2008 Philadelphia Eagles season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Philadelphia Eagles
season was the team's 76th season as a franchise in the National Football League
. The Eagles improved upon their 8–8 record and fourth-place finish in the NFC East
in the 2007 season
by going 9–6–1 and earning the 6th seed in the NFC Playoffs. The team lost in the Conference Championship game. For head coach Andy Reid
, this was his tenth season as the coach of the Eagles.
strong, winning their final three games, they finished 8–8 and in last place in a tough division. In the off-season, the Eagles made noise by signing star cornerback Asante Samuel
from the New England Patriots
on February 29, 2008, the first day that he became available. Samuel, signed to a six-year, $57 million contract, was considered the top player available in free agency, and was Philadelphia's biggest signing since Terrell Owens
in 2004
. The Eagles also signed defensive end Chris Clemons, and gave him a sizable signing bonus, but he struggled with injuries in the preseason, and barely made the team. Oft-injured defensive lineman Jevon Kearse
returned to the Tennessee Titans
and Takeo Spikes
was released, with a young corps of linebackers ready to replace him. Tight end L.J. Smith
, who has battled injury, was given a franchise tag to keep him in Philadelphia.
In the draft, the Eagles traded down again, lining themselves up with two first-round picks in 2009. Training camp and the preseason were mixed with good news and bad news. On the negative side, All-Pro guard Shawn Andrews
had a late-start to the preseason because of a personal battle with depression. Cornerback Lito Sheppard
now looked like a third wheel in the secondary behind Samuel and Sheldon Brown, and vented his frustration. A contract dispute with star running back Brian Westbrook
also looked to be another distraction until the team signed him to a three-year, $21 million extension. Philadelphia's biggest issue was the weak receiving corps. In the spring, the team was unsuccessful in acquiring a big name receiver, and the situation was exascerbated when number one receiver Kevin Curtis
went down with a sports hernia in the preseason, while number two receiver Reggie Brown nursed a sore hamstring. No moves were made to fix the problem, and many experts considered the Eagles too weak at the position to go deep into the playoffs. However, 5'10 second round draft pick DeSean Jackson
had a great preseason, and was named as a Week 1 starter for the Eagles at receiver. Quarterback Donovan McNabb
also had a strong preseason, and finally looked fully recovered from his 2006
knee surgery. The rebuilt special teams unit impressed in the preseason, with draft picks Jackson and Quintin Demps
returning a punt and a kick respectivelly for touchdowns in an exhibition win over the Patriots.
The offense went into the season with Westbrook in his prime and a seemingly rejuvenated McNabb, but the receiving corps looked feeble, and the offensive line looked uncertain, with the aging tackles Jon Runyan
and Tra Thomas anchoring the unit, and Shawn Andrews not playing until the middle of the preseason. The defense featured the deepest secondary in the NFL with Samuel, Brown, Sheppard, and veteran safety Brian Dawkins
. The linebacking corps looked young and quick, and Trent Cole
was the clear star on the defensive line. Possibly the most key improvement in the team over 2007 lies in the special teams, which was a consistent weakness the previous season.
Game will be seen on 6ABC in Philadelphia area.
Time is subject to change as per "flex scheduling".
38–3, their largest opening week margin-of-victory ever. Rookie DeSean Jackson
pulled down a 47-yard reception on the second play, and the drive finished with a shovel pass touchdown to Brian Westbrook
. Donovan McNabb
marched the Eagles down the field again on their second possession, finding L.J. Smith
in the back of the end zone to make it 14–0. Late in the second quarter, receiver Hank Baskett
beat the coverage and scored on a 90-yard reception (which was also McNabb's second longest career TD pass). Fullback Tony Hunt
scored from a yard out in the third quarter. DeSean Jackson's 60-yard punt return set up a short field goal for David Akers
, and Philadelphia's lead grew to 31–0. Westbrook added a 6-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter before St. Louis kicked a field goal to avoid the shutout. McNabb threw for 361 yards and three scores. Jackson, Greg Lewis, and Baskett each had over 100 yards receiving. Westbrook ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns
With the win, the Eagles began their season at 1–0.
, on MNF in the teams' final meeting at Texas Stadium
. The game would be high-scoring – filled with exciting plays and seven lead changes. On their opening drive, Philadelphia scored first with kicker David Akers
nailing a 34-yard field goal. The Cowboys struck right back with Tony Romo
completing a 72-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens
, who badly beat the Eagles' secondary. Donovan McNabb
drove the Eagles' into Dallas territory again, but again settled for a field goal. Dallas immediately answered when rookie Felix Jones
returned the kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and a 14–6 Cowboy advantage. Asante Samuel
intercepted Romo on Dallas' next drive, leading to a 6-yard touchdown reception by Brian Westbrook
early in the second quarter. Romo fumbled in his own end zone on the first play of the ensuing drive and linebacker Chris Gocong
recovered for the touchdown and a 20–14 Eagle lead. However, the Cowboys would respond with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other again on a 4-yard TD pass. The Eagles took over and McNabb connected with rookie DeSean Jackson
on a 60-yard play, but his premature celebration cost him a touchdown (as well as a pass-for-touchdown by McNabb). Nevertheless, Westbrook scored on the resulting 1st and goal from the 1-yard line, diving over the pile to put Philadelphia back on top. Akers nailed a 22-yard field goal and Philadelphia had its biggest lead of the night, 30–21. Dallas would end the explosive half with kicker Nick Folk
making a 51-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Cowboys went ahead again as Romo completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to running back Marion Barber
. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles would once again retake the lead, at 37–31, with Westbrook's 1-yard touchdown run. Nick Folk's 47-yard field goal made it 37–34 Philadelphia. The critical turnover occurred when McNabb botched a handoff to Westbrook at the Cowboy 33-yard line that Dallas recovered. Romo led his team down the field and Barber rushed it in to the right side, giving Dallas the winning margin at 41–37. Needing a touchdown, Philadelphia had two more possessions, but failed to score. McNabb threw for 281 yards and a score, while Romo had 312 passing yards and three touchdowns. Westbrook found the end zone three times while gaining 103 all-purpose yards. DeSean Jackson again had over 100 receiving yards. The game featured the second most first half points in MNF history (54) and most combined points in the rivalry's history (78). With the loss, the Eagles fell to 1–1.
left the game with an ankle injury early in the second quarter, but Correll Buckhalter
finished the drive with a 20-yard touchdown catch. The touchdown was the 176th for Donovan McNabb
, surpassing Ron Jaworski
on the franchise list. The Philadelphia defense began to take over at this point, sacking Roethlisberger six times in the quarter. A fumble recovery by Brodrick Bunkley
after a sack led to a David Akers
field goal. Pittsburgh would end the half with Reed kicking a 53-yard field goal to make it 10–6. Without Westbrook, the Eagles' offense struggled to score, but the defense continued to shut down the Steelers. An intentional grounding penalty on Roethlisberger from his own end zone resulted in a safety. A diving sack and fumble recovery by Brian Dawkins
led to a field goal and sealed the win, giving the Eagles a 15–6 lead. The defense sacked Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich
nine times, forced two fumbles, and intercepted a pass. Punter Sav Rocca also contributed to the second-half shutout with his punts. The Eagles improved to 2–1 with the win.
, but coming off their dominate defensive performance over the Steelers, the Eagles flew to Soldier Field
for a Week 4 Sunday night duel with the Chicago Bears
. The Bears started quickly, forcing a three-and-out, then scoring on three passing plays. DeSean Jackson
was responsible for gaining 66 of the 74 yards travelled on the next drive, including a 22-yard touchdown reception from Donovan McNabb
to tie the score. Kyle Orton
passed to Marty Booker
for a 23-yard touchdown to make it 14–7 Chicago in the second quarter, but the Eagles came right back with a quick drive ending in Correll Buckhalter
scoring from a yard out. After a missed 50-yard field goal by David Akers
, the Bears used the short field to set up a 20-yard touchdown pass to Devin Hester
. Akers missed another field goal in the third quarter before making two short kicks that came after Kyle Orton fumbles. Robbie Gould
booted a 41-yard kick to make it 24–20 Bears in the fourth quarter. McNabb then took the Eagles down the field, and with 5:40 left to play, Philadelphia had 1st-and-goal from the 4-yard line. Buckhalter got to the 1-yard line on first down, but him and Tony Hunt
failed to score on second and third down. Andy Reid
went for it on fourth down and Buckhalter was stuffed for no gain. The Bears killed most of the clock on their next drive and the Eagles fell 24–20. McNabb threw for 262 yards. Reggie Brown had 6 catches for 79 yards. The loss made the Eagles 2–2.
team that was coming off an upset win over the Dallas Cowboys
. Philadelphia enjoyed a fast start, with Donovan McNabb
marching the Eagles on a 12-play opening drive, ending with a 9-yard touchdown by Brian Westbrook
. After a Washington three-and-out, DeSean Jackson
reversed the field and
returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown to give Philadelphia a 14–0 advantage. After a 50-yard field goal miss by David Akers
on Philadelphia's next drive, the Redskins began their comeback. They chipped away at the lead with three second quarter field goals by Shaun Suisham
. In the third quarter, Washington took the lead on a trick play, with receiver Antwaan Randle El
completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Cooley. Clinton Portis
scored on a 4-yard run for Washington, making it 23–14. Midway through the final quarter, the Eagles had 2nd and 1 from the Washington 2-yard line, but were forced to settle for a field goal. A successful fourth down conversion by Portis ended the game. The Philadelphia running defense gave up 203 yards, 144 of them to Portis. Westbrook learned after the game that he had broken his ribs during the first quarter. With the loss, Philadelphia fell to 2–3 in the NFC East
.
