NFC Championship

Eagles will have final say on Rams' title trek

When the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams met back in September, St. Louis needed overtime to finish the deed. It won't be any easier this time around. As one Philadelphia coach said to me, "Our team is in the right state of mind to get this done."

Last week, Donovan McNabb went into Chicago and showed an excellent Bears defense that he can't be taken lightly. The quarterback can run if he has to or he can buy time with his feet and keep his eyes up field looking for an open target. If St. Louis gets preoccupied with Duce Staley and Chad Lewis, little-used Cecil Martin will be open; after all, he scored twice against the Rams back in Week 1.

Andy Reid knows he must get Staley rolling down hill if for no other reason than to rest his defense and keep the Rams' offense off the field. Given the way London Fletcher and Adam Archuleta attack the run, I'm not sure this is possible. Last time Staley tried to establish the ground attack, he got nine yards on nine carries.

Scoring enough points just to keep pace with the St. Louis offense is hard enough, but if the Rams' defense makes it into the end zone like it did last week against the Packers, the Eagles won't have a chance. Of course, Philly can balance this contest if its defense can get the ball back. Keep this in mind: The last time these teams met, the Eagles intercepted Kurt Warner twice, sacked him four times and forced three fumbles. Warner will need all the protection he can find as he faces Philly's constant blitz. Good thing the Rams get tackle Ryan Tucker back this week. The Rams are not invincible. Pounding the quarterback and challenging ball security are things the Eagles must do. But first they must stop Marshall Faulk.

Last Sunday, the Rams threw nine passes before Faulk got his second rushing attempt. This is the most feared player in a football uniform, so I expect Mike Martz to get the ball to Faulk sooner and more often this week. But it won't be easy to establish Faulk with middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and safety Brian Dawkins keying on him.

After watching the Raiders and Patriots call 93 pass plays in a snowstorm last week, I think this game could cross the century mark in attempts. Even 750 passing yards is not out of the question. McNabb is very confident while Warner and Faulk are the most dangerous duo in years. This one could go to overtime again but unless Warner gets knocked out, the Rams will return to the Super Bowl. Still, don't be surprised if the Eagles have something to say about it first.

Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNNSI.com.

 

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