Sunday, September 27, 2009

Eagles beat Kansas City

The Eagles got back on track today with an impressive 34-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Stadium. They dominated this game from the start grabbing an early lead, never allowing the Chiefs a chance to keep it close.

While the defense played well, it was the play of QB Kevin Kolb that should get the credit for this win. True to the Bird's offensive scheme he was able to spread the ball around to seven different receivers with WR DeSean Jackson and TE Brent Celek, who both had over 100 receiving yards leading the way. On the ground, rookie RB LeSean McCoy filled in admirably for the injured Brian Westbrook, rushing for 84 yards on 20 carries with 1 TD. Another rookie, WR Jeremy Maclin, who started in place of Kevin Curtis who was sidelined with a knee injury had 4 receptions for 33 yards.

While much of the focus in this game was on the return of Michael Vick who has been officially reinstated and eligible to play this week, this win was all about the depth of this team's offense with McNabb, Westbrook, and Curtis out of the lineup. It didn't hurt that they were playing the Chiefs at home, but I was still impressed by the performance of these player's replacements as this was a great example of the importance of having capable backups at the skill positions.

Eagles' defensive coordinator, Sean McDermott went back to an attack style defense that smothered Kansas City QB Matt Cassel preventing him from ever getting settled in the pocket. Consider this a lesson learned after last week's loss where New Orlean's QB Drew Brees was given all day and picked the Bird's secondary apart. Granted, the Chiefs are not the Saints, but it was a step in the right direction as this team is still tying to recover from the death of Jim Johnson and the loss of Brian Dawkins.

Philadelphia has a bye next week which will give everyone that is banged up a chance to heal. Two weeks from now they will host Tampa Bay in their third straight game at the Linc. With McNabb back under center, Westbrook in the backfield, and Curtis in the slot this offense will be back to full strength. The good news is that if anyone of these players is not ready to go, there are some studs on the sideline licking their chops to take their place.

Friday, September 25, 2009

NFL Week 3- Match Ups

The following is a link to my week 3 preview of all the match ups and the keys to each game as posted on Cappers Picks

Week 3 Match Ups

5 Things to Watch for In Week Three

Here is a link to this weeks 5 things to watch for as posted on ATS Sportsline:

5 Things to Watch For in Week Three

Week 3 Preview- Kansas City Chiefs

The Eagles have dropped of the radar screen in the Power Rankings after last week's loss to the Saints. Not to worry the Chiefs are coming to town and are one of the most woeful teams in the NFL.

Donovan McNabb will still be a gametime decision, but in all likelyhood he will remain on the bench as the Birds should be able to win this game no matter who is behind center. With the bye coming next week it is a perfect time to let him completely heal.

The following is my preview of the Chiefs as posted on Bleeding Green Nation.

The Kansas City Chiefs

Thursday, September 24, 2009

NFC Match Ups of the Week

The following is a link to a post I published on a new site I just started writing for this week, SportsBook Lists.

Here is a preview of my top three match ups in the NFC for week three. (Since the Eagles are playing an AFC team this week they didn't make the list)

NFC Week 3 Preview & Match Ups

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Eagles Lose to New Orleans

The Eagles drop their home opener to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 48-22. While not having Donovan McNabb in the game certainly didn't help, you cannot pin this loss completely on the shoulders of his replacement Kevin Kolb. The Birds' defense hung tough in the first half against arguably the best offense in the NFL and they only trailed by four points 17-13 at halftime. Giving up 14 points in the first few minutes of the second half by handing the Saints a short field on two turnovers led to their undoing.

It has been proven time and time again in this league that you cannot give up cheap points from turnovers to good teams. Just ask the Panthers about that. Blaming Kolb, who still did commit his fair share of mistakes will be a convenient excuse for this loss, but unfortunately it will not be an accurate assessment. Both special teams and the defense had crucial breakdowns at the worse possible time in this game. Give credit to New Orleans as they capitalized on every Eagles' mistake to open up an insurmountable lead early in the second half. They never allowed them back into the game and proved at this early point in the season they are a better team.

Before you cancel your reservations to Miami remember a few things. First, this is Donovan McNabb's team and if anything this game confirms it. The good news is that he will be back either next week or after the bye week in week five. Second, the offense did shake things up a bit with the multiple wildcat formations and the addition of Michael Vick will only make this twist better. Third, it is only the second game of the season and titles and championships are not won in September. Finally, thank the Saints for exposing some weaknesses that can be addressed at this stage of the season, as there are very few coaching staffs in the NFL that are better at making the proper adjustments to eliminate them.

