TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Eagles Shove Controversy Aside

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOSEPH WHITE, The Associated Press

Published: November 12, 2007

LANDOVER, Md. - Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid soothed the feelings of a season of turmoil with an extra-long embrace after the Philadelphia defense stopped the Washington Redskins for the last time.

"There was a lot of love there," McNabb said. "A lot of love."

McNabb had faced questions all week about his future in Philadelphia. Reid is dealing with personal problems and a possible second losing season in three years. The Eagles would have essentially been buried for the season had they lost Sunday, but a 20-point fourth quarter led by McNabb and Brian Westbrook produced a cloud-lifting 33-25 victory.

"Controversy just hasn't hit us in one week. It's been all through the year," McNabb said. "In situations like this, it's important to have that confidence in the next guy and trust in him, whatever the situation may be. ... It was a must-win situation."

The Eagles (4-5) have been alternating wins and losses since Week 2 and remained in last place in the NFC East, but they successfully recovered from last week's 21-point loss to Dallas and can pull into the wild-card race if they get on a roll.

"We're in the position now that we need to win every game," Westbrook said.

The Redskins (5-4) looked far from playoff-worthy as they committed 11 penalties, including crucial third-down miscues, and again suffered from questionable clock management and play-calling. Coach Joe Gibbs had no timeouts left in the final crucial minutes, and a conservative call on a late third-and-goal virtually guaranteed the Eagles would have a chance to win.

"I always take that to heart myself as a coach," Gibbs said. "Why that jumped out as us today, I don't know. I'll have to take a long, hard look at it."

McNabb battled a sore shoulder throughout the second half and had to keep throwing while on the sideline to keep it warm. Still, he completed 20 of 28 passes for 251 yards and four TDs. Westbrook caught two TD passes and ran for another score, finishing with 20 carries for 100 yards and five receptions for 83 yards.

By far the highlight was Westbrook's go-ahead touchdown with 3:16 remaining. With the Eagles trailing by five and three rushers closing in, McNabb threw a screen pass to Westbrook across the middle. Lineman Shawn Andrews instantly leveled linebacker Rocky McIntosh, one of at least four huge blocks that allowed Westbrook to scamper for a 57-yard TD.

"I just tried to buy time," said McNabb, who broke Ron Jaworski's franchise record for career completions. "Once he caught it, I saw a lot of green. Hats off to our offensive linemen, getting down there, our receivers blocking, our tight ends blocking."

With the Redskins facing a third-and-goal at the 7 and leading 22-20, Gibbs decided to play for the field goal with a running play to Portis rather than try for the touchdown that likely would have sealed the win. Portis was stopped well short, and Shaun Suisham's 21-yard field goal increased the lead to five, keeping the Eagles in the game.

Phi-Westbrook 4 pass from McNabb (Akers kick), 8:16.

Second Quarter

Was-Thrash 4 pass from J.Campbell (kick failed), 13:16.

Was-Thrash 12 pass from J.Campbell (pass failed), 3:05.

Third Quarter

Was-FG Suisham 23, 9:18.

Phi-Smith 8 pass from McNabb (pass failed), 2:56.

Fourth Quarter

Was-McCardell 6 pass from J.Campbell (Suisham kick), 12:36.

Phi-R.Brown 45 pass from McNabb (Akers kick), 10:35.

Was-FG Suisham 21, 4:15.

Phi-Westbrook 57 pass from McNabb (pass failed), 3:16.

Phi-Westbrook 10 run (Akers kick), 2:18.

A-90,218

RUSHING-Philadelphia, Westbrook 20-100, McNabb 7-37, Hunt 1-2. Washington, Portis 30-137, J.Campbell 4-16, Betts 1-5, Sellers 1-0.

PASSING-Philadelphia, McNabb 20-28-0-251. Washington, J.Campbell 23-34-0-215.

RECEIVING-Philadelphia, Westbrook 5-83, Smith 4-49, R.Brown 3-55, Curtis 3-20, Baskett 3-17, Avant 2-27. Washington, Thrash 5-85, Randle El 5-44, Cooley 5-33, McCardell 4-33, Portis 4-20.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT