NFL Preseason Week 2 Preview: Philadelphia at New England
Atssportsline.com
Philadelphia at New England
Current line: New England (-2/41)
Philadelphia visits Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to meet New England on Monday at 8pmET. New England defeated Philadelphia, 38-20, giving 3 last year on the road in the regular season. Last week, the Eagles edged Pittsburgh at home on Thursday, 24-23, giving 1. New England edged New Orleans on Thursday, 7-6, giving 4.5.
Weather: 70 degrees with a 15% chance of rain.
Philadelphia is coming off a disappointing 8-8 SU season (8-8 ATS, 8-7-1 O/U) as expectations were much higher. Andy Reid is 20-32 SU in preseason and is 22-30 ATS and 27-21-1 Over. New England is coming off a 13-3 SU season in 2011, while going 9-7 ATS and 11-5 O/U. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason, while Bill Belichick is 38-31 SU lifetime in preseason (36-28-5 ATS, 25-33-2 Under).
Outlook: New England is coming into this game as one of the strongest teams in the league as usual. At running back, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis gone to Cincinnati in free agency. RB Stevan Ridley is expected to take over if he can get over fumbling the football. The addition of LB Dont'a Hightower should some toughness to the defense. But they need to improve their pass defense which ranked 29th last year (293.89ypg in the air). The addition of rookie CB Ras-I Dowling should help.
The Patriots' traditionally potent aerial attack didn't quite resemble the relentless ensemble that averaged an outstanding 317.8 passing yards per game in 2011 when it took the field for its opening-week battle with the equally high-powered New Orleans Saints. Tom Brady couldn't get the offense untracked in his two possessions, with the superstar quarterback completing just 4-of-7 attempts for a modest 30 yards and losing a fumble after being sacked.
Backup Brian Hoyer did throw a touchdown pass in the third quarter that provided the difference in New England's 7-6 victory, but promising third- stringer Ryan Mallet went an off-target 8-of-19 for 89 yards with an interception while playing most of the second half.
The Patriots managed a pedestrian 279 total yards and were just 5-of-17 on third-down conversions for the game.
On the flip side, a New England defense that was routinely torched by enemy quarterbacks last season put forth a very encouraging effort. The unit limited the Saints, the only team to finish ahead of the Pats in passing offense in 2011, to 280 total yards and got interceptions from starting safeties Patrick Chung and Steve Gregory.
Running back Shane Vereen had the most notable performance among New England's offensive players, with the 2011 second-round pick gaining a combined 81 yards (64 rushing, 17 receiving) on 11 carries and two receptions. He may be in line for another large workload this week after backfield mate Stevan Ridley left Thursday's practice early with an apparent knee injury.
The Patriots also added some depth at the position by signing former University of Florida speedster Jeff Demps, a member of the United States' 4x100 relay squad that won a silver medal in the recent London Olympics, on Friday.
Philadelphia got a huge scare in its 2012 preseason lid-lifter, a 24-23 home win over Pittsburgh, when quarterback Michael Vick exited the contest early in the second quarter after his left hand struck center Jason Kelce's helmet on a downfield pass. The veteran signal-caller suffered merely a bruised thumb, however, and isn't expected to be limited for Monday's contest.
Backup Mike Kafka, however, is out for the remainder of the preseason after fracturing his left non-throwing hand during the game. His injury may provide an opening for rookie Nick Foles to open the year as the No. 2 quarterback after the third-round selection impressed against the Steelers.
Foles amassed 144 yards on 6-of-10 passing and connected on a pair of long touchdowns, a 70-yarder to rookie Damaris Johnson and a 44-yarder to Mardy Gilyard, helping the Eagles overcome a 13-0 deficit at halftime.
Vick figures to take the majority of the snaps under center, however, with Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid planning to play his starters for at least the first half. The first-team offense should include wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) and tight end Brent Celek (knee), both of whom were held out of the Pittsburgh game as precautions.
Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has been cleared to play as well after the high-priced 2011 free-agent acquisition came out of a frightening in-practice collision with teammate Nate Allen on Monday with only a sore neck and a split lip. Pro Bowl end Jason Babin will remain sidelined, however, as he recovers from a partially torn calf.
