Buccaneers-Eagles Preview

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• Countdown Daily Recap: Eagles-Buccaneers

SCOUTING REPORT

Buccaneers-Eagles: 10 observations After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Bucs-Eagles matchup. 1. Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb: Even though McNabb really hasn't been much of a running QB over the past few years, don't look for him to scramble at all this week as he comes back from his injury. This will allow Tampa Bay to either drop an extra defender back into coverage or bring an extra defender in on the rush to go after the immobile McNabb.

· Full Scouting Report

Matchup
	W-L	PF	PA	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF
TAM	1-9	164	294	1-5	0-4	0-2	1-6
PHI	6-4	266	204	3-2	3-2	2-1	5-2
· Complete Standings

Individual Leaders

Tampa Bay Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT Johnso... 50.4 685 4 8 Leftwi... 54.2 594 4 3

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

Tampa Bay Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD Willia... 117 450 3.8 3 Ward 66 243 3.7 1

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

Tampa Bay Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Winslo... 47 483 10.3 5 Bryant 19 269 14.2 2

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

Full Player Stats: Tampa Bay | Philadelphia

TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS
TEAM OFFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Total Yards	TAM	271.0
	PHI	355.0
Yards Passing	TAM	169.8
	PHI	247.1
Yards Rushing	TAM	100.7
	PHI	107.6
TEAM DEFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Yards Allowed	TAM	378.3
	PHI	305.1
Pass Yds Allowed	TAM	209.4
	PHI	200.8
Rush Yds Allowed	TAM	168.9
	PHI	104.3

HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUPS (SINCE 2001)
Philadelphia leads 4-3
Oct 22, 2006	TAM 23, @PHI 21
Sep 8, 2003	TAM 17, PHI 0
Jan 19, 2003	TAM 27, PHI 10
Oct 20, 2002	TAM 10, PHI 20
Jan 12, 2002	TAM 9, PHI 31
Jan 6, 2002	TAM 13, @PHI 17

The Philadelphia Eagles are glad to have Donovan McNabb back from his rib injury Sunday as they try to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time in four meetings.

This year's winless Buccaneers, however, don't figure to pose the problems they have in the past for McNabb.

The Eagles superstar is returning for his first action since Sept. 13, when he took a hard shot in the end zone after a rushing touchdown in a season-opening win over Carolina. Kevin Kolb started the last two games in McNabb's place.

"You're talking about one of the all-time greats playing quarterback," said coach Andy Reid, who can notch his 100th regular-season victory Sunday. "Somebody who has been here a long time and when it's all said and done will be one of the all-time greatest to play that position. It's always good to get that kind of a player back in there."

McNabb, who still feels some discomfort when he laughs, coughs or sleeps on his side, got some extra rest with the Eagles' early bye last weekend. Extended periods of sitting and standing are also uncomfortable for the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback, who doesn't expect to be fully recovered for another two to four weeks.

"The bye week came at the right time and gave me an opportunity to get back out there this week," he said.

McNabb hasn't fared too well against the Buccaneers (0-4) and safety Ronde Barber during the three-game slide, with three touchdowns and five interceptions. Barber has returned three interceptions for touchdowns and has 1 1/2 sacks in those meetings, which include Tampa Bay's 27-10 NFC championship win in 2003.

Although Barber is still with the Buccaneers, McNabb should find this matchup easier this time. Tampa Bay features the worst defense in the NFC, allowing 393.5 total yards per game.

The Buccaneers have already lost to the other three teams in the NFC East, but are a bit encouraged after last week's 16-13 loss at Washington. They had a season-high three sacks and defensive back Aqib Talib had three interceptions to bring Tampa Bay's season total to four.

Safety Tanard Jackson is also set to make his season debut after a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

"As far as being a defense that flies around and gets interceptions and make plays, that's starting to come," Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said. "Last week and the week prior to that we were able to get our hands on some balls. We were able to play fast, develop in our philosophy and develop in our beliefs and our core beliefs on defense. All those things are starting to come."

That defense will be tested on the ground by Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, who is expected to play Sunday. Westbrook practiced Wednesday after sitting out Philadelphia's last game with a knee injury.

The extra week of practice should also benefit Philadelphia's wildcat offense with Michael Vick, who tormented Tampa Bay during his days in the NFC South with Atlanta. Vick saw his first action since 2006 in a 34-14 win over Kansas City on Sept. 27, running once for seven yards and throwing two incompletions.

"I think it will be pretty much be the same six, seven plays per game, go out and make the plays positive plays," Vick said. "Help the team, not hurt the team, which is my motto right now. If I only get five or six plays the rest of the season, then I'm content with that, but like I said, my objective is to win."

Philadelphia's second-rated pass defense is yielding an average of 156.0 yards. That could pose problems for Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Johnson, who made his first career start last week and completed 13 of 22 passes for 106 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The Eagles (2-1), though, may be wary of Johnson's running ability after he gained 41 yards on seven carries last week.

"I'm expecting a great atmosphere," Johnson said. "The Eagles have a great organization; they're one of the top teams every year.

The Buccaneers could take pressure off Johnson with a strong effort from running back Cadillac Williams, who is averaging five yards per carry. Former Giants tailback Derrick Ward sat out last week with a knee injury, but returned to practice Wednesday for Tampa Bay.

Outsiders: Week 12 previews

Football Outsiders analyzes Week 12 in the NFL. Ideas: Oakland isn't THAT bad; Reggie Bush is poised for a big game vs. New England; Pittsburgh needs to play better in the second half; David Garrard gets knocked around too much and a plan for Houston.

Clayton: Pressure falls on Pats in Monday night showdown

The Saints have the burden of protecting a perfect record, but the Patriots will be feeling the most pressure on Monday night, writes John Clayton.

Joyner: Targeting weak veteran corners

It's not just the hobbled and inexperienced who can be exploited for fantasy gain. KC Joyner offers a few struggling veteran cornerbacks -- and the receivers who will break them -- to add to your list of favorable fantasy matchups in the coming weeks.

NFL lineman Runyan to run for Congress in N.J.

NFL player Jon Runyan says he'll retire at the end of the season and launch a campaign for Congress in New Jersey's 3rd District.

Bucs' Zuttah apparently ahead of Sears at left guard

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are undergoing a changing of their left guard, and it definitely appears as though the key figure in that change is second-year pro Jeremy Zuttah.

Jackson needs swagger

If Amarri Jackson wants to make sure he gets to training camp and through the preseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wide receiver Antonio Bryant has some veteran advice for the Sarasota native.

Receiver Kelly Campbell savors his chance to make Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Each time Bucs receiver Kelly Campbell reads a headline about an NFL player who has been arrested or otherwise gotten into trouble, he can't help but immediately think about the potential consequences.

Dungy is moving forward

It had been a busy Thursday morning but now Tony Dungy was heading back across the Howard Frankland Bridge toward Tampa after a couple of meetings in a campaign to increase parental involvement in Florida public schools.

Mangurian looking for discipline on Bucs' OL

Two months before the start of training camp, Tampa Bay's new offensive line coach has a chilling message for his minions: If you're not planning on being smart and disciplined, don't bother showing up.

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.