On Oct. 3, the Redskins visit the Eagles.
It promises to be one of the most fascinating games of this NFL season.
The mere sight of Donovan McNabb in a Redskins uniform is strange enough, but to see him walk onto the field as a visitor in Philadelphia? That will be bizarre.
The Eagles only can hope they made the right move, trading McNabb to a division rival and entrusting the starting quarterback job to largely untested Kevin Kolb. A somewhat similar move worked out for the Patriots several years ago, when they sent Drew Bledsoe to the Bills and kept Tom Brady (although Brady was coming off a Super Bowl victory).
The Redskins have a long way to go to match the receiving targets McNabb had in Philadelphia, among them DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and tight end Brent Celek. An average group includes Santana Moss, Joey Galloway, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. Still, McNabb has gotten the most out of so-so receivers in the past and his move to the Redskins could make an always competitive division even more interesting.
Is this the year the Cowboys realize their potential and reach the Super Bowl, which is being played in their stadium? Is Doug Free ready to handle the load at left tackle? Will Felix Jones overtake Marion Barber as the No. 1 back? Is David Buehler, who seldom had to make a big kick at USC, ready for the pressure?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Saturday in San Antonio and Oxnard, Calif.
Philadelphia Eagles
Is the confidence in Kevin Kolb justified? Will the receiving corps round into the NFL's best? Can the team field a healthy, reliable center? The Eagles have been hurting at safety since letting Brian Dawkins go. Is rookie Nate Allen ready to make an impact? Will linebacker Stewart Bradley stabilize the 'D'?
•ROOKIES: Monday.
•VETERANS: Friday in Bethlehem, Pa.
With a new defensive coordinator and two key free-agent additions (safeties Deon Grant and Antrel Rolle), will the Giants return to the aggressive style they used so effectively two years ago? What happens at middle linebacker now that Antonio Pierce is gone? After a season of tentative running, can Brandon Jacobs return to his old form?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Aug. 1 in Albany, N.Y.
Washington Redskins
Can Donovan McNabb make a six-win difference for the Redskins, or will this be another Dan Snyder experiment that fizzles? Can Mike Shanahan build an offense to complement a very promising defense? Those aren't the Hogs on the offensive line. Can they over-
come their weak-
nesses there? Will Albert Haynes-
worth play?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Friday in Ashburn, Va.