Analysts supporting the Packers
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Analysts supporting the Packers
The national analysts are starting to line up behind the Green Bay Packers, heading into Sunday's wild card game against the Eagles.
"They're the scariest team right now in the playoffs," Deion Sanders said on the NFL Network.
And it goes without saying that much of the attention is focused on the Green Bay defense and how it will approach Michael Vick.
"They have the ability to frustrate the Philadelphia Eagles on the front end in getting to Vick, and the talent on the back end to guard [Philadelphia's wide receivers]," Michael Irvin said.
Added Steve Mariucci, also of the NFL Network: "If the Philadelphia Eagles expect to win this game, he has to make some plays from the pocket."
Among the NBC "Sunday Night Football" team, both Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison picked the Packers to win.
“This is a fast athletic defense that can put pressure on Michael Vick," Harrison said. "Their corners are good enough to play man-to-man coverage.”
Added Dungy: “They are playing great defense.”
Peter King, of NBC and Sports Illustrated, had the Packers going to the Super Bowl in the preseason and he is sticking with it, except he has changed his AFC pick from the Steelers to the Patriots.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Get it here.
Can't disagree with their statements but I think the Eagles win by 6-10 points. I think Andy has been playing coy with the playcalling since the Vikings game so not much is on film. He'll pull some tricks out of his bag offensively and I think the D will hold on just enough to allow Vick to pull it out in the 4th. Go Eagles!!!! Never say die!— Mabus
This is offense is just too good. The D will get to play w/ the lead. That's when the Eagles D have been at their best thru the AR era. (not saying anything new there)...The offense, (the better offense of the two teams), puts up 30+ on the cheese-heads...
Wi
.
Wish I could be as optimistic as Mabus, but all signs point to a Packer win. And probably by at least 2 scores. Hope I'm wrong but ...
— CarpGuy- The analysts may be showing respect(perhaps too much) towards the Packers, but what they are really doing is doing the Eagles a favor, allowing them to play the "underdog" role as opposed to the favorites that they are. Outside of last season, this Eagles regime has never lost in the first round in the playoffs. The Eagles have the weaker D, but the stronger O, and are rested. This Packer QB hasn't had much playoff success, and it doesn't help him that the game is here, instead of Lambeau. There is no super team in the NFC this year; the Eagles can definitely win.— 76erfn
- Who cares what analysts say... they always go with whoever is hot or has won a couple games in a row. If my memory serves me correctly GB scored a total of 10 points at home against Chicago so how come no one is talking about how their offense struggled? You started the article by saying "Deion Sanders said"... really? bad move.— Theo1980
- I feel better after reading that. Now I need to hear one of them Guarantee a Pack Victory. A "bet-the-farm" type prediction.— jjthree
- Go ahead and play man-to-man on the outside ... run down the field with your back to Vick.— mwilgus
- Deion Sanders, "analyst." LMFAO.— ahab
- While there is nothing wrong with wishful thinking, I don't see or hear any facts on how the Eagles are going to win this game. Now, I wouldn't be surprise if they did win but they need to get off to a fast start, not like they have been doing in the past couple of games. The problem is their defense, no pass rush, always have to blitz and other than Samuel, they don't have a good cornerback that can cover the receiver that Green Bay has. They give up too many points and you can't win in the playoffs if you have to outscore your opponents. Green Bay has the better defense and has the ability to slow down Vick. Unless Reid comes up with a great game plan, I think the Eagles will be one and done.— therock0829
- The pressure is all on the Packers. Rodgers played poorly in the first meeting, Kolb played even worse in his quarter, yet Vick played well enough to win. Reid just needs to give Vick an offense to run where the receivers aren't running fly patterns on every play. Beat the blitz with short crossing routes...you know, the damn WCO.— beegal99
- Never give up. Never surrender! Eagles by 6.— hallux
- The Eagles will surprise these so called "analysts" Sunday when they blow out the Packers. 38-10 Eagles. This will be a one-sided affair, as the Eagles offense and revved-up crowd will dazzle and overwhelm "Erin" Rodgers.— jimqk
We've run through all the cycles with ESPN type journalism. After heaping praise on Vick most of the season, now the media is down on Vick. Although down on Vick for good reason, still boring, and predictable. How much more hyped up can we get about the NFL???? BTW, the Packers were 3-5 on the road this season? Juggernaut, they AIN'T. Flavor of the year? I'll take tutti fruitti Packers.— road515
Comment removed.
I'd like to pick the Eagles. But the reality is that for them to win, the defense is going to have to play its best game of the season. Are they capable of that with such lesser lights as Dimitri Patterson and Kurt Coleman playing in the secondary, with the starting MLB questionable, and with the pass rush looking tired and worn down? You tell me...
