Carolina Sports - NFLX Game of the Year

Philadelphia vs. Cleveland, 08/24/2012 19:30 EDT, Score: 27 - 10

Point Spread: -4/-110 Cleveland

Sportsbook: DSI

Result: Loss

Game 258 (7:30 pm est): 5* NFLX Game of the Year: Cleveland -4

The Browns come into the game at 2-0 and off an impressive performance at Green Bay while the Eagles are 2-0 and used last week’s game against New England as their tune-up for the regular-season. Both of thes teams play in week 1 of the regular-season Michael Vick is out and looks like rookie QB Nick Foles will play the first half in this one. Any Reid has said that his starters will only play ‘about’ a quarter. That doesn’t translate into a full quarter. After just playing Monday he can’t risk any more injuries in the pre-season. If I am Andy Reid, you have two healthy QB’s in Nick Foles and Trent Edwards. Edwards is behind in learning the system but he is a veteran QB. Look for a basic gameplan by Philly and not a lot of big plays. Also look for max protect when passing to protect the QB’s. What does this mean? It means a very vanilla offense and game that Philly just wants to get through with no key injuries. Don’t forget that Foles impressive performance last week was against New England 2nd and 3rd teamers. Tonight, he will face a first team defense for one full-half and he will only have his compliment of starters for about a quarter.

Cleveland needs to get rookie QB up to speed and Fritz Shurmur has said he will play the first half and possibly come out for 1 series in the 2nd half. The Browns first string will be going against Philly’s 2nd string for a full quarter and couple of possessions. Fritz Shurmur will also not tip his card tonight because of the regular-season opener is a 2 weeks against Philly. However, there are players battling hard in Cleveland for roster spots and Shurmur needs to create depth. These players will play extremely hard and also QB’s Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace will be battling for the 2nd string job. There is a good chance one will be released so this is an extremely important game for them. While the play calling may be basic, they still need to be on their game as well as some back-up wr’s for the Brown that is trying to make the team. Cleveland has extra added motivation because this is their first pre-season home game and Shurmur is still preaching a winning attitude. The defense has been opportunistic has it has forced six TO’s. The Browns fans are tired of the losing and they want to see what their team could possible become. Shurmur wants a good performance because there are jobs on the line tonight. Andy Reid is just looking at some players and won’t use a blitzing scheme tonight and will play a base defense which will help all QB’s for Cleveland tonight. Andy Reid is 1-8 ATS off 2 or more consecutive overs. Take Cleveland tonight in this ‘vanilla’ looking game as they have more motivation behind them to perform better.