Now known as:
7 Reasons I'm POUNDING Eagles...
Well, my friends, here I am. The first doucher that's going to take the Eagles and take them HARD tonight. Not only that, I plan on hammering the line if it continues to walk up, and I'll keep you posted on that. Here's why the Eagles have a chance.
1. They're home.
Philly are some of the most miserable and abusive football fans, and in this vein they expect toughness and balls from their teams. I can bet with full confidence that the vibe in that locker room today is one of wanting to play spoliers to a team that's gunning for the playoffs, and fans will show up and get loud to back that cause as well.
2. The Bengals are just not THAT good.
Let's face it, if this was New England coming into Philly needing a playoff spot, I could see the line running up several points from WHEREVER it started. This is the Andy Dalton-led Cincinatti Bengals that we're talking about though. Are they better on paper than Philadelphia? Yes. But, it's close enough here that heart is going to play a factor, and that's where Philly -- having an abhorrent season -- could show up tonight. Cinci showed their lack of spine last week against Dallas, enough said. The Philly O-line is going to have their hands full, yes, but they will double team accordingly and give the kid enough time to get his play off. Celek is the only NEW name out for Philly, and he did absolutely nothing last week. It might even be a welcome change for the Eagles at the position of TE.
3. Nick Foles' football IQ is high.
If you've watched the kid, he's improving. Constantly. Since he's been a starter he's shown improvement every week and heart every week. He doesn't make stupid plays : he slides when he scrambles, he throws the ball away instead of throwing picks, etc. He has great vision, which combined with the fact that...
4. The PRESSURE is on Cincinnati tonight...
...is going to allow the already cool, calm, and collected Foles to make smart, short gain, consistent plays and get his team into the endzone. Cinci know they're favorites the same way the Eagles know that nobody expects them to win. Sometimes, that's all a struggling team like Philly needs. Dalton has no playoff resume and hasn't been properly pressure tested in the NFL yet, he's going to be feeling it tonight -- and it could drive him to stupid plays.
5. Bryce Brown is going to be extremely focused on not fumbling.
Brown has had several great starts, all written off due to his seemingly consistent problem with holding the football like a loaf of bread and fumbling it the first time someone gets near him. He corrects this tonight. He's had weeks to settle in, the pressure of starting is off of him now as he's used to getting the nod. Tonight's the night his game comes together. I'd look for him to get ample yardage off of screen passes that are no doubt going to be one of Foles' fallback plans tonight for a lot of pass plays. When the kid gets the ball, he's lightning.
6. Andy Reid is STILL playing for his job in Philly.
If you think Andy Reid is definitely out after this year, you don't know him OR Jeffrey Lurie, and the relationship these two have. Lurie stated pre-season Eagles must go 8-8 if Reid wants to stay. Reid is still playing for that. Lurie seriously doesn't give a crap about the coach, as long as he makes money. Reid will be using personal excuses with them and knows if he can get a couple more wins, Lurie will keep him on. The two have been in bed together since they've been together in Philly. Philly fans hate it, but citing "bringing up a new QB in Foles", Reid has a chance of keeping his job next year if he can win out.
7. Eagles receiving core is showing signs of life.
Avant had the catch of his career last game and Cooper is coming around, into the system more with Jackson out. These are no BS receivers, who play with little or no showmanship. They are mostly going to be playing tonight for jobs elsewhere, with the exception of Cooper who will be playing to keep his job. Must be the haircut, but Foles seems to have taken a shine to Cooper who is consistent at best. I'd look for him to be a difference maker tonight though in a game that he no doubtedly convinced himself is going to be one that will dictate his future in both Philly and the NFL.
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Don't get me wrong, I love a good chalk-fest. NE was an easy pick for me on Monday despite the line moving -- but tonight has all the makings of the perfect storm of upset. Bookies will love this game, but the big money is on Philly as well as Cinci. Difference in bet sizes between the two isn't much, it's just that the general public is leaning on Cinci about 61%/39% as of right now.
My play tonight is huge on Eagles +5.5, half-huge on Eagles ML, half-huge on -6.5 (+400), with a matching huge play on the over.
Also, I plan on consistently and systematically ADDING to my bet as the line moves in my advantage every half point.
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Best of luck to all bettors.
