2005 Philadelphia Eagles
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The 2005 season was the
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The team plays its ...
' 73rd season in the
National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a Professional gridiron football, professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National ...
, and their seventh under head coach
Andy Reid Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
. After making the playoffs every season since
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and winning the past four
NFC East The National Football Conference – Eastern Division or NFC East is one of the four Division (sport), divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). It has four members: the Dallas Cowboys, New Yo ...
crowns, the Eagles failed to improve on their 13–3 record from 2004 and fell to 6–10, missing the playoffs and finished with a losing record for the first time since
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. The main cause of this was due to injuries and contract disputes with players like
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
and
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
, and as a result it caused chaos upon the Eagles' chances in their post-
Super Bowl The Super Bowl is the annual History of the NFL championship, league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) of the United States. It has served as the final game of every NFL season since 1966 NFL season, 1966 (with the excep ...
season. In the 2004 season, Philadelphia had swept its division rivals, but they became the first team to reverse that feat in its next season, going 0–6 against the NFC East in 2005. The Eagles would not have another losing season until
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. After the Super Bowl, the future looked bright for the team, but the onset of the Owens controversy in the summer began to cloud that outlook. The Eagles got out to a 3–1 record, but there were signs of trouble from the start. Contract disputes with Owens and
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
created ugly distractions, and the team was criticized for not replacing departed defensive linemen
Derrick Burgess Derrick Lee Burgess (born August 12, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders. He was sele ...
and
Corey Simon Corey Jermaine Simon Sr. (born March 2, 1977) is an American politician and former professional football player. A member of the Republican Party, he has served as the Florida State Senator from the 3rd district since 2022. He played as a def ...
. Around the middle of the season, the injuries began to take a devastating toll. Quarterback
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
, running back
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
, wide receiver
Todd Pinkston Todd Pinkston (born April 23, 1977) is an American football coach and former professional player who is the running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played five seasons professionally as a wide rec ...
, offensive tackle
Tra Thomas William "Tra" Thomas III (born November 20, 1974) is an American football coach and former player who is the offensive line coach for IMG Academy. He played as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL), primarily for the Philad ...
, defensive lineman
Jerome McDougle Jerome McDougle (born December 15, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles 15th overall in the 2003 NFL draft. McDougle p ...
, center Hank Fraley, cornerback
Lito Sheppard Lito Decorian Sheppard (born April 8, 1981) is an American football coach and former player. During his playing career as cornerback, he played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in ...
, and running back
Correll Buckhalter Correll Buckhalter (; born October 6, 1978) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a running back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Nebraska Cor ...
were all at some point lost for the season. Moreover, kicker
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
and punter Dirk Johnson also battled injuries and missed time during the year. The Owens situation boiled to a head in early November, with the team essentially suspending the outspoken receiver for the rest of the season. The rash of injuries, meanwhile, revealed a disturbing lack of depth on the team, especially in the quarterback position and defensive line. The Eagles lost eight of their final ten games, led at quarterback by the athletic, but inept, Mike McMahon. In the seven games he did play, Owens caught six touchdowns with 763 receiving yards. Rookie Reggie Brown showed promise after Owens' suspension, grabbing four touchdowns, as did rookie running back
Ryan Moats Ryan Moats (born December 17, 1982) is an American former professional football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unquali ...
, who had three late-season touchdowns. The team's two Pro Bowlers came from the defense – middle linebacker
Jeremiah Trotter Jeremiah Trotter (born January 20, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and was se ...
and safety
Brian Dawkins Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...
. However, for the most part, the Eagles' pass defense suffered due to the poor pass rush.


Staff


Philadelphia Eagles Draft


Roster


Opening training camp roster


Schedule


Preseason


Regular season

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.


