The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - The 1985 Bears. The 2000 Ravens. This year's Buccaneers? Tampa's top-ranked defense has been compared with some of the best defenses in NFL history, and the Philadelphia Eagles are a bit jealous. Sure, the Bucs' D is first in seven statistical categories. But the Eagles know a little about defense, too.

Philadelphia's defense was ranked fourth in the league and allowed the second-fewest points. It also has four Pro Bowl players, as many as the Bucs.

"We want to play better on defense than they do," Pro Bowl cornerback Bobby Taylor said. "It's definitely a challenge."

For the third straight year, the Eagles get a chance to prove they have a better defense than Tampa's in the playoffs. The teams meet in the NFC championship game at Veterans Stadium on Sunday.

The Eagles have held the Bucs' offense to just five field goals in the last three games, excluding last season's meaningless regular-season finale.

"Those guys are good, no question about it," middle linebacker Levon Kirkland said. "They have some players who have been absolutely terrific this year. They proved it on the field. But we're going to go out there and do our thing and not worry about who's rated where. Stats don't really matter. The only thing that counts is who wins the game."

Led by defensive tackle Warren Sapp, defensive end Simeon Rice, safety John Lynch and linebacker Derrick Brooks, the AP's Defensive Player of the Year, the Bucs gave up just 12.3 points and 252.8 yards per game. They had 43 sacks, forced 38 turnovers, and scored five defensive touchdowns.

The Eagles allowed 15.1 points and 297.1 yards a game. They had 56 sacks, also got 38 turnovers, and scored three defensive TDs.

Both teams held their playoff opponents to a pair of field goals last weekend.

"They've been doing it for so long," linebacker Ike Reese said. "A lot of their core guys are still there: Ronde (Barber), Sapp, Brooks and Lynch. They deserve it. They've earned it. We've been playing top-notch ball for the last three years, and we're striving to be like those guys. We're trying to get up there. Our guys are trying to get recognition, too."

A few of the Eagles already have earned that recognition. Defensive end Hugh Douglas and safety Brian Dawkins are heading to their third straight Pro Bowl. Cornerback Troy Vincent is going for the fourth time and cornerback Bobby Taylor earned his first trip. Vincent and Dawkins also made the All-Pro team.

"You have to respect them because they've done the job year in and year out," Bucs quarterback Brad Johnson said . "That's why they've been a dominant team, and that's why they've been to the playoffs. But you can't be scared of them. If you are, then you are in for a long day."

Johnson had a long day three months ago when the Eagles beat Tampa 20-10. Facing a relentless blitz, Johnson was sacked five times before leaving the game with a cracked rib in the fourth quarter.

The Bucs are making sure they're ready for defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's blitz schemes this time.

"Their scheme is really unorthodox," Bucs coach John Gruden said. "Jim Johnson has given a lot of coaches fits over the years. You have to prepare for double-corner blitzes, double safety blitzes, five-man blitzes, six-man blitzes, great disguises. There's a lot of movement before the ball is snapped, a lot of different looks."

Return to Bengals front page...