. Following a 49ers field goal, the Eagles capitalized on a big kickoff return by Quintin Demps
to eventually score on a Correll Buckhalter
1-yard run. San Francisco kicked another field goal to close to 7–6, but Donovan McNabb
connected with Hank Baskett
on a 2-yard fade pass for a touchdown early in the second quarter. A chip shot field goal by David Akers
gave Philadelphia a 17–6 lead, but 49ers kicker Joe Nedney
made a 53-yarder on the next drive to make it 17–9. Just before halftime, Akers attempted a long 54-yard attempt, but the kick was blocked and returned for a touchdown by San Francisco. On their first drive of the third quarter, the 49ers drove down the field and took the lead 23–17 on a 6-yard run by Frank Gore
. Nedney added another field goal and it was 26–17 49ers going into the fourth quarter. McNabb led the Eagles on a scoring drive, finding tight end L.J. Smith
in the middle of the endzone for the touchdown. The Philadelphia defense began to smother the San Francisco attack, and the Eagles got the ball back and retook the lead on a 38-yard Akers field goal. An interception by safety Quintin Mikell
led to another Philadelphia field goal, making it 30–26. A fumble recovery by defensive lineman Chris Clemons resulted in another Akers field goal. With Philadelphia up by seven points, Juqua Parker intercepted San Francisco's J.T. O'Sullivan
and returned it for a touchdown. McNabb threw for a pair of touchdowns and 279 yards. Buckhalter had a huge game, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown, and catching seven passes for 89 yards. DeSean Jackson
added 94 receiving yards. With the win, the Eagles entered their bye week at 3–3.
with a 27–14 victory over the 4–2 Atlanta Falcons
. The Eagles offense struggled to get into a rhythm through the first quarter and a half, with Donovan McNabb
misfiring on several passes. Atlanta scored first with a 55-yard catch and run from Matt Ryan
to Roddy White
. The Eagles tied the score when McNabb capped off a long drive with a 3-yard quarterback draw for a touchdown. Philadelphia drove down the field and scored on a 36-yard David Akers
field goal in just 45 seconds before halftime. The Eagles continued to roll on their opening possession of the third quarter, scoring on a 16-yard run by Brian Westbrook
to open up a 17–7 lead. Atlanta drove to the Philadelphia 1-yard line in te third quarter, but Lito Sheppard
intercepted a fade to the end zone. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia's offense failed to capitalize on yet another goal line situation, and instead settled for a field goal, giving Atlanta hope. The Falcons responded with an impressive drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Roddy White, making it 20–14. The Eagles went three and out and punted, but the officials ruled the punt was muffed by Adam Jennings and recovered by the Eagles. Atlanta, out of timeouts, could not challenge the controversial call, and two plays later Westbrook broke a 39-yard touchdown to the left side to put the game away. Westbrook rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns and had 42 receiving yards. McNabb had 253 passing yards and also ran for 25 yards. The win was the 100th of Reid's career and the 500th in the history of the franchise.
With the win, the Eagles improved to 4–3.
team. Seattle scored on their first play from scrimmage on a 90-yard reception by Koren Robinson
, but did not threaten the rest of the game. Robinson beat Lito Sheppard
and Brian Dawkins
missed the tackle as the Seahawks jumped out to a 7–0 lead. Donovan McNabb
had another ugly start, firing incompletions on his first seven pass attempts. However, in the second quarter, the Eagles began to move the ball and McNabb found Reggie Brown for a 22-yard touchdown. On the next drive, with first and goal, the Eagles ran a play-action fake and McNabb threw it to offensive guard Todd Herremans
for a 1-yard touchdown and a 14–7 lead. Philadelphia's next four drives led to David Akers
field goals as they sailed to a 26–7 win. The Eagles' defense forced Seattle to punt on their final ten possessions and Darren Howard
had two sacks. McNabb finished with 349 yards passing, two touchdowns, and an interception. Backup tight end Brent Celek
had the game of his life – finishing with six catches and 131 receiving yards.
With their 3rd-straight win, the Eagles improved to 5–3.
on a Sunday night game at Lincoln Financial Field
. Mike Patterson batted up and intercepted Eli Manning
, returning the ball inside the New York 10-yard line. Two plays later DeSean Jackson
took the direct snap and rushed 9-yards, diving to the pylon for a touchdown less than two minutes into the game. Manning then led the Giants up the field and he found Plaxico Burress
for a 17-yard touchdown. The Eagles fumbled the kickoff, and New York cashed in for a field goal. On New York's next drive, Manning capped off another another long drive with a short touchdown pass to Kevin Boss
to take a 17–7 lead early in the second quarter. A fumble by Giant rusher Brandon Jacobs
gave Philadelphia the ball in New York territory. Six plays later, Donovan McNabb
completed a 10-yard pass to Jason Avant
for an Eagle touchdown. Sam Madison
picked off McNabb deep in Eagle territory on the next drive, but the Giants settled for a field goal to make it 20–14. McNabb ran the two-minute drill before the half to get the Eagles a 29-yard field goal before halftime, narrowing the score to 20–17. After a good kickoff return by rookie Quintin Demps
, the Eagles navigated the short field for another touchdown, this one a fade to Hank Baskett
and a 24–20 Philadelphia lead. The Giants, continuing to have success with their ground game, drove down the field. On a critical 3rd-and-10 from the Eagle 20-yard line, Manning completed a 17-yard pass to Boss, but was flagged for crossing the line of scrimmage. Giants' coach Tom Coughlin
challenged the call, and it was reversed, giving New York 1st-and-goal. They scored when Jacobs powered forward on a 3-yard run. Another long Giant drive led to a field goal early in the fourth quarter making it 30–24 Giants. The Giants scored again on their next drive, a 3-yard rush by Jacobs. Andy Reid
challenged consecutive plays at the end of the drive, but lost both of them, leaving the Eagles with only one timeout, 9:30 left to play, and a 36–24 deficit (after New York missed on the two-point conversion). A 32-yard completion to DeSean Jackson jump-started the offense, and McNabb hit Kevin Curtis
for a 2-yard touchdown on fourth down to keep Philadelphia alive. The Eagles got the ball back with 3:14 left, but could not convert on a 4th-and-1 near midfield to lose the game 36–31. McNabb had three touchdown passes, but Brian Westbrook
was limited to just 26 yards on 13 carries. Jacobs rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns for the Giants. The Eagles fell to 5–4, 0–3 in their division.
played to a 13–13 tie. Donovan McNabb
turned the ball over on a sack at the end of the first quarter, leading to a Bengal field goal. A 44-yard catch and run by Correll Buckhalter
set up a 42-yard David Akers
field goal to tie the score early in the second quarter. McNabb was picked off in Bengal territory with less than two minutes left in the half, and Cincinnati scored four plays later on a 26-yard touchdown reception by T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. The Bengals added another field goal early in the third quarter to take a 13–3 lead. Hank Baskett
came up with a 57-yard completion, followed by a 4-yard touchdown reception by L.J. Smith
to make it 13–10. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia tied the game on a field goal after a 13-play drive. The offenses struggled throughout the rest of regulation and the game went to overtime. The Eagles won the toss, but the Bengals had the field position advantage throughout most of overtime. Nevertheless, neither team could score. The Bengals had a chance to win on 47-yard field goal attempt by Shayne Graham
, but the kick went wide right and the game ended in a tie. McNabb passed for 338 yards and a touchdown, but had three interceptions (all in Cincinnati territory) and a lost fumble. The defense registered eight sacks. This was the first game in the NFL to end in a tie since the 2002 Falcons-Steelers game. It was also played 11 years to the day since the Eagles' last tie game. After the game, several Philadelphia players, including Donovan McNabb, explained that they did not realize a game could end in a tie, causing controversy because this could have changed the strategy in the overtime period. (This was a regular season game, so there was a limit of one overtime period.)
With the tie, the Eagles fell to 5–4–1, putting them back into last place in the NFC East
.
in an interconference matchup. Both defenses dominated the first quarter, and in the second quarter, Baltimore forced three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) from Donovan McNabb
. Ravens kicker Matt Stover
booted a 44-yard field goal, while quarterback Joe Flacco
completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Wilcox
. However, rookie Quintin Demps
returned the following kickoff 100 yards for a Philadelphia touchdown to make it 10–7 Ravens at halftime. Andy Reid
decided to bench McNabb (who was 8-for-18 for 59 yards and two interceptions) and put backup quarterback Kevin Kolb
into the game. Kolb also struggled with the Baltimore defense, and the Eagles fell behind 12–7 when linebacker Jameel McClain
blocked Sav Rocca's punt into the back of the endzone for a safety. In the fourth, the Ravens kicked another field goal after a Kolb interception, then Mark Clayton took a short slant 53-yards for a touchdown to make it 22–7. Kolb drove Philadelphia to the Raven 1-yard line, but was intercepted in the end zone by Ed Reed
, who returned the ball an NFL-record 108 yards for the touchdown. Le'Ron McClain
added a 1-yard touchdown run as Baltimore won 36–7. Kolb was 10-for-23 for 73 yards and two interceptions, and Brian Westbrook
had 39 yards rushing on 14 carries. The Eagles dropped to 5–5–1.
waited until Monday afternoon to name Donovan McNabb
as his starter for a Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Arizona Cardinals
. On the opening drive, the Eagles marched down the field and scored on 5-yard touchdown pass up the middle to Brian Westbrook
After Joselio Hanson
intercepted Kurt Warner
, the Eagles scored again on four runs to Westbrook, the final one being a 1-yard burst up the middle. In the second quarter, the Eagles increased their lead to 21–0 when McNabb hooked up with Westbrook again on a 2-yard touchdown pass. The Cardinals would get on the board with a 1-yard TD pass to Larry Fitzgerald
, but Philadelphia closed out the half with kicker David Akers
getting a 42-yard field goal. Westbrook scored his fourth touchdown on a 9-yard run in third quarter as Philadelphia made it 31–7. Arizona capitalized on a muffed punt return by DeSean Jackson
with a touchdown pass to Steve Breaston
(with a failed 2-point conversion). After a Philadelphia field goal, the Cardinals closed to 34–20 when Fitzgerald caught his second touchdown. However, the Eagles pulled away for good with McNabb completing short touchdown passes to DeSean Jackson and Jason Avant
. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 6–5–1 and returned to the playoff hunt. McNabb was 27-for-39 for 260 yards and four touchdowns, and Westbrook gained 110 yards rushing, scored two touchdowns on the ground, and two more in the air. McNabb and Westbrook were both given NFL Network
's 2008 Pudding Pie Award for their efforts.