Regular season


Roster


Game summaries


Week 1

The Eagles' 2005 season-opener on
Monday Night Football ''Monday Night Football'' (often abbreviated as ''MNF'') is the branding used for broadcasts of National Football League (NFL) games that air on Monday nights. It originally ran on American Broadcasting Company, ABC from 1970 NFL season, 1970 t ...
was more famous for what happened before the game, when Pro Bowl linebacker
Jeremiah Trotter Jeremiah Trotter (born January 20, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and was se ...
was ejected for a scuffle near mid-field during pre-game warmups. The Eagles missed his presence as a run-stopper in the first quarter as
Falcons Falcons () are birds of prey in the genus ''Falco'', which includes about 40 species. Some small species of falcons with long, narrow wings are called hobbies, and some that hover while hunting are called kestrels. Falcons are widely distribu ...
'
Warrick Dunn Warrick De'Mon Dunn (born January 5, 1975) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL ...
gained big yards and
Michael Vick Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Norfolk State Spartans football, Norfolk State University. He played quarterback in the National F ...
rushed for a touchdown. A couple of minutes later, Michael Jenkins caught a 58-yard bomb and
T. J. Duckett Todd Jeffery Duckett (born February 17, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans. Duckett was selected by ...
scored from a yard out. Down 14–0, McNabb rallied the Eagles to a solid drive capped by a touchdown pass to
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
. The defense was solid and gathered key turnovers for the rest of the game, but the offense could not make up the deficit. A field goal made it 14–10 in the fourth quarter, but with two minutes left and the ball at midfield, McNabb fired off four incomplete passes and the Eagles fell short in their rematch of the 2004 NFC Championship. McNabb, who suffered a bruised sternum, passed for 257 yards and a score, while
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
caught seven passes for 112 yards. Safety
Brian Dawkins Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...
had two sacks, six tackles, forced a fumble, and intercepted a pass.


Week 2

There were shades of
2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and Its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 60 ...
when the Eagles routed the
San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers (also written as the San Francisco Forty-Niners and nicknamed the Niners) are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 49ers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member ...
in their home-opener. In the opening series,
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
found
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
wide open on a broken play and the two connected for a 68-yard touchdown. Later in the quarter, McNabb went to tight end
L.J. Smith John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
for the six-yard score. Owens got open on the left side in the second quarter and ran under a McNabb pass to score his second touchdown and the score was 21–0. Cornerback
Lito Sheppard Lito Decorian Sheppard (born April 8, 1981) is an American football coach and former player. During his playing career as cornerback, he played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in ...
made an interception on the next play and returned the ball to the 49er two-yard line. McNabb promptly passed it out to
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
for the easy touchdown. In a comical moment, linebacker
Mark Simoneau Mark Lee Simoneau (born January 16, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats, earning consensus ...
booted home the extra point in place of kicker
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
, who was momentarily resting a hamstring he had strained on the kickoff.
Joe Nedney Joseph Thomas Nedney (born March 22, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Mi ...
kicked a field goal for San Francisco in the third quarter, but McNabb came back with a touchdown pass to Greg Lewis. Running back Lamar Gordon added a rushing touchdown late as the Eagles came together and steamrolled the Niners by a score of 42–3. McNabb, who was playing slightly injured, had one of his best days ever – five touchdowns and 342 yards. Owens burned his old team for 143 yards and two scores, while L.J. Smith also had a big day, netting 119 yards and a touchdown. The win seemed to set the Eagles back on course after the opening night hiccup in
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
.


