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With the upcoming NFL season, comes unanswered questions and high expectations for several key football teams.  Whether through player trades, free agent signings or really not doing much at all, each of the 3 teams covered here are facing pressure to perform in the upcoming season.

Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East)

With Donovan McNabb in tow after getting a minor raise (why?) and the majority of their team still intact from their NFC Championship run last year, the Eagles look to match or exceed how they finished the season.  Philly upgraded at the WR position, a previous weak spot, by drafting Misourri standout Jeremy Maclin.  This should help McNabb shine and earn that extra money he’s getting.  The biggest loss for Philly is defensive stalworth Brian Dawkins, who signed w/ the Denver Broncos during the offseason.  Local Philly fans, get your Philadelphia Eagles tickets here.

Miami Dolphins (AFC East)

The Dolphins enter the season on a huge high, after turning around from a horrible 07-08 season, to make the playoffs last year.  Keys to their quick turnaround include new coach Tony Sporano, the signing of Chad Pennington and bringing Bill Parcells in to change the team’s attitude and personnel.  One reason the Dolphins excelled last year was the use of “The Wildcat” offense, which allowed them to trick many of their opponents and score on easy plays.  This offensive strategy is being picked up across the league, but many defenses are now prepared to handle the trick plays and it is somewhat less effective.  Miami will not sneak up on anyone this year either, so the pressure is much greater. Local Dolphins can get their Miami Dolphins tickets here.

Chicago Bears (NFC North)

The Chicago Bears enter the season as somewhat of an unknown… will the recent acquisition of Jay Cutler be enough to propel them to a championship or will they offense still struggle as it has in recent seasons.  The defense remains strong, despite the fact that it continues to age - how long can they stay at a high-level before some major changes are needed.  Jay Cutler will face the most scrutiny this year, especially if the team struggles.  He is being looked at as the savior and star QB that they haven’t had for decades.  The Bears only challenge in the NFC North division will be the Minnesota Vikings, who are flirting w/ acquiring QB Brett Favre to strengthen their only weakness.  Detroit and Green Bay will likely finish no better than .500, so the division and a playoff berth are definitely there for Chicago.  Chicago Bears tickets on sale here.

Football News from NFL.com

The Buffalo Bills have traded two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters to the Philadelphia Eagles for three draft picks. The Eagles also signed Peters to a six-year contract extension.   Continue reading on NFL.com

Football News from NFL.com

After missing last week’s divisional-round playoff game because of an injured hamstring, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin said he expects to play in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.   Continue reading on NFL.com

Arizona Cardinals Jerseys

The surprising Arizona Cardinals plan to have wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the field Sunday, as they attempt to accomplish the unthinkable… making it all the way to the Super Bowl.  The Cardinals benefited from a huge touchdown scoring play against the Atlanta Falcons in the wild card game, but the hamstring injury Boldin suffered on the play kept him out of the match-up w/ the Carolina Panthers last week.  Kurt Warner and Co. didn’t appear to need Boldin, however, as the team dominated the favored Panthers enroute to the NFC Championship game.

The Philadelphia Eagles are also trying to reach the championship game, but they’ve not suffered the same national scrutiny that the Cardinals have.  Arizona won the NFC West division months ago and played horribly to end the season, nearly entering the NFL playoffs w/ a paltry 8-8 record (they finished 9-7).

Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys

Brian Westbrook has been hampered for much of the year, but does expect to play on Sunday.  He is instrumental to Philly’s offensive attack, so any inflammations during the game could prove fatal for the Eagles.

Go Cardinals!  Could it really happen??

Football News from NFL.com

Eli Manning threw two touchdown passes, Brandon Jacobs had two TD runs and the Giants held on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 36-31 and further distance themselves from the pack in the NFL’s toughest division.   Continue reading on NFL.com

Football News from NFL.com

All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook will miss his second game in three weeks when the Philadelphia Eagles visit San Francisco on Sunday.  Continue reading on NFL.com

The Philadelphia Eagles are desperate to get their running game back and return to the form they opened the season with. Brian Westbrook is looking to return to the field in hopes of providing the running game which the Eagles need to win.

All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook practiced for the second straight day Thursday, and the injured Eagles appear to be getting a little healthier. Continue reading on NFL.com

The fact that Westbrook can practice is a great sign all-around. Eagles fans, team members, fantasy owners and the like are all excited to see the RB return to the field in Philly. Prior to the ankle injury, Westbrook was easily the best running back in the NFL - his stats after missing over a game still stand up w/ the league leaders.

Having Brian back on the field is essential for Philadelphia to make the playoffs, something that appears particularly tough considering the NFL East’s apparent domination. The Eagles cannot afford to lose Donovan McNabb either, but you could argue that Westbrook is more valuable (see Garcia’s playoff run 2 yrs ago).

Football News from NFL.com

All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook is day-to-day with a strained ankle, an encouraging sign for a Philadelphia Eagles team that can’t afford to lose its top offensive player.

Continue reading on NFL.com