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2004 NFL Playoffs Scores Schedules Injuries Statistics Teams Players
Posted: Friday February 4, 2005 1:04PM; Updated: Friday February 4, 2005 4:05PM
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Scout's Take: Super Bowl
SI.com's Don Banks spoke with a veteran pro personnel man from the NFC and had him assess the Eagles. Click here for a scout's take on the Patriots.

 Philadelphia Eagles
L.J. Smith
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
• I believe the Eagles think they can win without Terrell Owens having a big role. They gained a lot of confidence in playing without him in the playoffs. The big leap was the NFC title game, beating Atlanta without having their No. 1 offensive threat.

• If you're Owens, it's easy to say you're going to play. But coach Andy Reid has to make the smart move for the team. Owens may dress in spirit, but I don't think he will be as big of a factor as he hopes to be. I haven't seen him run in practice, but you have to think that one little twist or turn and he's out of the game, maybe early. That could be deflating for the Eagles.

• The guy the Eagles are going to miss is tight end Chad Lewis. He didn't catch a lot of passes, but he's reliable and more valuable than people know. He's not fast, but he's tough, and he gave Donovan McNabb an outlet on so many plays. Lewis knows how to find those open spaces and break down a zone. Philly really needs a big effort by L.J. Smith to make up for Lewis' absence. being out.

• People know how good New England's defense is, but I don't think people realize how far the Eagles have come this year. With Jeremiah Trotter at middle linebacker, the whole unit has taken it up a notch. He's so comfortable in that system after two lost years in Washington. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has the whole unit playing physical football. The Eagles are tackling hard, and that's Johnson's influence. He's an aggressive coach and he loves aggressive football. Players love playing that aggressively.

• It's important for the Eagles to get Brian Westbrook involved. He had a great season and he's a big part of things for them.

• I still think Philly winning or losing is going to come down to McNabb and his completion percentage. That's the key. If he's having an accurate day, he's keeping New England's offense off the field. New England plays with bigger men on defense than Philly. So if you can keep the Patriots' defense on the field for long stretches, you have a chance. McNabb needs to just keep drives alive with short, 8-, 10-, 12-yard passes.

• The Eagles need it to be a low-scoring game, with their West Coast offense just eating up yardage and the clock in little chunks. That's how Philadelphia stays in this game and has a shot at the end.

• Special teams-wise, both of these teams are talented. I've always been a big fan of the Philly coverage teams. But if Keith Adams has to start at weakside linebacker again (in place of the injured Mark Simoneau), that will hurt the special teams. I'm sure Adams still will play on special teams, but he won't be as rested. He's one of the best kick coverage guys in the league.

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