From what I saw of the Panthers-Eagles game last night in Philly, there wasn't much in the way of quality football to watch. But I think both teams are going to win more games than they did a year ago. At least two more games apiece, maybe three.

That means the Eagles would go at least 10-6, maybe 11-5. And the Panthers would go 9-7 or 10-6. Sure, I can see that.

Both teams improved their rosters, sure, but more than that I think there will be a breakout veteran on each club. QB Donovan McNabb and DE Julius Peppers are bona-fide stars, but neither had career seasons last year. McNabb was OK; Peppers had by far his worst season.

That said, I get the feeling that the positive vibes that have been streaming out of Lehigh and Wofford, respectively, are good indications that both men could have their best seasons to date.

It will take a lot of things going the right way for McNabb to best his 2004 numbers, and he doesn't have a Terrell Owens-quality receiver on the roster, but he has a lot of options at running back, receiver and tight end to make the Eagles a tough team to defend.

Peppers, meanwhile, has been making mincemeat of the Panthers' offensive linemen ever since coming to camp and switching to right tackle. He has made those jaw-dropping, did-he-just-do-what-think moves that we have seen in the past but not last season.

I don't know, of course, but I get the feeling that the Eagles and Panthers will be in the playoffs this season -- and hey, maybe they'll face off against each other again, who knows?