The Eagles opened yesterday’s game against the Redskins with an onside kick that backfired and, in the second-half, had four straight possessions that lasted just three plays. Not the way you want to play a division rival at home.
The Birds then found themselves losing 24-16 when they got the ball at their own 10 yard line with 7:24 left to play – not a place in the game and on the field where this Eagles team has shown the ability to sustain a drive and score. They’ve trailed in the fourth quarter for four straight games – the first time since 2005.
But sustain a drive and score is just what they did as Donovan McNabb, who set a team record for quarterbacks by playing in his 143rd game, drove the offense 90 yards for a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. He connected with Jason Avant for 46 and 20 yards. Leonard Weaver’s 12-yard run took Philly to the 1 and set up Eldra Buckley’s first career TD run. McNabb shoveled to LeSean McCoy, who broke several tackles to get the conversion.
“That’s what good teams do,” said Avant, who had 20- and 46-yard receptions on the game-tying drive. “There are going to be games when you don’t play your best game, but it’s all about how you end the game.”
The Eagles are now 7-4 – their best 11-game record since 2004. The Redskins fell to 3-8 and 0-6 on the road. The Eagles swept the Redskins for the first time since 2006.
“I’m proud of the guys for battling through,” head coach Andy Reid said. “(Donovan) just gathered everybody up and said, ‘Hey, listen, we’re scoring.’ He was very upbeat and positive with the guys and very strong.”
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