Superlook: Playing no-respect card keeps Pats rolling
The Eagles, who finally broke through in returning to the Super Bowl after a long absence, have to avoid the idea that just getting there makes their season a success. Winning the NFC title game for the first time after losing three in a row does give them a reason to celebrate, but you don't play to get to the Super Bowl, you play to win it. It's a task made tougher by Terrell Owens' injury, but the Eagles coaches are good. Andy Reid doesn't get his due, but he's one of the game's best -- not far behind Belichick. On paper, this one has a lot of intrigue. Reid is an offensive coach, while Belichick made his bones on defense. Both have outstanding coordinators on both sides of the ball. This will be a strategic thrill.
Player on the spot: Donovan McNabb. He exorcised a lot of demons in the NFC Championship Game, showing he can be successful throwing the football without Terrell Owens. But can he do it on the biggest stage of them all? The doubters say let's see it again. McNabb is a heck of an offensive weapon, but Belichick will scheme up something to take away his ability to improvise. This could be McNabb's time to show that he has truly become a quality pocket passer.
Battle to watch: The Eagles' blitzing defensive fronts against the Patriots offensive line. Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will come after Tom Brady. That's what they do. But as the Steelers found out, it's tough to pressure him. A big reason is the play of the unheralded offensive line. It doesn't look like much on paper, but it plays well together. It will be interesting to see how well they do in handling all the different looks Johnson will throw at them. One thing's for sure: They'll be prepared for all of it.
Mismatch: The Eagles don't run the ball that well on offense. The Patriots are good against the run. This could make for plenty of McNabb passes. The Eagles do not have a feature back the quality of Dillon, so they aren't a pound-it running team like the Steelers are. They will run Brian Westbrook and Dorsey Levens, but their offense is geared around the pass. If the Eagles rush for more than 50 yards, it will be a shock.
Coach who won't sleep this week: Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress. He is considered one of the NFL's rising offensive coaches, a guy who's a hair away from becoming an NFL head coach. This week he gets to game plan against Belichick and Romeo Crennel, which is as challenging as any he'll face. Both the Colts and Steelers tried to run the ball against the Patriots with little success. Look for Childress and Andy Reid to spread out that New England defense and throw it a bunch.
Obscure player to watch: Brandon Gorin opened the season as a backup right tackle for the Patriots. And injury to Tom Ashworth forced him into the lineup, and he has become a quality player. But he will be matched up against Jevon Kearse, one of the best pass rushers in the game. How well Gorin handles Kearse will likely decide just how much the Eagles blitz. If Gorin can contain him, the Eagles will attack more with the blitz. If he can't, Philly might be able to get to Tom Brady without blitzing. Brandon Gorin. Remember the name.
