Jaguars Huge Underdogs For Game Against Eagles and Michael Vick

NFL News - August 27th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars will square off tonight in Week 3 of the NFL preseason.  Coming live at 7pm, from Philadelphia, PA., this game should see a lot of the normal starters play. Both Jacksonville and Philadelphia are looking for their first preseason victory.  So far in the 2009 preseason, the Jaguars have faced the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both of which dealt the Jaguars a defeat. As for the Eagles, their losses have come at the hands of stiffer competition in the form of the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts.

While week 3 of the preseason is always huge, it seems as though the game itself is being completely overshadowed by Michael Vick's first appearance on the football field since December of 2006.  Sports fans around the country, especially in Philadelphia, as well as animal activists have been anxiously awaiting the return of Mike Vick.  Vick is eligible to play in the Eagles' final two preseason games, but not the start of the regular season.  NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated that he would make a decision of a full reinstatement of Vick by Week 6, though the reinstatement could come earlier. 

The Eagles are struggling to gain an identity on the defensive side of the ball.  With the passing of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, and the loss of free agent Brian Dawkins, the Eagles will no doubt be making changes before the start of the regular season. In their first two games against the Patriots and Colts, the Eagles gave up an average of 25 points per game however, the Eagles offense is doing as expected this preseason.  Philadelphia is set with their starting quarterback in Donovan McNabb, leaving Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb to compete for the backup position.  Vick is slated to get some time in the first quarter, with the first team starters, so that he can be accurately evaluated.  At this time, it is unclear how much Andy Reid will use Vick. The other backup quarterback, Kevin Kolb, is scheduled to play the fourth quarter.

Jacksonville comes into the game looking for everything. The defense needs work to regain it's form of 2007, as does the offense. This game should be a chance for the young Jaguars defense to play against what is sure to be a formidable team from the NFC. The Jaguars last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasn't exactly the best for the Jags. While they fought all night, and only lost by 1, getting down early is what eventually cost the Jaguars the game. While 0-2, both losses have been very close, and the Jaguars are definitely looking to break through. The key for the Jaguars will be tackling, and that could be very tough considering they will have Michael Vick lining up on the other side of the ball. Defensive ends Quinten Groves and Reggie Hayward will be in charge of sealing off the ends.

As the odds makers see this one, the Jaguars are big underdogs. Currently, at Bodog Sportsbook, the Philadelphia Eagles are 7 1/2 point favorites at a payout of -105. On the opposite side of the bet, the Jaguars pay -115. Looking at the over/under, the total is set at 38 points. Bettors looking for the over will earn a payout of -105, as where bettors on the under are looking at -115.

The national spotlight will be on this game. The action gets underway a little after 7pm from Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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