a 20–14 loss in a rematch against the defending Super Bowl champions. Philadelphia would close out the first quarter with kicker David Akers
getting a 51-yard field goal, then they blocked an attempt by John Carney early in the next quarter. Brian Westbrook
broke a 30-yard touchdown run to make it 10–0. Before halftime, Kevin Dockery
returned a blocked Akers field goal attempt 71 yards for a New York touchdown. In the scoreless third quarter, the Eagles held the Giants' offense to six plays. Philadelphia scored in the fourth when Donovan McNabb
found Westbrook, who had beaten the coverage of linebacker Antonio Pierce
, for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Westbrook carried the ball 11 times on the next drive, which was capped with Akers making a 34-yard field goal to make it 20–7. Eli Manning
completed a 1-yard touchdown to tight end Darcy Johnson
for New York to close the scoring. Westbrook had 131 rushing yards on 33 carries and a touchdown, as well as six catches for 72 yards and another touchdown. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 7–5–1.
on Monday Night Football. The Eagles scored a touchdown on their opening drive – a 14-yard pass from Donovan McNabb
to Kevin Curtis
. After trading field goals later in the first quarter, the Eagles took a 17–3 lead when Asante Samuel
returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. On the final play of the half, McNabb was intercepted on a fade pass by Brandon McDonald
, who returned the ball all the way to inside the Eagle 5-yard line before being forced out of bounds. David Akers
converted a 34-yard field goal in the third quarter to make it 20–3 Eagles. Following another Akers field goal, McNabb found Greg Lewis on a 10-yard touchdown pass, increasing the lead to 30–10. Cleveland's sole touchdown came on an interception return by Brandon McDonald
off of Eagle second-string quarterback Kevin Kolb
. With the win, the Eagle's winning streak increased to three games, and hopes of a playoff berth continued. Their record went to 8–5–1.
in a game that was almost a must-win for them. After a scoreless first quarter, Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham
kicked a 33-yard field goal to send Eagles to halftime with a 3–0 deficit. In the third quarter, Washington cashed in on a fumble recovery deep in Philadelphia territory when running back Clinton Portis
scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. The Eagles answered with kicker David Akers
nailing a 22-yard field goal to make it 10–3 Washington. With 3:48 to play, Philadelphia's offense mustered up a late-game drive. After a couple of incomplete passes in the direction of DeSean Jackson
, a pair of receptions by Brian Westbrook
got the Eagles inside the Washington red zone. However, the rally fell short when a pass to wide receiver Reggie Brown only got to the 1-yard line, as Redskins cornerback Fred Smoot
and safety LaRon Landry
tackled Brown shy of the goal line, allowing time to run out. The Eagles dropped to 8–6–1.
and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
earlier in the day gave the Eagles the help they needed and created a situation where the winner between the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys
would earn a playoff berth. In the first quarter, the Eagles scored first with a 40-yard field goal from kicker David Akers
. The game would soon be tied by Cowboys kicker Nick Folk
's 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Eagles took control when quarterback Donovan McNabb
found Correll Buckhalter
for a 59-yard catch-and-run, then snuck the ball up the middle himself for touchdown. McNabb completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Buckhalter later in the quarter, then hit tight end Brent Celek
for a 1-yard touchdown pass as Philadelphia took a 24–3 lead. A kick return fumble by Pacman Jones with five seconds left in the half allowed the Eagles to close out the half with a David Akers 50-yard field goal. A gadget play where Jason Witten
passed 42 yards to Terrell Owens
took Dallas into Philadelphia territory, but Brian Dawkins
sacked Tony Romo
, causing a fumble which was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Chris Clemons. On the Cowboys' next drive, Marion Barber
fumbled (Also caused by Dawkins) inside the Eagle 5-yard line, and Joselio Hanson
returned the ball 96 yards for a touchdown and it was now 41–3 Eagles. A Chris Clemons sack of Romo caused another fumble, which led to a field goal and 44–3 lead. The Eagles forced five turnovers, Buckhalter had 122 yards from scrimmage, and McNabb had a pair of touchdown passes and one rushing score. Philadelphia ended the regular season at 9–6–1, but more importantly, they had improbably clinched the NFC's #6 seed.
against the #3 seeded Minnesota Vikings
. The Vikings, coached by Andy Reid
protege Brad Childress
, finished the season at 10–6 with an NFC North
title. Minnesota's defense was ranked #1 in the league against the rush. The offense featured emerging superstar running back Adrian Peterson, but inexperienced Tarvaris Jackson
had taken over at quarterback late in the year and would start in the playoffs.
In the opening quarter, a 62-yard punt return by DeSean Jackson
led to a 43-yard field goal by kicker David Akers
. Akers converted from 51 yards at the end of the quarter and the Eagles led 6–0.
The Vikings struck in the second quarter when running back Adrian Peterson broke a 40-yard touchdown run to the left, giving Minnesota a 7–6 lead. A 34 yard completion by Donovan McNabb
to DeSean Jackson set up another field goal for the Eagles. One minute later, cornerback Asante Samuel
returned an interception of Tarvaris Jackson 44 yards return for a touchdown (the 4th of his career, which is the most career postseason TD interception returns in NFL history). Peterson carried it in 3 yards for a touchdown late in the half to make the score 16–14 Eagles.
The defenses stiffened in a scoreless third quarter, but the game remained tight. Then, with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter, Brian Westbrook
took a screen pass 71 yards for a touchdown to extend Philadelphia's lead to 23–14. Westbrook's play was greatly aided by excellent downfield blocking by the rest of the Eagle offense. The Eagles' recovery of a low shotgun snap to Tarvaris Jackson led to Akers' fourth field goal of the day and a 26–14 lead.
Westbrook had 121 yards from scrimmage, as well as a key touchdown. Tight end Brent Celek
chipped in with 6 catches for 56 yards, while McNabb threw for 300 yards a touchdown and an interception. With the win, the Eagles improved their overall record to 10–6–1. Also, Philadelphia improved their Wild Card record under head coach Andy Reid to 4–0.
for their NFC Divisional duel with their NFC East rival, the top-seeded/defending champion New York Giants
. The Giants had defeated the Eagles 36–31 in Week 10, but the Eagles won 20–14 four weeks later in the Meadowlands
. It was the start of a skid for New York where they lost three of their final four games after the loss of receiver Plaxico Burress
.
Ahmad Bradshaw
returned the opening kickoff to the Eagle 35-yard line and the Giants finished the drive with a 22-yard John Carney field goal. On the first play of New York's next drive, Asante Samuel
came up with another big playoff interception for the Eagles, returning the ball inside the New York 5-yard line. Donovan McNabb
stretched the ball over the plane for a touchdown on a quarterback sneak as Philadelphia took a 7–3 lead. New York punter Jeff Feagles
pinned the Eagles deep in their own territory early in the second quarter, and the Giants defense forced McNabb into committing an intentional grounding penalty from his own endzone, giving the Giants a safety. Carney missed from 46 yards on the ensuing New York possession, but he was good from 34 yard on the next possession as New York went ahead 8–7. The Eagles' offense finally got on track on their last possession of the half, driving down the field and getting a 25-yard field goal by David Akers
to take a 10–8 lead to the locker room.
New York defensive lineman Fred Robbins
came up with an interception of McNabb early in the third quarter, and New York retook the lead on a field goal. Philadelphia responded with an impressive drive highlighted by McNabb finding slot receiver Jason Avant
for a 21-yard gain on 3rd-and-20 and running back Correll Buckhalter
for 19 yards on 3rd-and-10. The drive ended in a short field goal and the Eagles led 13–11. Carney missed a 47-yarder on the next drive, and the Eagles capitalized with a 10-play drive capped with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek
. Early in the fourth quarter, on 4th-and-1 from the Giant 44-yard line, Eli Manning
was stuffed on a quarterback sneak. On the next drive, the Eagles defensive line stopped Derrick Ward
and Brandon Jacobs
on third and fourth down. After the ball turned over on downs, McNabb laced a 48-yard bomb to DeSean Jackson
. A field goal followed and the Eagles took a 23–11 lead. Quintin Mikell
's interception of Manning essentially ended the game.
The Eagles had delivered a big upset and now advanced to the NFC Championship against the Arizona Cardinals
. McNabb threw for 217 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in windy conditions. Brian Westbrook
was held to 36 rushing yards, but DeSean Jackson caught four passes for 84 yards. While Jacobs and Ward combined for 138 yards, Manning struggled in the passing game, throwing two interceptions.
for their fifth appearance in eight years in the NFC Championship Game
against the Arizona Cardinals
. On Thanksgiving Night, the Eagles had crushed Arizona 48–20. The Cardinals, who finished 9–7 with losses in four of their last six games, were considered by some experts to be one of the worst playoff teams ever. However, they put together wins over the Atlanta Falcons
and the Carolina Panthers
behind strong performances by veteran quarterback Kurt Warner
and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
.
The Cardinals marched down the field after the game's opening kickoff and ended the drive with Kurt Warner
's 9-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald
. Donovan McNabb
scrambled for 21 yards on Philadelphia's first play, and the drive ended in a 45-yard field goal by David Akers
(improving his NFL record for consecutive postseason field goals to 19). Akers missed on the next Eagles' drive, and on Arizona's first play after taking over, Fitzgerald scored on a 62-yard touchdown pass on a trick play to give Arizona a 14–3 second quarter lead. A 47-yard catch and run by Kevin Curtis
helped Philadelphia answer with a 33-yard field goal, but the Cardinals would end the half with Warner's 1-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald and kicker Neil Rackers
' 49-yard field goal to take a commanding 24–6 lead.
The third quarter began with safety Adrian Wilson sacking McNabb on a blitz and Arizona recovering. However, the Eagles' defense held and McNabb began to rally Philadelphia. A 50-yard completion to Curtis jump-started a drive that ended in a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek
to make it 24–13. The Eagles got the ball right back and scored again on a 31-yard touchdown pass from McNabb to Celek, narrowing the score to 24–19 after a failed PAT by Akers. The Cardinals punted again, and with 10:45 left in the fourth quarter, McNabb launched a bomb to DeSean Jackson
that he bobbled and then hauled in despite the coverage of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
. The 62-yard play put Philadelphia ahead 25–24 (after a failed 2-point conversion). The Cardinals began an eight minute drive (that included a 4th-and-1 conversion) that was capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Tim Hightower
. The successful 2-point conversion by Ben Patrick
put Arizona back on top 32–25. The Eagles drove in Arizona territory, but four straight incompletions ended Philadelphia's hopes of a Super Bowl XLIII
appearance.
