The week that was is done. Time for the Birds to shuffle off to Baltimore to wage battle with the 6-4 Ravens. Coached by former Andy Reid protégé/special teams coordinator John Harbaugh, the Ravens have surprised in 2008. Led by rookie signal-caller Joe Flacco and an always tough defense, Baltimore looks to remain in the AFC playoff hunt with a victory.

The Eagles hope to bury their most disappointing game of the season. A dreaded tie with the lowly Bengals. We all know what happened during and after; no need to rehash the events. Instead, we move forward and look for the Eagles to do the same and find a way to bring home a win.

Last Meeting: Philadelphia 15, Baltimore 10: During 2004’s magical Super Bowl run the Eagles hosted Baltimore in Week 8. The Birds entered the game undefeated at 6-0. Defense and kickers ruled the day as David Akers and Matt Stover traded field goals until mid-way through the fourth quarter. Leading 9-3 with 9:12 left, Donovan McNabb found Terrell Owens for an 11 yard touchdown strike. T.O. did his thing by mimicking Ray Lewis’ pre-game dance in the end zone. Needless to say, Ray was not pleased. Owens would finish the game with 8 catches for 101 yards and the game-sealing touchdown. Eagles improved to a franchise best 7-0. Ah, those were the days.

The Eagles team entering Sunday’s matchup with the Ravens doesn’t closely resemble the great 2004 team. The ‘08 Birds have been wildly inconsistent on both sides of the ball. To beat the Ravens they must find continuity. Here’s what both teams will do to come out on the winning side.

The Ravens Gameplan: Baltimore’s philosophy mirrors that of the Giants and Titans. Run the ball and play defense. The Ravens average 146 yards rushing per game, third best in the NFL. Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and Le’Ron McClain will all tote the rock. The three have combined for 1227 yards and 10 touchdowns. McGahee has been banged-up all year so how much he plays is a mystery. On defense, they are ranked third overall and until last week were number one against the run. The Giants pounded them for 210 yards. The Eagles aren’t the Giants. Baltimore will attack McNabb, knowing the Birds have to throw to win.

The Eagles Gameplan: The Eagles don’t run the ball and even if they did this is not the game to start. They are fourth in the league in passing so it will once again be on Donovan’s broad shoulders. The Ravens’ secondary has not allowed a 300 yard passer all year, but have given up 12 touchdowns. Brian Westbrook is questionable to play. To create scoring opportunities, DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis must create separation from cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Frank Walker. Philly owns the seventh best defense and must load the box to stop the Ravens. Then Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson can release the hounds on rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. The Birds’ 36 sacks are tied for tops in the league. Stop the run, pressure Flacco, force turnovers. If the D can accomplish these goals and give the offense short fields to work with, the Eagles have a great shot to win their sixth game.

Prediction: Eagles are 2-2-1 on the road. Ravens are 3-1 at home, losing only to Tennessee 13-10. Not much offense in this one. A DeSean Jackson punt return will be the difference. Eagles 17, Ravens 13.