Game-day details
Sun., 1 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Mostly cloudy. High: 63. Low: 46.
Why To Watch
Both teams entered the 2005 season with high expectations and both have shown flashes of dominance, yet these defending division champs find themselves in the middle of their division standings looking up. This is a pivotal interconference game for each team as they can ill-afford to fall another game back in their respective divisions.
The Eagles' bye week came at the perfect time. Donovan McNabb has played at a high level despite playing through a multitude of injuries that have limited his mobility. If the bye week gave him and tight end L.J. Smith time to heal, and Terrell Owens and Brian Westbrook continue their solid play despite their respective contract squabbles, the Eagles and their sense of urgency will make this an electric game against the Chargers at home.
Chargers quarterback Drew Brees has picked up where he left off last season. His main target is Antonio Gates, who is quickly becoming the premier receiving tight end in the NFL. In addition, wide receiver Keenan McCardell has defied his age to remain a viable threat all over the field.
Of course, this game features the league’s two most versatile backs, Westbrook and LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson completed the hat trick in the first half at Oakland last week by catching a TD pass, rushing for a TD and throwing for a TD. Though neither came from big-time college programs (TCU, Villanova), both cause headaches for defensive coordinators because they can make game-changing plays on the ground or through the air. The team in better position to win will get the bigger game from its respective featured back.
Chargers Keys For Success
1. Hit McNabb in the pocket. Even after a bye week, McNabb continues to be hobbled by various injuries (abdomen, sports hernia) that have limited his mobility. Without having to worry about him leaving the pocket, it is less risky to utilize blitzes against him. Expect the Chargers to send six pass rushers whenever they can on Sunday.
2. Test the Eagles' cornerbacks. Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown are coming off their worst performance of the year in Week 5, when they both were beat consistently by Cowboys veterans Terry Glenn and Keyshawn Johnson. With the rest of the defense focused on stopping Tomlinson and Gates, the duo will be left in single coverage vs. McCardell and Eric Parker. Expect Brees to take some shots downfield.
3. Cover Westbrook with a safety. Westbrook, like Tomlinson, is a difficult matchup in the passing game, especially in the red zone where he has three TD receptions. Defenses that try to cover him with an outside linebacker always get beat in the open field by his quickness. Safety Terrence Kiel will be called upon to take Westbrook out of the passing game.
Eagles Keys For Success
1. Make Tomlinson one-dimensional. It is almost impossible to contain all the things Tomlinson can do to burn an opponent on the field. The Eagles need to try to take away one aspect of his game, thereby limiting his explosiveness. Expect them to try to take him out of the passing game, jumping him with outside linebackers as soon as he leaves the backfield. That also means they need to make plays on Tomlinson in the open field, which is easier said than done. Expect Mark Simoneau, now a backup, to get plenty of reps as their best coverage linebacker.
2. Show a more balanced offense. Over the bye week the Eagles spent most of their time working to improve their running game. In order to keep McNabb healthy for the rest of the season, they need to be able to run the ball more effectively to keep defenses from teeing off on their QB. This will be their first test. Expect to see more touches from Lamar Gordon, especially in the inside running game.
3. Get more pressure with the front four. The Eagles have been unable to generate an effective pass rush with their defensive line this season -- starting ends Jevon Kearse and N.D. Kalu have combined for only two sacks. Therefore, the Eagles have needed to rely more on blitzing to generate pressure, which has made them vulnerable in pass coverage. With the Chargers' many receiving talents, the Eagles' front four needs to help the cornerbacks and safeties.
Injuries at a glance
Chargers injuries
10/18/05 Eric Parker WR Ankle Questionable for Week 7
Eagles injuries
10/18/05 Jerome McDougle DE Hernia surgery Done for the 2005 season
10/17/05 David Akers K Hamstring Not expected to play Week 7
10/11/05 Mike McMahon QB Knee surgery Not considered serious
The Bottom Line
Both teams have talented, multi-faceted running backs, dangerous receiving threats, and defenses that can be dominant on one play and porous on the next. In a close game, it comes down to the leadership and playmaking ability of the quarterback. Though Drew Brees has had a tremendous start, McNabb will be the one with the "S" on his chest this week and will make the big plays to win the game for the Eagles.
__________________
When Sean Avery was a child, he made his mother finish his vegetables.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Brooklyn @ May 20th ) [snapback]2006104[/snapback]</div>
Originally posted by Moe@Oct 18th '05 @ 7:15 pm Eagles defense rebounds 26-10 but it'll be a lot closer than the score.
I really doubt the Eagles defense rebounds against LT.
__________________
When Sean Avery was a child, he made his mother finish his vegetables.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Brooklyn @ May 20th ) [snapback]2006104[/snapback]</div>
San Diego @ Philly
/07215_206.jpg ":drool:")
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