Guard Logan Mankins (knee), offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) and wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (quadriceps) are among New England's projected inactives. The Patriots were also forced to place backup middle linebacker Dane Fletcher on injured reserve this week after he tore his ACL against the Saints.
Key Injuries: Philadelphia: QB Mike Kafka (hand) is out 2-3 weeks. DE Jason Babin (torn calf) is out. New England: G Logan Mankins (knee) is on PUP list. OT Sebastian Vollmer (back) is on PUP list. LB Brandon Spikes (knee) is on PUP list.
Preseason Trends:
Philadelphia is 13-28 ATS with a line of +3 to -3
Philadelphia is 10-3 ATS in Week 2.
New England is 14-7 ATS off a home win.
New England is 12-5 ATS in Week 2.
QB Rotations:
Philadelphia
Michael Vick
Trent Edwards
Nick Foles (R)
Mike Kafka (inj.)
New England
Tom Brady
Brian Hoyer
Ryan Mallett
NFL Preseason Logs Last 6 Years
Philadelphia
2006 Results
at Oakland L -3 10-16 u36
(at Canton, OH)
Cleveland W -3’ 20-7 u33
at Baltimore L +3 10-20 u34
Pittsburgh W -3 16-7 u35
at NY Jets W +5 17-20 o31
2007 Results
at Baltimore L +3’ 3-29 o31’
Carolina W -3 27-10 o35
at Pittsburgh L +3 13-27 o35’
NY Jets L -2’ 11-13 u36’
2008 Results
at Pittsburgh L +1 10-16 u33'
CAROLINA W -3 24-13 o36
at New England W +3 27-17 o37
NY JETS L -3 20-27 o35'
2009 Results
NEW ENGL. L +3 27-38 o37
at Indy L -3’ 15-23 o36’
JACKSO L -7’ 33-32 o37’
at NY Jets L +3 27-38 o37
2010 Results
Jacksonville L -3 28-27 o33
at Cincinnati L +2’ 9-22 u39
at Kansas City W -1’ 20-17 u40
NY Jets L -2 17-21 o34
2011 Results
BALTIMORE W -3 13-6 u34
at Pittsburgh L +3 14-24 o35’
CLEVELAND W -6’ 24-14 u39
at NY Jets W -3’ 24-14 o36
New England
2006 Results
at Atlanta N +3 23-28 o35’
Arizona W -3; 30-3 u37
Washington W -3’ 431-0 o35
at NY Giants L +3’ 23-31 o35
2007 Results
at Tampa Bay L +2’ 10-13 u33
Tennessee L -5’ 24-27 o35
at Carolina W +1 24-7 u37’
NY Giants W -3’ 27-20 o36
2008 Results
BALTIMORE L -4 15-16 u34
at Tampa Bay L +2 10-27 o34
PHILADELPHIA L -3 17-27 o37
at NY Giants L +2' 14-19 u35'
2009 Results
at Philadelphia W +3 27-25 o33
CINCINNATI L -6’ 6-7 u36
at Washington L -3’ 27-24 o37
NY GIANTS W +3 38-27 o36
2010 Results
NEW ORLEANS W -1’ 27-24 o35
at Atlanta W +3 28-10 o37’
ST. LOUIS L -8 35-365 o38
at NY Giants P +3 17-20 u38
2011 Results
JACKSONVILLE W -3’ 47-12 o35
at Tampa Bay W +1 31-14 o38
at Detroit L -3’ 10-34 u44’
NY GIANTS L -8 17-18 u39’
What Bettors Need to Know: Eagles at Patriots
By Covers.com
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots (-1, 40.5)
There’s only one game on the NFL schedule to satisfy bettors on Monday night, but it’s an interesting preseason matchup.
The Eagles prevailed 24-23 over the Steelers in their preseason opener and travel to Foxborough for a date with the Patriots, who also won their first preseason game over the Saints.