Friday, September 18, 2009

NFL Week 2 Match Ups

NFL Week 2 Match Ups

Sunday, September 20th


While it is only week two of the season but there are already some do or die games for teams that lost their opener. A 0-2 start by no means implies that your season is in the tank, but for teams that have playoff aspirations it is not a hole you want to be in. Also there are a couple of big divisional match ups that could have major implications down the road. The following preview to the key factors of each game.

Carolina Panther at Atlanta Falcons

The Carolina Panthers and especially Jake Delhomme have to find a way to put their last two games behind them if they are going to have any chance of beating Atlanta on the road.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

Brett Favre handing off to Adrian Peterson along with an occasional pass down field should be enough to get past the Lions.

Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers

The Bengals need a short memory if they are going to have any chance against a very strong Packer team. Green Bay is starting to establish themselves as the team to beat in the NFC North.

Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars

Anquan Boldin’s health could be the key to this game, as Larry Fitzgerald cannot carry the load on his own. Whichever teams’ offense can get it going should be able to win.

Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs

Both these teams hung tough against much better opponents last week, but still managed to find a way to lose. The team with the fewest turnovers wins this one.

New England Patriots at N.Y. Jets

Jets head coach, Rex Ryan is following in the footsteps of his father Buddy, rattling the cages of his division rivals. It could be scary once Tom Brady is capable of playing a full game like he played in the 4th quarter of Monday’s game.

New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles

The Saints have a good chance in this one with McNabb on the shelf. The pressure will be on the Eagles defense to try and stop an almost unstoppable New Orleans’ offense.

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans

The Texans looked bad in all phases of the game, while the Titans stayed toe to toe with one of the best teams in the league. Both teams are desperately try to avoid a 0-2 start.

St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins

Washington should be able to get back on track against a Ram’s team that struggled on both sides of the ball. St Louis’ only chance is for Steven Jackson to have a monster game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills

Buffalo’s no huddle offense had the Patriots’ reeling for most of game. If they can get over Monday’s loss and find a way to get T.O. into the game, they have a good chance to win.

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

Whichever team comes out of this game with a win becomes the front runner in the NFC West. If Seattle’s offense continues play like they did in week one the 49ers could be in trouble.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears

After throwing 4 interceptions in week one, the last thing that Chicago QB Jay Cutler needs right now is the Steelers coming to town. On top of that, the Bear’s defense will have to try and find a way to replace the loss of LB Brian Urlacher.

Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos

Denver will look to carry the momentum from last week’s last second win into this game against the Browns. Cleveland needs to find a way to get WR Braylon Edwards into the game plan.

Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers

This is a battle of two of the best in the AFC. The Ravens have always been known for their defense, but they now have a pretty potent offense as well. This should be a wild one.

N.Y. Giants at Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are expecting a crowd of 105,000+ to open their new Stadium on Sunday Night. Look for the New York to apply the pressure on Romo to force some turnovers and spoil the debut.


Monday, Sept. 21

Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins

Miami will have to find a way to stop Peyton Manning to Reggie Wayne as well as get their own offense going in order to have a chance to win.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

5 Things to Watch for In Week Two

Here is a link to my 5 things to watch for in week two as posted on ATS Sportsline.


NFL Week Two: 5 Things to Watch For

Week 2 Preview- New Orleans Saints

Below is a link to my preview of the Eagles' opponent in week 2, the New Orleans Saints as part of my ongoing series on Bleeding Green Nation.

The biggest advantage the Birds have in this game is the fact they are playing in the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Field.With Donovan McNabb out of this one with a fractured rib, Philly will need every advantage they can get.

This is just a hunch but do not be surprised if Jeff Garcia comes into this game in relief of Kevin Kolb and leads the Eagles to a come from behind victory!

The New Orleans Saints

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Week 2 Picks

The following is a link to my preview and picks for week two as posted on Cappers Picks.

This week features a big showdown in Big D as the N.Y. Giants are hoping to ruin the grand opening of Jerry Jones tribute to excess, Cowboys Stadium.

It looks like the Eagles will have to face the New Orleans Saints without Donovan McNabb. As of now Kevin Kolb is slated to get the start, but do not be surprised if newly signed veteran QB Jeff Garcia gets a chance to play. He has a knack of pulling off some clutch come from behind wins which may be the case if Kolb continues to play like he has in the past.

