Chiefs-Eagles Preview

SCOUTING REPORT

Chiefs-Eagles: 10 observations After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Chiefs-Eagles matchup. 1. Kansas City needs to stop the run: With QB Donovan McNabb injured, the Chiefs probably will concentrate on corralling RBs Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy to force relatively inexperienced QB Kevin Kolb to move the chains through the air. Kolb has talent but will force the ball into coverage and could give the Chiefs a short field with which to work.

· Full Scouting Report

Matchup
	W-L	PF	PA	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF
KAN	3-7	169	239	1-4	2-3	1-2	2-4
PHI	6-4	266	204	3-2	3-2	2-1	5-2
· Complete Standings

Individual Leaders

Kansas City Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT Cassel 55.0 1720 12 6 Croyle 66.7 177 2 0

Philadelphia Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT McNabb 61.6 1929 14 5 Kolb 64.6 741 4 3

Kansas City Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD Johnso... 132 377 2.9 0 Charle... 64 313 4.9 1

Philadelphia Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD McCoy 106 452 4.3 3 Westbr... 47 225 4.8 1

Kansas City Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Bowe 33 466 14.1 4 Chambe... 10 249 24.9 2

Philadelphia Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Jackso... 42 728 17.3 5 Celek 50 568 11.4 5

Full Player Stats: Kansas City | Philadelphia

TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS
TEAM OFFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Total Yards	KAN	268.0
	PHI	355.0
Yards Passing	KAN	171.3
	PHI	247.1
Yards Rushing	KAN	96.8
	PHI	107.6
TEAM DEFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Yards Allowed	KAN	389.5
	PHI	305.1
Pass Yds Allowed	KAN	250.9
	PHI	200.8
Rush Yds Allowed	KAN	138.6
	PHI	104.3

HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUPS (SINCE 2001)
Philadelphia leads 3-0
Oct 2, 2005	KAN 31, @PHI 37
Nov 29, 2001	KAN 10, @PHI 23

The Philadelphia Eagles employ three quarterbacks who have been selected to a combined 12 Pro Bowls, but it's becoming increasingly likely their signal caller against the Kansas City Chiefs could be making his second career start.

All eyes at Lincoln Financial Field, though, will be on the man who could take Kevin Kolb's place for a few snaps.

Michael Vick is expected to play in an NFL regular-season game for the first time in 33 months on Sunday when Philadelphia hosts the Chiefs, adding another twist to the Eagles' odd situation under center as they await the return of Donovan McNabb.

"We put some things in for him," Eagles coach Andy Reid said of Vick. "He will be up and we'll go from there."

McNabb has been a fixture with Philadelphia (1-1) for the past 11 seasons, making it a shock to many when Reid's club signed Vick at the conclusion of the three-time Pro Bowler's 18-month federal prison sentence for his role in a dogfighting ring.

Vick played briefly in the Eagles' last two preseason games, but as part of his reinstatement, commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Vick for the team's first two regular-season games.

"I've been watching football from afar the last two years and this is a dream come true to me," said Vick, who last played in a regular-season game Dec. 31, 2006, with Atlanta -- a 24-17 loss at -- of all places -- Philadelphia.

The Eagles used Vick mainly to run their version of the wildcat offense in the preseason, but when McNabb cracked a rib during a Week 1 win at Carolina, the team found itself with some serious issues under center. With McNabb doubtful, Philadelphia signed four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Jeff Garcia as insurance behind Kolb, who made his first career start last Sunday against New Orleans.

Kolb's passing totals looked great -- he was 31 of 51 for 391 yards and two touchdowns -- but he also threw three interceptions as he spent the afternoon trying to mount a comeback. The Eagles defense was gouged for 421 yards in a 48-22 loss to the Saints.

"It was an absolutely horrendous performance," Reid said. "This is my football team and I have to make sure that they play better than that. I will make sure that happens."

As defensive coordinator Sean McDermott tries to adjust from that unit's worst performance since a 49-21 loss at Denver in 2005, the Eagles are still unclear of their pecking order at quarterback against Kansas City (0-2). Kolb will start again if McNabb -- who hasn't practiced this week -- can't go, but Reid hasn't said whether Garcia or Vick will back him up.

While the Chiefs aren't dealing with the carousel of signal callers Philadelphia is, first-year coach Todd Haley already has a potential quarterback controversy on his hands.

