Here are 10 things to know about how the Eagles’ defense matches up with the Falcons’ offense.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel are cut from the same cloth in a lot of ways. Both Florida boys. Both cornerbacks, obviously. Both funny, eccentric. Both playmakers.

In another set of circumstances, it would be no surprise if the two ended up being good friends. But the situation last year had the two prideful vets pitted against one another to a degree.

There remains a sense that this defense will not be overhauled now that Todd Bowles has replaced Juan Castillo, but there will definitely be some differences. Jamar Chaney echoed what Casey Matthews said a couple days ago: that Bowles believes this ‘D’ had become far too predictable. Expect some more exotic looks and yes, some more blitzing.

“He is going to bring it all,” said Chaney.

One of Todd Bowles’ primary goals for the defense will be to free up the pass rush.

You know the numbers by now, but in case you need a refresher: the Eagles tied for the league-lead with 50 sacks last season. This year, they have seven. Only the Jaguars (five) have fewer.

From what we gathered in the locker room, though, it sounds like Bowles’ changes will have more to do with scheme than personnel. That means don’t expect an expanded role for Brandon Graham, or a role at all for Vinny Curry – for now.

The mood was light Wednesday afternoon as a group of reporters surrounded Danny Watkins’ locker before practice.

Evan Mathis even got his iPhone out and started mockingly recording his teammate’s comments.

On Monday, Watkins declined to chat, creating a bit of a stir in the process.

“I think that got a little bit blown up,” he said today. “I was asked a question, and you know what? I was a little disappointed with just the way myself and the team had been playing. I just didn’t really have anything to say and said, ‘I think it’s best if I don’t say anything today.'”

The prospect of left tackle Jason Peters returning during the regular season seems more real than ever.

“There’s a chance,”Andy Reid acknowledged on Wednesday.

In the latest episode of Birds 24/7 Radio on 97.5 The Fanatic, Tim and Sheil talked about Todd Bowles, Juan Castillo, Michael Vick and the team’s prospects for the final 10 games.

Click here to listen online and here to download.

The good news is that Fletcher Cox has not been suspended as a result of his actions during the Lions game. The bad news — for him — is that the rookie is getting hit in the wallet.

After review of the incident last week, Cox has been fined $21,000 for throwing a punch in the fourth quarter against Detroit following a Lions extra point.

One reason why Andy Reid is sticking with Michael Vick is because the quarterback has actually shown real improvement in a couple key areas.

Most notably, against the blitz.

In the last three games (while the offense has still had plenty of issues), the Eagles have done damage against the blitz. Just look at the numbers. Vick is 29-for-42 for 405 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions against extra pressure. That’s a 69 percent completion percentage and 9.6 yards-per-attempt.

If you’re a glass-half-full kind of fan (c’mon, there has to be one or two of you out there), this is something to be optimistic about looking ahead to the final 10 games.

Since the Eagles were on bye last week, there’s no new All-22 to break down. So instead, let’s take a look at some of the ways the offense has beaten the blitz in the last few weeks.

Through the first six games, Todd Bowles’ primary focus has been working with the defensive backs.

But this week, his first as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Bowles’ will likely spend some time trying to figure out a way to get the pass-rushers free. That’s going to be a key in the final 10 games. The secondary has played well, and while the defensive line has certainly affected games (everything’s connected, after all), Jim Washburn’s group has not been the dominant presence many were expecting when the season started.

So what’s the answer to jump-starting the pass-rush? During an interview with Mike Missanelli on 97.5 The Fanatic, defensive end Jason Babin was asked if more blitzing could be a possible solution.

The Eagles have made a roster move at center, signing Matt Tennant and releasing Steve Vallos.

Tennant (6-5, 300) was originally a fifth-round pick by the Saints in 2010. He played his college ball at Boston College. In 2010 and 2011, Tennant appeared in six games for New Orleans, but did not start any of them, according to Pro Football Focus. He was let go and claimed on waivers by the Patriots before this season. New England released Tennant once previously, but ended up re-signing him. Tennant did not dress for any games with the Patriots.

Here’s a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles this week.

If you are of the opinion that the Eagles were dealt a bum hand by the league schedule-makers, then you have plenty of company. Even the NFL agrees with you to a point.

We have received a healthy amount of emails lately looking for explanations as to how the Eagles ended up with such a seemingly-unkind slate, so we did some digging. Here’s what we found:

As we look ahead to the final 10 games, here are five Eagles numbers that matter. Topics include Nnamdi Asomugha’s cover skills, Brandon Graham’s playing time and how the Birds are using DeSean Jackson.

Citing some negative press he has received lately, Danny Watkins told reporters that he won’t be speaking with them. So, don’t expect the former first-round pick to shed any light on his own play, the offensive line’s struggles, or…anything for a while.

Fortunately, some of his teammates are willing to engage. Recently, Birds 24/7 caught up with a couple of them to get their take on Watkins in Year 2. Much of it, the 27-year-old guard will be happy to know, was positive. Though there were a few critiques.