Week 3

A visibly wounded Eagles team found a way to come out on top in Week 3 against the visiting
Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team based in Oakland, California, from its founding in 1960 to 1981, and again from 1995 to 2019 before Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas, relocating to the Las Vegas metropolitan ...
. The game began inauspiciously as
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
crumpled to the field in pain from a torn hamstring attempting to boot the opening kickoff. The Raiders took advantage of the good field position and marched to a touchdown with
Lamont Jordan LaMont Damon Jordan (born November 11, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and was selected by the New York ...
taking a short pass and scampering into the end zone.
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
, who was clearly bothered by a recently diagnosed sports hernia, was limited compared to his normal mobility.
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
scored on an 18-yard run in the second quarter, but
Mark Simoneau Mark Lee Simoneau (born January 16, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats, earning consensus ...
, who had humorously made a PAT in the laugher against San Francisco, missed the extra point leaving the Eagles behind 7–6. Oakland got a field goal to make it 10–6 at the half. McNabb led the Eagles down the field to start the third quarter, with
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
collecting a short touchdown pass. Akers, with a heavily taped leg, was able to painfully boot through the extra point. A few minutes later, Westbrook broke a short pass for a 62-yard gain, and he made the touchdown reception four plays later. Akers again kicked the extra point and the Philadelphia lead increased to 20–10. The Raiders rallied in the fourth quarter, getting a
Sebastian Janikowski Sebastian Paweł Janikowski (; born March 2, 1978) is a Polish former professional player of American football who was a placekicker for 18 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Oakland Raiders. He played college fo ...
field goal and a
Doug Gabriel Douglas Gabriel (born August 27, 1980) is an American former professional football wide receiver. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL draft. He played college football at UCF. Gabriel was also a member of t ...
27-yard touchdown reception to tie the game with four minutes left. Using a series of short passes to Westbrook and Owens, McNabb guided the Eagles to the Oakland 5-yard line. The injured Akers came on and booted the 23-yard field goal with :12 left before collapsing in pain. The game had been won in courageous fashion, but the Eagles looked worn down and the season had scarcely begun. McNabb threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns and Westbrook had a big game, racking up 208 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.


Week 4

The Eagles made a thrilling comeback against the
Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. Established in 1959 ...
in raucous
Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is an American football stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. It primarily serves as the home venue of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). It was built at the same time as neighboring Kauff ...
in Week 4. Kansas City scored on its opening possession when
Priest Holmes Priest Anthony Holmes (born October 7, 1973) ''www.databasefootball.com.'' Retrieved February 13, 2016. is an American former professional football player who was a running back for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He started h ...
plunged into the endzone from three yards out. On their next drive, the Chiefs added a field goal. The Eagles turned the ball over on the ensuing kick return and
Trent Green Trent Jason Green (born July 9, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers. He was selected by the San ...
hit
Eddie Kennison Eddie Joseph Kennison, III (born January 20, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the St. Louis ...
with an eight-yard touchdown reception and it was suddenly 17–0 Chiefs. After new Eagles kicker Todd France had his 40-yard field goal blocked, defensive back Sheldon Brown jumped a pass and returned the ball 40 yards for the touchdown to get the Eagles on the board. However, France's extra point was no good and
Dante Hall Damieon Dante Hall (born September 20, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He is nicknamed "the Human Joystick" and "the ...
returned the kickoff for a touchdown leaving the Eagles behind a daunting 24–6. However, the team rallied behind the ailing McNabb and began a comeback. McNabb found
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
for a touchdown late in the half, France made the point after, and it was 24–13. Early in the third quarter, coach
Andy Reid Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
put faith in France and the kicker booted home a 44-yard field goal. After two long passes to Owens, McNabb went to tight end Mike Bartrum in the end zone and
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
for the two-point conversion to tie the game. The defense continued to hold Kansas City's running game in check and France made a 37-yarder to give Philadelphia the lead 27–24. Dante Hall fumbled the kickoff and the Eagles recovered, turning the mistake into a short
L.J. Smith John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
touchdown reception. Sheldon Brown picked off Green again and the resulting drive ended in a field goal making it 37–24 Eagles. The Chiefs added a late-score, but the run of 31 unanswered points by Philadelphia had made dust of Kansas City's early lead. McNabb, despite his sports hernia, turned in another big performance – 369 yards and three touchdown passes. Owens was the recipient of 171 of those yards and one of those touchdowns. The team was 3–1, but their wins over Oakland and Kansas City had been far from perfect.


