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Scouting report: Ravens at Eagles

September 15, 2012|By Jeff Zrebiec, The Baltimore Sun

EAGLES SPECIAL TEAMS: Jackson has been one of the NFL's most dangerous return men, but the Eagles are currently using two rookies — Brandon Boykin and Damaris Johnson — to handle returns. Second-year kicker Alex Henery, a fourth-round pick last year, had a solid rookie season, making his final 16 kicks. However, he missed on one of two attempts last week. Chas Henry averaged 55 yards on his six punts last week.

(EDGE: EVEN)

RAVENS INTANGIBLES: In two consecutive seasons, the Ravens have followed emotional season-opening wins with lackluster losses in Week 2. The Ravens are 17-15 on the road in the John Harbaugh era, including 4-4 last year. They also are 3-1 against NFC East teams under Harbaugh. That includes a 36-7 beatdown of the Eagles during the 2008 season. The Ravens are healthier than the Eagles are, especially on offense.

EAGLES INTANGIBLES: Thanks to their ugly 17-16 win against a lightly regarded Cleveland team, it has been a long week for coach Andy Reid despite the fact that his team enters the game with the top-ranked defense and the second-ranked offense. The 12 penalties for 110 yards and five turnovers the Eagles committed against Cleveland didn't help. Reid, however, is used to scrutiny as his job status has been a popular topic for years. While at the helm of the Eagles, he is 30-22-1 against AFC teams and 63-41 at home.

(EDGE: RAVENS)

PREDICTION: If the bad Vick shows up again today, the Eagles don't stand a chance and the Ravens won't let them off the hook the way the Browns did. Vick is the ultimate wild card and as the Ravens' Pollard pointed out last week, the quarterback seems to play his best when the criticism toward him is the loudest. The bet here is that Vick bounces back big with a quality performance and the Eagles follow his lead. From a great all-purpose running back to speedy wide receivers to a relentless pass rush, Philadelphia has all the characteristics of a major matchup problem for the Ravens. Eagles, 27-20.

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