After a 9-6-1 regular season that included a tie with lowly Cincinnati, the Eagles went on the road and beat Minnesota 26-14 and then downed the defending champion New York Giants 23-11.

Kragthorpe's analysis

Super Bowl-bound if » Quarterback Donovan McNabb keeps making drive-sustaining completions and an aggressive defense continues to force turnovers and make critical plays.

The Eagles had two fourth-down stops, an interception and a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the Giants.

Homeward-bound if » Their running game cannot provide at least some offensive balance and their blitzing defense is exploited. Brian Westbrook was held to 36 yards on 18 carries against New York, but McNabb and his receivers overcame that lack of production. They will have to score more against Arizona, especially if Kurt Warner is protected well.

Biggest variable

Cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel covering Arizona's receivers well enough to allow safety Brian Dawkins to roam the field. Without having to worry about the absent Plaxico Burress last Sunday, Dawkins provided run support with a team-high eight tackles.

Best player

RB Brian Westbrook » He was quiet against the Giants, but Westbrook is still McNabb's most consistent, dangerous weapon with his ability to turn short passes into big gains.

Best player you've never heard of

LB Stewart Bradley » He's not yet a big name even in Salt Lake City, where he attended Highland High, but Bradley has become a force in the Eagles' defense.

He led the team with 108 tackles (86 solo) in the regular season and made seven stops Sunday, including a fourth-down assist.

Local connections

Besides Bradley, who played at Nebraska, there's receiver Kevin Curtis, who's from Bingham High, Snow College and Utah State. Having overcome a series of injuries, Curtis made four catches Sunday. Coach Andy Reid is a former Brigham Young offensive lineman.

Reasons to cheer for them

Playing in their fifth NFC championship game in eight years, the Eagles are still seeking their first Super Bowl win under Reid. Such an achievement would have seemed impossible in late November when McNabb was benched and even as of the last day of the regular season, when the Eagles needed Tampa Bay and Chicago to lose to give them a playoff chance.

Reason to cheer against them

After the Phillies won the World Series, do Philadelphians really need another championship this soon?

kkragthorpe@sltrib.com