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I don't have a great feel for this game today, but it's an intriguing one.
The Bucs are a weird 0-4 team. They lost three games despite having a 95% chance of winning with less than five minutes to play. This said, it's not a surprise they are winless. The offense can't score. 11 points per game just won't cut it. Plus, consider all the drama they have had to deal with. The Bucs released their former "franchise" QB in Josh Freeman. Meanwhile, head coach Greg Schiano seems to be skating on thin ice (there's ice in Tampa, right? No?). Now there's the whole MRSA scare and three different players have been affected by it. It just doesn't seem like a great environment.
On the positive side, the Bucs have a great defense and a talented running back in Doug Martin. It will be interesting to see how a great offense, such as the Eagles, performs against this Tampa Bay defense. Conversely, I wonder if Philly's poor defense will jump start the Bucs disastrous offense. The bye week will certainly be a factor. The Bucs will be more rested than the Eagles. Will that show on the field?
I have my doubts. The Eagles have done a decent enough job containing the run, so Martin could be held in check. It's then up to rookie QB Mike Glennon, who's making his second career start, to carry TB to victory through the air. We'll see how that goes.
A win for Philadelphia advances their record to 3-3; back to .500. It would also make them 3-0 against the NFC and 2-0 against the NFC East. So far, those numbers look good for their playoff hopes. Depending on what happens in the Washington-Cowboys game on Sunday Night Football, the Eagles could take sole possession of the division lead. That's assuming the Cowboys lose and drop to 2-4. Dallas and Philly play next week in what looks to be shaping up like a big game. Winning today would be very beneficial for the Eagles. It won't be easy, but I think PHI gets the job done.
All the BGN writers picked the Eagles to win on Sunday. Well, except for one Mike Kaye. He must be a Bucs fan in disguise.
Now, it's your turn. Leave your predictions for today's game in the comments below and don't forget to vote in the poll.
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Score prediction:
Bold prediction:
My predictions:
Score prediction: 20-13, Eagles win.
Bold prediction: Riley Cooper catches a touchdown pass