TB @ Phil---Game time temp will be extremely cold for the TB Bucs, not quite in their comfort zone. TB had a good scoring day vs a very banged up 49 er team last week, who had key injuries on the defensive side of the ball, But, throw out the 2nd quarter, what did they do, scored 10 points total for quarters 1,3,4. I doubt very seriously that they will enjoy the same high pct of 3rd down conversions in todays game, as they did last week. I think Phil style of pass defense presents big problems for TB possession receivers. The offensive line for TB must do a better job in todays game than they did last week. They had some real problems picking up 49er pass rush. I did not realize it while watching the game last week, but saw some replays on TV this week, and it was amazing the problems they had. I envision the Phil defensive rush giving TB all sorts of problems, and if the DBacks can handle the receivers, Johnson will go down. The TB running game has to come up big to give em a chance today. I personnally don't see this happening, but stranger things have happened in the NFL. There is a definite Phil edge in todays game with QB mobility and possible big plays from that position. Of course, this is second game back for Mcnabb, how will he do in the severe cold. I actually think, this is questionable. Phil will also have an edge with the bakup QB in todays game, should anything happen to either starter, which is possible, when two teams with defenses like these meet. After watching Phil/Atl last week, Phil offense didn't exactly light it up, verses an Atl team that backed into the playoffs. I see this game being a hevyweight
defensive struggle, and I don't like laying 3? or 4 , even though there is strong trend leaning to Phil after losing on the road last year. My opinion FWIW is under 34, my local line.
Tenn @ Oakland
Oakland did have some problems last week with Pennington play action. His faking with the ball was excellent, and the Jets actually had some chances for some plays, but came up short. He was a little late with some throws, which allowed for Oakland defensive recovery. Is McNair's play action as good, I don't think so. However, he does present a different problem for the Raiders, and that is his ability to run. Has Eddie George recovered from his concussion from last week. I really don't think it matters, with no concussion, I don't think he has a big day. The Tenn pass defense is really suspect. But, of course Pitt had some fine atheletes catching the ball last week. With Oakland I see a team that can run, throw, and make some big plays. Tenn coming off a big emotional win last week, plus they got really banged up. Can Mcnair carry this team today. I know they must have worked on
special team play this week, after some of the run backs last week from Pitt, and knowing this was a big time player in their loss to Oaklnad last time they faced each other. To win Chamionships, you have to have good special teams. Titan, season is on the line today, they MUST play better pass defense, and MUST have better special teams play, and MUST put tremendous pressure on Gannon, and they MUST be able to run the ball. That is asking for a lot to change in a hurry. Problem with laying all the points, is this team finds ways to win games. This team is similar to the Jets, they started horrible, then put it together for a hell of a run. Clock strikes 12 for the Titans, I recommend a Oakland Teaser with Phil under teaser.
Oak -2 and Phil under 40.
defensive struggle, and I don't like laying 3? or 4 , even though there is strong trend leaning to Phil after losing on the road last year. My opinion FWIW is under 34, my local line.
Tenn @ Oakland
Oakland did have some problems last week with Pennington play action. His faking with the ball was excellent, and the Jets actually had some chances for some plays, but came up short. He was a little late with some throws, which allowed for Oakland defensive recovery. Is McNair's play action as good, I don't think so. However, he does present a different problem for the Raiders, and that is his ability to run. Has Eddie George recovered from his concussion from last week. I really don't think it matters, with no concussion, I don't think he has a big day. The Tenn pass defense is really suspect. But, of course Pitt had some fine atheletes catching the ball last week. With Oakland I see a team that can run, throw, and make some big plays. Tenn coming off a big emotional win last week, plus they got really banged up. Can Mcnair carry this team today. I know they must have worked on
special team play this week, after some of the run backs last week from Pitt, and knowing this was a big time player in their loss to Oaklnad last time they faced each other. To win Chamionships, you have to have good special teams. Titan, season is on the line today, they MUST play better pass defense, and MUST have better special teams play, and MUST put tremendous pressure on Gannon, and they MUST be able to run the ball. That is asking for a lot to change in a hurry. Problem with laying all the points, is this team finds ways to win games. This team is similar to the Jets, they started horrible, then put it together for a hell of a run. Clock strikes 12 for the Titans, I recommend a Oakland Teaser with Phil under teaser.
Oak -2 and Phil under 40.
