Brothers to battle when Eagles meet Packers

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- You could call Sunday a statement game.

A chance to really see if the Eagles are for real.

A win against Aaron Rodgers and the 6-3 Green Bay Packers, who are undefeated their last 8 games at Lambeau would legitimize the Birds for sure.

"We know that we're going into a hostile environment, probably some weather conditions, against arguably the best quarterback in the game right now. We have to understand that and we got to go out there and play our game," Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin said.

As big as this game is for the Eagles as a team it's even bigger for one player in particular and his family. Eagles linebacker Casey Matthews whose brother Clay is a four time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Packers.

"It's going to be a special game going against my brother. It doesn't happen too often. Looking forward to it, but at the same time I can't treat this game bigger than it is," Matthews said.

And yet, you have to believe, it's as big as it gets for the little kid inside Casey who grew up in his big brother's shadow.

Especially, considering this year, for the first time, he has an equally important role on his team's defense stepping in for the injured DeMeco Ryans at middle linebacker.

"I think this might be the first time that we'll both get significant playing time. It's tough on [my family.] They don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so they usually wear neutral colors. I usually tell them to root for me. I know my mom will," Matthews said.

And really, isn't that the only fan he needs?