Here is a preview of all the games:

NFL Week Two Preview

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Eagles go to 1-0

The Eagles' 2009 season opener is in the books as the Birds completely crushed the Carolina Panthers 38-10. The big story in this game were the 4 interceptions thrown by Panther's QB Jake Delhomme. He apparently is picking up where he left off last season when he threw 5 interceptions in a playoff loss to Arizona. But the credit shouldn't go to Jake for his bad performance, rather it goes to the ongoing legacy of Jim Johnson.

My biggest take away from this game is the dominating performance turned in by the Eagles' defense. If there was any question that new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott was paying attention to Jim Johnson over the past ten years or so, we can put that to rest. The Bird's defense looked as good as ever putting constant pressure on Delhomme and his replacements Josh McCown and Matt Moore.

I was never really worried about the offense as they will take care of themselves, rather it was how the defense would perform with a new coach and no Brian Dawkins.
I think we all now know the answer to that. Stopping the Panthers from scoring at the end of the game just put an exclamation point on their performance.

There are still 15 games to go and we are still a long way from basking in the sun in Miami this coming February, but I cannot help but smile at today's game as things are moving along, right on schedule.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Week 1 Over/Under - Next 8 Games

Just for fun I have provided my expert insight into the over/under aspect of the Week 1 Games.

Here are my picks for the next 8 games:


Lions @ Saints Over/Under

The current over/under is set at 49

The Saints lit it up during the preseason as Brees and Company look ready to go. Stafford starts for the Lion and could throw a couple of Pic 6.

You get the feeling this is a trap setting the over so high, but I'm not worried. Stick with the over as the Saints could score 49 on their own.

Cowboys@Buccaneers Over/Under

The over/under is currently set at 39.

Tampa fired their offensive coordinator so who knows what to expect from the Bucs offense. Romo could have a pretty big day depending on how he clicks with his receivers.

I see this game staying under as the Cowboys defense will shut down Tampa.

49ers@ Cardinals Over/Under

The over/under is currently set at 46.5

Despite the fact that the Cardinals looked pretty weak during the preseason I think the offense will be ready to go come Sunday. I'm not sure how many points the 49ers will score as they are still shakey at QB.

This one looks like a 27-24 type game, just sneaking over.

Redskins@NY Giants Over/Under

The over/under is currently set at 37.

Eli Manning will get a chance to throw to some new faces, but it remains to be seen how that will work out. The Redskins will try and keep the ball on the ground as much as possible to take the pressure off of Jason Campbell.

Classic NFC East slugfest will stay under with something like 21-10 G-men.

Rams@ Seahawks Over/Under

The over/under is currently set at 41.5

With Matt Hassellbeck back Seattle's offense should be able to put up some points against the Ram's defense. The Seahawk's defense should also be able to shut down a very questionable St.Louis offense.

This one will be close but I see Seattle's defense holding the total under 41.

Bears@Packers Over/Under

The over/under is currently set at 46

The odds makers are expecting fireworks from QB's Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler in this one setting a fairly high over.

These teams will start trading touchdowns late in the game to push this game over.

Bills@ Patriots Over/Under

The over/under is currently set at 47.5

The Bills are one of three teams to fire their offensive coordinator just days before the regular season and T.O. is already complaining about their no huddle offense. The only question here are how many points can Brady & Co. put up against a very bad Buffalo team.

The Patriot's will win with ease, but they will not score enough points to push this one over.

Chargers@ Raiders Over/Under

The over/under is currently set at 43

San Diego will be out to make an opening statement against a division rival. The Raiders, despite all of their turmoil should be able to put up some points as well against this Charger's D.

This one looks like a late night 31-21 Charger win.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Week 1 Over/Unders- First Eight Games

Just for fun I have provided my expert insight into the over/under aspect of the Week 1 Games.

Here are my picks for the first 8 games:

Titans @ Steelers Over/Under

The current over/under is currently set at 35.

The last three times these two teams played each other, the winning team scored over 30 points on their own.

While neither team's offense really lit it up in the preseason, I still look for this one to go over.

Broncos@ Bengals Over/Under

The over/under for this game is currently set at 43.

It is hard to know what to expect from these two teams. I believe that Denver will be as bad as everyone thinks, but Cincinnati might a bit better than everyone thinks.

I like the Bengals to win this one big, but I do not think Denver will be able to push the total over 43.

Chiefs @ Ravens Over/Under

The over/under for this game is currently set at 37.

Baltimore has looked strong in the preseason working primarily on their passing game. The Chiefs have looked like,...well the Chiefs.

The Ravens might score 30, but the Chiefs won't score more than 6 so stick with the under.

Eagles @ Panthers Over/Under

The over/under for this game is currently set at 43.5.

