Donovan McNabb is looking like his old self again, is this a good time to bet on the Eagles?
Two teams that silenced plenty of critics with key Week 3
victories meet on Sunday night in an NFC East clash as the 1-2 Philadelphia Eagles visit the 1-2 New York
Giants.
The New York
Giants appeared headed for an 0-3 start when they were
down 17-3 at halftime last week against the Redskins. But the New York defense stiffened,
allowing only 80 yards and no points in the second half, including a goal-line
stand in the final minute, as the Giants rallied to win
24-17. That defensive effort was quite a change from the first two weeks, when
the Giants allowed 80 points and 621 passing yards combined in losses to Dallas
and Green Bay.
The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, were dealing with
Donovan McNabb's controversial statements on black quarterbacks heading into
last week's home game with the Lions. Some were even thinking McNabb's time in
Philly was about up.
After only producing total 25 points in
season-opening setbacks to the Packers and Redskins, the Eagles scored touchdowns on their first five possessions
against the Lions and finished the first half with 473 total yards, the highest
total by an NFL team since 1991. McNabb was stellar, going 21 of 26 for 381
yards and four touchdowns, giving him a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3 for
the game.
"When you're a great quarterback, you're going to have days
where things aren't working," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He knows that. He
knows that if he keeps firing, good things will happen."
Running back
Brian Westbrook also starred against the Lions, rushing for 110 yards and two
touchdowns on 14 carries, and making five catches for 111 yards and a TD.
However, Westbrook has missed all of this week's practices but one and will be a
game-time decision because of an abdominal strain.
"Anybody who does not believe he is playing, you are a fool,"
Giants defensive end Michael Strahan said. "He didn't leave the game because he
was hurt. He left the game because he already had 250 yards and they were up by
50-something points. We expect him to play and are preparing for him to
play."
Other key injuries for the Eagles include Pro Bowl
safety Brian Dawkins, who is questionable this week, while Pro Bowl cornerback
Lito Sheppard and left tackle William Thomas are doubtful.
One of New
York's top offensive players also could miss or be limited in this game, as wide
receiver Plaxico Burress, who is tied for the league lead with five TD catches,
has a lingering ankle injury. Burress had 17 grabs, 323 yards and three TDs
against Philly last year.
"Plax, we call him 'Game Day,' " middle
linebacker Antonio Pierce said. "On game day he shows up regardless of what
anyone wants to say about him during the week. The guy has been in the league
long enough, eight years, and he knows how to take care of himself."
New
York could also be without running back Derrick Ward, who is questionable with
an ankle injury, but could get back starter Brandon Jacobs, who hasn't played
since Week 1. Giants coach Tom Coughlin expects Ward to play, however, but not
Jacobs.
One interesting stat to consider for this game: Philadelphia is
3-5 in weeks preceding a bye (as this one is) since Reid came to the club in
1999. But the Eagles have won seven of eight against the G-Men.
The
lowdown: With so many key injuries, it's tough to gauge this game, and it will
be worth your while to wait until the last possible second to place a bet.
However, the Eagles (-3 on WagerWeb.com) seem recharged and Westbrook
undoubtedly will play with a bye week upcoming, so go with
Philly.
NFL betting odds at WagerWeb Online
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