When stars collide

Stars shine, as the saying goes, when the spotlight is at its brightest.

Think Michael Vick against Washington on Monday Night Football, toying with the Redskins with a near-perfect performance and announcing to millions of prime-time viewers that he is indeed back and better than ever.

Think Aaron Rodgers needing to break a fourth-quarter tie against Chicago or the Packers' season would be over. So what does he do? He looks for another star - receiver Greg Jennings - and they hook up for a 46-yard pass that sets up the game-winning touchdown.

Vick and Rodgers are just two of the stars that will be colliding for the Eagles and Packers when the teams meet Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in the first round of the NFC playoffs. It's a safe bet that when a big moment arises, one of those playmakers will be at the center of the action.

It's been that way all season for the Eagles. Vick and receiver DeSean Jackson have been the team's shooting stars, producing one big play after another. Who could forget the Vick-led comeback that set up Jackson's scintillating, game-winning punt return against the Giants?

There are other budding stars on offense - running back LeSean McCoy and receiver Jeremy Maclin, to name two. But Vick and Jackson make the Eagles go, just as cornerback Asante Samuel and defensive end Trent Cole drive the Eagles' defense.

When Samuel missed three games with a knee injury and Cole wore down from countless double teams late in the season, the Eagles' defense crumbled like week-old bread.

The Packers' defense also revolves around a two-man show - linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback Charles Woodson. The names are familiar, but when the game is on, the easiest way to identify them is by their numbers - 52 (Matthews) and 21 (Woodson). It's how opposing coaches often refer to ball hawks after hours and hours of watching film.

"Yeah, 52 and 21, both of them," Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. "Those are two of the very best players in the game on defense. You have to be aware of where those two are every snap."

Football is considered the ultimate team sport, so the effect of individual greatness can be limited. But who doesn't think that the Packers need to stop Vick to have a shot at winning? Or if the Eagles can stifle Rodgers that their odds of winning increase?

"Nothing's automatic, and there are no guarantees in this business," Mornhinweg said. "But having your best players play at their highest level gives you a good chance."

There's nothing better than when two stars face off. And the most enticing may be Jackson vs. Woodson, the speed demon against the physical, shutdown corner. Samuel plays exclusively on the left side, so there's a good chance the Packers keep Jennings away from the NFL's interception leader. But the two are sure to cross paths.

Vick and Matthews and Rodgers and Cole don't match up directly. But if they do meet, it's likely to be to the defensive player's benefit. Of course, Vick and Rodgers - especially Vick - are as elusive as quarterbacks get.

Of the eight stars highlighted, seven are going to the Pro Bowl, and Cole is a first alternate. Only one has a Super Bowl ring - or rings. Samuel won titles with the Patriots in 2003 and 2004.

And while they may be stars, they haven't reached the heights blazed by their Super Bowl champion colleagues such as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady or Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Even Samuel, considered by some to be a notch below Woodson, still has something to prove.

The 27-year-old Rodgers has yet to win a playoff game. And what if he finally won a postseason game? What would it mean?

"It would just be the next step," he said.

Vick had two playoff wins with the Falcons. But it's been six years since his last appearance in the playoffs. Experience helps, but . . .

"I'll take talent before experience any day of the week," Mornhinweg said.

Because the Packers and Eagles have faced similar opponents, Rodgers has watched plenty of film of Vick this season and can't help but be a fan.

"You pay attention to other players in the league, and it's been fun watching Michael this year," Rodgers said. "He's had a great season."

Eagles safety Quintin Mikell has studied Rodgers and Jennings all week. But unlike Rodgers observing and admiring Vick, he has to contend with whom he is watching on film. Asked if he was awed by what he saw, Mikell didn't give an inch.

"I'm not a fan of them," he said. "I'm not scared of them, if that's what you're saying."

As a player, if you're caught gazing at the brightest stars, you might miss something else.

"You focus - I wouldn't even say focus - you lean toward those guys," Eagles linebacker Omar Gaither said. "But you don't take your vision off the other nine players."