Happy Holidays, enjoy the show!
Eagles -3
Did you see McNabb in his post game interview on ESPN? If so, you got to see a relaxed, cool, and calm Donovan McNabb. I speak about this because it shows a player that is confident in himself and this team. This is because he knows exactly what is on the schedule for this week. The overrated Cardinals come to town, a team that is fresh off a home loss to the New York Football Giants. A team that is soft compared to the Eagles. A team that is just 1-4 SU against the NFC East the last 3 seasons. Yes, I said soft, and yes, I said overrated. The Cards have not fared well against tough defensive teams this year including a 4 point loss to Carolina; a 21 point loss to the Jets; and a 7 point loss to the Redskins; and a recent 8 point loss to the Giants. What do these teams have in common? DEFENSE! 3 of 4 of these teams rank in the top 10 in pass defense. Where does Philly rank in this category? #5! Needless to say, I don't see Kurt Warner leading an aerial assault against this team. Need I also mention that Arizona ranks 30th in the NFL in rushing.
Yes, the Cardinals managed to beat out their division, which is the absolute worst division in the NFL. We will give them the emotional home win over Dallas, but aside from that win they have feasted on mediocre and bad teams this season, period.
This sets up another 3-7 point loss against the Eagles who own a very tough defense. That rout last week was most due to sloppy offensive play, which is sure to be cleaned up by tomorrow after a blistering beat down from the media and their fans.
If there were any game on the schedule for Thursday that spells huge trap for a visiting team, this would be the one. If you know anything about Philly fans, you know this crowd is going to be extremely volatile on Thursday. The Eagles may be down, but they are certainly not out yet. McNabb knows he has much to prove on Thursday when his team takes the field and we like the birds chances to ground the Cardinals in front of the national spotlight.
Over the last 3 seasons the birds of Philly are a solid 4-1 ATS against the NFC West and 6-2 ATS after 2 or more consecutive losses. The latter trend got spelled last week, but this week we can't bet against this trend to follow suit on consecutive weeks. The fact is this is still a good coaching staff. Arizona does bring the big guns to town, but the Eagles defense will be up to the task at home. The Cardinals are just 0-2 ATS this season as the road underdog of 3 points or less. Further, their just 1-3 ATS in this same spot the last 3 seasons.
The Cardinals will walk right into a trap on Thursday night. A trap set by Donovan McNabb, this city, and it's fans. A huge bounce back is in order for the birds and we expect for them to get it done on Thanksgiving. Back Philly minus the number.
Hi Prime,
I apreiciate all your kind words of wisdom. you are a very knowledgable handicapper, loved your Mon-nite Pic!, but I am a Philly Fan. Have been since the 70's. The calm cool McNabb you see is a product of a reciently hired PR guy by the QB. What you are seeing right now is a player that has lost confidence in himself, his coach and this team! the constant off the field distractions by the media and recient events like his benching is causing alot of pressure for him to perform. Something he hasn't done well in awhile. Added is that this is the first home game since all of this has transpired. The fans will have him under the microscope and with the first sign of trouble the Boo's will be too much for this mama's boy to handle!
Not to mention Reids inability to out coach anyone with the most predictable offence in the league. Also with out a healthy B-West or Correll Buckhalter, the only RB on the roster is Lorenzo Booker who has been inactivated for a month and Cant pass block!!. Thow in and injured Asante Sammuel, the Cards receiving core should have a big day against Jim Johnsons blitz with the quick release of Warner.
This team knows the writing on the wall, and has shown signs of packing it in!
Good Luck to all today, and have great Holiday!
Looking good so far Prime. McNabb was none too pleased to catch the pine last game
Excellent call Prime
thanks prime
i went from 1/2 unit
to 2units on eagles
My apologies Prime! you nailed that one! I bow to your handicapping skills!
I am currently 2nd in an office pool's online contest, only 60 people, but the prizes are big $! So keep those hot pix comin!
Thank You!
Thanks for the props guys. I just wish the games would have been more competitive. It's no fun picking 3 favorites on Thanksgiving and then watching them all blow out their opponent. However, on the contrary it was nice to look in the account this morning for some nice holiday stuffing the bankroll ;D
As i said it before you are the man wih a big M! ;D