Second-year left tackle King Dunlap was thrust into the spotlight in Week 6 against the Raiders when he had to step in for All-Pro Jason Peters, who went down with a knee injury. Dunlap gave up one sack to All-Pro end Richard Seymour as the entire offensive line struggled in a 13-9 loss.

Dunlap isn't expected to be back in the spotlight today against San Diego. Dunlap did take some of the practice snaps at left tackle as Peters rested the ankle injury he incurred last week against Dallas. Dunlap and Peters each said during the week that Peters should be good to start. Peters was listed as questionable on the injury report. Todd Herremans took the other practice reps at left tackle this week. Against Dallas, Herremans moved out from his left guard spot while Peters was sidelined.

But Dunlap isn't just close to the left tackle situation in Philly. He's got ties to the Chargers' left tackle situation as well. Dunlap and Pro Bowl tackle Marcus McNeill were college teammates at Auburn.

"We still keep in contact a little bit, probably a little more now that we're going out there," Dunlap said. "We let each other know where we see each other on TV and mess up, but it's all fun. We usually stay away from all of that (football stuff). We just try to catch up and see how things are going. We keep it more personal than business."

McNeill will have his hands full with defensive end Trent Cole, who is on track to make his second Pro Bowl with a team-high 7.5 sacks. In fact, Cole is second in the NFC to Minnesota's Jared Allen (10.5 sacks). Cole has recorded at least a half-sack in every game except for one this season. It will certainly be a matchup to watch. Dunlap called McNeill "the total package."

"I'm not surprised (at his success). I knew how hard he worked in college and the type of work ethic that he had," Dunlap said. "He's improved on his technique and staying low. He does everything real well that's why he went to the Pro Bowl. He's a great run blocker, pass blocker. He's 6-9 with long arms. He's got it all, the total package."

Hopefully, the next time Dunlap catches up with McNeill, it will be to joke about how bad Cole embarrassed McNeill.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 11:49 a.m., November 15