With the loss, Philadelphia's season ended with an overall record of 11–7–1. McNabb threw for 375 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Curtis had 122 receiving yards, Jackson had 92 receiving yards, and Celek had 10 catches and two touchdowns. However, Brian Westbrook
(71 yards from scrimmage) was a non-factor and the defense forced zero turnovers. Larry Fitzgerald, who eventually set a record for receiving yards in a playoff season, had 152 yards, three touchdowns, and dominated the first half.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the team's 76th season as a franchise in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The Eagles improved upon their 8–8 record and fourth-place finish in the NFC East
NFC East
The NFC East is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference. It currently has four members: the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins....
in the 2007 season
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
by going 9–6–1 and earning the 6th seed in the NFC Playoffs. The team lost in the Conference Championship game. For head coach Andy Reid
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter "Andy" Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, a post he has held since 1999. Since 2001, he has also been the team's executive vice president of football operations...
, this was his tenth season as the coach of the Eagles.
Offseason
Though the Eagles finished the 2007 season2007 Philadelphia Eagles season
The 2007 Philadelphia Eagles season marked the 75th anniversary of the Eagles franchise. The team compiled an 8–8 record and a last-place finish in the NFC East....
strong, winning their final three games, they finished 8–8 and in last place in a tough division. In the off-season, the Eagles made noise by signing star cornerback Asante Samuel
Asante Samuel
Asante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
from the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
on February 29, 2008, the first day that he became available. Samuel, signed to a six-year, $57 million contract, was considered the top player available in free agency, and was Philadelphia's biggest signing since Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
in 2004
2004 Philadelphia Eagles season
-Regular season:-Playoffs:-Week 1: vs. New York Giants:The highly-anticipated Eagles' season began with a convincing rout of the division-rival New York Giants in a game that was not as close as the 31–17 score. New York scored the first points when Ron Dayne finished a first quarter drive with a...
. The Eagles also signed defensive end Chris Clemons, and gave him a sizable signing bonus, but he struggled with injuries in the preseason, and barely made the team. Oft-injured defensive lineman Jevon Kearse
Jevon Kearse
Jevon Kearse , nicknamed "The Freak," is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League for eleven seasons during the late 1990s and 2000s...
returned to the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
and Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Gerard Spikes is an American football linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 13th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
was released, with a young corps of linebackers ready to replace him. Tight end L.J. Smith
L.J. Smith
John Smith III , commonly known as L.J., which stands for "Little John", is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, who has battled injury, was given a franchise tag to keep him in Philadelphia.
In the draft, the Eagles traded down again, lining themselves up with two first-round picks in 2009. Training camp and the preseason were mixed with good news and bad news. On the negative side, All-Pro guard Shawn Andrews
Shawn Andrews
-Philadelphia Eagles:Andrews was chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 16th overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, after trading up with the San Francisco 49ers. The day after selecting Andrews, the Eagles traded John Welbourn to the Kansas City Chiefs, officially making Andrews the team's starting...
had a late-start to the preseason because of a personal battle with depression. Cornerback Lito Sheppard
Lito Sheppard
Lito Decorian Sheppard is an American football cornerback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Florida.Sheppard has also played for the New York...
now looked like a third wheel in the secondary behind Samuel and Sheldon Brown, and vented his frustration. A contract dispute with star running back Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
also looked to be another distraction until the team signed him to a three-year, $21 million extension. Philadelphia's biggest issue was the weak receiving corps. In the spring, the team was unsuccessful in acquiring a big name receiver, and the situation was exascerbated when number one receiver Kevin Curtis
Kevin Curtis
-St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421...
went down with a sports hernia in the preseason, while number two receiver Reggie Brown nursed a sore hamstring. No moves were made to fix the problem, and many experts considered the Eagles too weak at the position to go deep into the playoffs. However, 5'10 second round draft pick DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
had a great preseason, and was named as a Week 1 starter for the Eagles at receiver. Quarterback Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
also had a strong preseason, and finally looked fully recovered from his 2006
2006 Philadelphia Eagles season
The 2006 Philadelphia Eagles season ended in the Eagles finishing 10–6, reclaiming the NFC East, and winning a playoff game at home. The season ended in a Divisional Round playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints, but was seen as a success in the face of the adversity of losing starting quarterback...
knee surgery. The rebuilt special teams unit impressed in the preseason, with draft picks Jackson and Quintin Demps
Quintin Demps
Quintin Lamon Demps is an American football safety for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas-El Paso....
returning a punt and a kick respectivelly for touchdowns in an exhibition win over the Patriots.
The offense went into the season with Westbrook in his prime and a seemingly rejuvenated McNabb, but the receiving corps looked feeble, and the offensive line looked uncertain, with the aging tackles Jon Runyan
Jon Runyan
Jon Daniel Runyan is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party. He is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League, where he played for fourteen seasons. He was a participant in the 2003 Pro Bowl following the 2002 NFL season...
and Tra Thomas anchoring the unit, and Shawn Andrews not playing until the middle of the preseason. The defense featured the deepest secondary in the NFL with Samuel, Brown, Sheppard, and veteran safety Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins is an American football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
. The linebacking corps looked young and quick, and Trent Cole
Trent Cole
-2005:Cole was selected in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles with the draft pick acquired from the Washington Redskins for wide receiver James Thrash. He signed a 4-year contract before his rookie season....
was the clear star on the defensive line. Possibly the most key improvement in the team over 2007 lies in the special teams, which was a consistent weakness the previous season.
Notable roster additions
- CB Asante SamuelAsante SamuelAsante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
- Signed as a free agent from the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. - DE Chris Clemons- Signed as a free agent from the Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - DT/FB Dan KleckoDan KleckoDan Klecko is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Temple....
– Signed as a free agent from the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. - TE L.J. SmithL.J. SmithJohn Smith III , commonly known as L.J., which stands for "Little John", is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
– Signed his franchise tagFranchise TagIn the National Football League, the franchise tag is a designation a team may apply to a player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The tag binds the player to the team for one year if certain conditions are met. Each team has access each year to only one franchise tag and one...
tender. - FB Luke LawtonLuke LawtonRichard Luke Lawton is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
- Traded from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2009 conditional draft pick.
Notable roster losses
- LB Takeo SpikesTakeo SpikesTakeo Gerard Spikes is an American football linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 13th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
– Signed with 49ers During Free Agency - CB William James- Signed with Bills During Free Agency
- DE Jevon KearseJevon KearseJevon Kearse , nicknamed "The Freak," is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League for eleven seasons during the late 1990s and 2000s...
– Signed with Titans During Free Agency - FB Thomas TapehThomas TapehThomas Teah Tapeh is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
– Signed with Vikings During Free Agency
2008 NFL Draft results
- Round 2(47)- Trevor LawsTrevor LawsTrevor David Laws is an American football defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame....
--Defensive Tackle--Notre DameUniversity of Notre DameThe University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States... - Round 2(49)- DeSean JacksonDeSean JacksonGoing to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
--Wide ReceiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
--CalUniversity of CaliforniaThe University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University... - Round 3(80)- Bryan SmithBryan Smith (American football)-Philadelphia Eagles:Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He signed a 4-year contract with the team on July 1, 2008. He was waived on September 5, 2009.-St. Louis Rams:...
--Defensive EndDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
--McNeese StateMcNeese State UniversityMcNeese State University is a public university located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the United States. Founded in 1939 as a junior college, McNeese experienced growth due to economic activity in the region. It adopted its present name in 1970.... - Round 4(109)- Mike McGlynnMike McGlynnMichael Ryan "Mike" McGlynn is an American football center for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
--Offensive Tackle--PittsburghUniversity of PittsburghThe University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of... - Round 4(117)- Quintin DempsQuintin DempsQuintin Lamon Demps is an American football safety for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas-El Paso....
--Safety--UTEP - Round 4(131)- Jack IkegwuonuJack IkegwuonuJack Ikegwuonu is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
--CornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
--Wisconsin - Round 6(184)- Mike GibsonMike Gibson (American football)Mike Gibson is an American football guard for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
--Offensive Tackle--CalUniversity of CaliforniaThe University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University... - Round 6(200)- Joe MaysJoe Mays (American football)Joseph Lamont "Joe" Mays is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Dakota State.-Early years:Joe attended Hyde Park High School...
--LinebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
--North Dakota StateNorth Dakota State UniversityNorth Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, more commonly known as North Dakota State University , is a public university in Fargo, North Dakota. NDSU has about 14,000 students and it is the largest university in North Dakota based on full time students and land size... - Round 6(203)- Andrew StudebakerAndrew StudebakerAndrew Studebaker is an American football Outside Linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wheaton...
--Defensive EndDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
--WheatonWheaton College (Illinois)Wheaton College is a private, evangelical Protestant liberal arts college in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago in the United States... - Round 7(230)- King DunlapKing Dunlap-Philadelphia Eagles:Dunlap was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 230th pick overall in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team on June 17, 2008...
--Offensive Tackle--AuburnAuburn UniversityAuburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...
Preseason
| Pre-Season Game | Date | Opponent | Result | Game Site | Record | Match Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 8, 2008 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
L 16–10 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
0–1 | Recap |
| 2 | August 14, 2008 | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
W 24–13 | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
1–1 | Recap |
| 3 | August 22, 2008 | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
W 27–17 | Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution... |
2–1 | Recap |
| 4 | August 28, 2008 | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 27–20 | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
2–2 | Recap |
Regular season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Result | Game Site | TV | Record | NFL Recap | Jerseys | Pants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
1:00 | 38–3 W | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
FOX | 1–0–0 | Recap | White | Green |
| 2 | September 15, 2008 | at Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
8:30 | 41–37 L | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
ESPN | 1–1–0 | Recap | Green | White |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
4:15 | 15–6 W | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
CBS | 2–1–0 | Recap | White | Green |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | at Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
8:15 | 24–20 L | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
NBC | 2–2–0 | Recap | White | Green |
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
1:00 | 23–17 L | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
FOX | 2–3–0 | Recap | White | Green |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | at San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
4:15 | 40–26 W | Candlestick Park | FOX | 3–3–0 | Recap | White | Green |
| 7 | Bye | |||||||||
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1:00 | 27–14 W | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
FOX | 4–3–0 | Recap | Green | White |
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | at Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
4:15 | 26–7 W | Qwest Field Qwest Field CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer... |
FOX | 5–3–0 | Recap | White | Green |
| 10 | November 9, 2008 | New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
8:15 | 36–31 L | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
NBC | 5–4–0 | Recap | Green | White |
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | at Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
1:00 | 13–13 T | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
FOX | 5–4–1 | Recap | White | Green |
| 12 | November 23, 2008 | at Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
1:00 | 36–7 L | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
FOX | 5–5–1 | Recap | White | Green |
| 13 | November 27, 2008 | Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
8:15 | 48–20 W | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
NFL Network NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
6–5–1 | Recap | Black | White |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | at New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1:00 | 20–14 W | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
FOX | 7–5–1 | Recap | White | Green |
| 15 | December 15, 2008 | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
8:30 | 30–10 W | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
ESPN | 8–5–1 | Recap | Green | White |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | at Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
4:15 | 10–3 L | FedEx Field | FOX | 8–6–1 | Recap | White | Green |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
4:15 | 44–6 W | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
FOX | 9–6–1 | Recap | Green | White |
Game will be seen on 6ABC in Philadelphia area.
