You W some, you L some with Eagles schedule

THIS IS A PRACTICE that usually starts in April every year, when the NFL schedule comes out. You know the routine, Win, Loss, Loss, Win . . . It's always fun to predict how the Eagles will do. And now with the season upon us and some more questions answered, here's yet another look at how they will manage.

Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. St. Louis: Will the 27-day training-camp holdout hurt Steven Jackson early in the season? Probably. Will he still be able to put some numbers on the Birds? Perhaps. Torry Holt is still dangerous, and Marc Bulger can be, also. But Donovan McNabb should be able to pick apart a suspect Rams secondary, which will be even more drained in the 90-degree heat at Lincoln Financial Field, even without Kevin Curtis.

W: 27-17

Monday, Sept. 15, at Dallas: You know how sometimes you just have a feel about a game? You look at the schedule and one pops out at you. This one did for me, and not in a good way for Eagles fans. It will be the 'Boys' home opener, and a chance for Adam (formerly known as Pacman) Jones and rookies Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins to strut their stuff. Felix Jones will make a big play or two, leaving Eagles fans to scratch their heads as to why the Birds didn't draft the running back. Oh, yeah. There's also that T.O. guy at wide receiver. For some reason, this one doesn't feel good.

L: 27-10

Sunday, Sept. 21, vs. Pittsburgh: The Steelers gave up almost 29 points a game over their last four games last season, and an AFC-high 47 sacks on QB Ben Roethlisberger. So it certainly didn't help losing guard Alan Faneca to the Jets. Figure a ton of pressure on Big Ben. Also, figure a real physical, low-scoring game, with some sort of late turnover helping to decide it.

W: 17-14

Sunday, Sept. 28, at Chicago: Donovan McNabb has had success against his hometown club, posting a 4-1 record in games he has started. But the loss was a real ugly one, when the Birds blew a late lead last season and lost, 19-16. Brian Griese led that comeback. This year's starter will be Kyle Orton. Doesn't exactly strike fear into you, huh? The Eagles D, led by Asante Samuel, will torture Orton all day.

W: 24-10

Sunday, Oct. 5, vs. Washington: Clinton Portis carried the ball 325 times for the Redskins last season, mostly because of the lack of confidence the team had in quarterback Jason Campbell. New coach Jim Zorn probably will have Campbell throwing it around a little more, which will play right into the Eagles' hands on this day.

W: 23-16