Indianapolis had a disastrous game against Minnesota last week at the point of attack. QB Peyton Manning was sacked three times in six plays. Counting the backups, the Colts allowed six sacks in 37 offensive snaps. Now they face on the most aggressive blitzing teams. TE Dallas Clark, who missed the opener, is probable.
New Eagles QB Michael Vick will not travel with the team. Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook is also out as it second string QB Kevin Kolb, LG Too Herremans, DE Trent Cole, CB Sheldon Brown, LB Omar Gaither and the brothers Stacy and Shawn Andrews. Philadelphia will have just one regular starter on the offensive line in this game, C Jamaal Jackson. A total of seven regulars are out for the Eagles.
Philadelphia is expected to play their starters for at least a half. The Colts of course will remain with their best defensive player Bob Sanders. Backup QB Jim Sorgi remains out. The Colts are also without starters K Adam Vinatieri, DB Raheem Brock, CB Kelvin Hayden, and DE Robert Mathis.
Starting QB Peyton Manning is actually campaigning for more playing time than he got in the preseason opener. Head coach Jim Caldwell said the starters will get about 20 plays this week.
The Cincinnati Bengals play at the New England Patriots. The Patriots range from a 6.5 to 7-point favorite with a total at 36 or 36.5, depending on the sportsbook.
Bengals starting QB Carson Palmer is out according to ESPN, but the Bengals have not officially ruled him out with his mildly sprained ankle. J.T. O’Sullivan will start and play 1 ½ quarters with Jordan Palmer playing the rest of the game. Their top pick RT Andre Smith is a holdout.
Cincinnati is 3-2 straight up in preseason series meetings. In his first action since the first quarter of the first regular season game last year, Tom Brady completed 10-of-15 passes for 100 yards and two touchdown tosses.
The Bengals only have one starter on the offensive line back at the same position from last year.
New England WR Wes Welker missed the Eagles game and three ensuing practices. He said he is ready to play but the decision is head coach Bill Belichick’s. DE Ty Warren also missed the last game, but it back practicing.
Several Patriots have said this may be the toughest camp ever. While Tom Brady is expected to start behind center, as per usual with Belichick, his number of snaps expected is unclear. However, Kevin O’Connell is expected to be the No. 2 QB not Andrew Walter. RB Fred Taylor, who also sat out the first game is probable.