Eagles vs Panthers preseason action

The Eagles will take on the Carolina Panthers tonight in their second preseason game. The Philadelphia first team offense was impressive, with McNabb looking very sharp. The first team defense on the other hand was not so impressive, with Quintin Mikell being the lone bright spot. The Panthers game should mark the first game of the season for Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, and prized free agent Asante Samuel. Samuel comes over from the New England Patriots with big expectations, has been battling a hamstring injury all of training camp. It is unknown weather Shawn Andrews, who has been Battling Depression, will be in uniform tonight. He is currently listed on the PUP list. Andy Reid and his staff should be commended for keeping Andrews away from the Philadelphia media. Andrews has been with the team for a week now, has not even been seen by reporters. The Coaches have been impressed with Max Jean-Gilles in Andrews's absence, and he may challenge Todd Herremans for the guard spot upon Andrews's full time return. For the first time since Terrell Owens left for Dallas the eagles made an attempt in the off-season to ass more speed with second year running back Lorenzo Booker and Rookie WR DeSean Jackson. I truly believe that Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg think they will be able to create extreme match up problems for defenses with Westbrook, Booker, Curtis, and Jackson on the field at the same time. Throughout training camp Booker has lined up at wide receiver and several other places in the formation. We will see if these players are on the field together tonight. For the Eagles Defense it all starts upfront. The line needs to get a push to free up their young linebackers, and get pressure on the quarterback to force teams into 3rd and long situations where Jim Johnson's defense can thrive. We know what Trent Cole can do, and Jacque Parker is a solid football player. The Eagles need free agent Chris Clemons to provide speed off the edge on 3rd downs. The Eagles have been practicing formations with four defensive ends on the field at the same time during training camp to help create pressure. If the Eagles can get to the quarterback the sky is the limit for this defense. This secondary is very talented but they need help from the guys upfront to get the turnovers this team lacked a season ago. Reid says the starters will play the first have of tonight's nationally televised match up. News and Notes- I believe the Eagles acquired Carolinas first round draft pick during this years NFL draft and the record of the Panthers this season will directly effect the position of the Eagles draft pick.