The Eagles head south to Ericsson Stadium to face the Panthers for just the second time.

Philadelphia posted a 20-9 victory at Veterans Stadium in 1996 in the only previous battle between the clubs.

Numbers: After scoring 21 points (3 offensive touchdowns) in the first quarter in Week 1 vs. the Cardinals, the Eagles have scored just 83 points in their last 31 quarters in '99 and have scored just five offensive touchdowns in their last 31 quarters. They have forced 19 turnovers in eight games in '99, this after totaling an NFL-low 17 takeaways in 16 games in '98. The Eagles have totaled 14 interceptions in eight games in '99, this after totaling just nine interceptions in 16 games in '98. They have forced two or more turnovers in 6-of-8 contests in '99. The Eagles have committed two or more turnovers in three straight games and have allowed 151 sacks in their last 40 games (1997-99), including 122 sacks in their last 31 contests dating back to '97. They have been limited to 17 or fewer points in 21 of their 24 contests dating back to '98. The Eagles have allowed 120 or more yards rushing in 19 of their last 24 contests dating back to '98 and have allowed 164 points in 11 wins (14.9 avg.), 703 points in 28 losses and a tie (24.2 avg.) dating back to '97.

In 38 regular-season games with Carolina (1996, 1998-99), Panthers OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 33.0 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98, 3.5 in '99). The Panthers have allowed 433 points and 48 offensive touchdowns in 19 home games since 1997 (5-14) after giving up just 97 points and nine offensive TDs in nine games (9-0) at Ericsson Stadium (including playoffs) in '96. They have committed 92 turnovers in their last 39 games (13-26) dating back to '97, totaling 21 turnovers in 13 wins and 71 turnovers in 26 losses. The Panthers have amassed 30 takeaways in 13 wins, 32 takeaways in 26 losses dating back to '97. They have allowed 163 points in 13 wins, 726 points in 26 losses dating back to '97. They have committed two or more turnovers in three straight games.

Things to look for: After showing some flashes a few weeks ago, the Eagles' offense has digressed very quickly and it may be time for rookie QB Donovan McNabb to show what he can do. Philadelphia's undersized defense has played respectable football and could make life miserable for struggling Panthers' QB Steve Beuerlein. No matter who lines up behind center for either team, points will be at a premium.

Etc.: The Eagles are 1-18-1 in their last 20 regular-season road games dating back to '97 (1-19-1, including the 1996 NFC Wild Card Game at San Francisco). Including playoffs, the Eagles are 14-33-1 in their last 48 games after opening 7-2 in '96. PK Norm Johnson (1,697) needs two points to tie Jan Stenerud (1,699) for 5th place on the NFL's all-time scoring list. Johnson has converted an NFL-record 286 consecutive PATs.

ThePanthers are just 13-26 in their last 39 games (1997-99) after finishing 12-4 and winning the NFC West title in 1996. Including playoffs, they are 33-40 in their 73-game history (1995-99), 18-17 vs. the NFC West and 15-23 against the rest of the NFL. Including playoffs, the Panthers are 14-14 lifetime at Ericsson Stadium dating back to '97...