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McNabb Displays Trust

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 12, 2009

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Whether it's good or bad, players are taught to forget about a play as soon as it's over. QB Donovan McNabb's ability to do that may be one reason he and the Eagles are headed to the NFC title game.

McNabb made one of his best throws of the day on a first-and-10 play in the third quarter, only to see a wide-open Kevin Curtis drop a sure touchdown pass nearly 40 yards downfield.

Two plays later, an unfazed McNabb threw to Curtis again, and the decision to keep Curtis involved in the offense played a big part in the Eagles' second-half rally.

"Kevin played a major part in this offense," McNabb said of the receiver who wound up sharing the team lead with four catches for 40 yards. "He came back and was able to pick up some big first downs for us."

McNabb refuses to lose faith in his receivers, even after they make a mistake. It's something McNabb has been working on since early in the season and the Eagles are seeing the payoff.

"I have to trust in them," McNabb said. "Even if they drop balls, I have to come back to them, because you don't want anyone to lose confidence or have low self-esteem when we need them."

Curtis sure came back. All of his catches came in the wake of that drop, including an 8-yard catch on a third-and-5 play that helped set up the Eagles' last touchdown.

"He came back to me after that and said, 'I'm sorry,'" McNabb said. "I said, 'Hey, let's go, let's move on.' Then he stepped up and really showed what type of player he is."

QUIET TIME: The Eagles sideline was a little quieter than usual Sunday. That's because defensive coordinator Jim Johnson worked the game from the press box.

Johnson made the decision to call defensive plays from the press box on Saturday because of a sore back that has him walking with a cane.

"It's been a long time since I've been up there, probably about 12 years," Johnson said.

The move did not adversely affect the defense. The Giants gained 307 total yards, 31 more than the Eagles, but they also turned the ball over three times.

"I'm not sure just yet, but there's a good chance I'll be back up there in the booth again for the NFC title game against Arizona," Johnson said.

MORTAL MANNING: Before losing to the Eagles, Giants QB Eli Manning was on a pace to become only the eighth quarterback in league history to win two league championships in a row. The others: Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, Bob Griese, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, John Elway and Tom Brady.

KICKING RECORD: Eagles PK David Akers pushed Gary Anderson down a notch in the NFL playoff record book. Akers' three field goals extended to 18 his steak of consecutive playoff field goals, breaking Anderson's mark of 16.

Roy Cummings

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