Cheesesteaks vs. Cheeseheads

The first time our Birds met the Pack, Kevin Kolb left the game with a concussion at half time, Michael Vick staged a nail biting second half comeback, and when the Birds lost 27-20 with Vick's prayers falling just short, the upcoming season of Philadelphia football was up in shambles. Since then, the 2010 NFL Season has taken its annual turns, and the Packers, who were once NFC favorites, have found themselves barely scraping their way into the playoffs as the final wild card seed, while the Eagles led by the inspirational run of QB Michael Vick, are hosting a first round playoff game as the top team produced by the NFC East. What a difference 17 weeks can make. With as unbiased of an opinion as I can muster, here are my predictions and analyses of the playoff bout between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers.

Key Match Ups

Michael Vick vs. Clay Matthews- Two teams successfully pressured Michael Vick for four quarters this season, and those teams, the Bears and Vikings, handed the Eagles two of their six losses. If the Packers hope to disrupt the silky flow the Eagles offense has established this season, Clay Matthews will need to be a major factor. The Eagles, who are bringing a banged up offensive line into the playoffs, will have a hard enough time dealing with the Packers' defensive front, which leaves plenty of room for an extra man as explosive as Mathews to do his thing. If he can create an uncomfortable pocket all game, we could see the pre jail Michael Vick; reckless and unreliable.

Tim Masthay vs. Desean Jackson- A big play on Special Teams while inevitable, often serves as a deciding factor in a close football game. When punting to ultimate weapon Desean Jackson, special teams becomes a game of cat and mouse. Tim Masthay has one job, keep the ball out of Jackson's hands and make the Eagles earn their points on offense. We all saw what he did when Matt Dodge slipped up, and what we got was the Miracle at the Meadowlands 2. Tim Masthay has his hands full on Sunday.

Greg Jennings vs. Asante Samuel- Asante Samuel is among the league's best in intercepting opposing QB's every year, but at often times hurts himself by allowing the big play when biting on pump fakes and short routs. When guarding Greg Jennings this Sunday he will need to contain him before satiating his thirst for interceptions, and disallow Aaron Rodgers to get in rhythm with his favorite target that received for over 1,200 yards while catching 12 touchdowns this season.

John Kuhn vs. Eagles Red Zone Defense- Don't let the 6 foot 250 pound fullback fool you with his burly size and mediocre speed. John Kuhn is a serious red zone threat. With 6 touchdowns this season, Kuhn will challenge an Eagles red zone defense that has been able to come up with occasional clutch stops that have altered the outcomes of various games. 3 points instead of 7? John Kuhn will be doing all he can, and the red zone unit better come to play for the Birds.

Key Offensive Players

Eagles

Lesean McCoy- Whether he is being handed the ball or thrown to in the flat, Lesean McCoy's success on Sunday will dictate the success of the Eagles offense as an entire unit.

Brent Celek- The different Celek will make for the Eagles offense is not as a receiver but as a blocker in maximum protection. The Vikings showed the league that the Eagles are extremely vulnerable to the corner blitz when not in maximum protection. Brent Celek's ability to disallow Packers' rushers to get around the edge will have a major impact on Michael Vick and the passing game.

Packers

Donald Lee- Although Lee has not been a major asset in the Packers offense this season, the Eagles linebacking crew in particular have had a major problem limiting the production of opposing tight ends this season.

John Kuhn- I said it earlier, John Kuhn simply provides problems for any defense, as an emerging premiere red zone scorer.

Key Defensive Players

Eagles

Trent Cole- Just like Clay Matthews Trent Cole has a very important job of disrupting Aaron Rodgers' rhythm throughout the game. Let Aaron Rodgers get into a consistent three step drop rhythm the secondary will be scrambling all night.

Sean McDermott- Thank god the young offensive coordinator was bred by the late genius Jim Johnson; with the injuries on his side of the ball he will need a nifty scheme to keep up with a high powered offense Sunday.

Packers

Clay Matthews- Disrupt Vick and you will (or have a much better chance to) win.

Tramon Williams- Williams led the Pack in interceptions this season, but that is not where he will prove his worth on Sunday. The Eagles who bring an ailing O-line and sub par blocking tailbacks into play on Sunday, will have much trouble dealing with extra men on the late down blitz. Enter Tramon Williams.

The last time the Eagles met the Pack in the playoffs, Fredex delivered and the Birds walked away victorious. While I do tag the Packers as the favorite in this Wild Card match up, the Eagles have an offense that just can't be counted out. Did I ever think I could say that Michael Vick is due for a big week season? Its playoff time, and Mike Vick, football's ultimate weapon, has only gotten started.

Cheesesteaks- 27 Cheeseheads- 20

JD