QB
Eagles need Donovan McNabb to win games; Panthers need Jake Delhomme not to lose them. Edge: Eagles
RB
With Philly’s Brian Westbrook out and Carolina’s Stephen Davis ailing, Eagles still have Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter, while Panthers must rely on DeShaun Foster.
Edge: Eagles
QL
Carolina tackles Todd Steussie and Jordan Gross should enjoy better matchups than Philly’s Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan. Edge: Panthers
WR
Carolina’s explosive Steve Smith will be the most dangerous threat on the field, with seven TDs to five for all Philly wideouts. Edge: Panthers
DL
Carolina’s potent front four has only two more sacks than the Eagles. Edge: Panthers
LB
Blitzing is what the Eagles do best; Carolina’s backers will be spying on McNabb. Edge: Eagles
DB
Bobby Taylor, Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis give Philly a significant edge in ganging up on Smith. Edge: Eagles
Special teams
Battle of left-footed kickers pits Eagles’ David Akers and Panthers’ John Kasay, whose stats are close. Smith returns punts for Carolina. Edge: Panthers
Coaching
Andy Reid of Philadelphia and John Fox of Carolina provide the classic offense vs. defense matchup. Edge: Even
— Chicago Tribune
