Eagles' win total set at 10
It looks like Vegas expects the public to have a pretty favorable opinion of the Eagles this season.
Cantor Gaming became the first Nevada sportsbook to release over/under win totals for NFL teams yesterday, and the Birds' number was set at 10:
Over (-135)
Under (+105)
Only two teams have higher totals than the Eagles: the Packers and Patriots. Both are set at 12.
The Texans, Saints, Steelers, Ravens and 49ers are all also at 10. Elsewhere in the NFC East, the Giants are at 9.5; the Cowboys are at 8.5; and the Redskins are at 6.5.
A reminder that the number doesn't indicate that Vegas "thinks" the Eagles are going to win 10 games. It signals that they believe a fairly even amount of money will come in on the over and the under. A couple weeks ago, I posted on the week-by-week lines in 2012. The Eagles are currently favored in 13 of their first 15 games. And recently, I rounded up national media links, which show a lot of love to the Birds.
I know many of you want the Eagles to lay low and fly under the radar this summer, but regardless of what those within the organization say, they are going to be a trendy pick nationally to make a run in 2012.
MORE LINKS
Brian McIntyre of NFL.com has a breakdown of LeSean McCoy's new deal.
Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com says DeSean Jackson is done being a diva:
It was only one full-squad practice on Tuesday, but it was a lot of players echoing the same thoughts -- they have a lot to prove, there was too much off-field noise last year and things are different now. Jackson said the Eagles do better with their collective back against the wall than when they're certain of their ascension.
A lot is on the line this year for both Michael Vick and Andy Reid, writes ESPN.com's Ashley Fox:
It is all set up for him, but there is one caveat: If Vick doesn't play well, if he doesn't execute Andy Reid's game plan, if he stumbles or gets hurt or doesn't lead the Eagles deep into the playoffs, this perfect situation he finds himself in heading into this season will disappear. It will all be over, for him and for Reid.
SI.com's Don Banks writes about the importance of DeMeco Ryans:
Providing leadership can be a difficult assignment for any newcomer, but Ryans already looks comfortable in his veteran role with the Eagles, and the team's young linebacking corps has quickly learned to look to him for guidance and direction. Even in the limited practice that was Tuesday's opener to OTA's, he seemed familiar with his surroundings and at ease sharing his insights with the rest of his fellow Eagles linebackers. Afterward he talked about how important an attention to detail is at this time of year, and how he and his new teammates have to "master'' their assignments.
And in case you missed it from yesterday, I provided three thoughts on the Eagles, focusing on Michael Vick's desire to change, expectations for Brandon Graham and the rookie/veteran dynamic in the NFL.
You can follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.