Carolina (-1.5) over Philly 1st half
IMO this is not a trap game... Carolina goes into Washington and loses, while Philly gave Dallas a game. A ton of talk about replacing Delhome and the once formitable carolina defense has shown holes of late. And the running game has not been as tough as many people once though. I think Carolina is the better team but don't forget Westbrook and the philly defense at home is nothing to luagh at and they will be ready for this game. Carolina needs a win to remain in the playoff hunt but they have not been playing well lately. Plus a high % not sure the actual number but if I recall correctly about 70% of the time Carolina is the fav they do not cover but as the dog they cover about the same. This is not good for me but I still think Carolina is the better team and if they come to play they should beat philly by at least 10 but then again do they come to play? Delhome has looked down right awful this season and philly will blitz from every position. Jake has gotten into the habit of ducking as he throws not standing in the pocket and this is a HUGE sign of a players confidence. If you need a great example watch Brooks from Oakland it is almost commical. IMO a big problem with the carolina defense is Peppers, not that his play has gone down but his weight has, he is down about 40 lbs on the season. This is not good because he can be singled on and there are more blockers for the talented DT's. Peppers has to use his speed and ability to avoid the protection (which he can and does well) but teams know they do not have to help out on his side and that is why the defensive front has not blown up the pocket as in the past. Also teams do not honor the LB play for Carolina they are a patch work group with decent talent but RB's can pick up ALL over them on a blitz and again is a back can pick up a blitzer this frees up lineman for the D-line. All are reasons why the defense has struggles. BUT if there is a bright spot it is Garcia has some of the happiest feet in the NFL. Delhome may pull out of throws but Garcia is a frog back there and that has totally effected his accuracy and ability as a QB. Plus when he feels pressure he loses sight of about 3/4 of the field and locks on to the side he is running to, which some DB's can take advantage. Carolina needs to find ways for Smith to get the ball, they need to stretch the field with long passes to open up the middle. If they do not do that Smith will have a tough game as he has done over the past few weeks. He is productive but not in the same catagory as last years production and that is do to Delhome, the line and poor play calling. Still tboth teams have a lot to play for and I just think Carolina if they play well is the better team.... but will they play well on the road??
Cheers
Irish
IMO this is not a trap game... Carolina goes into Washington and loses, while Philly gave Dallas a game. A ton of talk about replacing Delhome and the once formitable carolina defense has shown holes of late. And the running game has not been as tough as many people once though. I think Carolina is the better team but don't forget Westbrook and the philly defense at home is nothing to luagh at and they will be ready for this game. Carolina needs a win to remain in the playoff hunt but they have not been playing well lately. Plus a high % not sure the actual number but if I recall correctly about 70% of the time Carolina is the fav they do not cover but as the dog they cover about the same. This is not good for me but I still think Carolina is the better team and if they come to play they should beat philly by at least 10 but then again do they come to play? Delhome has looked down right awful this season and philly will blitz from every position. Jake has gotten into the habit of ducking as he throws not standing in the pocket and this is a HUGE sign of a players confidence. If you need a great example watch Brooks from Oakland it is almost commical. IMO a big problem with the carolina defense is Peppers, not that his play has gone down but his weight has, he is down about 40 lbs on the season. This is not good because he can be singled on and there are more blockers for the talented DT's. Peppers has to use his speed and ability to avoid the protection (which he can and does well) but teams know they do not have to help out on his side and that is why the defensive front has not blown up the pocket as in the past. Also teams do not honor the LB play for Carolina they are a patch work group with decent talent but RB's can pick up ALL over them on a blitz and again is a back can pick up a blitzer this frees up lineman for the D-line. All are reasons why the defense has struggles. BUT if there is a bright spot it is Garcia has some of the happiest feet in the NFL. Delhome may pull out of throws but Garcia is a frog back there and that has totally effected his accuracy and ability as a QB. Plus when he feels pressure he loses sight of about 3/4 of the field and locks on to the side he is running to, which some DB's can take advantage. Carolina needs to find ways for Smith to get the ball, they need to stretch the field with long passes to open up the middle. If they do not do that Smith will have a tough game as he has done over the past few weeks. He is productive but not in the same catagory as last years production and that is do to Delhome, the line and poor play calling. Still tboth teams have a lot to play for and I just think Carolina if they play well is the better team.... but will they play well on the road??
Cheers
Irish