Week 5

Carrying a ten-game winning streak against division opponents, the Eagles took on
Bill Parcells Duane Charles "Bill" Parcells ( ; born August 22, 1941) is an American former football coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 19 seasons. He came to prominence as the head coach of the New York Giants from 19 ...
'
Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. T ...
. Quarterback
Drew Bledsoe Drew McQueen Bledsoe (born February 14, 1972) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons, primarily with the New England Patriots. He played college football for Washi ...
needed only four plays to lead the Cowboys to a touchdown to open the game. The Eagles defense made a nice goal-line stand on the Cowboys' next possession, but when Dallas got the ball back, Bledsoe connected with
Terry Glenn Terry Tyree Glenn (July 23, 1974 – November 20, 2017) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys. He was ...
for a 38-yard score, Glenn's second touchdown. A
José Cortez José Antonio Cortez (born May 27, 1975) is a Salvadoran former professional football placekicker. He played for 10 National Football League (NFL) teams, as well as short stints in NFL Europe, the XFL, and the Arena Football League (AFL). His l ...
field goal left the Eagles in another 17–0 hole.
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
and the Eagles managed a field goal on their first drive of the second quarter, but there would be no comeback this week. Bledsoe tossed another touchdown pass, this one to
Lousaka Polite Lousaka Romon Polite (born September 14, 1981) is an American former professional football fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Atlanta Falcons. He played ...
, making it 24–3 Dallas. Bledsoe led the Cowboys to field-goal drives to end the half and to start the third quarter, leaving the Eagles behind 30–3. The only bright moment of the game for Philadelphia was
Lito Sheppard Lito Decorian Sheppard (born April 8, 1981) is an American football coach and former player. During his playing career as cornerback, he played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in ...
stripping receiver
Keyshawn Johnson Joseph Keyshawn Johnson (born July 22, 1972) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football for the USC Trojans, and earned All-American ho ...
of the ball in the third quarter and Sheldon Brown recovering and racing 80 yards for the touchdown, Brown's second defensive touchdown in as many weeks. The Eagles were held to a paltry 129 offensive yards in the embarrassing loss and their pass defense was mauled by Bledsoe.


Week 7

Needing a win to offset an ugly loss in
Dallas Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
, the Eagles faced the
San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers were a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL). The Chargers played in San Diego, California from 1961 until 2016, before relocating back to the Greater Los Angeles area, where the franch ...
and
LaDainian Tomlinson LaDainian Tarshane Tomlinson (born June 23, 1979), nicknamed "LT", is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. After a successful college football career with the T ...
, who had scored a touchdown in an
NFL The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The N ...
record-tying 18 straight games. The Eagles defense was surprisingly effective in muzzling Tomlinson, who finished with seven yards on 17 carries and was stopped for a loss on his first four carries. This helped keep the Chargers off the board in the first half. The Philadelphia offense finally took advantage when
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
led them on a 12-play drive finished by a four-yard touchdown reception by
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
, the 100th of his career. The Eagles finished the half with an 11-play drive that took them inside the San Diego ten-yard line, but a completion in-bounds to
L.J. Smith John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
allowed the clock to run out before a field goal was kicked. In the third quarter, three-straight McNabb completions gave them 1st and goal from the San Diego five-yard line, but the drive stalled and they settled for a field goal. The Chargers got right back in the game with a 19-yard touchdown pass from
Drew Brees Drew Christopher Brees (; born January 15, 1979) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons. A member of the New Orleans Saints for most of his career, Brees is sec ...
to Keenan McCardell. When Brees found tight end
Antonio Gates Antonio Ethan Gates Jr. (born June 18, 1980) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 16-year career as a tight end for the San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL) from 2003 to 2018. ...
for a score early in the fourth quarter, the Chargers went ahead 14–10. McNabb was intercepted on the Eagles' next play and San Diego ended up with a field goal.
Jeremiah Trotter Jeremiah Trotter (born January 20, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and was se ...
's interception of Brees set up a 40-yard kick from Todd France that made it 17–13 San Diego. With less than four minutes left, the Eagles went for it on 4th and 1 from their own 30-yard line and failed to convert.
Nate Kaeding Nathaniel James Kaeding (born March 26, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, earning consensus All-American hono ...
set up to kick a 40-yard field goal to finish the Eagles. In the most exciting play of the Eagles' season,
Quintin Mikell Quintin Perry Mikell Jr. (born September 16, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Boise State Broncos, he was sign ...
burst in from the left side and blocked the kick. The ball bounced right into the arms of
Matt Ware Matthew Jesse Ware (born December 2, 1982) is an American former professional football safety. He was selected in the third round with the 89th pick in the 2004 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at UCLA. He also pl ...
who raced 65 yards to the end zone giving the Eagles an unbelievable lead. A last-ditch drive by the Chargers, who now trailed 20–17, actually reached deep into Philadelphia territory, but Sheldon Brown stripped receiver Reche Caldwell of the ball and the Eagles recovered. McNabb had 35 completions, but he threw two picks and only one touchdown. The Philadelphia defense forced three turnovers. The Eagles had snatched an incredible victory and their record improved to 4–2, and it was hoped that the thrilling win would serve as the springboard for a season-saving run.


