WHEN THE PATRIOTS HAVE THE BALL:
Key Matchup:
QB Tom Brady versus FS Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins is like a hawk and Tom Brady will need to watch and find where he is on every play before he snaps the ball. Dawkins is very similar to Brady's teammate Rodney Harrison, and will hit you hard if you cross the middle. He also has very capable hands so he'll be able to pick off a pass that is anywhere near him. I don't see Brady testing Dawkins too much, but he'd be able to beat him deep if he had a fast reciever going long, like David Patten or Bethel Johnson. Dawkins will also come to the line and blitz so the offensive line needs to be ready to pick the blitz up off the edge.
Other Matchups:
WHEN THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL:
Key Matchup:
QB Donovan McNabb versus New England Linebackers
If the Patriot's secondary can keep the receivers in check, then McNabb might need to run. And the Patriots will need to contain him with ends Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Jarvis Green, but more importantly with the linebacking core. There will be some spy plays--third and short, probably--and those will be important to try and contain McNabb and keep him in the pocket. McNabb will need to throw the ball to be effective, not scrambling every other play. The linebackers will need to keep McNabb from scrambling and see how he responds. He'll either find open receivers or become frustrated. The more frustrated McNabb is, the better chance the Patriots have to win.
Other Matchups:
Comments