The Eagles averaged 25 points a game in the preseason and it seems the offense is just starting to warm up. Carolina's offense has struggled so far, but they may be able to exploit Philly's secondary.

I like this one going over as the Eagles should be able to score at least 30 points on their own.

Vikings@Browns Over/Under

The over/under for this game is currently set at 40.

I not convinced that Brett Favre is ready to be effective for an entire game, so I see a lot of handoffs to Adrian Peterson.

Eric Mangini thinks he is holding onto some kind of National Security information when it comes to who will be the starting QB for the Browns. In reality, it doesn't matter who gets the start because the offense will still sputter.

Go with the under all the way in this one.

Jets@ Texans Over/Under

The over/under for this game is currently set at 43.5

This is a very intriguing matchup. With the Jets you have a rookie QB making his first NFL start and a Texan team that has the ability to put a lot of points on the board, but has not looked overly impressive this preseason.

Given that the over is set fairly high, the safer bet would be to stick with the under.

Dolphins @ Falcons Over/Under

The over/under for this game is currently set at 43.5.

The odds makers are expecting some fireworks in this one even though the Falcons only averaged 19 points and the Dolphins only averaged 15 points this preseason.

I gotta a feeling that both teams will play rather conservative in this one so I'm sticking with the under.

Jaguars@Colts Over/Under

The over/under for this game is currently set at 44.5

Neither one of these team's defense will strike fear into too many offensive coordinators, so this one could be an all out point fest.

Even though 44.5 is a pretty high number for opening day, this game's total should easily eclipse it.

NFL Week 1 Perspective

The following is a link to an article I just posted on ATS Sportsline. I took a look back at the recent preseason in an effort to find some clues for the upcoming regular season, especially week one.

NFL Week 1- A Look Back and a Glimpse Ahead

Week 1 Preview- Carolina Panthers

The dress rehearsals are over and on Sunday the Eagles start playing for keeps. The 2009 season kicks off in Charlotte, North Carolina as the Birds fly south to take on the Carolina Panthers.

Below is a link to my Panthers preview as posted on Bleeding Green Nation:

Carolina Panthers

Monday, September 7, 2009

2009 NFL Fearless Prognostications

With the regular season kickoff just a few days away it is time for me to make my official prognostications for the 2009 NFL season.

After carefully analyzing all the pertinent available information and relying on some insight and intuition I am ready to pass them onto the EaglesLincs Nation.

Please feel free to comment or complain at will. If you have your own set of predictions please feel free to forward them on and I will post them on the site.

National Football Conference

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles 12-4
New York Giants 10-6
Dallas Cowboys 8-8
Washington Redskins 6-10

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons 11-5
New Orleans Saints 10-6
Carolina Panthers 8-8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11

NFC North

Green Bay Packers 10-6
Chicago Bears 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 6-10
Detroit Lions 4-12

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks 10-6
San Francisco 8-8
Arizona Cardinals 7-9
St. Louis Rams 4-12

Wild Cards: New York,New Orleans

NFC Championship: Atlanta @ Philadelphia
NFC Champions: Philadelphia Eagles

American Football Conference

AFC East


New England Patriots 12-4
Miami Dolphins 10-6
New York Jets 7-9
Buffalo Bills 5-11

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts 11-5
Houston Texans 10-6
Tennessee Titans 7-9
Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens 12-4
Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
Cincinnati Bengals 8-8
Cleveland Browns 3-13

AFC West

San Diego Chargers 13-3
Oakland Raiders 6-10
Denver Broncos 5-11
Kansas City Chiefs 4-12

Wild Cards:Pittsburgh, Houston
AFC Championship Baltimore @ San Diego
AFC Champions: San Diego Chargers


2010 Super Bowl Champion- Philadelphia Eagles

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Top Three Games for Preseason- Week 4

The following is a preview of the top threegames to watch in week 4 of the 2009 NFL preseason as recently posted on Cappers Picks:

Top Three Games for Week NFL Preseason-Week 4

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Preseason Week 4 Preview-New York Jets

Here is a link to my preview of the Eagles' fourth preseason game this Thursday night against the N.Y. Jets at the Meadowlands as posted on Bleeding Green Nation.

This game will be all about the quarterbacks as for the Jets, Mark Sanchez will try and get a little more preparation for his opening day game against the Texans. As for the Eagles this game will be all about Michael Vick. He is expected to start the second half and play the third quarter, We should be able to get a good picture of how far along he is to getting back to his old form.

Here is the kink to the preview:

New York Jets