Defensive end Juqua Parker is no stranger to Jason Babin's success story. He lived it himself in 2005.

Parker was signed by the Eagles in the middle of the 2005 training camp. Like Babin in 2009, Parker looked like he was added to compete for a roster spot but not much else. Four years later, Parker remains a focal point in the Eagles' defensive end rotation. Parker started every game in 2008 and has played in all 64 regular season games since he was signed. Last year, Parker was third on the team in sacks (5.0) and QB hurries (12). Parker carried the Eagles to a win over the 49ers last October with his first-career interception which was returned for his first-career touchdown.

While Babin said that he took his reps as the scout team right defensive end at Monday's practice, Parker and Victor Abiamiri are battling for the starting spot on the left side opposite Trent Cole. Abiamiri is listed on the team's depth chart as the starter. Parker has a reason to think that mixing in Abiamiri will make his play even better in 2009 even at 31 years old. The rotation will keep Parker fresh and allow him to do what he does best - attack the quarterback.

"He's a big, strong guy. He's in there for the run," Parker said of Abiamiri. "He can play the run real well. Once it comes to third down, I come and he becomes a tackle because he can play both positions. He can play end and tackle."

This week's game against Carolina presents a multitude of challenges for the defensive line. The rushing attack led by the NFL's leading scorer from 2008 in DeAngelo Williams is vicious. And the offensive line, anchored by tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah, surrendered just 20 sacks last season - a franchise-low.

"It's tough, but the main thing we have to do is go out there and stop the run," Parker said. "Once we stop that and get in situations where we like to play, in third down and rush the passer. If we don't do that it's going to be a long day. As long as we get out there and stop the run, we'll pretty much try to control the game."

As for his battle with the 6-6, 330-pound Otah, Parker said the key is to get the big man to dance.

"For a guy his size, you have to make him move his feet," Parker said. "Any big guy you have to make him move his feet. ... You have to switch it up. It's like a chess game. You have to give him something different every time."

Unlike the middle linebacker and free safety positions, the defensive end rotation largely remains intact from last season. For that reason, and the success the Eagles had in sacking the quarterback last year, Parker is confident that this Eagles defense can be an elite one in 2009. And that's after the struggles the defense went through in the preseason.

"It's a different aspect now than preseason because now you're going to be playing all four quarters," Parker said. "You're going to see this guy all four quarters. You have a game plan now. This is when it gets serious. This is the regular season. This is what we go through training camp and the preseason for."