Eagles-Jaguars predictions, key matchups
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Eagles-Jaguars predictions, key matchups
Daily News staff
The Eagles visit Jacksonville today at 4:05 in Michael Vick's first start at quarterback since he was named the starter over Kevin Kolb. The Eagles are a 3-point favorite.
Here are the Daily News' staff predictions:
Les Bowen
The Eagles have never beaten the Jaguars (0-3), but they haven't played since 2006, so that isn't likely to make much difference. Andy Reid is 2-8 against the AFC South, though, which is a more interesting stat.
The Birds are 25th in total defense, but Jacksonville is 29th, and the Eagles are getting Stewart Bradley back. Jacksonville benched quarterback David Garrard last week, but will trot him out again this week because replacement Luke McCown suffered a season-ending knee injury.
I think with Bradley back, playing a run-oriented team, the defense should be less of a disaster. And Michael Vick ought to be able to handle this defense, if Vick's o-line doesn't get him killed.
I'm not sure Vick is capable of playing better than he played last week, though, and I wonder what the effect of the unforeseen quarterback switch will be on the rest of the offense. For Andy Reid's sake, Vick had better look dazzling.
Eagles 27, Jaguars 23.
Paul Domowitch
This is what I think. I think the Eagles' defense isn't nearly as bad as the league-high 59 points it has given up the first 2 weeks. With Stewart Bradley back in the middle Sunday, I think the Eagles will do a pretty good job on Maurice Jones-Drew and I think they will be able to keep tight end Mercedes Lewis in check and I think they have a chance to hold an opponent under 20 points for just the third time in 13 games.
I also think Mike Vick is going to have a little reality check on Sunday. While he clearly has improved his quarterbacking skills under Andy Reid, I don't see a third straight 100-plus passer rating in his future. I see him throwing a couple of interceptions, maybe even fumbling once or twice. But he will make enough plays with his arm and his feet to allow the Eagles to improve to 2-1.
Eagles 30, Jaguars 20
Ed Barkowitz: Eagles, 31-13
Bill Conlin: Eagles, 27-17
Marcus Hayes: Eagles, 27-20
John Smallwood: Eagles, 27-17
Vegas Vic: Eagles, 24-23
KEY MATCHUPS
1. Eagles LT Jason Peters vs. Jaguars RDE Aaron Kampman: Kampman is coming off ACL surgery. Peters left the game twice last week after getting his leg rolled up on. Advantage: Jaguars
2. Eagles MLB Stewart Bradley and WLB Ernie Sims vs. Jaguars TE Mercedes Lewis: Bradley's return should help the Eagles' ability to defend the Jags' big, fast tight end. Advantage: Even
3. Eagles WR DeSean Jackson vs. Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis: Mathis is the Jags' best cover corner, but with Mike Vick extending plays with his feet, he'll have a tough time holding coverage on Jackson. Advantage: Eagles
For the full scouting report, click here.
As the D goes, so go the birds.— beefbr
Comment removed.- Eagles 24 Haters 10. Self loathing Philly fans are the best. Go Eagles, Go Phillies, Go Flyers, Go Sixers!!!
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- Let's go Jags!!!!!!!!!!!!!!— RightWingHypocrite
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- Hey Donovanwita... if Reid's so dumb why has he won so much and why was Donovan the "man" under Reid for so long. I like Donovan too but you're the dumbest football fan I've there ever was. Logic, not emotion pal.— 1983ufgator
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- Donovanwitless...are you back with a new name? What happened to Sunny Coolbreeze? What happened to Donovanisthe..?? No matter. Mike Vick is the MAN! 14 - 3 at halftime! GO MIKE VICK GO! Wait until next week when Donowhine McNagg shows up. Mike Vick will show who's the 2nd most awesome running QB in Philly! Go Vick! Go Eagles!!!
- philthy. you are a genius! but we would pee on your daughters!— sgamble077
- Wow Tapp with another sack. I didn't see that guy putting together a game like this. DonovanwitaRealTN - lol. So much for your predication skillz dog. Got a line on the PM game so I can go wit da opposite. Opposite means different from what you choose in case you were wondering yo.— Murrayman
- donavanwitarealteamnow...now dont you look stupid. your beloved mcnabb just got owned by a team that has won 2 games in 29 games. you are such a loser.— crohnkiller