Time is subject to change as per "flex scheduling".
Week 1: vs. St. Louis Rams
The Eagles raced out of the gates to dismantle the St. Louis RamsSt. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
38–3, their largest opening week margin-of-victory ever. Rookie DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
pulled down a 47-yard reception on the second play, and the drive finished with a shovel pass touchdown to Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
marched the Eagles down the field again on their second possession, finding L.J. Smith
L.J. Smith
John Smith III , commonly known as L.J., which stands for "Little John", is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
in the back of the end zone to make it 14–0. Late in the second quarter, receiver Hank Baskett
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall "Hank" Baskett III is a wide receiver who is currently a free agent. Baskett has played for three NFL teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts....
beat the coverage and scored on a 90-yard reception (which was also McNabb's second longest career TD pass). Fullback Tony Hunt
Tony Hunt
Antonio Christopher Hunt is an American football running back for the Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna of the Austrian Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.-Early years:A standout player at T. C...
scored from a yard out in the third quarter. DeSean Jackson's 60-yard punt return set up a short field goal for David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
, and Philadelphia's lead grew to 31–0. Westbrook added a 6-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter before St. Louis kicked a field goal to avoid the shutout. McNabb threw for 361 yards and three scores. Jackson, Greg Lewis, and Baskett each had over 100 yards receiving. Westbrook ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns
With the win, the Eagles began their season at 1–0.
Week 2: at Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles went toe-to-toe with their hated rivals, the Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
, on MNF in the teams' final meeting at Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675...
. The game would be high-scoring – filled with exciting plays and seven lead changes. On their opening drive, Philadelphia scored first with kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
nailing a 34-yard field goal. The Cowboys struck right back with Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completing a 72-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
, who badly beat the Eagles' secondary. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
drove the Eagles' into Dallas territory again, but again settled for a field goal. Dallas immediately answered when rookie Felix Jones
Felix Jones
Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
returned the kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and a 14–6 Cowboy advantage. Asante Samuel
Asante Samuel
Asante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
intercepted Romo on Dallas' next drive, leading to a 6-yard touchdown reception by Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
early in the second quarter. Romo fumbled in his own end zone on the first play of the ensuing drive and linebacker Chris Gocong
Chris Gocong
-Philadelphia Eagles:Gocong was drafted in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, but missed the entire 2006 season due to an injury suffered before the preseason. He made his NFL debut on September 9, 2007, where he started at the "Sam" linebacker position...
recovered for the touchdown and a 20–14 Eagle lead. However, the Cowboys would respond with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other again on a 4-yard TD pass. The Eagles took over and McNabb connected with rookie DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
on a 60-yard play, but his premature celebration cost him a touchdown (as well as a pass-for-touchdown by McNabb). Nevertheless, Westbrook scored on the resulting 1st and goal from the 1-yard line, diving over the pile to put Philadelphia back on top. Akers nailed a 22-yard field goal and Philadelphia had its biggest lead of the night, 30–21. Dallas would end the explosive half with kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
making a 51-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Cowboys went ahead again as Romo completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to running back Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles would once again retake the lead, at 37–31, with Westbrook's 1-yard touchdown run. Nick Folk's 47-yard field goal made it 37–34 Philadelphia. The critical turnover occurred when McNabb botched a handoff to Westbrook at the Cowboy 33-yard line that Dallas recovered. Romo led his team down the field and Barber rushed it in to the right side, giving Dallas the winning margin at 41–37. Needing a touchdown, Philadelphia had two more possessions, but failed to score. McNabb threw for 281 yards and a score, while Romo had 312 passing yards and three touchdowns. Westbrook found the end zone three times while gaining 103 all-purpose yards. DeSean Jackson again had over 100 receiving yards. The game featured the second most first half points in MNF history (54) and most combined points in the rivalry's history (78). With the loss, the Eagles fell to 1–1.
Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
After a turnover, the Steelers scored the first points on a Jeff Reed 37-yard field goal. Brian WestbrookBrian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
left the game with an ankle injury early in the second quarter, but Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
finished the drive with a 20-yard touchdown catch. The touchdown was the 176th for Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
, surpassing Ron Jaworski
Ron Jaworski
Ronald Vincent "Ron" Jaworski is a former American football quarterback and currently an NFL analyst on ESPN. He is also CEO of Ron Jaworski Golf Management, Inc., based out of Blackwood, New Jersey, and manages golf courses in southern New Jersey, northeast Pennsylvania, and West Virginia...
on the franchise list. The Philadelphia defense began to take over at this point, sacking Roethlisberger six times in the quarter. A fumble recovery by Brodrick Bunkley
Brodrick Bunkley
-Philadelphia Eagles:On April 29, 2006 Bunkley was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was one of four Florida State Seminoles defensive players taken in the first round of the draft...
after a sack led to a David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
field goal. Pittsburgh would end the half with Reed kicking a 53-yard field goal to make it 10–6. Without Westbrook, the Eagles' offense struggled to score, but the defense continued to shut down the Steelers. An intentional grounding penalty on Roethlisberger from his own end zone resulted in a safety. A diving sack and fumble recovery by Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins is an American football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
led to a field goal and sealed the win, giving the Eagles a 15–6 lead. The defense sacked Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich
Byron Leftwich
Byron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
nine times, forced two fumbles, and intercepted a pass. Punter Sav Rocca also contributed to the second-half shutout with his punts. The Eagles improved to 2–1 with the win.
Week 4: at Chicago Bears
Without Brian WestbrookBrian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
, but coming off their dominate defensive performance over the Steelers, the Eagles flew to Soldier Field
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
for a Week 4 Sunday night duel with the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The Bears started quickly, forcing a three-and-out, then scoring on three passing plays. DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
was responsible for gaining 66 of the 74 yards travelled on the next drive, including a 22-yard touchdown reception from Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
to tie the score. Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
passed to Marty Booker
Marty Booker
Marty Montez Booker is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
for a 23-yard touchdown to make it 14–7 Chicago in the second quarter, but the Eagles came right back with a quick drive ending in Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
scoring from a yard out. After a missed 50-yard field goal by David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
, the Bears used the short field to set up a 20-yard touchdown pass to Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
. Akers missed another field goal in the third quarter before making two short kicks that came after Kyle Orton fumbles. Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
booted a 41-yard kick to make it 24–20 Bears in the fourth quarter. McNabb then took the Eagles down the field, and with 5:40 left to play, Philadelphia had 1st-and-goal from the 4-yard line. Buckhalter got to the 1-yard line on first down, but him and Tony Hunt
Tony Hunt
Antonio Christopher Hunt is an American football running back for the Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna of the Austrian Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.-Early years:A standout player at T. C...
failed to score on second and third down. Andy Reid
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter "Andy" Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, a post he has held since 1999. Since 2001, he has also been the team's executive vice president of football operations...
went for it on fourth down and Buckhalter was stuffed for no gain. The Bears killed most of the clock on their next drive and the Eagles fell 24–20. McNabb threw for 262 yards. Reggie Brown had 6 catches for 79 yards. The loss made the Eagles 2–2.
Week 5: vs. Washington Redskins
The Eagles dropped a divisional matchup to a Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
team that was coming off an upset win over the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
. Philadelphia enjoyed a fast start, with Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
marching the Eagles on a 12-play opening drive, ending with a 9-yard touchdown by Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
. After a Washington three-and-out, DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
reversed the field and
returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown to give Philadelphia a 14–0 advantage. After a 50-yard field goal miss by David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
on Philadelphia's next drive, the Redskins began their comeback. They chipped away at the lead with three second quarter field goals by Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. In the third quarter, Washington took the lead on a trick play, with receiver Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...
completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Cooley. Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
scored on a 4-yard run for Washington, making it 23–14. Midway through the final quarter, the Eagles had 2nd and 1 from the Washington 2-yard line, but were forced to settle for a field goal. A successful fourth down conversion by Portis ended the game. The Philadelphia running defense gave up 203 yards, 144 of them to Portis. Westbrook learned after the game that he had broken his ribs during the first quarter. With the loss, Philadelphia fell to 2–3 in the NFC East
NFC East
The NFC East is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference. It currently has four members: the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins....
.
Week 6: at San Francisco 49ers
Playing without several offensive starters, the Eagles pulled out a 40–26 win with a gutsy fourth quarter comeback against the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. Following a 49ers field goal, the Eagles capitalized on a big kickoff return by Quintin Demps
Quintin Demps
Quintin Lamon Demps is an American football safety for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas-El Paso....
to eventually score on a Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
1-yard run. San Francisco kicked another field goal to close to 7–6, but Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
connected with Hank Baskett
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall "Hank" Baskett III is a wide receiver who is currently a free agent. Baskett has played for three NFL teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts....
on a 2-yard fade pass for a touchdown early in the second quarter. A chip shot field goal by David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
gave Philadelphia a 17–6 lead, but 49ers kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
made a 53-yarder on the next drive to make it 17–9. Just before halftime, Akers attempted a long 54-yard attempt, but the kick was blocked and returned for a touchdown by San Francisco. On their first drive of the third quarter, the 49ers drove down the field and took the lead 23–17 on a 6-yard run by Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
. Nedney added another field goal and it was 26–17 49ers going into the fourth quarter. McNabb led the Eagles on a scoring drive, finding tight end L.J. Smith
L.J. Smith
John Smith III , commonly known as L.J., which stands for "Little John", is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
in the middle of the endzone for the touchdown. The Philadelphia defense began to smother the San Francisco attack, and the Eagles got the ball back and retook the lead on a 38-yard Akers field goal. An interception by safety Quintin Mikell
Quintin Mikell
Quintin Perry Mikell is an American football safety for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Boise State....
led to another Philadelphia field goal, making it 30–26. A fumble recovery by defensive lineman Chris Clemons resulted in another Akers field goal. With Philadelphia up by seven points, Juqua Parker intercepted San Francisco's J.T. O'Sullivan
J.T. O'Sullivan
John Thomas "J. T." O'Sullivan is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at UC Davis....
and returned it for a touchdown. McNabb threw for a pair of touchdowns and 279 yards. Buckhalter had a huge game, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown, and catching seven passes for 89 yards. DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
added 94 receiving yards. With the win, the Eagles entered their bye week at 3–3.
