Sportsbook handicapping dynamics have quickly changed in regards to the Philadelphia Eagles as head coach Andy Reid has announced a change in starting quarterbacks. Internet sportsbook handicappers originally had Kevin Kolb as the starting quarterback of the Eagles but he was injured early in the opening game of the season in which Philadelphia lost to Green Bay 27-20 as 3-point home dogs.
The Ultimate Opportunist
Once Kolb went down second string quarterback Michael Vick took over and nearly led a remarkable comeback against the Packers as Philadelphia trailed 20-3 midway through the 3rd quarter. Vick finished 16-24 passing for 175 yards and 1 touchdown while also rushing for 103 yards on 11 carries to steal the spotlight from Kolb.
Last week in Philadelphia’s 35-32 win at Detroit Vick started in place of Kolb, who was still recovering from a concussion. Vick was 21-34 passing good for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran for 37 additional yards in the win. Vick played so well in his unexpected opportunity that Reid simply could not bring himself to go back to Kolb even though he was cleared to play in this Sunday’s game at Jacksonville.
A Long Road Back
Vick was a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and considered to be the face of the franchise. But when the story broke that Vick was hosting dog fights and allowing cruel treatment of animals he ended up off the team and in prison. Philadelphia brought him in last year to back up Donovan McNabb. Kolb was slated all along to be the starting quarterback this year but Vick’s play made him the popular choice with handicappers at the Sbg sportsbook to remain the starter and Reid didn’t want to disrupt momentum for his young team.
Can Vick Maintain Momentum?
Now that he is the starting quarterback the big sportsbook question is whether or not Vick can maintain his level of performance for the entire season. He has a QB rating of 105.5 entering this week’s action. Philadelphia has one of the youngest rosters in the league and Vick will not only need to play well but to also be a role model and leader. Vick will need to remain the spark of the Eagles as the defense is struggling and ranks dead last in the NFL for points allowed.