I know, we're dead in the water. We probably shouldn't even show up.
Todd Pinkston will take a Rodney Harrison hit over the middle and wont catch another pass. Thats exactly how Carolina beat the Eagles last year, they kept hitting the receivers hard off the line and by the 3rd quarter they were just too worn out to play well.
Actually, Carolina beat the Eagles last year by spearing the quarterback in the ribs while he was lying on his back after a busted play. It also helped that the Panthers secondary got away with all kinds of contact ten yards downfield (it was so bad that the league felt the need to address the issue during the off-season). Also helpful to the Panther cause was the fact that Brian Westbrook was out, as was 3/4 of our starting defensive front.
But I'm really not sure what last year has to do with this year. We're a better team up and down the ball, and we're getting the best receiver in the game back for the Super Bowl.
The Pats are still the clear favorite, deservedly so, but the Eagles are much tougher than any of the Pats fans are going to give them credit for. Which is just fine by me.
It doesn't matter what the Pats fans think. All that matters is what the Patriot players think. Belichick won't allow them to be overconfident.
Im not a Pats fan, Im a Redskin fan. Which explains my animosity! McNabb was my fantasy QB on my work league. On paper, he was one of the best. The jury is still out, however, on weather he is really good enough to win against a real team. As for TO coming back, Mr Showboat hasnt played against a secondary like NEs all year. Like Pinkston, a couple of shots from a NE dback, who love hitting prettyboy receivers, and he will be done. It will fall on Donovan shoulders again, and that wont be enough. The Defence is the best part of the Eagles. If the Eagles want to keep it close, the D must remain healthy.