Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook and the rest of the Eagles (0-1) return home Thursday, Aug. 14 to host the Carolina Panthers (1-0) at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff for this nationally-televised home contest is set for 8 PM (on FOX).
Donovan McNabb and the offense hope to pick up where they left off in Pittsburgh, where they scored a touchdown and a field goal on their first two drives. McNabb completed 10 of 13 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown during a little more than a quarter's worth of work. Westbrook, who did not play against the Steelers, figures to make his preseason debut against the Panthers. The defense, meanwhile, will look for improvement in stopping the run.
The game will also offer fans a first-hand look at some of the newest Eagles, including cornerback Asante Samuel, defensive end Chris Clemons, running back Lorenzo Booker, as well as top draft picks, Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson, who impressed in his first outing.
Carolina, which is coming off an overtime win against the Colts, is led by quarterback Jake Delhomme, who missed most of last season due to injury. He has weapons in running back DeAngelo Williams and receivers Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad, who returns to the Panthers after three seasons with the Bears. Defensive end Julius Peppers leads the Panthers defense.
This figures to be a critical year for Panthers head coach John Fox, whose team boasts a 17-8 mark in exhibition play during his tenure. Unfortunately, the summer success has not carried over into the regular season the last two years, with Carolina finishing with 8-8 and 7-9 records the last two seasons.
The Eagles and their fans will be keeping a close eye on the Panthers in 2008, thanks to a draft-day trade that netted Philadelphia Carolina's first-round pick in 2009. Back in April, Philadelphia traded the 19th overall pick in the draft to the Panthers for the 12th pick in the second round (No. 43 overall), the 10th pick in the fourth round (No. 109 overall) and a first-round pick in 2009. The Panthers subsequently used the 19th overall pick to select tackle Jeff Otah out of the University of Pittsburgh.
This marks the second straight preseason in which the Panthers will visit Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won last summer's meeting, 27-10. Under head coach Andy Reid, the Eagles are 13-25 in preseason play.
