The Eagles' superstar running back has been virtually shut down the entire postseason. This won't last. It can't last. Westbrook will rebound from two of the worst rushing performances of his six-year career with a big game against the Cardinals.
On Thanksgiving night, Westbrook scored four times against the Cardinals' defense—twice on the ground, and twice through the air. McNabb may be the most important member of the Eagles' offense, but Westbrook is the most dangerous.
2. Brian Dawkins
The future Hall of Fame safety is playing the best football of his 12-year career. Dawkins forced a fumble against the Vikings in the wild-card round and totaled 10 tackles against the Giants.
His mere presence on the football field is downright scary. With his future as a professional football player in doubt, Dawkins will do whatever it takes to earn a ring.
3. DeSean Jackson
The explosive rookie wide receiver and punt returner for the Eagles brings back memories of Brian Westbrook in 2003, who electrified fans with two regular-season punt-return touchdowns.
Jackson returned a punt 63 yards against the Vikings and set an Eagles single-game record with 105 punt return yards. He caught four passes for 81 yards against the Giants, including a clutch 48-yard reception.
4. Andy Reid
There's a reason that he chose to grow a playoff beard. Seriously, though, Reid is much more postseason experienced than Ken Whisenhunt. He has led the Eagles into the playoffs seven times, winning five NFC East titles, with one Super Bowl appearance.
Reid watched his sons go to prison last year. Rumors circulated about the future of his job this season. He is a Super Bowl ring away from the Hall of Fame.
5. Revenge
Kurt Warner knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs in the 2001 NFC Championship game. Seven Eagles still remain from that team—Donovan McNabb, AJ Feeley, Correll Buckhalter, Tra Thomas, Jon Runyan, Brian Dawkins, and David Akers, as well as head coach Andy Reid.
In 2001, the Rams were the far superior team, winning 14 games en route to their second Super Bowl in three years. But times have changed. The Eagles have been the best team in the NFC since 2001.
6. Experience
The Eagles are the most experienced playoff team of the decade. The NFC Championship game will be their 17th playoff game of the decade, tying the New England Patriots for the most in the new millennium.
The amazing part?
No team in the history of the National Football League has played in more postseason games in one decade. The Cowboys of the 1990s? 16 games. The 1980s 49ers? 17 games. The 1970s Steelers? 17 games. The Eagles will set a single-decade record with 18 postseason games if they win on Sunday.
7. Defense wins games
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