NFC analysis
Rich McKay, the Falcons GM saw the Eagles firsthand during Atlanta's 27-10 loss in the NFC Championship Game.
By RICK STROUD
Published February 6, 2005
JACKSONVILLE - I think the Eagles' experience in big games will bode well for them. I don't think they'll be intimidated by their environment since they've been in four conference championships in a row. In the last five years, they've had as many or more wins as any team in football.
Remember, they're 13-1 in games they've tried to win, notwithstanding the last two games of the regular season that didn't matter. That's very impressive.
In my mind, the key for the Eagles is Brian Westbrook. Not only when they get him the ball in a running back fashion, but also when they split him out as a receiver. The Patriots, of course, are going to have something ready to try and take that option away.
In our championship game, the guy I was really impressed with was Donovan McNabb. He played a near perfect game and he will probably have to replicate that for the Eagles to have a chance. Their defense is going to be very solid with Brian Dawkins at safety and what they've done stopping the run with Jeremiah Trotter in the middle.
Here's my take on Terrell Owens. I don't think the whole T.O. thing is a factor.
Remember a couple of years ago when McNabb was hurt and he ended up being well enough to play in the playoffs? But you know what? He wasn't McNabb. Not the same McNabb we had all come to know, and it wound up hurting them.
What is T.O. going to be? That's the toughest question facing Andy Reid. Is he going to be the best run-after-the-catch receiver in football?
I think that situation is challenging for Reid. During the year, he knew what he was going to get and could call plays accordingly. I don't think he can do that in this situation.
I do think they have a chance to win because of McNabb. He can scramble around and create opportunities for his receivers by keeping the play alive. He's very important to their success in the way he can make plays with his feet.
The Eagles are great at screen plays to their tight ends and running backs. They do a great job. But the Patriots are a team that can blow up those types of plays.
I would think New England is the favorite because they've earned it.
But again, one thing about Philly, the fear factor won't be there. I kind of liken it to when we were in Tampa and we went up there to Philadelphia and won in the NFC championship and it felt like we finally got over the hump. It was kind of a carryover. The biggest thing is not to let New England jump on you and get a 10-point lead because then they can pound away with the running game and use play-action and you're going to have some problems.