Monday Night Bird Fight

[tedward]

Just my thoughts, feel free to chime in and give me your opinion.

Vick at home an underdog? Eagles haven't proven anything except that they can't get along. One screw-up and TO will be yelling at everybody, including Reed. That's real motivation...NOT. Best part is, local paper today says "TO/McNabb together again." Apparently they had a conversation. You know there some anamosity there. I would imagine can't stand him. He did this same shit at SF, that's why they tried desperately to get rid of him...like a hemorroid.

On the other side, Vick is maturing into one hell of a QB. If he comes out strong early, he'll be unstoppable. Atlanta's O is a formidable match for the Eagles, and there D is improved. The Eagles D is what's in question. Is the secondary capable? They got rid of Simon and Douglass. Is Jevon the man...I doubt it. I think the Eagles have had there 3 strikes at the NFC title, now there out. Eagles will lose momentum quick this year. The worst part for the Eagles, they play season opener against an NFC title contender in Hotlanta.

My book right now has Atlanta +1 -105. I would imagine the public will be placing heavy money on Philly, so I'll wait out dropping any coin to see if line movement goes in Atlanta's favor. Will post play at that time.

[Daws1089]

What do you mean is vincent still capable? hes been in buffalo for 2 years. kearse is still a great threat on D. eagles are just as godo without douglas and simon. douglas was old and oculdnt hang with the new young guys. eagles defense is still everything it was. just my opinion however. GL.

[tedward]

I'm caught in a time warp. If I mention Bobby Taylor shoot me. I'm just not impressed with their secondary: Dawkins, Sheppard, Lewis, or Brown. Dawkins ain't what he used to be. As far as Kearse, how many sacks did he have last year? Did he do anything out of the ordinary? I just think he's not all he's cracked up to be. This is not a D that will win you a championship. And winning the NFC last year was not a momentous occasion. The worst AFC playoff teams would have beaten the Eagles. But it's all opinion until game time.

[tedward]

The more I think about it, the more doubts I have about the Eagles. They release Chad Lewis, Jermaine Mayberry, Ike Reese, and Freddie Mitchell. These guys weren't franchise players, but they played key roles to get the Eagles to the title game. Is Pinkston the franchise player? Butter fingers himself, probably best he's on the DL. And all the local papers and sports radio (610) talk up the young secondary like they're the best. Even the Browns have a field day on them last year? The Browns! Is a year going to make them that much better? Or are they just mediocre. And the running game is in shambles. Buckhalter is no Tomlinson or James. They still haven't filled the position with a 'big back,' which has always been the problem in Philly. Last great running back for Eagles...Wilbert Montgomery.

Atlanta had a horrible passing game last year. Ranked somewhere beyond 25th. But even that being said, they still were 11-5, and reached the NFC title game. Vick looked impressive in the preseason. And with the addition of the WR from UAB (forget his name), this adds a potential new dimension to the O. My point with the falcons, if they're passing game was that bad last year and they went that far, just a little improvement will carry them to the next level. Let's not forget Vicks play making ability and Dunn in the back field (1100+ yards in 2004).

Eagles big hopes are being able to pass on Atlanta all night. The run game sure as hell won't beat them. It's all up in the air at this point, but if Atlanta's safeties play well, and their CB Hall gives an all pro performance, I bet this will take the Eagles by surprise and they'll be stumped what to do next.

Funny thing is, when moneys not involved, I'm an Eagles fan. All my life. I'm also a realist and think their time has come and gone. I don't get that 'championship feeling' when I see them. All the contract dispute crap with Buckhalter, TO; the bickering. There's trouble in paradise. From a non-gambling/fans perspective, I hope I'm wrong. But from a cappers perspective, I see an upset.

[tedward]

While it's still low:

Atl/Philly o42 -105 5units

[Chauhan]

What a day,full of suprises:bang:

Andy Reid is 4-0 against the Falcons since coming to the Eagles. He'll have a game plan ready for the Falcons. Vick was shutdown by the Eagles D in their previous meeting. The
beef between Owens and Mcnabb shouldn't be a problem on the field. Vick looked impressive throughout pre-season though,tough call but I would have to go with the Eagles.

[sportsdaddy]

Your right, if they play Buckhalter, They will get smoked , big time. But lil ol Westy might have something different to say about that. over 1500 yds., overall last year. But we'll see. Bucky's not feeling to well right now.

[DJTranks]

GL tonight!!

[tedward]

Originally posted by sportsdaddy
Your right, if they play Buckhalter, They will get smoked , big time. But lil ol Westy might have something different to say about that. over 1500 yds., overall last year. But we'll see. Bucky's not feeling to well right now.

That's IF his anger over failed contract negotiations doesn't translate onto the field. Obviously when he ends contract negotiations with the eagles office, he's not happy. Here's a guy who busts his ass (I'm a westbrook fan), and they treat him like he's a mediocre player. He's already looking for a way out.

I believe Buckhalter is out for the season with a knee injury.

I appreciate the comments so far. I'm just very leary about this game. I would imagine, based on the posts on UC as a sample pool, the public is all over the eagles. Comparing the title game last year, the eagles should win. But why would the books have the line so low (+-1)? There must be something they know.

