Can Eagles QB Michael Vick lead his team to the Super Bowl in 2012?
As the preseason gets under way everyone starts to make their Super Bowl XLVII predictions. Before breaking down some of the favorites for the 2012-2013 NFL season, let’s take a look at how Vegas ranks the teams. Keep in mind that the Vegas Super Bowl odds are based on betters’ thoughts, but they generally are pretty accurate.
The odds work where if you placed a $100 wager on the Eagles to win the Super Bowl, you would profit $1,000 plus your initial $100 because the odds are set at 10-1.
Super Bowl 2013 Odds:
New England Patriots 4.5-1
Green Bay Packers 6-1
San Francisco 49ers 7-1
Philadelphia Eagles 10-1
Denver Broncos 12-1
Houston Texans 12-1
Baltimore Ravens 14-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 14-1
The Eagles are the fourth most likely team to win it all this year according to Vegas. With the defense going into its second year with Defensive Coordinator Juan Castillo the chemistry and comfort level with the scheme should be much improved. So far the defensive backs have played well during training camp and the first preseason game. The pass rush is ferocious again this year as they look to build on their 50 sack performance last year. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, the Eagles first round pick, should hopefully help shore up the run defense. DeMeco Ryans was also brought in to help a very young and inexperienced group of linebackers. The improvement in the run defense has not materialized as of yet. The front seven has been suspect in camp and against the Steelers. The offense has plenty of weapons and their success will largely depend on Vick’s and McCoy’s ability to stay healthy. Turnovers were also a bit of a concern for Vick last year, but he has been confident that the Eagles will rebound from a disappointing 2011 campaign. DeSean Jackson’s contract dispute is a thing of the past as he signed a five year 51 million dollar deal, so he will be able to focus solely on football. One thing the Eagles can be sure to count on is stellar field goal kicking as Alex Henery was lights out last year and kicked a game winning field goal in the first preseason game this season.
Predictions: The Texans made the playoffs last year without Matt Schaub playing down the stretch. This year they will make further strides as they will beat the always relevant New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. AFC CHAMPIONSHIP Texans over Patriots
The Eagles will definitely improve from last year but their run defense is a major problem. When they face the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, Frank Gore and the smash-mouth 49ers will be too much to handle. Chalk up another NFC championship loss for Coach Reid and the birds unless the run D makes significant strides. NFC CHAMPIONSHIP 49ers over Eagles.
SUPER BOWL 49ers over Texans. Alex Smith cements himself as a legitimate quarterback and validates his #1 overall draft selection.
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