Defensive end Juqua Parker is no stranger to Jason Babin's success story. He lived it himself in 2005.

Parker was signed by the Eagles in the middle of the 2005 training camp. Like Babin in 2009, Parker looked like he was added to compete for a roster spot but not much else. Four years later, Parker remains a focal point in the Eagles' defensive end rotation. Parker started every game in 2008 and has played in all 64 regular season games since he was signed. Last year, Parker was third on the team in sacks (5.0) and QB hurries (12). Parker carried the Eagles to a win over the 49ers last October with his first-career interception which was returned for his first-career touchdown.

While Babin said that he took his reps as the scout team right defensive end at Monday's practice, Parker and Victor Abiamiri are battling for the starting spot on the left side opposite Trent Cole. Abiamiri is listed on the team's depth chart as the starter. Parker has a reason to think that mixing in Abiamiri will make his play even better in 2009 even at 31 years old. The rotation will keep Parker fresh and allow him to do what he does best - attack the quarterback.

"He's a big, strong guy. He's in there for the run," Parker said of Abiamiri. "He can play the run real well. Once it comes to third down, I come and he becomes a tackle because he can play both positions. He can play end and tackle."

This week's game against Carolina presents a multitude of challenges for the defensive line. The rushing attack led by the NFL's leading scorer from 2008 in DeAngelo Williams is vicious. And the offensive line, anchored by tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah, surrendered just 20 sacks last season - a franchise-low.

To find out how the Eagles are going to game plan for the Panthers, click here.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:35 a.m., September 9