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Eagles vs Panthers Line

There has been no team in the NFL who has had a more controversial and headline filled off-season then the Eagles. It started with the shocking signing of recently released prisoner Michael Vick which led to a big stir in the Philly media, most not approving of that signing. Then, on a sad note, the Eagles long time defensive coordinator Jim Johnson passed away due to cancer. This is and will continue to be a gut wrenching loss for this team as Johnson was loved all throughout this city.. You add the mis-handling of veteran leader, safety Brian Dawkins who is now playing for Denver and you have a trio of events that certainly will turn some heads. On the field though, you still have one heck of a team with talent all over the place. Donovan McNabb remains one of the top 5-10 quarterbacks in the NFL while stud running back Brian Westbrook is a matchup problem for every team and in my mind is a top 15 player in the NFL overall. While McNabb and Westbrook headline this team as the stars, it will be #1 wide receiver DeSean Jackson fresh off his fantastic rookie season in 2008 that will be the x-factor this season if the Eagles are to get back to the Superbowl. On the defensive end there are some concerns. They lost two huge pieces in their secondary in Brian Dawkins (as stated above) and Lito Sheppard. The secondary will be led by Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown, the safeties will be an issue and the concern will be in a game when they face a tough down field passing attack. Today they face a very good Panthers team with perhaps the best one-two running back combo in the league. Last season Philadelphia allowed the second lowest rushing TD total and were 4th best against the run in total yards as well. They will come to play on kickoff weekend.  The latest lines have the Eagles as 2.5 point favorites over the Panthers with an over/under of 43.5.

The Carolina Panthers can’t wait to get this season underway as last years nightmare game against Arizona in the Divisional round of the playoffs left an awful taste in their mouths. Jake Delhomme was horrific throwing five interceptions in a game which his team lost 33-13 at home. None the less Carolina is a legit Superbowl contender. They went 12-4 last season and posses one of the most balanced attacks in the NFL. DeAngelo Williams rushed for 1,515 yards and totaled 18 touchdowns last season while then rookie Jonathan Stewart rushed for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns himself. This rushing attack is fierce, explosive and they run behind a stout offensive line led by Jordan Gross who was just locked up to a long contract extension. The two headed monster is certainly amongst the top combos to watch and will be a necessity for them to perform, but the guy who Carolina will lean on again will be dynamic star Steve Smith. One of the league’s best wide receivers for over five years now, Smith does it all. He caught 78 passes for 1,421 yards and 6 TDs in 2008, those numbers are superb considering he missed two games due to being suspended for hitting a teammate. On the defensive end they remain strong as Julius Peppers remains with the team after being franchise tagged. Look for the pro bowl caliber defensive end to have a huge season. Now, in reference to tonight’s game the Panthers have one stat line from last season that no other team can say they own. That is an 8-0 home record during the regular season last year. In order for the Panthers to come away with a big win here today they must defend against the big play. McNabb loves to take shots deep and with emerging weapon DeSean Jackson and rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, he should have several opportunities to do so. Look for Andy Reid’s offense to target right cornerback Richard Marshall often.

Haimo’s Hot Notes: The Eagles are 12-5 in their last 17 road games ATS. Philly is also 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. NFC opponents. The Panthers are 5-2-1 in their last eight regular season games ATS at home. The Over is 6-1 in the last seven regular season games in Carolina. In this game you have two teams with solid defenses but also big play threats. Jackson for the Eagles and Smith for the Panthers I both see having marquee games. Philly loves going deep and Jake Delhomme for Carolina loves setting up the play actions pass.

Jordan’s Picks: Carolina Panthers +2.5 & Over 43.5