Week 8

The 4–2 Eagles travelled out to
Denver Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...
to take on the 5–2
Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC West, West division. The team is headquartered in E ...
. The Eagles again started slow while Denver led 14–0 after one quarter, courtesy of touchdowns by running backs Mike Anderson and Kyle Johnson. Quarterback
Jake Plummer Jason Steven "Jake" Plummer (born December 19, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Pl ...
had short passing touchdowns to Rod Smith and Stephen Alexander to go up 28–0. Philadelphia finally woke up at the end of half when
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
found
L.J. Smith John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
for a one-yard touchdown. In the third quarter, McNabb threw short and to the right sideline for
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
, who got past star cornerback
Champ Bailey Roland "Champ" Bailey Jr. (born June 22, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, where he earned consensus All-Ame ...
and ran 91 yards for the touchdown. Later in the quarter, on a drive that featured a 46-yard completion to Owens, McNabb hit
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
with a 14-yard touchdown throw and the Eagles had made it 28–21. With things beginning to resemble the Kansas City game, the Eagles began driving towards the Denver end zone early in the fourth quarter, but McNabb was intercepted by
Domonique Foxworth Domonique Foxworth (born March 27, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins. He was selected by the Denver Broncos ...
at the Bronco 20-yard line. Plummer launched a 44-yard touchdown to Todd Devoe on the ensuing drive. A 67-yard run by
Tatum Bell Tatum Antoine Bell (born March 2, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and was selected by the Denver Bron ...
made it 42–21 and the Eagles' comeback hopes died. Bell added another touchdown as the Eagles fell by a lopsided 49–21 score. Bell and Mike Anderson both went over 100 yards rushing for Denver, while Owens had 151 receiving yards and a touchdown in what would be his last game as an Eagle. Later in the week, the team would suspend him indefinitely due to comments disparaging to the organization and McNabb on an
ESPN ESPN (an initialism of their original name, which was the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American international basic cable sports channel owned by the Walt Disney Company (80% and operational control) and Hearst Commu ...
interview.


Week 9

Without
Terrell Owens Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
, the Eagles set about trying to save their playoff hopes with a game against the division-rival
Washington Redskins The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East ...
, whom they had not lost to in four years.
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
, still playing with a painful sports hernia, did his best to prove that he did not need Owens when he completed a 56-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Reggie Brown in the first quarter. However, the Redskins controlled the second quarter, getting a field goal and a
Mike Sellers Michael Sellers (born July 21, 1975) is a former American football fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He was the youngest import player to sign a Canadian Football League (CFL) deal in the history of the football league when he pla ...
touchdown to take a 10–7 halftime lead. An 11-play third quarter drive netted Philadelphia a game-tying field goal, but
Clinton Portis Clinton Earl Portis (born September 1, 1981) is an American college football coach at Delaware State University and former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played col ...
found the end zone on Washington's next possession to make it 17–10 Redskins. At the two-minute warning, the Eagles had 1st and 10 from the Washington 13-yard line, but they could not score and McNabb threw a game-ending interception to Ryan Clark on fourth down. McNabb passed for 304 yards and Brown had a strong debut, hauling in 94 receiving yards. The loss dropped the Eagles to 4–4.


