On the edge looking up

For the first time in five seasons, the Eagles find themselves on the edge of their heated seats looking up at the rest of the NFC East. The team that's romped through the NFC East since the onsides kick to open the season against Dallas in 2000 is now one of only five teams in the league without a divisional win.

On the bright side, the Birds celebrated their second consecutive Sunday without a loss today. Tomorrow can be a celebration too, as the Eagles defense squares off against one of the top two running backs in the league, Shaun Alexander. The prolific running back, a main component of the NFL's top ranked offense, is the key to victory for both teams. Stop him, and Philly wins. Watch him run loose, and Seattle claims win number 10. If the Birds give Alexander the LaDanian Tomlinson treatment, the Seahawks will have to rely on the arm Matt Hasselbeck, turning their offense into a one-dimensional field day for Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson and his schemes.

Much like the San Diego game, with pitted Philly against a strong offensive team, a win on Monday night will depend mainly on three factors; contain the attack of Alexander, make plays on special teams (including returns for good field position), and avoid mistakes on offense. Accomplishing those tasks will help the Eagles fly.