In honor of Andy Reid, I decided to get off to a slow start.

Let's just say my pick of the Panthers to win, 23-16, last week didn't exactly work out.

Yes, I was impressed. The normally slow-starting Birds came out on fire, especially on defense, even though they allowed the Panthers to use up half of the first period doing exactly what I had feared they would, running the ball right down the Eagles' throats.

For some reason, the Panthers then decided to put the game in the hands of Jake Delhomme. How'd that work out, John Fox?

From that point on, Sean McDermott's boys took over the game. McDermott, making his regular season debut as a coordinator, did Jim Johnson proud, throwing everything at Jake Delhomme but the kitchen sink.

The Eagles won going away.

Here's my problem: Are the Eagles that good, especially on defense, or are the Panthers that bad. As far as Jake Delhomme is concerned, I'm convinced he is exactly that bad.

The Eagles won't have that luxury this week, when Drew Brees and the Saints come marching in. This will give us a much better look at how good the Birds are.

An even bigger question looms on the other side of the ball. The Eagles likely lost Donovan McNabb, who fractured a rib in the third period against the Panthers and has been "doubtful" ever since.

I'll believe he's not playing when I see Kevin Kolb under center. The Eagles brought in Jeff Garcia to be a backup, just to add a little more intrigue to what is quickly turning into the QB follies.

If Kolb plays, I say he has a very short leash (with all apologies to Michael Vick).

Am I the only one who still believes Donovan McNabb is going to try to play in this game?

I see this game as a huge task for the Birds. Kolb starts, I don't have any idea who finishes. The Eagles' defense comes back to Earth a bit. Monday morning we awake to the Michael Vick era.

Make it Saints 29, Eagles 13.

RECORD: 0-1, after thinking the Panthers would roll over the Birds last week.