Margaret BauerScott Kaufman-Ross:
Fourth time is the charm for Donovan McNabb and the Eagles. The Falcons defense will have a very tough task in stopping McNabb’s top ten offense. Although Jim Mora’s Falcons handed the Rams a 30-point loss last week, Michael Vick and company won’t be able to break Philly’s defense, which is led by pass rusher Jevon Kearse.
Prediction: Eagles 24-17
Dan Novack:
Forget the Benjamins, it’s all about Michael Vick, baby! When asked whether he would rather be the first overall pick or win a championship, Vick answered the latter. When he was asked which he would rather have, $130 million or a championship ring, Vick chose the former. Looks like he has his head on straight. Vick has way too much “Vickness,” for lack of a better word, for Eagles defense to slow him down. On the other side of the ball, the Falcons’ speed on the line, led by high energy players like Rod Coleman and Patrick Kerney, should be enough to contain Donovan McNabb during his frequent forays out of the pocket. The athleticism of cornerback DeAngelo Hall should keep him from being burned by the likes of Freddy “Hollywood” Mitchell and Brian Westbrook. Look for Vick to become the NFC’s next problem.
Prediction: Falcons 24-17
Justin Davidson:
With flashy Terrell Owens out, the Eagles lost their go-to-guy, and unless receivers Brian Westbrook and Todd Pinkston can step up in the game, it’s going to be hard to get past the Atlanta defense that held the Rams at 17 points last week. The Michael Vick-Warrick Dunn combo highlights what can be done when you have great play calling by rookie coach Jim Mora and two guys who have bionic legs. Vick’s arm has been put into question, but with his speed and ability to get out of the pocket, he’ll allow his receivers to get open where he can connect.
The Eagles defense needs to do what they can to stop the explosive Vick from making big yard plays. If Philly can get Vick to act like a quarterback rather than a runner, the Eagles will move on. And since the Philly forecast for Sunday calls for a 90% chance of snow, which equals the destruction of the rushing game, Vick will be forced to do just that. Despite Terrell Owens’ injury, the Eagle receivers will prove to be better than the Falcons’, and the Eagles will make their way to Florida, much to my dismay.
Prediction: Eagles 17-13
Derek Winters:
Donovan McNabb will start his fourth consecutive NFC Championship game, while Falcons’ phenom Michael Vick makes his debut in the big game. Don’t expect the Falcons’ rushing success of last week to be repeated in snowy Lincoln Financial Field with the terrific Eagles linebackers led by pro bowler Jeremiah Trotter. The Eagles had little difficulty moving the ball last week against the weak Vikings defense, but the Falcons’ front four will prove to be a much tougher test for McNabb.This game will most likely come down to two key factors. Michael Vick must throw the ball downfield well, as the Philly linebackers will not allow the Falcons the same success on the ground. For the Eagles, Donovan McNabb will be under constant pressure and must make more plays on the run. If Vick throws the ball well, the outcome could be different, but McNabb is hungry for this game and will do it alone if he must. Expect this to be the year the Eagles finally advance.
Prediction: Eagles 31-21