knocking into walls in a bar is funny, them spilling drinks on your couch and knocking pictures off of your walls; not as entertaining. Be prepared to have serious mop up duty every Sunday night and still expect your house to smell like Cheers Monday morning.

Ratings: DeSean Jackson

Strategy: Innovate, Dominate!

Required People 20+

Comments: This is the Cadillac of Eagles watch groups. It also requires the most time and commitment. In this group you create a network and draw in fragmented Eagles groups throughout your area to create one large earth moving group, capable of demanding specials and whole floors of bars. Normally these types of groups form from a Curtis level group, the members eventually get tired of being mistreated and rally to pull in their brothers and sisters. This type of group is not for the faint of heart, it requires dedication and work throughout the week, beyond simply drinking beers at random bars, but if you can form one you’ll have one hell of a watch party this Sunday and can even negotiates bus trips to games and tail gates.

Rating: Brian Westbrook riding a Unicorn.