Monday 9 September 2013

Live NFL - Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins 12.10am Eurosport 2


The much vaunted Chip Kelly express offense rolls into Washington tonight and it will be interesting to see how that offense, and Kelly, do in the NFL - the transition from college to the big league is not always easy.

Expect two tight end sets and lots of LeSean McCoy, with the occasional deep shot downfield to DeSean Jackson. The O line looks solid, which is good news for the Eagles, but depending on how much of the Oregon blueprint Kelly uses, the rhythm might be off. Michael Vick is his usual conundrum, he's announced he'll be running a lot, but breaking the pocket always brings its risks. The Washington pass rush, led by the returning Brian Arakpo will need to get home, because his secondary has struggled. 

Then there's Riley Cooper ... 

Washington are RG III and while he and Shanny seem to have been at odds in the (non-existent) pre-season, Griffin seems ready to roll. Mike Shanahan’s zone scheme looks suited for taking on the Eagles, who are ponderous along the line and are adapting to a new D under new defensive coordinator Billy Davis. I expect Alfred Morris to put up some big numbers. Deeper, I really like Pierre Garcon against what looks like a downgraded Philadelphia secondary; the weak Philadelphia LBs will also give Fred Davis room to operate.

The changes for the Eagles will take time to bed in and it doesn't look as though they have fully addressed their defensive weaknesses. Washington seem primed (they won their last seven last year) and provided they have a fit Robert Griffin under centre, they should take this by better than a TD. The home team's own problems on defense shouldn't be forgotten however, so a touch of Overs is also the call.

Pick: Washington Redskins -3.5 @ 1.91 (3-1, +1.82) 
Pick: Over 52 @ 1.91 (0-1, -1)

Pick: 1st TD Robert Griffin III @ 15 (1-3, +7) 
Pick: Anytime TD Pierre Garcon @ 2.62 (3-1, +2.88)

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