2006 Records: (Click names for 2007 preview)
Philadelphia Eagles: 10-6
Green Bay Packers: 8-8
Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre won't play a single snap while the other is on the field. Despite that fact, the quarterback matchup in the Eagles/Packers game is one of the most exciting battles of quarterbacks you will find in today's NFL. Both guys have received their fare share of press this offseason but for completely different reasons. Brett Favre is one of the most loved quarterbacks by much of the national media while Donovan McNabb has been much maligned. It's likely Favre's last season -- maybe, until he wants to play another season -- and it's likely a career defining season for McNabb who is coming off the tough knee injury.
These guys are media magnets for a reason. Their play on the field is about as exciting as you can find from a QB today not counting the inmate line for Federal Prison in Virginia. This is a game to watch the leaders run their teams and use their weapons. Defense may win championships, but offense gets you excited in week one.
Donovan and Brett aside, some other things to watch:
Eagles Defense
Stopping the run was a big weakness in 2006 and didn't look that hot in the preseason, so the Packers questionable situation at RB is a nice first test for the Eagles defense. With Jeremiah Trotter gone, the play of Omar Gaither, Takeo Spikes, Chris Gocong, and the linebacking crew will be under a microscope. Expensive disappointment Jevon Kearse better show us something early in '07 or he might start hearing the boo birds.
Packers Skill Positions
The Pack don't have a clear cut number one running back. Rookie Brandon Jackson is feeling a bit overwhelmed with the prospect of being the starter on opening day at Lambeau in his first ever game. Third year back Vernand Morency was the anticipated starter coming into training camp, but an injury has kept him from seeing much of the field. It looks like Brett Favre's best receiver may or may not see the field either. Donald Driver has been battling a sprained foot but says he should be ready to go on Sunday.
Intersting note
Brett Favre, with 147 career victories, is only one win shy of John Elway's career win mark.
Other takes on the game:
Favre and TO bigger topics than McNabb [USA Today]
Aside from the ring, Mac has it all over Favre [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Trash Talk Tuesdays: Eagles vs. Packers [The 700 Level]
The Outlook at Runningback [Acme Packing Company]
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