Michael Vick returns to action after a two-year absence. He'll play early and often in the Wildcat formation.
Quarterback — Slight Edge: Chiefs. Matt Cassel came out of nowhere to enjoy success last season in New England. He has proven he can play in this league, even if he did have Randy Moss and Wes Wlker to throw to a year ago. Kevin Kolb, played well in his first NFL start last week, but it was only one game. Truth be old, both quarterbacks are probably even, but we give Cassell a slight edge due to experience.
Running back — Edge: Eagles. As long as the Eagles have BWest36, they will have an edge most weeks. The fact is, Westbrook and Shady McCoy comprise a better backfield than Larry Johnson, Dantrell Savage and Jamaal Charles. Westbrook and Johnson, the stars, are both past their prime, but Westbrook is still a threat in the passing game. We’ll take the Eagles backs.
Wide receiver — Edge: Push. Dwayne Bowe is an emerging star for the Chiefs and Bobby Wade is a solid veteran presence on a team that needs it. The Eagles DeSean Jackson is banged up with a sore groin, and Kevin Curtis is limited due to an ailing knee. As a result, Jeremy Maclin may be called on to start this week. Jason Avant is a very underrated possession receiver, but he is now the third guy. Both receiving corps have more questions than answers entering this week.
Tight end — Edge: Eagles. The Chiefs traded Tony Gonzalez this offseason, leaving them with Sean Ryan as the starter. As soon as we figure out who he is, we’ll let you know. Brent Celek has the ability to catch the ball down the seams.
Offensive line – Edge: Push. Gone are the days of the Chiefs dominating opposing defenses and opening holes for their running game. They are rebuilding the line much like the Eagles. The Birds still have players with injuries and too many questions. Hopefully, after this week and the bye, Andy Reid and company will have a better idea of what they have on the O-line.
Defensive line — Edge: Eagles. Trent Cole should be able to attack the quarterback, and Patterson and Bunkley should be able to control the running game this week. Glenn Dorsey is the only name worth noting on an undermanned Chiefs line.
Linebackers — Edge: Push. Mike Vrabel has a history of being an Eagle killer. However, would Grumpy Belichick ever let go of a player who could still help his team win? The Eagles clearly lack a leader in this area, forcing them to take a look at former Eagles Jeremiah trotter, a man who hasn’t put on NFL pads in two years.
Defensive backs — Edge: Eagles. The Chiefs have a true playmaker in Mike Brown — when he is healthy. Problem is, he’s been hurt a lot in his career. The Eagles are stacked with Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown, as well as Quintin Mikell. Macho Harris is a rookie and an unknown, leaving a hole at strong safety.
Special teams — Edge: Eagles. DeSean Jackson is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and David Akers is still a steady kicker. Together, they wash out the inconsistency of Sav Rocca. And, if Rocca falters, the Eagles could always sign Randall Cunningham at halftime to punt the rest of the game.
Wildcat — Edge: Eagles. Michael Vick, Jackson and Maclin are all threats to line up in the backfield and take a snap. Expect Vick to play early and often this week, especially with Donovan McNabb out. The Chiefs don’t have a real wildcat threat, and don’t use the formation.
THE PICK: Eagles 20, Chiefs 17.
