Chip Kelly and the Eagles make watching preseason games fun. Philadelphia put up 40 points last week and has 76 in two games, cashing the over both times while playing above the total nine times in 10 Kelly coached preseason games. The Packers, meanwhile, begin the post-Jordy Nelson era.
ODDS
The line opened at Green Bay -3, but with the loss of top receiver Jordy Nelson likely affecting the Packs offense and early money on the Eagles, the game is now a toss-up. The total is the highest in the NFL this week at 49.5.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Sam Bradford didn’t get time to chisel off the rust playing for the first time in a year. He was 3 of 5 for 35 yards and led the Eagles on an 84-yard drive in his only series against the Ravens last week. Bradford is likely to see more time this week, but not much. With four quarterbacks in the system and plenty of series to go around with the up-tempo attack, it’s highly probable that all four will see playing time against the Packers. Bradford is coming off his second reconstructive knee surgery and the Eagles don’t want to put anyone at risk. Kelly used all four quarterbacks in last year’s dress rehearsal.
Aaron Rodgers will get a few more reps than originally anticipated, trying to work with his receivers in new roles. Backup Scott Tolzien is going through the league-mandated protocol for concussion-like symptoms after getting banged up in Pittsburgh last week. Even if he is cleared to play, it’s likely Brett Hundley and Matt Blanchard take snaps after Rodgers.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Eagles coach Kelly is going to do exactly what he thinks is right to get his team ready for the regular season. The preseason games, like practices and meetings, are only tools to be used as Kelly sees fit. That explains why Bradford, DeMarco Murray, DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks were held out of the preseason opener. And it explains why Ryans and Kiko Alonso didn’t play last week. His approach generates a lot of questions, which he doesn’t always choose to answer. But his approach becomes clearer as the preseason plays out. The risk of injury is the main issue. Especially considering Green Bay lost Nelson for the season. Kelly believes his players get as much benefit from practice reps as from preseason game play. He cuts the risk of injury in a game setting by reducing playing time for his players.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“It’s a tough blow to our football team, but as we spoke in the team meeting, nothing’s changed. Our goal hasn’t changed. When things like this happen, a good system with a good football team, adjustments are made. So we will adjust and keep moving.” – Packers coach Mike McCarthy after learning of Nelson’s season-ending knee injury
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The Packers returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since Nelson’s season-ending knee injury in Sunday’s preseason game, and it offered the first look at how coach Mike McCarthy will replace him. Expect Devante Adams to get increased work with the starters, while Jeff Janis and Ty Montgomery now will battle for the No. 3 spot behind Randall Cobb and Adams. Second-year player Myles White is an option, but has limited experience. With a promising training camp, Montgomery seemed to have a firm hold on a roster spot and will now play a larger role in the offense.
INJURIES
Nelson is done for the season after being diagnosed with a torn ACL. The Packers also have Tolzien and guard T.J. Lang dealing with concussions. The offensive line could also be without tackle David Bakhtiari and guard Josh Sitton, who are both dealing with leg injuries.
Tight end Zach Ertz has a groin strain, linebacker Marcus Smith a tender hamstring, and both are expected to miss the remainder of the Eagles preseason. Receiver Rasheed Bailey and defensive lineman Beau Allen are unlikely to play.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
If there was anything good to come out of the Nelson injury for the Packers, it’s that it occurred at this point in the year. The team has plenty of time to work in several of the young receivers prior to the start of the regular season. It’s a group that has plenty of potential but needs to step up now that the learning process just got much quicker. Rodgers has made his receivers look good his entire career and there’s no reason why Adams or Mongomery can’t become the next great pass catcher in Packers history. The Packers have been so good offensively the last few years, the D often gets overlooked. Now it’s their time to shine.
Green Bay 38, Philadelphia 31
The NFL lines for this Saturday game were first available at BookMaker sportsbook. The Packers were pegged as 3-point chalk while the total opened at 49.5. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, totals and spreads. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
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