Why, then, am I feeling so good about the Eagles as they prepare for Sunday's game?
The challenge waiting on Sunday is an enormous one: New England brings Hall of FameĀ quarterback Tom Brady and his funky offensive scheme. And the Eagles could very well be without standout cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who is listed as questionable with a hyperextended knee, and also cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who practiced for the first time on Friday after missing the last couple of practice weeks with a high ankle sprain.
Offensively, the Eagles appear ready to go into the must-win game without quarterback Michael Vick, who is listed as questionable after not practicing all week, and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury and a hamstring injury.
It is not an enviable place to be. The Eagles have to be almost perfect to beat the 7-3 Patriots. When they have a chance to make an interception, they have to make it. When they are in the red zone, they need to score touchdowns. When they are in position to make a tackle, they have to make it. Mental mistakes must be few.
A 4-6 team plagued by inconsistency has to play its best game of the year, by far, to beat New England. If there was ever game to measure just how much resolve and focus the Eagles have, this is it. They have to bring the same intensity and energy that they had against the Giants here.
So why feel good about the Eagles? Because they've had a good week of preparation. The mood at the NovaCare Complex is a positive one, full of life and purpose. The Eagles know they have their backs against the wall.
I expect the Eagles to play a great game. It's going to be worth the wait, even though Sunday at 4:15 p.m. just can't get here fast enough.
- What to expect from Vince Young in his second start? I will say this: The guy is saying and doing all the right things. He is talking all about the team and keeping everything very much group oriented. Young is also working extra on his mechanics and his location and all of the little things that matter in this game. He understands the situation and he knows that continued improvement and wins will help him in the future. Right now, though, it's all about the Eagles first, and Vince Young second.
- Brandon Hughes has entered the world that he has not experienced. For the last couple of days he has been surrounded by cameras and reporters and could step into a starting role should Asomugha not play. Is Hughes ready? He really has no choice. Hughes looked good in training camp in the drills we watched, but it's been really hard to evaluate him in his limited time during game situations. He could get his chance on Sunday to make his name, along with rookie Curtis Marsh.
- On the other side, how will the Patriots deal with LeSean McCoy? He's a tough customer in the passing game, although his touches have been surprisingly fewer than expected. McCoy should get plenty of touches in this one.
- I didn't like what I saw from Riley Cooper early against the Giants. He looked a step slow and didn't seem to get much separation from coverage. But as the game went along, Cooper improved his game and with his second start looking like it will happen, he could be a very important factor. I'd like to see the Eagles use him in the red zone and on some crossing routes. Cooper's big body is tough to cover in those situations.
- Very quietly, punter Chas Henry has gotten a lot better. The kid has a very high ceiling and has had more consistency as the season has gotten longer. Sunday is going to be fine weather wise, so Henry won't have any cold weather to deal with until -- expecting nice weather in Seattle and Miami -- at least mid-December.
- To beat the Patriots, the Eagles must get pressure from its front four and reach Brady with a variety of rushes. Brady works the pocket extremely well, even if he doesn't run a lot.
- Good test for second-year linebacker Keenan Clayton, should he have an opportunity to play in coverage. The Patriots have those big, fast tight ends. Perhaps Clayton and Akeem Jordan can use their athletic ability to slow down Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
- Please help the Eagles celebrate the halftime ceremony honoring former defensive end Hugh Douglas. He serves as the team's Honorary Alumni Captain on Sunday as the Eagles continue to honor their former players.
- I'll go on record as saying the Patriots will try to run the football in this game. Just my hunch. We're all so focused on the passing game that, you know, this great NFL game is never predictable.
- Again, a guess but I think Steve Smith could be more involved in the passing game. That touchdown last week had to give him some confidence and a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of being here.
- Bill Belichick is going to use some never-before-seen scheme in this game, guaranteed. My suspicion is that he will use it to slow the impact of wide receiver DeSean Jackson. What kind of net will New England use against Jackson?
- Not lost in the injury report is the questionable status of New England wide receivers Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco. If they can't go, the Patriots will be extremely thin at the position.