Matt Cassel was acquired from New England in the offseason and signed to a six-year contract but a knee injury sidelined him for the team's 38-24 opening-week loss at Baltimore. Backup Brodie Croyle stepped in and threw two touchdown passes against the tough Ravens' defense, but Cassel's Chiefs debut was more of a struggle Sunday against the Raiders. Cassel stalled two second-half drives in Oakland territory with critical interceptions in Kansas City's 13-10 loss.

Haley has said he's sticking with Cassel against the Eagles, but didn't exactly give his new starter a vote of confidence.

"You've got to ultimately do what you think gives your team the best chance to win," Haley said. "If that means another quarterback being in there other than Matt Cassel, then sign me up."

Despite Croyle's solid performance in Baltimore, the Chiefs were outgained 501-188. The defense bounced back in a big way against the Raiders, as Kansas City edged Oakland 409-166 in total yards.

The Chiefs' defense should be tested by the Eagles' running game, which is averaging 5.1 yards, but the oft-injured Brian Westbrook may not be ready to go Sunday. The former All-Pro sprained his right ankle against New Orleans and missed practice Wednesday.

If Westbrook can't play, rookie LeSean McCoy would start. With receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin also capable of running the ball -- particularly in the wildcat with Vick -- Haley is concerned about more than just Westbrook.

"You don't always know what skills those guys have other than what you've seen them play at their position," Haley said. "If you had a guy like Michael playing ... that adds another dimension to (the wildcat) with his ability to run and throw."

The Eagles lead the all-time series with Kansas City 3-2, including a 37-31 win at Arrowhead Stadium in 2005 behind three touchdowns from McNabb. The Chiefs won their only visit to Philadelphia, 24-21, in 1998.

The Eagles are 14-11 in the 25 career games -- including playoffs -- that McNabb has missed.

Eagles sign tackle Justice to 4-year extension

Right tackle Winston Justice has signed a four-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.

FBO: Week 11 Quick Reads

Football Outsiders apply their metrics to Week 11. Findings: Even when Wes Welker doesn't find the end zone, he's historic; Mark Sanchez isn't ready; DeAngelo Williams needs the rock more; and T.J. Houshmandzadeh may have saved Minny's season.

Greenberg: Bears don't deserve national stage

If they hadn't already made it clear, the Bears don't deserve national stage.

Finfer: Bears vs. Eagles Streaking/Slumping

ESPNChicago.com's Ben Finfer looks at who was streaking and slumping in Sunday's Bears-Eagles game.

'He runs a tight ship'

When Todd Haley was introduced as the Chiefs' new head coach in early February, he joked that he was trying to loosen up, if only for the day.

Safety alert: Mike Brown making free-agent visit to Kansas City

One safety with Chicago ties is expected to announce his retirement today. Another will look for a new place to continue his career.

Still no Waters or Vrabel at Chiefs practice, but LJ returns

The Chiefs began another week of optional team practices without two important pieces, and how Kansas City ends this week could foretell whether key players on offense and defense have a future with the team.

Chiefs adjust to new roles in new defense

Turk McBride still feels himself inching toward the defensive line, home for so long, and the comfort his old position would bring.

Clock ticking on Chiefs contract

The game of chicken between the Kansas City Chiefs and state government has yet to scare away potential builders of a summer training camp facility in St.

Eagles' Sheldon Brown Skips Workout

Cornerback Sheldon Brown was a no-show and running back Brian Westbrook was a non-participant because of injury today when the Philadelphia Eagles began eight days of workouts that, while voluntary, are generally regarded as "full-roster" in nature.

Jon Runyan contemplates future

Life is different for Jon Runyan these days, and it has nothing to do with the fact that he spent yesterday afternoon on a two-hour road trip to pick up his pet pig.

Ankle injury sidelines Westbrook

In a lighter moment at camp, the Birds' quarterback duo of Kevin Kolb and Donovan McNabb united in laughter yesterday during the almost-full-squad workout at the team's NovaCare Complex.

Jim Johnson situation a new one for Eagles

Sheldon Brown wasn't there, which is just kind of pointless. Brian Westbrook wasn't there, which is just kind of troubling.

Birds' Eye View: Donovan speaks -- sort of

With the Eagles set to open a full-squad passing camp tomorrow at the NovaCare Complex, Donovan McNabb's team of publicists sent out a release today pitching the 10-year anniversary of the quarterback's charitable foundation.