[Daws1089]

dude come on, buckhalter is out for the year. are u confusing buckhalter with westbrook??? you are missing big pieces to this game. ryan moats is better than buckhalter anyway. freddie mitchell? no way was he a key player on this team? a key player was todd pinkston. butter figners or whatever you wanna call him, he led the nfc in yards per catch last year so he will be missed, but freddie mitchell or chad lewis will not, lewis is old, lj smith is just as good maybe better with more speed and good hands. the eagles aren't even a running team, so the fact that atl is decent against the run doesn't even matter. the secondary?? find me a better secondary overall in the nfc aside from possibly minnesota. dawkins isnt whathe used to be? just cuz he only had 2 int's doesnt mean hes still very affective on blitzes and making big hits. n.d. kalu is back, who missed all last season. thats huge for the defense. mike patterson replacing corey simon sounds good to me, and the always solid darwin walker. i think you are underestimating this defense and entire team.

[tedward]

Pinkston statistically is a solid player. But I'm sure you remember certain plays last season when he 'dropped the ball.' Can't remember the specific instances, but the local media was questioning is 'big play' abilities. Either way, he's out.

As far as buckhalter, we must have been writing at the same time. I noted he's on the DL.

I appreciate your insight. I think everyone should know the pros and cons of the teams, and that's what this post is about:thumbs: You would think based on stats and last year, the forbidden L word would be used. But there's something I'm missing. Eagles a one point favorite, at -105? Could it be a big trap? The books aren't out to give money away. Hopefully some of the Atlanta backers will provide some info to the post.

[drkewl]

I bet 5 units on pinnacle for atlanta to score less than 25 points (1.9-1 odds). They have no receiving core whatsoever. If they grind it out, fine, but they still won't score above 25.

Andy Reid has become very good with utilizing the players he has to his advantage regardless of their rep. I still can't believe people have no respect for the Eagles. Anyone can make a decent case for just about anything in today's NFL. I bet on more concrete reality, and the reality is Atlanta has never had an answer for Philly period. Until dethroned, philly is the king of the NFC.

2 units on philly to cover the spread.

(PS i'm a skins fan so i really don't like the eagles... i just know what i've seen the past few years)

[PlayBoy]

Originally posted by Chauhan
What a day,full of suprises:bang:

Andy Reid is 4-0 against the Falcons since coming to the Eagles. He'll have a game plan ready for the Falcons. Vick was shutdown by the Eagles D in their previous meeting. The
beef between Owens and Mcnabb shouldn't be a problem on the field. Vick looked impressive throughout pre-season though,tough call but I would have to go with the Eagles.


This is the most sensible quote I have seen about this game in the entire forum. Everybody and I mean EVERYBODY wants TO and McNabb to hate each other on the feild. IT JUST AINT GONNA HAPPEN. McNabb is way to mature not to mention his dedication to winning. The variable here is ATL not PHI. How much have Vick and the Dirty Birds improved? That is the question.

[tedward]

Great points. That's why I love this forum. Quality input. I'm still on the dirty birds, but will definitely keep the coin I lay out to a minimum.

[tedward]

Adding:

Atl/Philly o21 1H -110 5units

[Daws1089]

completely agree tedward about pinkston dropping balls and pulling up in fear of taking a hit, just adding ym opinion to give people the best chance at choosing the right side in this game. and im not even on philly tonight or atlanta, it prbly seemed like i was for philly, i am a philly fan but not betting this game. GL

[Jimmie29]

Ted,

The spread personally I think is so low to fool everyone that thinks Atlanta has a chance. To even out the money. Andy Reid has a remarkable Monday Night record, but is 2-4 in opening games, with the two of these figures combined, it makes a low point spread. Who the hell is going to cover T.O., are you going to double team him, go ahead, that gives Westbrook, L.J. Smith, Greg Lewis, Reggie Brown, Darnalle McGant and Josh Perry the oppurtunity to get open, especially Westbrook in the open, because now your Linebackers have to pull back. This also gives McNabb the running room he wants. Defense alone is A-. Hugh Douglas didn't play the second half of the NFC Championship against Tampa Bay because he could not keep up. Corey Simon for crying out loud had half a sack until the 9th game of the season last year. N.D. Kalu is back full time this season, you have Kearst who personally I think you under rated. Linebackers now that Simonau isn't starting I have the utmost confidence in, Trotter, the dude from the Giants as I'm drawing a blank, and Keith Adams who rocked Vic's world last year in the NFC Championship game. I just don't think that Atlanta has what it takes to beat the Eagles, too many weapons, and there going to mix it up with this kid from Miami that they just picked up. The only thing that will kill the Eagles tonight is the Eagles themselves, I personally like the over here as I see T.O. getting 2 TD's, Westbrook 1, Mcnabb running for more then 80 yards tonight, Akers at least three FG's, Greg Lewis getting 1 TD. 38-23.
Special Teams a plus here, I think Atlanta jumps out early on an Alan Rossum Kickoff return, Philly from there. Just my two sense as a Birds fan.

[tedward]

I like your thoughts. It's tough being an Eagles fan...yes I am through thick and thin (we all remember the Buddy Ryan years:bang:). You know they're good, but is it enough? Has the well run dry? I get very leary about the Eagles, especially when everyone and their mother is already using the Eagles and SuperBowl in the same sentence. I read a column on a popular sports website and they are predicted Philly to win the NFC championship. They haven't even played yet! Being a philly fan you know from the past experiences, it's a jinx to predict the best possible outcome. Examples, the Sixers and Iverson:flush: , Flyers and that big pussy Lindros:puke: , and the Eagles and Cunningham, Reggie, and Jerome Brown (they were good, but bad luck followed them--->poor Jerome, Reggie, and Randall the gimp). I'm hoping I'm wrong and the philly jinx doesn't rear it's ugly head...again.

[tedward]

Daws, I've gained a whole new respect for Dawkins tonight. Created 2 fumbles and an interception.