... on Sunday with a visit from the Philadelphia Eagles, last year's NFC runner-up.

Both of these teams met a similar fate last year, falling to the Arizona Cardinals amidst their Cinderella-esque run to the Super Bowl. 

The Panthers and Eagles both head into 2009 with high expectations—Philadelphia more because of its reputation and Carolina because of their 12-4 record a year ago.

Success will not come without hard work for either club.  Both have questions about their defense and will be looking to maintain a high powered offense. 

The Eagles have already lost starting middle linebacker Stewart Bradley to a season ending knee injury, while the Panthers lost their monster-sized run stuffing defensiv...

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