KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ETGAME DATE: 11/18/07
SURFACE: Grass
TV: CBS, Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
SERIES: 12th meeting. Dolphins lead series 7-4, but haven't played in Philadelphia in 11 years; they are 3-2 there. This is their first-ever game in Lincoln Financial Field. The last meeting came on a Monday night on Dec. 15, 2003 when the Eagles broke a 24-24 tie in the fourth quarter on a two-yard TD run by Correll Buckhalter. Brian Westbrook scored two touchdowns, on a run and a reception, to lead Philadelphia to a 34-27 win.
KEYS TO THE GAME: Rookie QB John Beck makes his first career start against an Eagles pass defense that has been torched for six TDs the past two weeks. And coach Cam Cameron said the playbook will not be scaled back. Regardless, Miami knows Philly can get after the passer, and the Dolphins will feature a running game averaging 135.4 yards the past seven games as long as possible. ... Much of the focus on the Eagles' offense has been the increased mobility of QB Donovan McNabb, which has certainly helped. But Westbrook has accounted for 48.6 percent of the offense the past two games and will remain the focal point. With TE L.J. Smith healthier, look for McNabb to work the middle of the field more.
KEY INJURIES: Dolphins: MLB Zach Thomas (migraines) could miss his third straight game; DE Jason Taylor (ankle) could be a game-time decision. Eagles: CB Lito Sheppard (knee) is playing at far less than 100 percent. RB Brian Westbrook didn't practice either Thursday or Friday, but Coach Andy Reid said he was confidence Westbrook would be able to play.
FAST FACTS: Beck will be the Dolphins' 12th different starting quarterback since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season. ... McNabb is the Eagles' all-time leader with 2,089 career completions, passing Ron Jaworski (2,088).