When your Fightin’ Phils hit a nice little skid like they have out in LA, there is no better remedy than an Eagles preseason bout at The Linc. Just ask Jimmy Rollins…

After returning home from Lehigh, the Birds will take on the Carolina Panthers in their second preseason game. While in-season previews will have more substance and will be more pertinent to the grand scheme of winning the Lombardi Trophy, it doesn’t hurt to discuss what to look for in tonight’s game.

The three key things/players to watch for are:

1. Asante Samuel‘s first real game action. How will he mesh with the rest of the secondary? Will he stay healthy? Can he, Sheldon Brown, and Lito Sheppard co-exist? These are just some of the questions facing the former New England Patriot All-Pro. Panthers Pro Bowl wide-out Steve Smith will not play tonight nor will former Seattle Seahawk D.J. Hackett, so Asante Samuel will not be tested quite like he will be during the season. However, it will still be nice to see him in Kelly, err, Midnight Green making some plays.

2. DeSean Jackson- fluke or for real? Well tonight won’t really tell you the answer to that. With the return of Reggie Brown to the lineup, Jackson’s time might be limited. Still, it’ll be interesting to see how well he continues to progress especially in the special teams game. That unit, lead by the infamous Rory Segrest (yes, his name is Rory and no, he isn’t related to Ryan Secreast) is in desperate need for a playmaker. No pressure DeSean!

3. The quarterback play. If the first pre-season game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers was any indication, Donovan McNabb is healthy and looking sharp. His first team offense managed 10 points in limited action without Brian Westbrook and Reggie Brown. Tonight, he’ll have both back in the huddle. More than anything, fans and coaches alike will continue to examine the team’s red zone performance. Let’s hope that L.J. Smith, who has been primed for a “breakout” year since entering the league, provides McNabb with a suitable option inside the 20 yard line. (Note to self: stop drafting L.J. in your fantasy drafts, citing a great camp and tough off-season regimen.) Aside from McNabb, keep an eye (or both eyes) on Kevin Kolb as he is the future of the franchise. Don’t give into the argument that any success he has is worthless because he is playing against back-ups; remember he is playing WITH back-ups so the playing field is level. As for A.J. Feeley…well, he broke up with Heather Mitts about a year ago so…feel free to switch to the Olympics at this point.