Should never have released me!
Posted on 11/20/2007 5:48:19 PM PST by scott says
PHILADELPHIA -- Just three seasons after being separated by just three points in Super Bowl XXXIX, the gap between the Patriots and Eagles has widened to historic proportions: Philly is a 23½-point underdog.
That is the largest point spread for an NFL game that does not involve an expansion team, according to odds-making experts in Las Vegas.
On Dec. 5, 1976, the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers were 24-point underdogs to the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers covered easily, winning 42-0.
"Nowadays, you don't see too many spreads over 16 or 17 points," said Sean Van Patten, an oddsmaker at Sports Consultants in Las Vegas. "That's because most teams take their starters out in the fourth quarter of a lopsided game. The Patriots don't. I call this phenomenon The [Bill] Belichick Factor."
By continuing to pour it on the fourth quarter, Belichick is throwing Vegas out of whack. And making bookies run for cover.
It all started Sunday night after Belichick walked across the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium to shake hands with Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron, an awkward moment captured on national TV after the Patriots annihilated the Bills 56-10.
"The line for the Patriots-Eagles game was immediately set at 17 points -- and the big bettors, the sports syndicate guys, jumped on it, bet it hard," said Brandon Lang, whose life was depicted by Matthew McConaughey in the movie "Two for the Money" and is regarded as the nation's leading sports handicapper.
According to bookies and oddsmakers, all the big money took the Patriots and gave the points. Why? Because Belichick has been running up the score.
"So the spread jumped all the way to 22 in a matter of minutes," said Lang.
"You add the fact that Donovan McNabb is injured and you have the perfect storm," said a bookie in South Philadelphia who asked not to be identified.
McNabb has a swollen thumb on his right (throwing) hand and a sprained ankle. He did not finish the game on Sunday, when the Eagles beat the Miami Dolphins in Philadelphia. On Monday, head coach Andy Reid said his franchise quarterback is day-to-day.
"McNabb is worth four more points, in my opinion," said Van Patten. "Which means if he doesn't play Sunday, the spread in this game could set the record."
If the record is not set in this game, Van Patten said, don't be surprised if it is threatened in two of the Patriots' upcoming games -- against the New York Jets on Dec. 16 or the Dolphins on Dec. 23.
"The Jets game is the one to watch," said Van Patten. "The perception, at least, is that Belichick is running up the score because he's angry over Spygate. And he was caught by the Jets back in the first week of the season. It's gonna be payback time."
You haven’t read the “promote your presidential candidate” threads, have you?
I’m actually pulling for the Jets. They aren’t going to the playoffs, and every win puts them further down the draft list.
I have “fantasies” but none of them have to do with the NFL lol.
I remember when the Packers were loaded with talent, and went to the Super Bowl twice. (96, 97)
They lost to Indianapolis, who's record was something like 0 - 10 at that point.
On any Sunday...
They’re mediocre which is actually a big upgrade for them.
I think the ‘Phins going to beat the Jets when they travel down to Miami.
It’s going to be higher for the Jets game just because of Mangini.
ff
That’s a great question. I’m willing to bet if that’s the case when the Pats play Miami it’ll be a record.
If the game were in Miami, I'd give it a fair chance, but not late in the year at Gillette. ...or do you mean next season?
LOL...good point and I know what you mean, but...since neither Kapp nor Schulyer are in the race, we haven’t seen much NFL fantasy there. I can just barely stomach those threads anyway.
I am a Pats fan but I have a warm spot in my heart for the Eagles. (GF is from Center City Philly) I have never been sold on McNabb. I think he was an above average scrambler with an average arm with below average receivers.
Now, he can’t scramble, has to rely on his arm and still has noone but Westbrook to throw to.
Koy Detmer was picked up by some team, never put on a jersey and was cut again after 3 days. His pay was $90k. How do I get a job like that?
Should never have released me!
Did you see the game last night against the Leafs?
Came roaring back in the 3rd. I gave up on the B’s after so many years. Moved to NC and jumped on the Canes bandwagon.
Still, secretly, I watch and root for the B’s.
“when he cuts a player he probably says,
You have failed me for the last time!”
No he says, “You are dead to me!” and throws the official player photo into the fire place.
McNabb has a cannon for an arm. His problems are touch, accuracy, decision-making and wilting under pressure.
So he can throw a country mile but he couldn’t hit the ground if he aimed at it.
That is what I meant. Alot of guys can throw a long way, Drew Bledsoe, but could not hit a guy in stride.
2 words... Bill Belichick...
LOL....
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