Coming off a huge win over one of the best teams in the NFC, another tough matchup awaits the Eagles in Week 7's trip to Tennessee. After a blowout of the Falcons not many people expected, the Eagles now have to prove it wasn't just a fluke. Kevin Kolb, in particular, will be looking to quiet any such notions, and maybe take his job back. Andy Reid has said that Michael Vick is the team's starter, but we're only a little more than a month removed from his saying the same thing about Kolb, then turning over the reigns to Vick. So if Kolb can put together another strong outing and lead the Eagles to a win heading into the bye week, then what?� THE QB QUESTIONKolb has started and finished four NFL games. In three of them, including last week's, he has thrown for more than 300 yards and twice been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. There are still plenty of unanswered questions, but the impressive win over the Falcons left little for the critics to downplay. This wasn't garbage time when the Eagles were down to the eventual champs, nor a hapless defense like the 2009 Chiefs. The Falcons were 4-1 and playing impressive football on both sides, and Kolb picked them apart. And as happy as we were to see that performance from Kolb after a shaky preseason and a horrific half in the opener, the victory was obviously a lot more a team win than anything else. The Eagles have now had two different quarterbacks be named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week (and Vick was Player of the Month) in just six weeks of play. Say what you will about Andy, but those accolades being awarded to two very different QBs shows that his offense is high-powered and multi-dimensional no matter which of his hand-picked signal callers is under center.� But it also begs the question of which of the two should be running this offense right now. As much as anything else, injuries have been the most concrete answer. Vick earned the starting job with his play, but he did so in part as a result of an injury to Kolb. Aside from the obvious goal of beating the Titans, Kolb will be playing with the same aspiration in mind this week. Whether the job is actually up for grabs, we don't know. What kind of performance this week would force Andy's hand once again? THEY MIGHT BE TITANSThe Titans pose some threats on defense, as we've come to expect over the years. They rank in the middle of the pack in overall yards allowed and toward the bottom in passing yards allowed, but they've limited the overall damage through the air, allowing only 6 passing TDS. The Titans lead the NFL in sacks, so it could be a long day for the Eagles O-line. Obviously the Birds are a pass-first team, and this is a major test for them. The loss of DeSean Jackson certainly slows down that attack, allowing the Titans to key on Jeremy Maclin more. But the Falcons weren't able to execute on that last week, with Maclin gashing them for a career day (to date), and the Eagles still have plenty of weapons in the passing attack.� Tight ends haven't produced much against the Titans this season, so if Brent Celek will absolutely have to make more of his opportunities to have a big game and help to turn around an overall disappointing season so far. However, with injuries to the offensive line still an issue, Celek may also spend a fair amount of time staying back to block. Part of the reason TEs have been limited against the Tennessee is the Titans' ability to get to the quarterback.� Although the Titans are strong against the run, the Eagles don't run the ball in a traditional way. LeSean McCoy has done it all this season, and he's proving to be a matchup problem similar to the one posed by his predecessor in the Birds backfield. Today should be a true challenge for the running game, which is second in the league in YPC at 5.0. It will also be a test for McCoy's improved blocking capabilities.� DJ KING BRITTKenny Britt is a talented young receiver for the Titans, but he's a disciplinary mess who has found himself in Jeff Fisher's doghouse several times in his short career, including to start the season after an unimpressive showing in camp. So, after scoring touchdowns in four straight games, all that was probably behind him, right? Eh, not so much. Earlier this weekend, Britt was involved in a fight at a nightclub where he allegedly threw some punches. Absolute genius, this kid.� Fisher has said that Britt won't start this game, but we don't know if that means a play, a series, a quarter, or what. His patience with the player is thin, but so too is his receiving corps, and he needs Britt on the field. The Titans benefit from getting Justin Gage back from injury this week, but it's rookie Damian Williams that will line up opposite Nate Washington. Tight end, a position that often gashes the Eagles, is a sore spot for the Titans. Bo Scaife didn't practice this week, though he's going to play today. These aren't necessarily receivers that should pose particular matchup problems for the Eagles secondary, and neither should the guy throwing them the passes. More on that in a minute. But Britt's third-man-in penalty could be a big key to this game, because he's been the team's best weapon not named Chris Johnson this season. His "benching" is also a factor because Chris Johnson is historically very effective when his team lines up in 3-receiver sets. With Gage back and Britt emerging, the running game could be the biggest benefactor?if Britt plays most of the game.� FANTASY STUD, REALITY NIGHTMARE Speaking of which, Johnson remains an absolute beast. His offensive line has had trouble opening up holes for him this season, and he's twice been contained fairly well (by Pittsburgh and Denver). However, even when the front lets him down, the smaller-than-you'd-think RB can bounce it outside or reverse the field as well as anyone ever has. CJ has 7 TD in 6 games, and has rushed for the fantasy bonus four times already. With a depleted defensive line up the middle, this is the challenge that will most dictate the Eagles' ability to control the game. The Titans aren't usually going to beat you with a high-powered, multi-faceted attack, but they can keep the Eagles' O off the field if CJ can get going. Sean McDermott needs another huge week from Anthony Dixon and some disciplined play from his linebackers, who can't overpursue this guy or he'll be in the end zone. McDefense also needs to factor for CJ in the Titans pass-protection, because as talented as he is with the ball, he continues to make a difference with his ability to stay back and pick up blitzes. This guy can do it all. The Eagles have stopped several Pro Bowl rushers already this season in MJD, Frank Gore, and Michael Turner. And I mean STOPPED them. CJ is another animal though. The Birds will need to manhandle the Titans offensive line to have any hope of stopping Johnson, because if he gets any room, they may not have the personnel to keep up with him.� SO... COLLINS?However, they do have the personnel to absolutely pick apart the QB they're set to face today?PSU alum Kerry Collins. Vince Young was hurt in a botched snap fiasco on Monday Night Football, and it's expected that Collins will get the start today despite also being nicked up with an injured finger on his throwing hand. Whether he has Britt for most of the game or not, this should mean good things for the Eagles secondary, which is coming into its own as we approach the midway point of the season. These guys make QBs pay for mistakes, and Fisher will be looking to minimize their ability to change the game with turnovers.�Johnson limits the Eagles' ability to be overly aggressive in their pursuit of Collins and his passes, but it only takes a few big plays to change a game.� EVERYTHING ELSEOf course, the Eagles have every ability to beat themselves out there too. It's a tough matchup in a raucous stadium, and they simply must find a way to limit their miscues. The penalties have to be cut down, and the special teams coverage needs to improve. The Titans, like most any offense, are much more effective with a short field. Several of the scoring drives against the Eagles so far have come as a result of the kick coverage ceding half the field to the opposing return game. Can't continue to happen. Simply can't. We're all smarting from a huge disappointment last night, one that will not get any easier to deal with even as time passes. But we turn the page around here. We move the hell on, and I love that it's an Eagles game day. A win can salvage the weekend. Somewhat.� (Photos by Jed Jacobsohn and Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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