Inside slant: Today’s key matchups between Ravens and Eagles
Ravens FS Ed Reed vs. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb This is a chess match worth watching. Reed plays an excellent centerfield, anticipating quarterbacks’ intentions and reading their eyes to intercept passes. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Reed has 35 career interceptions for the most of any NFL player since his rookie year in 2002. McNabb has been streaky lately, but remains a dangerous pocket passer who can get into a rhythm and attack the secondary up and down the field. McNabb has been ridiculed this week due to his admitted ignorance about the NFL rule governing ties in the regular season after an overtime period. Nonetheless, the Ravens respect his ability to impact the game. Ravens WR Derrick Mason vs. Eagles CB Asante Samuel Mason’s dislocated left shoulder is still aching, but he remains the Ravens’ most viable downfield threat. He’s still quick enough to create separation and tough enough to deal with the pain of this debilitating injury. Mason is a mas-ter of selling his route, breaking into the clear and catching the football. He caught seven passes for 82 yards against the Giants despite the shoulder problem. Samuel combines speed, instincts and a penchant for knowing when to gamble. He leads the Eagles with three interceptions despite opposing QBs avoiding throwing at him because of his obvious prowess in coverage. Samuel has been shutting down his half of the field for the majority of the season.
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