Week 8: vs Atlanta Falcons
The Eagles improved to 10–0 after the bye under Andy ReidAndy Reid
Andrew Walter "Andy" Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, a post he has held since 1999. Since 2001, he has also been the team's executive vice president of football operations...
with a 27–14 victory over the 4–2 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The Eagles offense struggled to get into a rhythm through the first quarter and a half, with Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
misfiring on several passes. Atlanta scored first with a 55-yard catch and run from Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan (American football)
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
to Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
. The Eagles tied the score when McNabb capped off a long drive with a 3-yard quarterback draw for a touchdown. Philadelphia drove down the field and scored on a 36-yard David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
field goal in just 45 seconds before halftime. The Eagles continued to roll on their opening possession of the third quarter, scoring on a 16-yard run by Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
to open up a 17–7 lead. Atlanta drove to the Philadelphia 1-yard line in te third quarter, but Lito Sheppard
Lito Sheppard
Lito Decorian Sheppard is an American football cornerback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Florida.Sheppard has also played for the New York...
intercepted a fade to the end zone. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia's offense failed to capitalize on yet another goal line situation, and instead settled for a field goal, giving Atlanta hope. The Falcons responded with an impressive drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Roddy White, making it 20–14. The Eagles went three and out and punted, but the officials ruled the punt was muffed by Adam Jennings and recovered by the Eagles. Atlanta, out of timeouts, could not challenge the controversial call, and two plays later Westbrook broke a 39-yard touchdown to the left side to put the game away. Westbrook rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns and had 42 receiving yards. McNabb had 253 passing yards and also ran for 25 yards. The win was the 100th of Reid's career and the 500th in the history of the franchise.
With the win, the Eagles improved to 4–3.
Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia shook off a shaky start and cruised to a 26–7 victory over a banged-up Seattle SeahawksSeattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
team. Seattle scored on their first play from scrimmage on a 90-yard reception by Koren Robinson
Koren Robinson
Koren Lynard Robinson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seahawks ninth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina State....
, but did not threaten the rest of the game. Robinson beat Lito Sheppard
Lito Sheppard
Lito Decorian Sheppard is an American football cornerback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Florida.Sheppard has also played for the New York...
and Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins is an American football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
missed the tackle as the Seahawks jumped out to a 7–0 lead. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
had another ugly start, firing incompletions on his first seven pass attempts. However, in the second quarter, the Eagles began to move the ball and McNabb found Reggie Brown for a 22-yard touchdown. On the next drive, with first and goal, the Eagles ran a play-action fake and McNabb threw it to offensive guard Todd Herremans
Todd Herremans
Not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Herremans worked out for more than 24 NFL teams prior to the 2005 NFL Draft. He was projected to be drafted in the fifth- or sixth-round by NFLDraftScout.com. Herremans was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the draft...
for a 1-yard touchdown and a 14–7 lead. Philadelphia's next four drives led to David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
field goals as they sailed to a 26–7 win. The Eagles' defense forced Seattle to punt on their final ten possessions and Darren Howard
Darren Howard
Darren M. Howard is an American football defensive end. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State.Howard has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles....
had two sacks. McNabb finished with 349 yards passing, two touchdowns, and an interception. Backup tight end Brent Celek
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:...
had the game of his life – finishing with six catches and 131 receiving yards.
With their 3rd-straight win, the Eagles improved to 5–3.
Week 10: vs. New York Giants
The Eagles, who had not won on prime time in two years, faced off against the defending Super Bowl champion New York GiantsNew York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
on a Sunday night game at Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
. Mike Patterson batted up and intercepted Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
, returning the ball inside the New York 10-yard line. Two plays later DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
took the direct snap and rushed 9-yards, diving to the pylon for a touchdown less than two minutes into the game. Manning then led the Giants up the field and he found Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
for a 17-yard touchdown. The Eagles fumbled the kickoff, and New York cashed in for a field goal. On New York's next drive, Manning capped off another another long drive with a short touchdown pass to Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss is an American football tight end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League...
to take a 17–7 lead early in the second quarter. A fumble by Giant rusher Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
gave Philadelphia the ball in New York territory. Six plays later, Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
completed a 10-yard pass to Jason Avant
Jason Avant
Jason Raye Avant is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
for an Eagle touchdown. Sam Madison
Sam Madison
Samuel Adolfus Madison, Jr. is an American football cornerback who is retired. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
picked off McNabb deep in Eagle territory on the next drive, but the Giants settled for a field goal to make it 20–14. McNabb ran the two-minute drill before the half to get the Eagles a 29-yard field goal before halftime, narrowing the score to 20–17. After a good kickoff return by rookie Quintin Demps
Quintin Demps
Quintin Lamon Demps is an American football safety for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas-El Paso....
, the Eagles navigated the short field for another touchdown, this one a fade to Hank Baskett
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall "Hank" Baskett III is a wide receiver who is currently a free agent. Baskett has played for three NFL teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts....
and a 24–20 Philadelphia lead. The Giants, continuing to have success with their ground game, drove down the field. On a critical 3rd-and-10 from the Eagle 20-yard line, Manning completed a 17-yard pass to Boss, but was flagged for crossing the line of scrimmage. Giants' coach Tom Coughlin
Tom Coughlin
Thomas Richard Coughlin is an American football coach who is currently head coach for the New York Giants of the National Football League . Coughlin has led the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII. Coughlin was also the inaugural head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, serving from 1995–2002 and...
challenged the call, and it was reversed, giving New York 1st-and-goal. They scored when Jacobs powered forward on a 3-yard run. Another long Giant drive led to a field goal early in the fourth quarter making it 30–24 Giants. The Giants scored again on their next drive, a 3-yard rush by Jacobs. Andy Reid
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter "Andy" Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, a post he has held since 1999. Since 2001, he has also been the team's executive vice president of football operations...
challenged consecutive plays at the end of the drive, but lost both of them, leaving the Eagles with only one timeout, 9:30 left to play, and a 36–24 deficit (after New York missed on the two-point conversion). A 32-yard completion to DeSean Jackson jump-started the offense, and McNabb hit Kevin Curtis
Kevin Curtis
-St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421...
for a 2-yard touchdown on fourth down to keep Philadelphia alive. The Eagles got the ball back with 3:14 left, but could not convert on a 4th-and-1 near midfield to lose the game 36–31. McNabb had three touchdown passes, but Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
was limited to just 26 yards on 13 carries. Jacobs rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns for the Giants. The Eagles fell to 5–4, 0–3 in their division.
Week 11: at Cincinnati Bengals
The Eagles and Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
played to a 13–13 tie. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
turned the ball over on a sack at the end of the first quarter, leading to a Bengal field goal. A 44-yard catch and run by Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
set up a 42-yard David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
field goal to tie the score early in the second quarter. McNabb was picked off in Bengal territory with less than two minutes left in the half, and Cincinnati scored four plays later on a 26-yard touchdown reception by T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. The Bengals added another field goal early in the third quarter to take a 13–3 lead. Hank Baskett
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall "Hank" Baskett III is a wide receiver who is currently a free agent. Baskett has played for three NFL teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts....
came up with a 57-yard completion, followed by a 4-yard touchdown reception by L.J. Smith
L.J. Smith
John Smith III , commonly known as L.J., which stands for "Little John", is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
to make it 13–10. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia tied the game on a field goal after a 13-play drive. The offenses struggled throughout the rest of regulation and the game went to overtime. The Eagles won the toss, but the Bengals had the field position advantage throughout most of overtime. Nevertheless, neither team could score. The Bengals had a chance to win on 47-yard field goal attempt by Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
, but the kick went wide right and the game ended in a tie. McNabb passed for 338 yards and a touchdown, but had three interceptions (all in Cincinnati territory) and a lost fumble. The defense registered eight sacks. This was the first game in the NFL to end in a tie since the 2002 Falcons-Steelers game. It was also played 11 years to the day since the Eagles' last tie game. After the game, several Philadelphia players, including Donovan McNabb, explained that they did not realize a game could end in a tie, causing controversy because this could have changed the strategy in the overtime period. (This was a regular season game, so there was a limit of one overtime period.)
With the tie, the Eagles fell to 5–4–1, putting them back into last place in the NFC East
NFC East
The NFC East is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference. It currently has four members: the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins....
.
Week 12: at Baltimore Ravens
The Eagles faced off with the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
in an interconference matchup. Both defenses dominated the first quarter, and in the second quarter, Baltimore forced three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) from Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
. Ravens kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
booted a 44-yard field goal, while quarterback Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Wilcox
Daniel Wilcox
Daniel Wilcox is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He has played for the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has played in the National Football League since 2001...
. However, rookie Quintin Demps
Quintin Demps
Quintin Lamon Demps is an American football safety for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas-El Paso....
returned the following kickoff 100 yards for a Philadelphia touchdown to make it 10–7 Ravens at halftime. Andy Reid
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter "Andy" Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, a post he has held since 1999. Since 2001, he has also been the team's executive vice president of football operations...
decided to bench McNabb (who was 8-for-18 for 59 yards and two interceptions) and put backup quarterback Kevin Kolb
Kevin Kolb
Kevin Benjamin Kolb is an American football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston....
into the game. Kolb also struggled with the Baltimore defense, and the Eagles fell behind 12–7 when linebacker Jameel McClain
Jameel McClain
Jameel Leshawn McClain is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
blocked Sav Rocca's punt into the back of the endzone for a safety. In the fourth, the Ravens kicked another field goal after a Kolb interception, then Mark Clayton took a short slant 53-yards for a touchdown to make it 22–7. Kolb drove Philadelphia to the Raven 1-yard line, but was intercepted in the end zone by Ed Reed
Ed Reed
Edward Earl Reed Jr. is an American football free safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens 24th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
, who returned the ball an NFL-record 108 yards for the touchdown. Le'Ron McClain
Le'Ron McClain
- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
added a 1-yard touchdown run as Baltimore won 36–7. Kolb was 10-for-23 for 73 yards and two interceptions, and Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
had 39 yards rushing on 14 carries. The Eagles dropped to 5–5–1.
