Can the Philadelphia Eagles overcome the Super Bowl jinx that has hounded the past four losers in the NFL's biggest game?

No team that lost the Super Bowl has returned to the playoffs the past four seasons.

That's not likely to befall the Eagles unless there is a wave of injuries that require an emergency room be installed at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia enters the new season with a top-10 offense and a top-10 defense, which is championship balance. More importantly, the Eagles finished tied for second in the league in fewest points allowed and third in the NFC in scoring, a double-edged sword that at least makes them the preseason favorites to repeat as conference champions.

Last year's numbers don't mean they will duplicate them, however, because there were big problems with Terrell Owens. The Eagles sent him home for a week early in training camp for his disruptive behavior after holding his breath for a week didn't get him a new contract; this comes a year after Owens had negotiated a new contract, which he now felt had grown old after one successful season.

Owens is back in uniform but seldom talking to his quarterback. Donovan McNabb might be just as happy to hear that. Or not hear it as the case might be.

Still, can a team succeed when its quarterback and best receiver aren't speaking? That depends on if Owens is listening when McNabb calls his number.

As long as that's the case, the Eagles should be the elite of the NFC East again.

Owens seemed to be the final piece in creating an explosive offense last season, catching 77 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns despite missing the final two games with a broken leg. The Eagles got through the playoffs and to the Super Bowl without him, but he showed his grit and value by returning against doctor's orders to make nine catches for 122 yards in a remarkable and noble performance against the Patriots.

Predictably, it didn't take Owens long to blow that good will, soon after criticizing the team's emotional and spiritual leader, McNabb, while demanding more money. Now McNabb is sick of listening to him and the Eagles' management is, too. But that doesn't mean their team isn't glad he's back or that they won't be back in the playoff hunt with him or without him.

HOT SEAT: Donovan McNabb. McNabb is always on the hot seat because he's the focus of the offense. Nobody handles that pressure better than he does but with Owens acting the fool more pressure will fall on his broad shoulders. He can handle it and T.O. as well, when the time comes for that.

OVERHEARD: Defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson is looking to re-load his blitz packages and fire them at the opposition now that he has confidence in young corners Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown's ability to hold up under stress.

Those corners were given more help a year ago then Johnson used to provide veterans Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor. Sheppard and Brown played well enough to both deserve to go to the Pro Bowl, so now they'll be more on their own. Johnson likes to attack on defense and he plans to do more of it this season, confident his young corners will hold up when asked to play more in single coverage. If they can keep their receivers in check for an extra second or two, guys such as Jevon Kearse will be coming after opposing quarterbacks with their ears pinned back.

OUTLOOK: With or without Owens the Eagles have the most talent, not only in the NFC East but in the NFC period. That doesn't guarantee them a fifth straight return to the conference championship game but who's going to stop them as long as McNabb stays in one piece?

PREDICTION: First

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