The dreaded Saturday Eagles pick is looking about the same as the weather - dreary.
The Birds coughed up a double-digit lead last week to give away a game to the Falcons they should have won. That put me in an 0-2 hole.
People spent most of the week talking about Michael Vick and the concussion he suffered in Atlanta Sunday night. They shouldn't have bothered. Did anyone really think Vick was not going to play in a huge NFL East matchup vs. the hated New Yorkers Sunday?
The story that got overlooked but in the long run will likely have a bigger effect was the decision by Andy Reid and his new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo to shuffle the linebacking corps. As usual, it took the Birds' brain trust a couple of months longer than their fans to come to the same realization: Rookie Casey Matthews was in over his head at middle linebacker. Sunday Jamar Chaney will be back in that spot, where he played well at the end of last year. For some reason Reid and Castillo seemed intent on anointing Matthews in that spot before he ever stepped on the field. Once he did, it seemed pretty obvious to everyone but them he wasn't up to the job. Hopefully Chaney will bolster a run defense that has been getting gashed in the gaps created by the Eagles new 'Wide 9' alignment.
Let's hope so, because with a depleted wide receiver corps, the Giants no doubt will look to control this game - and keep Michael Vick and the Eagles offense off the field - by running the ball. If the Birds can stuff the run, they should be able to take down the Giants.
If they can't, it just might be a long day, and an even longer season.
One caution on Vick. This is all part of the Michael Vick Experience. Simply put, the guy gets hurt. Don't look for that to change. He didn't miss any time from the concussion but I'm taking odds he misses a game or two along the way. That's part of the 'experience.' I don't look for him to change the way he plays, and that means he's going to get hit. That's a big problem for the Eagles. Buckle up that kevar helmet, Mr. Vick.
Of course they could alleviate some of that by utilizing LeSean McCoy, who is just aching to break out into an NFL superstar, but that would mean the Birds would have to run the ball, and we all know how much chance there is of that in Andy Reid's scheme.
Look for Vick to make several electic plays, and the Birds defense to come to life and force Eli Manning into a couple of key turnovers.
Make it Eagles 27, Giants 17.
Last Week: I'm still not a big believer in the Falcons, or Matt Ryan either. Disappointing day for Birds as they gave away a game they should have won. Don't blame the absence of Vick for the loss. He gave them a double-digit lead that they frittered away.
Season Record: I'm staring up from an 0-2 hole, not exactly an auspicious start for the Saturday pick. I'm looking to rally vs. the G-Men. The Eagles are 1-1 and looking like a talented team that has some very real problems they need to fix. Sunday would be a good time to start.
The Birds coughed up a double-digit lead last week to give away a game to the Falcons they should have won. That put me in an 0-2 hole.
People spent most of the week talking about Michael Vick and the concussion he suffered in Atlanta Sunday night. They shouldn't have bothered. Did anyone really think Vick was not going to play in a huge NFL East matchup vs. the hated New Yorkers Sunday?
The story that got overlooked but in the long run will likely have a bigger effect was the decision by Andy Reid and his new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo to shuffle the linebacking corps. As usual, it took the Birds' brain trust a couple of months longer than their fans to come to the same realization: Rookie Casey Matthews was in over his head at middle linebacker. Sunday Jamar Chaney will be back in that spot, where he played well at the end of last year. For some reason Reid and Castillo seemed intent on anointing Matthews in that spot before he ever stepped on the field. Once he did, it seemed pretty obvious to everyone but them he wasn't up to the job. Hopefully Chaney will bolster a run defense that has been getting gashed in the gaps created by the Eagles new 'Wide 9' alignment.
Let's hope so, because with a depleted wide receiver corps, the Giants no doubt will look to control this game - and keep Michael Vick and the Eagles offense off the field - by running the ball. If the Birds can stuff the run, they should be able to take down the Giants.
If they can't, it just might be a long day, and an even longer season.
One caution on Vick. This is all part of the Michael Vick Experience. Simply put, the guy gets hurt. Don't look for that to change. He didn't miss any time from the concussion but I'm taking odds he misses a game or two along the way. That's part of the 'experience.' I don't look for him to change the way he plays, and that means he's going to get hit. That's a big problem for the Eagles. Buckle up that kevar helmet, Mr. Vick.
Of course they could alleviate some of that by utilizing LeSean McCoy, who is just aching to break out into an NFL superstar, but that would mean the Birds would have to run the ball, and we all know how much chance there is of that in Andy Reid's scheme.
Look for Vick to make several electic plays, and the Birds defense to come to life and force Eli Manning into a couple of key turnovers.
Make it Eagles 27, Giants 17.
Last Week: I'm still not a big believer in the Falcons, or Matt Ryan either. Disappointing day for Birds as they gave away a game they should have won. Don't blame the absence of Vick for the loss. He gave them a double-digit lead that they frittered away.
Season Record: I'm staring up from an 0-2 hole, not exactly an auspicious start for the Saturday pick. I'm looking to rally vs. the G-Men. The Eagles are 1-1 and looking like a talented team that has some very real problems they need to fix. Sunday would be a good time to start.
If you're going to the games, be sure to stop by and join the fun as do a live pre-game 'Fancast' before the Eagles home opener against New York Giants Sunday afternoon, we will be broadcasting live from the Lincoln Financial Field parking lot from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
If you are at the game, come over and join us for the festivities. If you can't make it, point your browser right here as we give you the inside look on the game.
I'll be hosting the show and joined by Eagles beat writer Bob Grotz, and lead columnist Jack McCaffery, both of whom will be covering the game.
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