Week 13: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Andy ReidAndy Reid
Andrew Walter "Andy" Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, a post he has held since 1999. Since 2001, he has also been the team's executive vice president of football operations...
waited until Monday afternoon to name Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
as his starter for a Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. On the opening drive, the Eagles marched down the field and scored on 5-yard touchdown pass up the middle to Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
After Joselio Hanson
Joselio Hanson
Joselio Basilio Hanson is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He began his professional career by signing with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2003, and has also spent one year of his career in Europe with the Frankfurt...
intercepted Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
, the Eagles scored again on four runs to Westbrook, the final one being a 1-yard burst up the middle. In the second quarter, the Eagles increased their lead to 21–0 when McNabb hooked up with Westbrook again on a 2-yard touchdown pass. The Cardinals would get on the board with a 1-yard TD pass to Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
, but Philadelphia closed out the half with kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
getting a 42-yard field goal. Westbrook scored his fourth touchdown on a 9-yard run in third quarter as Philadelphia made it 31–7. Arizona capitalized on a muffed punt return by DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
with a touchdown pass to Steve Breaston
Steve Breaston
Steven William Breaston is an American football wide receiver and punt returner for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
(with a failed 2-point conversion). After a Philadelphia field goal, the Cardinals closed to 34–20 when Fitzgerald caught his second touchdown. However, the Eagles pulled away for good with McNabb completing short touchdown passes to DeSean Jackson and Jason Avant
Jason Avant
Jason Raye Avant is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 6–5–1 and returned to the playoff hunt. McNabb was 27-for-39 for 260 yards and four touchdowns, and Westbrook gained 110 yards rushing, scored two touchdowns on the ground, and two more in the air. McNabb and Westbrook were both given NFL Network
NFL Network
NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation...
's 2008 Pudding Pie Award for their efforts.
Week 14: at New York Giants
After the win over Arizona on Thanksgiving, the Eagles dealt the 11–1 New York GiantsNew York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
a 20–14 loss in a rematch against the defending Super Bowl champions. Philadelphia would close out the first quarter with kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
getting a 51-yard field goal, then they blocked an attempt by John Carney early in the next quarter. Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
broke a 30-yard touchdown run to make it 10–0. Before halftime, Kevin Dockery
Kevin Dockery
Kevin Dockery is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Mississippi State....
returned a blocked Akers field goal attempt 71 yards for a New York touchdown. In the scoreless third quarter, the Eagles held the Giants' offense to six plays. Philadelphia scored in the fourth when Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
found Westbrook, who had beaten the coverage of linebacker Antonio Pierce
Antonio Pierce
Antonio Durran Pierce is a former American football linebacker. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at Arizona....
, for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Westbrook carried the ball 11 times on the next drive, which was capped with Akers making a 34-yard field goal to make it 20–7. Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
completed a 1-yard touchdown to tight end Darcy Johnson
Darcy Johnson
Darcy Johnson is an American football tight end for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at UCF....
for New York to close the scoring. Westbrook had 131 rushing yards on 33 carries and a touchdown, as well as six catches for 72 yards and another touchdown. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 7–5–1.
Week 15: vs. Cleveland Browns
Trying to continue their two-game winning streak and keep their playoff hopes alive, the Eagles hosted the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
on Monday Night Football. The Eagles scored a touchdown on their opening drive – a 14-yard pass from Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
to Kevin Curtis
Kevin Curtis
-St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421...
. After trading field goals later in the first quarter, the Eagles took a 17–3 lead when Asante Samuel
Asante Samuel
Asante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. On the final play of the half, McNabb was intercepted on a fade pass by Brandon McDonald
Brandon McDonald
Brandon McDonald is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, who returned the ball all the way to inside the Eagle 5-yard line before being forced out of bounds. David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
converted a 34-yard field goal in the third quarter to make it 20–3 Eagles. Following another Akers field goal, McNabb found Greg Lewis on a 10-yard touchdown pass, increasing the lead to 30–10. Cleveland's sole touchdown came on an interception return by Brandon McDonald
Brandon McDonald
Brandon McDonald is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
off of Eagle second-string quarterback Kevin Kolb
Kevin Kolb
Kevin Benjamin Kolb is an American football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston....
. With the win, the Eagle's winning streak increased to three games, and hopes of a playoff berth continued. Their record went to 8–5–1.
Week 16: at Washington Redskins
The Eagles came out flat and lost 10–3 to the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
in a game that was almost a must-win for them. After a scoreless first quarter, Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
kicked a 33-yard field goal to send Eagles to halftime with a 3–0 deficit. In the third quarter, Washington cashed in on a fumble recovery deep in Philadelphia territory when running back Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. The Eagles answered with kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
nailing a 22-yard field goal to make it 10–3 Washington. With 3:48 to play, Philadelphia's offense mustered up a late-game drive. After a couple of incomplete passes in the direction of DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
, a pair of receptions by Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
got the Eagles inside the Washington red zone. However, the rally fell short when a pass to wide receiver Reggie Brown only got to the 1-yard line, as Redskins cornerback Fred Smoot
Fred Smoot
Fredrick "Fred" Duayne Smoot is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
and safety LaRon Landry
LaRon Landry
LaRon Louis Landry is an American football strong safety for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Redskins sixth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State...
tackled Brown shy of the goal line, allowing time to run out. The Eagles dropped to 8–6–1.
Week 17: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Losses by the Chicago BearsChicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
earlier in the day gave the Eagles the help they needed and created a situation where the winner between the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
would earn a playoff berth. In the first quarter, the Eagles scored first with a 40-yard field goal from kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
. The game would soon be tied by Cowboys kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
's 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Eagles took control when quarterback Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
found Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
for a 59-yard catch-and-run, then snuck the ball up the middle himself for touchdown. McNabb completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Buckhalter later in the quarter, then hit tight end Brent Celek
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:...
for a 1-yard touchdown pass as Philadelphia took a 24–3 lead. A kick return fumble by Pacman Jones with five seconds left in the half allowed the Eagles to close out the half with a David Akers 50-yard field goal. A gadget play where Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
passed 42 yards to Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
took Dallas into Philadelphia territory, but Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins is an American football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
sacked Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
, causing a fumble which was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Chris Clemons. On the Cowboys' next drive, Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
fumbled (Also caused by Dawkins) inside the Eagle 5-yard line, and Joselio Hanson
Joselio Hanson
Joselio Basilio Hanson is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He began his professional career by signing with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2003, and has also spent one year of his career in Europe with the Frankfurt...
returned the ball 96 yards for a touchdown and it was now 41–3 Eagles. A Chris Clemons sack of Romo caused another fumble, which led to a field goal and 44–3 lead. The Eagles forced five turnovers, Buckhalter had 122 yards from scrimmage, and McNabb had a pair of touchdown passes and one rushing score. Philadelphia ended the regular season at 9–6–1, but more importantly, they had improbably clinched the NFC's #6 seed.
NFC Wild Card: at Minnesota Vikings
Entering the postseason as the NFC's sixth seed, the Eagles began their playoff run at the Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
against the #3 seeded Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. The Vikings, coached by Andy Reid
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter "Andy" Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, a post he has held since 1999. Since 2001, he has also been the team's executive vice president of football operations...
protege Brad Childress
Brad Childress
Brad "Chilly" Childress is the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He attended high school at the Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois...
, finished the season at 10–6 with an NFC North
NFC North
The NFC North is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference, based in the Upper Midwest region of the United States...
title. Minnesota's defense was ranked #1 in the league against the rush. The offense featured emerging superstar running back Adrian Peterson, but inexperienced Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
had taken over at quarterback late in the year and would start in the playoffs.
In the opening quarter, a 62-yard punt return by DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
led to a 43-yard field goal by kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
. Akers converted from 51 yards at the end of the quarter and the Eagles led 6–0.
The Vikings struck in the second quarter when running back Adrian Peterson broke a 40-yard touchdown run to the left, giving Minnesota a 7–6 lead. A 34 yard completion by Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
to DeSean Jackson set up another field goal for the Eagles. One minute later, cornerback Asante Samuel
Asante Samuel
Asante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
returned an interception of Tarvaris Jackson 44 yards return for a touchdown (the 4th of his career, which is the most career postseason TD interception returns in NFL history). Peterson carried it in 3 yards for a touchdown late in the half to make the score 16–14 Eagles.
The defenses stiffened in a scoreless third quarter, but the game remained tight. Then, with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter, Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
took a screen pass 71 yards for a touchdown to extend Philadelphia's lead to 23–14. Westbrook's play was greatly aided by excellent downfield blocking by the rest of the Eagle offense. The Eagles' recovery of a low shotgun snap to Tarvaris Jackson led to Akers' fourth field goal of the day and a 26–14 lead.
Westbrook had 121 yards from scrimmage, as well as a key touchdown. Tight end Brent Celek
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:...
chipped in with 6 catches for 56 yards, while McNabb threw for 300 yards a touchdown and an interception. With the win, the Eagles improved their overall record to 10–6–1. Also, Philadelphia improved their Wild Card record under head coach Andy Reid to 4–0.
NFC Divisional Round: at New York Giants
Coming off their Wild Card road win over the Vikings, the Eagles took a bus up the NJ Turnpike to Giants StadiumGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for their NFC Divisional duel with their NFC East rival, the top-seeded/defending champion New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The Giants had defeated the Eagles 36–31 in Week 10, but the Eagles won 20–14 four weeks later in the Meadowlands
Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
. It was the start of a skid for New York where they lost three of their final four games after the loss of receiver Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
.