7 Reasons I'm POUNDING Eagles...
Well, my friends, here I am. The first doucher that's going to take the Eagles and take them HARD tonight. Not only that, I plan on hammering the line if it continues to walk up, and I'll keep you posted on that. Here's why the Eagles have a chance.
1. They're home.
Philly are some of the most miserable and abusive football fans, and in this vein they expect toughness and balls from their teams. I can bet with full confidence that the vibe in that locker room today is one of wanting to play spoliers to a team that's gunning for the playoffs, and fans will show up and get loud to back that cause as well.
2. The Bengals are just not THAT good.
Let's face it, if this was New England coming into Philly needing a playoff spot, I could see the line running up several points from WHEREVER it started. This is the Andy Dalton-led Cincinatti Bengals that we're talking about though. Are they better on paper than Philadelphia? Yes. But, it's close enough here that heart is going to play a factor, and that's where Philly -- having an abhorrent season -- could show up tonight. Cinci showed their lack of spine last week against Dallas, enough said. The Philly O-line is going to have their hands full, yes, but they will double team accordingly and give the kid enough time to get his play off. Celek is the only NEW name out for Philly, and he did absolutely nothing last week. It might even be a welcome change for the Eagles at the position of TE.
3. Nick Foles' football IQ is high.
If you've watched the kid, he's improving. Constantly. Since he's been a starter he's shown improvement every week and heart every week. He doesn't make stupid plays : he slides when he scrambles, he throws the ball away instead of throwing picks, etc. He has great vision, which combined with the fact that...
4. The PRESSURE is on Cincinnati tonight...
...is going to allow the already cool, calm, and collected Foles to make smart, short gain, consistent plays and get his team into the endzone. Cinci know they're favorites the same way the Eagles know that nobody expects them to win. Sometimes, that's all a struggling team like Philly needs. Dalton has no playoff resume and hasn't been properly pressure tested in the NFL yet, he's going to be feeling it tonight -- and it could drive him to stupid plays.
5. Bryce Brown is going to be extremely focused on not fumbling.
Brown has had several great starts, all written off due to his seemingly consistent problem with holding the football like a loaf of bread and fumbling it the first time someone gets near him. He corrects this tonight. He's had weeks to settle in, the pressure of starting is off of him now as he's used to getting the nod. Tonight's the night his game comes together. I'd look for him to get ample yardage off of screen passes that are no doubt going to be one of Foles' fallback plans tonight for a lot of pass plays. When the kid gets the ball, he's lightning.
6. Andy Reid is STILL playing for his job in Philly.
If you think Andy Reid is definitely out after this year, you don't know him OR Jeffrey Lurie, and the relationship these two have. Lurie stated pre-season Eagles must go 8-8 if Reid wants to stay. Reid is still playing for that. Lurie seriously doesn't give a crap about the coach, as long as he makes money. Reid will be using personal excuses with them and knows if he can get a couple more wins, Lurie will keep him on. The two have been in bed together since they've been together in Philly. Philly fans hate it, but citing "bringing up a new QB in Foles", Reid has a chance of keeping his job next year if he can win out.
7. Eagles receiving core is showing signs of life.
Avant had the catch of his career last game and Cooper is coming around, into the system more with Jackson out. These are no BS receivers, who play with little or no showmanship. They are mostly going to be playing tonight for jobs elsewhere, with the exception of Cooper who will be playing to keep his job. Must be the haircut, but Foles seems to have taken a shine to Cooper who is consistent at best. I'd look for him to be a difference maker tonight though in a game that he no doubtedly convinced himself is going to be one that will dictate his future in both Philly and the NFL.
---
Don't get me wrong, I love a good chalk-fest. NE was an easy pick for me on Monday despite the line moving -- but tonight has all the makings of the perfect storm of upset. Bookies will love this game, but the big money is on Philly as well as Cinci. Difference in bet sizes between the two isn't much, it's just that the general public is leaning on Cinci about 61%/39% as of right now.
My play tonight is huge on Eagles +5.5, half-huge on Eagles ML, half-huge on -6.5 (+400), with a matching huge play on the over.
Also, I plan on consistently and systematically ADDING to my bet as the line moves in my advantage every half point.
---
Best of luck to all bettors.
