NFL Preseason Week 1: The New England Patriots are in Philadelphia tonight to open up their 2009 preseason against the Eagles. The AFC versus NFC contest is scheduled to get started at 7:30pm ET at Lincoln Financial Field. Online bookmaker SBGglobal.com has the home team Eagles listed as a -3 against the spread favorite in their NFL Preseason Week 1: New England Patriots vs Philadelphia Eagles NFL Picks, Odds & Predictions.
All eyes will be on Tom Brady tonight as he takes the field for the first time since blowing out his left knee in last year's regular season opener against the Chiefs. Many have wondered if the former MVP would be in action in a meaningless preseason game, but Brady seems to have insisted upon it.
"I'm ready. I'm expecting to play," Brady said. "There's no reason why I wouldn't. I've been out here doing everything. It will be nice to get out there and play some football."
By all accounts, Brady has gone full bore throughout training camp and his knee has held up fine. He even indicated, in spite of his on-going recovery, that tonight's game against the Eagles might be a little more intense than typical exhibition fare.
"It's been a different training camp," Brady said. "I don't know what he's (Belichick) got in store. From his tone and the message he's been sending to the team, it doesn't sound like it's going to be a [standard] first preseason game for us. I don't think it's like a guest appearance or anything like that. I think we're going out there to play."
The Eagles come into this evening's game a little banged up as several players have suffered injuries during training camp. New right tackle Shawn Andrews is dealing with back problems, backup quarterback Kevin Kolb sprained a knee, defensive end Trent Cole tweaked a shoulder, and running back Brian Westbrook is still recovering from off-season ankle surgery.
The rash of medical issues will give younger players more time on the field, but it could have a negative effect continuity.
The preseason will also serve as an opportunity for new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott to get accustomed to calling plays. McDermott, who takes over for the late Jim Johnson, has been on the Philly staff for the past 10 seasons as both a secondary and linebackers coach.
New England Patriots +3 (-125), Over 33 (-110), +125 (Moneyline)
Philadelphia Eagles -3 (+105), Under 33 (-110), -145 (Moneyline)
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