Move Over, Ed Rendell

It looks like football commentator (and governor) Ed Rendell has some competition for the announcer's booth.

Congrats to...Dr. Yonson??

Newsmakers: Will the Eagles win?

We asked area newsmakers to predict the outcome of the NFC Championship game Sunday between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals. The winner goes on to the Super Bowl. Here's what they had to say:

"The Eagles defense is terrific. Donovan (McNabb) is on target, especially when he gets the ball to DeSean Jackson, whom I expect to have a great game. The score: 24-6. People ask me what I'm going to do if the Steelers and the Eagles are in the Super Bowl. My answer: I hope so."

- U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.

"I think there will be two keys to the game. The defense has to keep performing the way they've been performing. (Defense coordinator) Jim Johnson has to continue that strategy of just keeping the offense baffled. And Brian Westbrook has to remain free from pain and injury. Eagles by 10 points."

- Bob Green, CEO of Greenwood Gaming (Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack)

"The Eagles defense and ball control offense will carry the day in the desert and lead us to the promised land of Tampa Bay. Even though Kurt Warner is strong in the pocket, he will finally get enough pressure from the Eagles blitz package to throw one - if not two - picks into the hands of Asante Samuel. The Eagles will win, 24-17."

- Congressman Patrick Murphy, D-8

"The Eagles are going to roll with McNabb at the helm. Arizona is playing well, but the Eagles have really come together as a team. The Eagles defense will continue to dominate and the offense will continue to put points on the board. Eagles win, 31-14. Fly Eagles Fly!"

- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

"I am a big Steelers fan. ... I grew up outside of Pittsburgh cheering for the Steelers with my dad. This Sunday I predict I will be waving my Terrible Towel as I watch the Steelers beat the Ravens! I also will be cheering on the Eagles in hopes of a Pennsylvania Super Bowl. Go Steelers!"

- Michelle Henry, Bucks County district attorney

The congresswoman for parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County contends the defense will carry the Eagles, 27-17.

- Allyson Schwartz, D-13

"My hope is that the Eagles "D" will hold the Cardinals to two scores: one touchdown, one field goal. On the offensive side: (Brian) Westbrook runs one in for six, and Donovan (McNabb) connects with one of our receivers for a second touchdown. We can also count on David Akers to put at least two field goals through the crossbars. The experience of our veteran players will make the difference. Our 'D' line succeeds in seriously disrupting the throwing ability of Kurt Warner. 20-10, Eagles."

- Mark Schweiker, president and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and former Pennsylvania governor and Bucks commissioner

"This should be an Eagles win, but it won't be as easy as people think. Arizona's defense is playing a lot better than they did when we played them on Thanksgiving. Getting pressure on Kurt Warner will be the key to the game. If the Eagles defense can do that, we will win. 24-14, Eagles."

- James Sell, executive director, Lower Bucks Campus, Bucks County Community College

"I think the Eagles will definitely win. They finally are playing with a desire to win and are doing very well. I love the Eagles and am a loyal fan. I expect something like a 14-point spread in the Eagles' favor."

- Dorothy Vislosky, Falls supervisor

"Yes, Eagles will win. You gotta believe. McNabb and the Eagles dominating D-fence will get it done. Arizona can put up some points and has a good turnover ratio, but the Eagles D can get turnovers and score, and our special teams have been excellent with field position and kicking and returns. McNabb is on target with (coach Andy) Reid's somewhat balanced attack. Eagles 28, Arizona 17."

- Patrick Donahue, director, marketing & communications, St. Mary Medical Center

"It's going to be 38-14 Eagles. They're going to win because they're just the best team in the NFL right now. The offensive line is going to give them the ability to protect McNabb and Westbrook. It all comes back to the offense."

- Joe DiGirolamo, Bensalem mayor

"Yeah, I think they are going to win this week against Arizona. + They've been playing quite well. Everyone's at the top of their game. This time they're awake, they are ready to do something. But it will be another tight game."

- Joe Cimino, president, Langhorne Borough Business Association, and president and CEO of Besco Corp. in Middletown

"All dreams need to come true today. Spirits need to rise and the Eagles weren't supposed to be (in the NFC Championship) anyway. I understand they were given very little chance. If they could do the impossible this far, why couldn't they win it? Everybody loves an underdog."

- Susan Atkinson, founding producing director, Bristol Riverside Theatre

"The momentum is there. Everyone's behind them. The whole community is behind them. They are going to win. 21-14, Birds."

- Kathy Horwatt, Langhorne councilwoman

"Yes, the Eagles have a better team, both offensively and defensively. My prediction is Eagles 28, Arizona 13."

- Leon Poeske, acting administrative director of Bucks County Technical High School

"Yes, they will win because the defense is going to pressure Kurt Warner and that will be the overwhelming factor. 23-10, Eagles."

- David Nyman, Wrightstown interim township manager

"Yes (they'll win), because they changed their thinking and their strategy after Donovan was benched. 24-13, Eagles."

- Ellen Budman, Bristol Township School District superintendent

"Yes, I think the Eagles will win on Sunday. They won two big games, so they're really hyped up. They deserve to win."

- Stephen A. Prousi, Montgomery Township supervisor

"I do think they're going to win, but I will preface that answer by saying it depends which of our quarterbacks plays. Is it going to be the good Donovan or the bad Donovan? I hope no one calls him during the game. I think they have a really good team. They lost a lot of games they should not have lost. It might be their time, coming off the Phillies championship. I think they're all fired up. I think they're hungry. But Arizona may be fired up more than us. It all depends what team comes to win. 24-10 Eagles."

- Tom Carroll Sr., co-owner of Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Washington Crossing

"Sure, they'll win. I think they've been playing with a lot of heart recently. They have a good shot. 27-17 Eagles."

- Henry Rowan, Buckingham supervisor

"Yes, the Eagles will win. + They have momentum, (and) unquestionably the leadership of some of their senior players has been infectious. They will be the Cinderella team of 2009. + If I had to call the score, I would say 24-13."

-Paul Clymer, state representative who represents parts of Upper Bucks County

"Of course the Eagles are going to win. It's Philadelphia's year. Kurt Warner is only good when there is no pressure on him. Our defense is hot and they will keep the pressure on and we also have the better defense. 27-17 Eagles."

- Elizabeth Yonson, Morrisville School District superintendent

"This is the Eagles' year. I'm looking forward to a Super Bowl party. I really am. McNabb looks good. He's playing well. It's going to be a high scoring game. I'm predicting 43-24. I've been an Eagles fan my whole life. I live and die with the Eagles. + The Cardinals are playing well, too. They can't be taken lightly, but the Eagles will still win."

- John Galloway, state representative, District 140

"I think, 'Go Eagles.' It just basically seems like they're in a good, positive frame of mind, and that's what it takes to attain goals. They're becoming as one. It's a long time coming. Eagles, 14-12."

- Eric Mintel, professional jazz pianist, Feasterville

The New York native and former state representative candidate for the 144th District said football puts him to sleep, but guessed the Eagles would win 21-10. "When do the Mets play? That's what I want to know."

- Mitchell Meyerson, Chalfont council member