Week 10

Needing a Monday Night win against the
Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. T ...
to keep any kind of division title aspirations alive, the Eagles came out and outplayed Dallas for most of the game before collapsing in the final four minutes. Philadelphia scored on its opening drive, with
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
taking a carry on the rightside into the endzone. A 58-yard pass from
Drew Bledsoe Drew McQueen Bledsoe (born February 14, 1972) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons, primarily with the New England Patriots. He played college football for Washi ...
to
Peerless Price Peerless LeCross Price (born October 27, 1976) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Price played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and wa ...
gave Dallas 1st and goal, and
Marion Barber III Marion Sylvester Barber III (June 10, 1983 – June 1, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a running back for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Minnesota Golden G ...
took it in from a yard out to tie the game. A
Lito Sheppard Lito Decorian Sheppard (born April 8, 1981) is an American football coach and former player. During his playing career as cornerback, he played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in ...
interception gave the Eagles the ball at the Dallas 19-yard line, and
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
capitalized by bootlegging to the right for a two-yard touchdown run, the first rushing score of the year for the injured quarterback. In the third quarter,
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
booted a 48-yarder, and in the fourth quarter, Akers added another field goal increasing Philadelphia's lead to 20–7. With less than four minutes left, Bledsoe quickly took Dallas down the field and hurled a 20-yard touchdown to
Terry Glenn Terry Tyree Glenn (July 23, 1974 – November 20, 2017) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys. He was ...
to make it 20–14. On the Eagles' second play of their ensuing drive, McNabb made a risky throw to the right side and Cowboys' safety Roy Williams jumped in front of it and returned the ball for a touchdown. McNabb was hobbled on the play which essentially ended the Eagles' season. Backup Mike McMahon came in and got the Eagles into Dallas territory, but a 60-yard kick from Akers failed.
Trent Cole Trent James Cole Jr. (born October 5, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end and linebacker for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cole played col ...
had two sacks and Westbrook rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown in the defeat, which marked the first time the Eagles had lost three in a row since 1999. McNabb, who had needed surgery all season, was now officially done for the year.


Week 11

With their season now all but completely lost, the Eagles, now led by backup quarterback Mike McMahon, dropped their four straight game. The
New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The ...
broke a scoreless tie with a 26-yard field goal early in the second quarter. A blocked punt later in the quarter led to a touchdown for the Giants and 10–0 deficit for Philadelphia. McMahon got his first touchdown of the season with a 22-yard pass to Reggie Brown. A 55-yard burst by New York running back
Tiki Barber Atiim Kiambu "Tiki" Barber Sr. (; born April 7, 1975) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 10-year career as a running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college fo ...
, who had 112 yards, led to a field goal to make it 13–7. The Eagles got 1st and goal from the one-yard line, but settled for a field goal that left them behind 13–10.
Eli Manning Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning family, he is the youngest ...
came back with a short touchdown pass to
Jeremy Shockey Jeremy Charles Shockey (born August 18, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, earning first-team All-American hon ...
to make it 20–10. McMahon took the Eagles on a scoring drive to keep pace, with him sneaking it in himself from a yard out. However, Manning launched a 61-yard touchdown bomb to
Plaxico Burress Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans, and was ...
on the Giants' ensuing possession. Philadelphia could not score again and fell 27–17. McMahon passed for 298 yards and
Jevon Kearse Jevon Kearse (born September 3, 1976), nicknamed "the Freak", is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end for eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) during the late 1990s and 2000s. Kearse played col ...
had three sacks and two forced fumbles, his best game as an Eagle. The team's record now slipped to 4–6 and they were 0–4 against their division.


