As the Eagles look toward this Sunday's tilt in Jacksonville, here's a peak at some of the matchups to watch.
Jaguars LT Eugene Monroe vs. Eagles RDE Trent ColeMonroe, 6-5, 308 pounds, a top 10 pick for the Jaguars in 2009, is very athletic for his size and the Jaguars are very optimistic about his future. He's already established himself as perhaps the best offensive lineman on the team, but he'll have a stern test on Sunday with Cole, considered by some to be the Eagles' best defensive player. Minnesota's Jared Allen is the only 4-3 defensive end who has sacked the quarterback more times over the past four years than Cole, but Cole is by no means a one-dimensional player as he's a force against the run. In Marcedes Lewis, the Jaguars have an adept blocking tight end, so don't be surprised if Lewis is used to double-team Cole, or chip him at the very least.
Jaguars DT Tyson Alualu vs. Eagles Interior OLThe Jaguars were widely derided for selecting Alualu with the 10th overall selection in this year's draft because the University of California product wasn't considered a top 10 talent by some of the prognosticators. Instead, critics claimed the Jaguars should have taken quarterback Tim Tebow, a local favorite because of his years at the University of Florida, which is only an hour away from Jacksonville. Well, as luck would have it, Tebow and the Denver Broncos came to Jacksonville in Week 1 and what happened on Tebow's first career carry? He was stuffed at the line of scrimmage by Alualu. Alualu also notched his first career sack in that game, and he's looked to be the penetrating inside force that the Jaguars have lacked since the days of John Henderson and Marcus Stroud. Stopping Alualu, and former Temple star nose tackle Terrance Knighton, will be the assignment for Mike McGlynn in his second career start in place of Jamaal Jackson. Guards Nick Cole and Todd Herremans will also have to help out on the Jaguars' big boys inside.
T Winston Justice vs. DE Aaron KampmanKampman battled his way back from a knee injury and had 1.5 sacks in the season opener against Denver. The former Packer has found a home in the Jaguars' base 4-3 defense after being miscast when Green Bay transitioned to a 3-4. Kampman is a high-motor, relentless player who is looking to prove that his best days aren't behind him.
For more on what to watch for this Sunday, check out our game preview.
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 11:54 a.m., September 21