Nnamdi Asomugha violently collided with fellow defensive back Nate Allen earlier this week, but the 29-year-old corner cleared concussion tests and head coach Andy Reid fully intends to play him Monday. Reid has publicly stated his starters will play into the third quarter against the Patriots.
The signing of Olympic sprinter Jeff Demps has dominated the headlines in New England this week. The former Florida running back is fresh off a silver-medal performance at the London Games and will no doubt be a threat when returning kicks for the Patriots this season. However, he won’t have an impact Monday as he’s not eligible to play until the team’s third preseason game Aug. 24.
New England’s projected first-string running back Stevan Ridley appeared to suffer a right knee injury during Thursday’s practice and is questionable against the Eagles. Expect Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead and Brandon Bolden to get the majority of the carries if Ridley can't play.
Eagles vs. Patriots
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
The Eagles and Patriots close out an exciting second week of the preseason, as both teams look to keep up the fireworks on the field. We've seen plenty of 'overs' since Thursday night, cashing in 12 of 16 games, including two contests missing the 'over' by one point. New England and Philadelphia can fill up the scoreboard, but will Bill Belichick and Andy Reid be ready for a shootout?
The Pats started the preseason in lousy fashion from the offensive side, scoring just one touchdown in a 7-6 squeaker over the Saints at Gillette Stadium. New Orleans managed the cover as four-point underdogs just four days after beating Arizona in the Hall of Fame game. The lone New England touchdown came on the famous Brian Hoyer to Britt Davis connection in the third quarter, while Tom Brady completed four of seven passes for 30 yards. Hoyer and Ryan Mallett combined for 134 yards in relief of Brady, but Mallett committed one of New England's two turnovers with an interception.
The Eagles also came off a one-point contest, but their game was a bit more exciting than New England's opener. Philadelphia edged Pittsburgh, 24-23 with a 51-yard field goal in the waning seconds by Alex Henery, as the Eagles managed a 'push' as one-point home favorites. The Eagles erased a 13-0 halftime deficit thanks to a pair of long touchdown passes by rookie Nick Foles, who threw for 144 yards on just six completions. Former Bills quarterback Trent Edwards also tossed a touchdown, while Michael Vick racked up six yards on three completions.
Philadelphia's expectations went through the roof during last season's training camp, but a 4-8 start ruined any dreams of a Super Bowl. The Eagles did manage four straight wins to end the campaign, but two weeks prior to that hot streak was a 38-20 defeat handed by the Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field. New England cashed as three-point road favorites, while the Eagles had to depend on Vince Young under center with Vick out due to injury. Young threw for 400 yards, but Philadelphia threw away an early 10-0 lead as New England cruised to a 21-13 halftime advantage with three unanswered touchdowns.
The second week of the preseason usually showcases more action from the starters, as the Eagles are expected to have their starters play into the third quarter. Vick will throw the ball more than four times, as opposed to the Steelers' game, while Foles is expected to see plenty of time in the second half after his impressive showing in the opener. The rotation should stay the same for the Patriots with Brady getting substantial time in the first half before giving way to Hoyer and Mallett.
The Eagles improved to 4-1 SU and 3-1-1 ATS in the preseason since last August, but Philadelphia owns a 3-5 SU/ATS record since 2008 away from Lincoln Financial Field in exhibition play. The Patriots have won just two of their seven previous games in the preseason, but are riding a mini two-game winning streak in Week 2 exhibition contests.
New England is listed as one-point favorites in most spots, while the total is set at 41. The game kicks off at 8:00 PM EST and can be seen nationally on ESPN.
Preseason Notes:
Nine of 15 road teams covered in Week 2 of the preseason, including the Colts on Sunday night as four-point underdogs at Pittsburgh. The Cowboys and Redskins each had opportunities to cash on the highway, but both NFC East rivals failed in different ways late. Dallas couldn't hold on to a 13-7 lead heading into the final quarter at San Diego in a 28-20 loss as three-point 'dogs, while Washington rallied from a 30-10 deficit at Chicago to take a late 31-30 advantage. Robbie Gould drilled a 57-yard field goal in the final minute to give the Bears a two-point triumph, saving Chicago backers from nearly having a heart attack.