The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

If Donovan McNabb is playing out his final games with the Eagles, his first audition for his next job comes before a national audience.

Benched at halftime in a loss at Baltimore, McNabb will be back under center tonight against the Arizona Cardinals . The Eagles (5-5-1) desperately need to win to maintain their slim playoff hopes. The NFC West-leading Cardinals (7-4) would clinch their first division title in 33 years with a victory.

The soap opera involving McNabb dominated the local headlines during this short week. Coach Andy Reid yanked McNabb for the first time in his career after a dreadful half against the Ravens that followed an awful performance in a tie with lowly Cincinnati.

A day later, and after watching second-year pro Kevin Kolb struggle, Reid went back to McNabb.

"I'm not the only one who's a problem, I guess, on the offense," McNabb said. "But if I had to be the one to sacrifice for it, then that's what had to go."

With the Eagles heading toward their third last-place finish in four years since losing the 2005 Super Bowl to New England, major changes are likely. McNabb might not return if the team rebuilds.

For now, he's focused on proving he can get past his midseason slump and still be an elite player. McNabb had a passer rating of 92.0 and the Eagles were 5-3 after eight games. Since then, he has thrown six interceptions and his rating has dipped to 81.1.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner knows what McNabb is going through. Warner was a two-time NFL MVP and a Super Bowl MVP with the St . Louis Rams , but he got benched and eventually moved to the New York Giants . He ended up in Arizona four years ago. It took an injury to Matt Leinart for Warner to get back on the field and he won the starting job in training camp.

Now, at 37, Warner has thrown for 3,506 yards, 21 TDs and his passer rating of 102.4 is second behind San Diego's Philip Rivers.

"It doesn't matter how long you've played this game or how well you played it, there's always periods where it doesn't go in your favor," Warner said. "It doesn't mean you can't play anymore or you don't have a lot left in the tank.

"And I know that's the situation with Donovan. Some things have gone against him the last couple of weeks, but he's still a great player. Everybody hits slumps. He's going to work his way out of it, and I think he's going to be a great quarterback for the rest of his career."

McNabb may not have much help behind him. Running back Brian Westbrook (ankle, knee) is questionable and backup Correll Buckhalter (knee) is doubtful.

On the opposite side, cornerback Asante Samuel is doubtful with a neck injury. Lito Sheppard is a capable replacement, but the Cardinals' strong passing attack features three solid receivers.

Philadelphia's secondary could have a difficult time against the trio of Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston.

today's games Tennessee (10-1) at Detroit (0-11)

when 12:30 p.m.

TV WTKR

line Titans by 11

injuries Lions going without starting defensive ends Jared DeVries (hand, out for season) and Dewayne White (calf).

Seattle (2-9) at Dallas (7-4)

when 4:15 p.m.

TV WVBT

line Cowboys by 12

injuries Cowboys guard Kyle Kosier (foot) is out.

Arizona (7-4) at Philadelphia (5-5-1)

when 8:15 p.m.

TV NFL Network

line Eagles by 3

injuries Eagles running backs Brian Westbrook (knee-ankle) and Correll Buckhalter (knee) both questionable.

- Chicago Tribune