Record 1-5 -9.6 units
Poor start for season for me... should not have played overwhelming public plays as vegas doesn't like to give money away.
Anyways on to tonight.
Atlanta was the number one rushing team in the NFL last year and are coming off the big loss to Philly. Philly has one of the best D's in the league but they lost Cory Simon. His replacement defensive tackle Hollis Thomas is making his first opening-game start since 2001. Thomas isn't the pass rusher that the departed Corey Simon was, but he's considered stronger against the run. Combine this fact with the disciplined, containment game plan used by the Eagles that worked so well against Vick last year and which has been reiterated by Kearse and Kalu in interviews and Atl's running game will be in for a rough night. Furthermore Trotter is an excellent run stopper and can neutralize Duckett who had a very good preseason.
Almost every Atlanta player has stated they will take more chances in the passing game this year and Vick seems to be focused on proving he is a passer. Unfortunately the Eagles secondary is one of the best in the league and Johnson will have no problem leaving Sheppard and Brown in one-one coverage. Rody White is nursing an ankle injury from preseason and is considered their only speedy wideout. Crumpler has big play ability and the speed to beat safeties and take advantage of Vicks arm.
On offense Philly's O line is not fast enough to handle Atl's front four which is why McNabb rolled out so much and why he will tonight. McNabb has no problem rolling out and given that this is the first game it may even help him get into a rhythm sooner. Atl's linebackers are much better this year but can be exploited in coverage. Philly will move Westbrook around to create mismatches as he is a great pass catching RB and his game works great against an Atl type defense. Atls secondary can also be exploited, TO and McNabb have apparently made up. Hall cannot cover TO one on one which will open things up for Westbrook, LJ Smith and company.
Unless ATL can get some early momentum and make some big plays I really don't see how the can beat the Eagles whose strengths take advantage of the Falcons weaknesses. The Falcons have the ability to make these big plays and I see this game similar to the Sunday nighter i.e. If McAllistar makes the catch and if the hit their field goals they have a good chance. If the Falcons squander their opportunities Eagles win easily if not it is a game.
My play is on the Eagles for 4 units. I lean under but not playing it now.
GL
Poor start for season for me... should not have played overwhelming public plays as vegas doesn't like to give money away.
Anyways on to tonight.
Atlanta was the number one rushing team in the NFL last year and are coming off the big loss to Philly. Philly has one of the best D's in the league but they lost Cory Simon. His replacement defensive tackle Hollis Thomas is making his first opening-game start since 2001. Thomas isn't the pass rusher that the departed Corey Simon was, but he's considered stronger against the run. Combine this fact with the disciplined, containment game plan used by the Eagles that worked so well against Vick last year and which has been reiterated by Kearse and Kalu in interviews and Atl's running game will be in for a rough night. Furthermore Trotter is an excellent run stopper and can neutralize Duckett who had a very good preseason.
Almost every Atlanta player has stated they will take more chances in the passing game this year and Vick seems to be focused on proving he is a passer. Unfortunately the Eagles secondary is one of the best in the league and Johnson will have no problem leaving Sheppard and Brown in one-one coverage. Rody White is nursing an ankle injury from preseason and is considered their only speedy wideout. Crumpler has big play ability and the speed to beat safeties and take advantage of Vicks arm.
On offense Philly's O line is not fast enough to handle Atl's front four which is why McNabb rolled out so much and why he will tonight. McNabb has no problem rolling out and given that this is the first game it may even help him get into a rhythm sooner. Atl's linebackers are much better this year but can be exploited in coverage. Philly will move Westbrook around to create mismatches as he is a great pass catching RB and his game works great against an Atl type defense. Atls secondary can also be exploited, TO and McNabb have apparently made up. Hall cannot cover TO one on one which will open things up for Westbrook, LJ Smith and company.
Unless ATL can get some early momentum and make some big plays I really don't see how the can beat the Eagles whose strengths take advantage of the Falcons weaknesses. The Falcons have the ability to make these big plays and I see this game similar to the Sunday nighter i.e. If McAllistar makes the catch and if the hit their field goals they have a good chance. If the Falcons squander their opportunities Eagles win easily if not it is a game.
My play is on the Eagles for 4 units. I lean under but not playing it now.
GL
