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Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots Week 3 NFL Free Prediction (Preseason)

NFL Pre-Season Football – Philadelphia vs New England Preview

The Philadelphia Eagles roll in to Foxborough on Monday night for their first real dress rehearsal of the 2012 preseason against the last year’s Super Bowl runner-up, New England Patriots.

And all eyes will be on the quarterback duel of Michael Vick and Tom Brady, as they can both clearly make the biggest impact on the outcome of their games.

When: Monday, August 20, 2012 at 8:00 PM EST
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV: NFLN
LINE: -1.5 (Patriots), O/U 40.5

Matchup | Preview

Both the Eagles and the Pats opened their preseason with wins, and expectations are high.

The Eagles have a highly touted unit that should be better than it was last year, while the Patriots are hoping to get some sort of production out of the worst group in the league (in 2011) against a high-powered offense.

This particular contest is crucial, because of the defenses, and will certainly be interesting for spectators and a challenge for Pats’ coach Bill Belichick, and especially the Eagles’ Andy Reid as the Philly prepares for its most brutal stretch of the preseason schedule.

I expect Reid will want to give his starters more time to prepare than they did for the preseason opener against the Steelers. So, it’s likely Vick and the first team offense and defense will play at least the first half and perhaps some of the third in this one, while rookie QB Nick Foles will follow Vick and veteran Trent Edwards will mop up.

Foles will get a chance to build off his impressive debut against a better level of competition this week, after going 6-for-10 for 144 yards and a pair of TDs against Pittsburgh.

It was a solid performance for the rookie from Arizona.

Meanwhile, New England return home following a victory over the New Orleans Saints in their first preseason game, and will be looking to tweak an offense that put up only seven points. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Brady, who left after two series and 15 plays, was not a happy camper, seen slamming his helmet to the ground following a four completion finish out of seven attempts for 30 yards.

However, second-year running back Shane Vereen was a bright spot for the Patriots as he and Stevan Ridley compete for playing time as replacements for BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

On the first series of the third quarter, Vereen gained 62 yards on seven carries and caught a 10-yard pass.

That’s a marked improvement after Vereen rushed for only 57 yards all last season when injuries limited him to five games and 15 rushes.

Which leaves the Pats with only one big concern heading into the 2012 season. Improving the defense

Defensively, New England gave up 92 yards rushing 188 passing to the Saints.

While the Eagles didn’t look any better on the defensive side of the football, surrendering a whopping 131 yards rushing and 99 passing versus the Steelers.

Matt’s Free Prediction: Eagles 27, Patriots 17– I expect the Eagles defense to flash their potential greatness here, further annoying an already frustrated New England offense.

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By Cappers Picks

Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"