Ahmad Bradshaw
Ahmad Bradshaw
Ahmad Bradshaw is an American football running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants...
returned the opening kickoff to the Eagle 35-yard line and the Giants finished the drive with a 22-yard John Carney field goal. On the first play of New York's next drive, Asante Samuel
Asante Samuel
Asante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
came up with another big playoff interception for the Eagles, returning the ball inside the New York 5-yard line. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
stretched the ball over the plane for a touchdown on a quarterback sneak as Philadelphia took a 7–3 lead. New York punter Jeff Feagles
Jeff Feagles
Jeffrey Allan Feagles is a retired American football punter. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 1988. He played college football at the University of Miami, and most recently played for the New York Giants of the National Football League.Feagles is...
pinned the Eagles deep in their own territory early in the second quarter, and the Giants defense forced McNabb into committing an intentional grounding penalty from his own endzone, giving the Giants a safety. Carney missed from 46 yards on the ensuing New York possession, but he was good from 34 yard on the next possession as New York went ahead 8–7. The Eagles' offense finally got on track on their last possession of the half, driving down the field and getting a 25-yard field goal by David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
to take a 10–8 lead to the locker room.
New York defensive lineman Fred Robbins
Fred Robbins
-Minnesota Vikings:Robbins was drafted on the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four-year $5.5 million deal with the Vikings. As a rookie in 2000, played in 8 games as a reserve and had 5 tackles and one sack. In 2001, played in 16 games with 12 starts and had...
came up with an interception of McNabb early in the third quarter, and New York retook the lead on a field goal. Philadelphia responded with an impressive drive highlighted by McNabb finding slot receiver Jason Avant
Jason Avant
Jason Raye Avant is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
for a 21-yard gain on 3rd-and-20 and running back Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
for 19 yards on 3rd-and-10. The drive ended in a short field goal and the Eagles led 13–11. Carney missed a 47-yarder on the next drive, and the Eagles capitalized with a 10-play drive capped with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:...
. Early in the fourth quarter, on 4th-and-1 from the Giant 44-yard line, Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
was stuffed on a quarterback sneak. On the next drive, the Eagles defensive line stopped Derrick Ward
Derrick Ward
Derrick LaRon Ward is an American football running back for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State University and Ottawa University...
and Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
on third and fourth down. After the ball turned over on downs, McNabb laced a 48-yard bomb to DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
. A field goal followed and the Eagles took a 23–11 lead. Quintin Mikell
Quintin Mikell
Quintin Perry Mikell is an American football safety for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Boise State....
's interception of Manning essentially ended the game.
The Eagles had delivered a big upset and now advanced to the NFC Championship against the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. McNabb threw for 217 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in windy conditions. Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
was held to 36 rushing yards, but DeSean Jackson caught four passes for 84 yards. While Jacobs and Ward combined for 138 yards, Manning struggled in the passing game, throwing two interceptions.
NFC Championship: at Arizona Cardinals
Coming off their divisional road win over the top-seeded Giants, the Eagles flew to the University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
for their fifth appearance in eight years in the NFC Championship Game
NFC Championship Game
The National Football Conference Championship Game is one of the two semi-final playoff matches of the National Football League, the largest professional American football league in the United States. The game is played on the penultimate Sunday in January and determines the champion of the...
against the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. On Thanksgiving Night, the Eagles had crushed Arizona 48–20. The Cardinals, who finished 9–7 with losses in four of their last six games, were considered by some experts to be one of the worst playoff teams ever. However, they put together wins over the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
behind strong performances by veteran quarterback Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
.
The Cardinals marched down the field after the game's opening kickoff and ended the drive with Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
's 9-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
scrambled for 21 yards on Philadelphia's first play, and the drive ended in a 45-yard field goal by David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
(improving his NFL record for consecutive postseason field goals to 19). Akers missed on the next Eagles' drive, and on Arizona's first play after taking over, Fitzgerald scored on a 62-yard touchdown pass on a trick play to give Arizona a 14–3 second quarter lead. A 47-yard catch and run by Kevin Curtis
Kevin Curtis
-St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421...
helped Philadelphia answer with a 33-yard field goal, but the Cardinals would end the half with Warner's 1-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald and kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
' 49-yard field goal to take a commanding 24–6 lead.
The third quarter began with safety Adrian Wilson sacking McNabb on a blitz and Arizona recovering. However, the Eagles' defense held and McNabb began to rally Philadelphia. A 50-yard completion to Curtis jump-started a drive that ended in a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:...
to make it 24–13. The Eagles got the ball right back and scored again on a 31-yard touchdown pass from McNabb to Celek, narrowing the score to 24–19 after a failed PAT by Akers. The Cardinals punted again, and with 10:45 left in the fourth quarter, McNabb launched a bomb to DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
that he bobbled and then hauled in despite the coverage of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
-Arizona Cardinals:Rodgers-Cromartie was drafted by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. On July 25, he signed a 5-year, $15.1 million contract with the team that includes $9 million in guarantees. Rodgers-Cromartie was named the starting nickelback for the 2008 season, behind...
. The 62-yard play put Philadelphia ahead 25–24 (after a failed 2-point conversion). The Cardinals began an eight minute drive (that included a 4th-and-1 conversion) that was capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Tim Hightower
Tim Hightower
-Arizona Cardinals:Hightower scored 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, and another 3 in the post season while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. He would rush for a total amount of 399 yards in 2008. Hightower would then become the only Cardinal rookie running back ever to have scored a...
. The successful 2-point conversion by Ben Patrick
Ben Patrick
Ben Patrick is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Duke and Delaware....
put Arizona back on top 32–25. The Eagles drove in Arizona territory, but four straight incompletions ended Philadelphia's hopes of a Super Bowl XLIII
Super Bowl XLIII
Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,...
appearance.
With the loss, Philadelphia's season ended with an overall record of 11–7–1. McNabb threw for 375 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Curtis had 122 receiving yards, Jackson had 92 receiving yards, and Celek had 10 catches and two touchdowns. However, Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
(71 yards from scrimmage) was a non-factor and the defense forced zero turnovers. Larry Fitzgerald, who eventually set a record for receiving yards in a playoff season, had 152 yards, three touchdowns, and dominated the first half.
Passing
| Player | G | QB Rat. | Comp. | Att. | Pct. | Yards | TD | INT | Long | Sack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan McNabb Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played... |
16 | 86.4 | 345 | 571 | 60.4 | 3,916 | 23 | 11 | 90 | 23 |
| Kevin Kolb Kevin Kolb Kevin Benjamin Kolb is an American football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston.... |
6 | 21.8 | 17 | 34 | 50.0 | 144 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 0 |
| DeSean Jackson DeSean Jackson Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver... |
16 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Rushing
| Player | G | Att. | Yards | Y/G | Avg. | Long | TD | Fum | FumL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Westbrook Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova... |
11 | 192 | 936 | 71.6 | 4.1 | 39 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Correll Buckhalter Correll Buckhalter Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska.... |
11 | 59 | 249 | 22.6 | 4.2 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| DeSean Jackson DeSean Jackson Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver... |
13 | 16 | 89 | 6.6 | 5.6 | 21 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Donovan McNabb Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played... |
13 | 34 | 135 | 10.4 | 4.0 | 17 | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Lorenzo Booker Lorenzo Booker Lorenzo Booker is an American football running back for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.... |
10 | 20 | 53 | 5.3 | 2.7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tony Hunt Tony Hunt Antonio Christopher Hunt is an American football running back for the Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna of the Austrian Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.-Early years:A standout player at T. C... |
6 | 4 | 9 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Reggie Brown | 4 | 1 | 6 | 1.5 | 6.0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kevin Kolb Kevin Kolb Kevin Benjamin Kolb is an American football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston.... |
4 | 9 | 6 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kyle Eckel Kyle Eckel Kyle Eckel is an American football fullback in the National Football League, who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
2 | 7 | 29 | 14.5 | 4.1 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Receiving
| Player | G | Rec. | Yards | Y/G | Avg. | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeSean Jackson DeSean Jackson Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver... |
16 | 62 | 912 | 57 | 14.7 | 60 | 2 |
| Hank Baskett Hank Baskett Henry Randall "Hank" Baskett III is a wide receiver who is currently a free agent. Baskett has played for three NFL teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.... |
15 | 33 | 440 | 29.3 | 13.3 | 90 | 2 |
| Greg Lewis | 16 | 19 | 247 | 15.44 | 13 | 52 | 1 |
| Brent Celek Brent Celek Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:... |
16 | 27 | 318 | 19.875 | 11.8 | 44 | 1 |
| Correll Buckhalter Correll Buckhalter Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska.... |
14 | 26 | 324 | 23.14 | 12.5 | 59 | 2 |
| Reggie Brown | 10 | 18 | 252 | 25.2 | 14 | 40 | 1 |
| Brian Westbrook Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova... |
14 | 54 | 402 | 28.71 | 7.4 | 47 | 5 |
| Jason Avant Jason Avant Jason Raye Avant is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan.... |
15 | 32 | 377 | 25.1 | 11.8 | 31 | 2 |
| Kevin Curtis Kevin Curtis -St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421... |
9 | 33 | 390 | 43.33 | 11.8 | 32 | 2 |
| L.J. Smith L.J. Smith John Smith III , commonly known as L.J., which stands for "Little John", is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft... |
6 | 12 | 106 | 17.7 | 8.8 | 21 | 2 |
| Tony Hunt Tony Hunt Antonio Christopher Hunt is an American football running back for the Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna of the Austrian Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.-Early years:A standout player at T. C... |
6 | 6 | 42 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 18 | 0 |
| Lorenzo Booker Lorenzo Booker Lorenzo Booker is an American football running back for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.... |
8 | 5 | 10 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 8 | 0 |
| Matt Schobel Matt Schobel Matthew Thomas Schobel is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.... |
4 | 2 | 10 | 2.5 | 5.0 | 5 | 0 |
| Dan Klecko Dan Klecko Dan Klecko is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Temple.... |
8 | 1 | 2 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 |
| Todd Herremans Todd Herremans Not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Herremans worked out for more than 24 NFL teams prior to the 2005 NFL Draft. He was projected to be drafted in the fifth- or sixth-round by NFLDraftScout.com. Herremans was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the draft... |
8 | 1 | 1 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 1 | 1 |
Kicking
| Player | G | 0–19 | 20–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50+ | FGM | FGA | Pct. | Long | XPM | XPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Akers David Akers David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville.... |
8 | 2–2 | 7–7 | 8–8 | 2–3 | 0–3 | 19 | 23 | 82.6 | 44 | 23 | 23 |
Punting
| Player | G | Punt | Yards | Avg. | In20 | In10 | TB | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sav Rocca | 16 | 77 | 3334 | 43.3 | 24 | 7 | 4 | 65 |