Date/Time: Mon, Aug 20 / 08:00:00 PM ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MassachusettsThis Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Massachusetts to take on the Patriots in their second preseason game of the year.
After two disappointing games in where both teams failed to perform a fluid offense/defense scheme and strategy, Monday night’s game represents a chance to improve the offensive production from both the first and second teams.
We all know this is the preseason and all teams are tuning the final details before the real action kicks in, but even if this is a practice, fans and bettors are expecting some improvement over last week’s performances.
Tonight’s game kicks off a three game stretch that also includes a visit to Tampa Bay on Friday night; and a game vs. the New York Giants on Aug. 29th. Despite their 7-6 preseason-opening victory over New Orleans at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots still have much to prove this Monday night. The Patriots, who averaged an impressive 317.8 passing yards per game record in 2011, managed 279 total yards and were just 5-of-17 on third-down conversions in their opening game.
Star QB Tom Brady completed just 4-of-7 attempts for a modest 30 yards and losing a fumble after being sacked. Backup Brian Hoyer saved the night with a touchdown pass in the third quarter that provided the difference in New England's unimpressive 7-6 victory, and third- stringer Ryan Mallett who has had some problems with accuracy, outdueled his team mates after completing 8-of-19 passes for 89 yards with an interception while playing most of the second half.
Not everything was that bad for the Pats, the team’s defense, one of the weakest points last season, made a very encouraging effort against New Orleans, limiting the Saints to 280 total yards and forcing two interceptions.
For the Eagles, it will be the team's first game with Andy Reid on the sidelines following the death of his son Garrett. After a disappointing 2011 season, the Eagles managed to overcome a 13-0 halftime deficit and score a last second field gold to win 24-23 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in their preseason opener last Thursday night. Rookie quarterback Nick Foles was able to toss two touchdown passes in his first NFL action, after starting QB Michael Vick was forced to leave the field on the second quarter after smashing his hand on an offensive lineman's helmet. Fortunately, that won’t stop Vick from starting tonight’s game. Eagles’ Coach Andy Reid said Vick and the rest of the starters, including cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, will play at least the first half, and may be the third quarter. Reid said quarterback Nick Foles will play the rest of the game once he replaces Vick.
Game Odds:
Philadelphia Eagles: -1-110, ML -120
New England Patriots: +1-110, ML EV
Game Total: 42, o/u -110
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