Philadelphia Eagles (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) vs. Tennessee Titans (4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS), Week 7 NFL, 1:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, October 24, 2010, LP Field, Nashville, Tenn. TV: FOX
by Ryno of Predictem.com
Betting Odds: Phil OFF/Ten OFF (Pending announcement of Philly starting QB)
Over/Under Total: OFF
The Philadelphia Eagles have a true quarterback controversy. They have two QBs who both deserve to start and are both capable of being effective starting QBs. No matter which one starts, fans will be upset, especially if that starter loses a game.
Kevin Kolb was the starter all summer long going into the season. But Kolb got a concussion during the first regular season game and Michael Vick replaced him. Vick was spectacular in the second half against the Packers, nearly leading the Eagles back to a victory. Vick started the next week while Kolb was still injured, and Vick did incredibly well in a victory over the Lions. Most people thought Kolb would be named the starter the next week but Andy Reid shocked many and named Vick the starter against the Jaguars. Vick again dominated and the Eagles rolled to an easy win. But against the Redskins, Vick injured his shoulder and ribs, and was replaced by Kolb, who didn’t play very well at all and the Eagles lost. But in the two games since then, Kolb has started while Vick was still recovering, and the Eagles have won both games with Kolb playing very well.
If Vick is healthy this week, what will Reid do this time? Does he stick with his original starter who is now playing well? Or does he go back to the guy he named the permanent starter three weeks into the season who has been spectacular this season? Kolb may be the future for the Eagles, but which QB has a better to lead the team to the playoffs and maybe even win some games in the playoffs?
Now, the 4-2 Eagles will face a tough road test at the 4-2 Tennessee Titans. Both teams are tied for first place in their respective division.
It looked like the Titans might have a QB problem of their own after Vince Young left Monday night’s win over the Jaguars with a knee injury, but it seems that Young will likely be fine for Sunday’s game.
The Eagles do have a serious injury problem. WR DeSean Jackson left Sunday’s game in the first half after he scored two touchdowns with a concussion. He will not be playing on Sunday.
In the Eagles’ 31-17 win over the Falcons last week, Kolb was 23-for-29 or 326 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. LeSean McCoy ran the ball 21 times for 64 yards. The Eagles totaled 154 rushing yards on 38 carries. Jeremy Maclin caught seven passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles held Falcons RB Michael Turner to 45 rushing yards on 15 carries.
The Titans are coming off a 30-3 Monday night win over the Jaguars in Jacksonville. RB Chris Johnson had 26 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown, but the touchdown was a 35-yarder late in the game when it was already out of hand. Young and Kerry Collins combined to go 14-for-21 for 171 yards and two touchdowns. The Titans held the Jags running game to 76 yards on 25 carries. The Titans had no turnovers and forced four turnovers by the Jags. The Titans came up with three interceptions.
The Eagles have to focus on stopping Johnson. The Titans are 4-0 this season when Johnson runs for 100 yards and scores a touchdown. They are 0-2 when Johnson gets less than 100 rushing yards and doesn’t get a touchdown. Johnson has also lost a fumble in both losses and hasn’t lost a fumble in the four wins.
The Titans are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games, 1-4 ATS in their last five games following an ATS win, 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games vs. teams with a winning record, and 0-4 ATS in their last four home games vs. teams with a winning record. The over is 4-1 in the Eagles’ last five games vs. teams with a winning record. The over is 5-1 in the Titans’ last six home games.
Ryno’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Please check back on Friday. I’ll be back late this week to make my pick!
