Tribune staff reporter Terry Bannon analyzes the matchups when Philadelphia is on offense.
PASSING GAME
Donovan McNabb has emerged as one of the NFL’s most complete quarterbacks, and his ability to avoid the rush gives the Eagles an edge. But as McNabb prepares for his first Super Bowl, he may have to work with as thin a corps of receivers as he has had all season. Wide receiver Terrell Owens remains questionable with an ankle injury, and tight end Chad Lewis was lost to a foot injury in the NFC championship game.
Key to the passing game is running back Brian Westbrook, who will cause matchup problems. Eagles wide receivers Todd Pinkston and Freddie Mitchell are inconsistent and may even struggle against cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, although No. 3 receiver Greg Lewis can get deep. Safeties Rodney Harrison and Eugene Wilson could dominate the middle.
RUNNING GAME
Brian Westbook is a dynamic running back, the man the Patriots must contain. While Westbrook and Dorsey Levens give the Eagles running back depth, they will have to negotiate a tough group of linebackers in Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi, Ted Johnson and Mike Vrabel.
The Patriots are deep on defense, meaning Eagles’ blockers will be facing more fresh legs than usual. Keith Traylor and Vince Wilfork rotate at nose tackle, ex-Bears linebacker Rosevelt Colvin comes off the bench. New England will get a boost if defensive end Richard Seymour, who missed the Patriots’ two playoff games, can come back from a knee injury.
KEY MATCHUP
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook vs. Patriots LB Willie McGinest Westbrook and McGinest are the most versatile performers on their units. Shutting down Westbrook is one of the Patriots’ keys to victory, and McGinest may be asked to cover him in the passing game as well as pass-rush and play the run.
PHILADELPHIA’S STARTERS
QB Donovan McNabb: He’s at the top of his game.
RB Brian Westbrook: One of the NFL’s top dual threats. Can hurt Pats running or catching.
RB Patrick Pass: Capable blocker and receiver.
WR Todd Pinkston: Consistently inconsistent.
WR Freddie Mitchell: Productive in playoffs. Can he keep it up?
TE L. J. Smith: Without Chad Lewis, must carry bigger load.
LT Tra Thomas: Big (6-7, 350) and solid pass protector.
LG Artis Hicks: Efficient run blocker.
C Hank Fraley: Tough and underrated. Faces big challenge from Patriots’ NTs.
RG Jermane Mayberry: Tough, effective blocker.
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RT Jon Runyan: One of the game’s best.
NEW ENGLANDS’S STARTERS
LE Ty Warren: Tough run defender.
NT Keith Traylor: Keeps blockers off linebackers.
RE Richard Seymour: Has wounded knee healed enough?
OLB Willie McGinest: Solid all-around defender, including pass rushing.
ILB Tedy Bruschi: Tough, no longer underrated.
ILB Ted Johnson: Stops the run well.
OLB Mike Vrabel: Found a niche in New England.
CB Asante Samuel: Could be Eagles’ target.
CB Randall Gay: Rookie with promising potential.
SS Rodney Harrison: Tough enforcer, big-play ability.
FS Eugene Wilson: Can’t allow Eagles to break free.