Game 10 Preview

tennessee titans at philadelphia eagles

a solid win last week against a crumbling redskins team got the second half of the season to a good start. we'll see how much the birds learned about let downs from multiple first half debacles. this is a team the eagles should cream, absolutely cream.

footballoutsiders.com
- eagles stay at 2nd overall in weighted DVOA, drop to 3rd on offense, jump to 4th on defense, and move back to 17th on special teams
- titans come in ranked 30th overall, 27th on offense, 27th on defense, and 18th on special teams

The Eagles made a major bye-week change last week: Andy Reid turned play-calling duties over to coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Those of use who remember Mornhinweg's tenure in Detroit may compare this decision to giving Ferrari keys to a 12-year old, but Eagles players said they didn't notice a change. In fact, receiver Reggie Brown admitted that he had no idea who called the plays. "He's the offensive coordinator, isn't he?" Way to be on top of things, Reggie. One difference was apparent in last week's win over the Redskins: the Eagles ran the ball 30 times and threw it just 26 times, though a few of those runs were really Donovan McNabb scrambles. A rainy day concession, or Marty Ball II? Either way, the Eagles are once again playing up to their ability level, which is a bad thing for the Titans.

les bowen

IF YOU'RE familiar with the Eagles' season, the 13-point line might seem generous. When you're 5-4, it's hard to say you're nearly two touchdowns better than anybody, especially a team that has lost one-point games to the Ravens and the Colts.

The Birds ought to be able to continue their commitment to running the ball, against the 32nd-ranked run defense, and their defense ought to be able to keep rookie Vince Young from spurring a huge road upset. But I'm not sure this will be a blowout.

Prediction:

Eagles 24, Titans 12

vegas vic

One 27-3 win over a lousy Redskins club lifted everyone's spirits, but Jeff Fisher's Titans have covered four of their last five, and never stop fighting. We like the Birds, but by a dime or less.

Pick: Titans (+13) over EAGLES

espn scouts inc

This could end up being a closer game than most people think. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher is a master at coming up with a defensive game plan to stymie powerful offenses. The Titans are close to as healthy as they have been all season and are apt to come out with fire in their eyes after a tough loss to a strong Ravens team. The key will be to limit the number of explosive plays they allow the Eagles and how well Tennessee is able to control the clock. However, Philadelphia just has too many weapons. It will be fun to watch a top offensive mind (Andy Reid) match wits against a top defensive mind (Fisher).

Prediction: Eagles 28, Titans 17

madden 07

It was another tough offensive day for the Titans, who got just 235 total yards of offense and missed out on two scoring opportunities inside the Philly 10-yard-line, having to settle for field goals both times. The Eagles kicked off the scoring as Donovan McNabb took it in himself in the first quarter, and then Philly mounted a nice goal-line stand and knocked a Tennessee first-and-ten at the two back to the four, where the Titans kicked it to make it 7-3.

Philly increased its lead to 14-3 in the second quarter as McNabb hit Donte' Stallworth, and added a field goal early in the third to go up 17-3. The Titans found the end zone on a Travis Henry score midway through that period to cut the lead, but then had to settle for another short field goal early in the fourth, and the Eagles wrapped up the scoring on McNabb's second TD pass of the game, this one to Reggie Brown.

Prediction: Eagles 24 - Titans 13

what i think
should be a blowout based on matchups. might not be a blowout as a sandwich game between a division opponent and a showdown with the colts looming.

titans o vs. eagles d
the titans have to run the ball and control the clock to shorten the game to have a shot at winning. they'll be toast if they get into a shootout. they have a future star at QB, but he's still a rookie. they have some talent at halfback and tight end, but their wideouts were nondescript prior to david givens blowing out his knee and their o-line is below average.

biggest concern for the birds defense is vince young's legs. historically, JJ's defenses haven't controlled mobile QBs well because they play so much man defense. young's scrambling shouldn't be a factor in who wins or loses the game, but it's something to watch. still, young is not like vick in that he is trying to be a pass first QB, so JJ should have a field day confusing the heck out of him.

eagles o vs. titan d
the titans d is well balanced, meaning they stink against both the run and the pass, but if you had to pick a specific weakness it would be the secondary. not a good sign coming in to play a top passing offense. they do have a couple of playmakers in kyle vandenbosch and keith bulluck though.

the number of points the eagles score will largely be dictated by how well they play. jeff fisher can scheme all he wants, i don't think he's going to be able to overcome the talent difference between the two teams.

bottom line
the birds will not lose this game unless they turn the ball over 4 times... even if they come out flat.

prediction
eagles 23 - titan 13