Jaguars vs. Eagles Preview
Michael Vick will take the field on Sunday as the Philadelphia Eagles full-time starring quarterback, as the Eagles face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville.
Vick has experienced a career renaissance this year after replacing Kevin Kolb in the second half of the Eagles opener against the Green Bay Packers. Vick led a comeback effort that fell just short, but was very impressive, both in his decision making and his
athleticism.
Vick has thrown three touchdowns with no interceptions in a game and a half, while rushing for 140 yards.
Vick won't be alone either, with the Eagles boasting a stable of young play-makers.
LeSean McCoy rushed for 120 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 carries against the Lions in week two, and it will be interesting to see how he does against a Jacksonville defence that has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher.
The Jags have not been so effective at defending the pass and could be made to pay for their deficiency against the Eagles. DeSean Jackson has already formed a good understanding with Vick and caught four passes for 135 yards and a touchdown in week two.
While the offence has looked good with Vick under centre, or running around somewhere behind the centre, the normally solid Philly defence has looked a little suspect.
A week after allowing the Packers to score 27 points, the Eagles gave up 32 points to the Detroit Lions. The Lions scored 15 straight points in the fourth quarter to fall just short of an incredible comeback.
The Eagles have struggled on defence since the death of their influential defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, and need to improve if the Eagles are to win a weaker-than-usual NFC East.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been consistently inconsistent over the past few seasons, and 2010 has started out no different. A week after a good win over a solid Broncos squad, the Jags were absolutely destroyed by the San Diego Chargers, 38-13.
David Garrard threw four interceptions in the loss, and was replaced by backup Luke McCown. Garrard's play has to be a concern for the Jags. Normally very careful with the ball, it is uncharacteristic of him to throw so many interceptions.
Of even greater concern to the Jaguars' offence is the limited impact of running back Maurice Jones-Drew. Jones-Drew has yet to score a touchdown, or record a 100-yard rushing day. He was held to just 31 yards and a per-carry average of 2.6 yards against the
Chargers. Jones-Drew is recovering from an off-season injury and the Jags desperately need him back to his best.
The Jaguars' defence has been unspectacular so far this season and ranks near the bottom of the league in every category. They have been decent against the run, but haven't faced a running threat like Michael Vick so far.
The Eagles' offence should be able to score points against the Jaguars with LeSean and DeSean. What this game will come down to is what the Jaguars' offence does and their maddening inconsistency makes it hard to predict. I think this game will be closer than
expected, but the Eagles should win.
Prediction: Eagles 27 Jaguars 20
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