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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TOPHAT" data-source="post: 165260" data-attributes="member: 781"><a href="http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070908/PKR07/709080374/1989" target="_blank">http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070908/PKR07/709080374/1989</a>Eric Goska column: Weak NFC makes Packers' playoff berth possible The Packers' defense, expected to be much improved, couldn't ask for a much bigger challenge than what the Philadelphia Eagles likely will provide in the season opener at Lambeau Field.  Last year, the Eagles led the NFL in yards gained per play. With all but one offensive starter returning, the team again could be among the most explosive in the league. Philadelphia, which ranked second in yards gained and sixth in points scored in 2006, averaged 6.2 yards per play. Since 1999, when Andy Reid became the 20th head coach in Eagles history, just seven teams have averaged more yards per play in a season. Assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's unit averaged 6 or more yards per play 11 times last year. The team was 9-2 in those games. The Eagles gained 300 or more yards 14 times and went over 400 yards seven times. Only the Saints (6,264 yards) were more productive than the Eagles (6,103).  Philadelphia claimed its fifth division title in six seasons under Reid last year, and it again looks formidable. Wide receiver Donte Stallworth, who signed with the New England Patriots in March, is the only starter missing.   Kevin Curtis, a free agent pickup from the Rams, likely will replace Stallworth.   Donovan McNabb, who has led the Eagles in passing yards each of the past seven seasons, is back. The fourth highest-rated passer last year missed the final six games after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.  McNabb has had his way with Green Bay recently. He passed for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Eagles' 31-9 rout of the Packers last year. In 2004, he passed for a career-best 464 yards and five touchdowns in a 47-17 blowout.  In his last three starts against Green Bay — all victories — he's passed for 950 yards and eight touchdowns. Running back Brian Westbrook is another who has hurt the Packers. He missed last year's game with a knee injury, but gained more than 125 yards from scrimmage against Green Bay in both 2004 and 2005.  The Eagles have other weapons, as well. Wide receiver Reggie Brown caught 46 balls, and his average of 17.7 yards per catch was among the highest in the league. L.J. Smith (50 receptions) was one of 10 tight ends to catch 50 or more passes. Green Bay hasn't defeated the Eagles since a standout defensive effort on Sept. 17, 2000. The Packers won 6-3 and held Philadelphia to 171 yards.  Should the Packers replicate that type of performance Sunday, they will have a good shot at winning. Since 2000, Philadelphia is 1-9 in games in which it fails to generate at least 200 yards.</blockquote>

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