I'm off work today and no one is in the house so i've had a little free time to think about this upcoming game.
I think one thing that can be said with certainty is that both offenses are going to be in for a LONG day.This should develop into a classic ball control game where field position will be of utmost importance. Special teams play and the kicking game could also determine the outcome of this game. The following areas and advantages are what I feel will be important in this game.
1. 3rd DOWN CONVERSIONS.....With these 2 defenses on the field there is liableto be lots of 3rd down plays in this game.TB is converting 35% of their 3rd downs on offense while allowing opponents to convert 34% of their 3rd downs. Phil is hitting at 39% on offense and allowing opponents to convert at 31%. ADVANTAGE...EAGLES
2.FIELD GOAL KICKING........Grammatica and Akers are two of the premier placekickers in the NFL and are about even in all categories. Grammatica is a little better from 50+ yds and Akers is a little more consistent from 40 and up. ADVANTAGE.......EVEN
3. PUNTING.....TB punts for an avg. of 42.8 with a net avg. of 35.4. Phil punts for an avg. of 40.5 with a net avg. of 32.6.ADVANTAGE........BUCS
4.PUNT RETURNS......TB returns punts for an avg of 9.8 yds. Phil returns punts for an avg of 12.8 yds.Brian Mitchell is one of the most experienced return men in NFL history and has played in many big games.ADVANTAGE...........EAGLES
5.KICKOFF RETURNS......TB returns KO's at 24.1 yd clip and Phil returns for an avg of 27.3 yds. The difference doesn't seem like much but every yard gained toward field position will be precious in this game. Once again, I look for Brian Mitchell to be a difference maker in this game.ADVANTAGE......EAGLES
6. DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS.......There could be a real chance for one of these defenses to score a TD in this game. On the year TB scored 5,and Phil scored 3. ADVANTAGE..........BUCS
7.TURNOVER MARGIN.......I think most would agree that turnovers could well determine the outcome of this game.On the season TB +17, Phil + 13. ADVANTAGE.........BUCS
8. HOME VS AWAY SCORING AVG......TB is a very good road team that went 6-2 on the road this season with an avg road winning score of 20-11.Phil went 7-1 at home with an avg home winning score of 26-14.SMALL ADVANTAGE...........EAGLES
After putting this info together and writing this artilcle I've just come to the conclusion that i don't have a [censored] clue who is going to win this game. I would lean slightly toward the Eagles but TB definately has a chance to win here. I think the UNDER is the way to go.
This article was written by me and not borrowed or copied from any other source. All of the stats came from NFL.com.
I haven't seen anyone who thinks this game will over the total. By now, you know how I feel when everybody is on the same side of a game....I hate to go against you, but unless something is real screwy with the weather, I am on the OVER.
Is it only Tuesday? I can't wait for this game to kick off.
I agree CC, I feel the same way when everyone is on a side of the game. In this case it may be warranted... in the last 4 times TB/Philly have met, only once has the game gone over 30 pts. And as usual both defenses are the dominating force for both clubs. I see a 17-10, or 13-6 type game.
But you are correct, it is only Tuesday. A lot can change throughout the week.