Week 12

Scheduled to meet a struggling
Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. They ar ...
team, the Eagles had a good opportunity to snap their four-game losing streak.
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
converted a 44-yard attempt in the first quarter.
Matt Ware Matthew Jesse Ware (born December 2, 1982) is an American former professional football safety. He was selected in the third round with the 89th pick in the 2004 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at UCLA. He also pl ...
recovered a fumble on the resulting kickoff and
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
went around the right end for a 27-yard touchdown. Green Bay running back Samkon Gado cut into the Eagles' lead with a 33-yard touchdown run. The Packers took a 14–10 lead behind a touchdown pass by
Brett Favre Brett Lorenzo Favre ( ; born October 10, 1969) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons, primarily with the Green Bay Packers. Favre had 321 cons ...
in the second quarter. In the second half, the defense controlled the Green Bay offense while
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
chipped away at the Packers' lead. He kicked a 38-yarder in the third quarter, then a 37-yarder in the fourth to give the Eagles the lead. The Packers muffed the kickoff again, allowing Akers to boot another field goal to make it 19–14. Westbrook, who rushed for 117 yards, had one of his best games of the season, as did Akers who converted all four of his field goal attempts. The Eagles had two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.


Week 13

A Monday Night matchup with the 9–2
Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle. The Seahawks compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The club entered the NFL a ...
in a blinding snowfall presented a potentially ugly night for the Eagles. The loss they would suffer would be quasi-historic. The Seahawks began the game with a relentless 16-play drive finished by an 11-yard touchdown pass from
Matt Hasselbeck Matthew Michael Hasselbeck (born September 25, 1975) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons, primarily with the Seattle Seahawks. He played college football for t ...
to
Bobby Engram Simon J. "Bobby" Engram III (born January 7, 1973) is an American professional football coach and former wide receiver who is the wide receivers coach for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Engram played college fo ...
.
Andre Dyson Andre Dyson (born May 25, 1979) is an American college football coach and former player who is the cornerbacks coach for Weber State University, a position he has held since 2021. He played professionally as a cornerback in the National Football ...
then intercepted Mike McMahon and returned it for a 72-yard touchdown. McMahon gave away an even uglier interception in the second quarter to
Lofa Tatupu Mosiula Mea'alofa "Lofa" Tatupu (born November 15, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for th ...
, who also returned it for a touchdown.
Andy Reid Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
benched McMahon and brought in
Koy Detmer Koy Dennis Detmer (born July 5, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes. Detmer was selected by the Philadelphia ...
, who proceeded to throw an interception to
Michael Boulware Michael Boulware (born September 17, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the Seattle Sea ...
that was returned to the Eagles' two-yard line.
Shaun Alexander Shaun Edward Alexander (born August 30, 1977) is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins. He played college football for the Alaba ...
took it in for a short touchdown, then collected another score later in the second quarter and it was now a shocking 35–0 game. Rookie
Ryan Moats Ryan Moats (born December 17, 1982) is an American former professional football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unquali ...
replacing the injured
Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
after halftime, fumbled his first carry and Dyson returned it for a touchdown to make it 42–0. The Philadelphia offense could do nothing the rest of the game in the most lopsided loss of the
Andy Reid Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
era. It was the tied for the worst loss in Monday Night history, and was the worst shutout loss. It was also the third worst defeat in Eagles' history. Due to three defensive touchdowns, the Seahawks amazingly scored 42 points with less than 200 yards of offense. Worse still for the Eagles, Westbrook was ruled out for the year after spraining his foot in the second quarter.


Week 14

Six days after a thrashing at the hands of the Seahawks that showed them how far they had fallen, the Eagles took the playoff-bound NY Giants to overtime. The Giants scored on their opening drive,
Tiki Barber Atiim Kiambu "Tiki" Barber Sr. (; born April 7, 1975) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 10-year career as a running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college fo ...
the recipient of a short touchdown pass. Then, young
Ryan Moats Ryan Moats (born December 17, 1982) is an American former professional football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unquali ...
took a carry off the left side and outran the New York defense for a 40-yard touchdown. A quarterback sneak touchdown by
Eli Manning Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning family, he is the youngest ...
and a
Jay Feely Thomas James Feely (born May 23, 1976) is a former professional football player. He started his playing career as a placekicker with the Florida Bobcats in the Arena Football League (AFL) as a free agent in 1999 before playing for several Na ...
field goal established a 17–7 Giants lead. However, Moats flashed his speed again on an 18-yard touchdown run and
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
kicked a 42-yarder before halftime to tie it. Feely made a pair of short field goal to make it 23–17 by the early fourth quarter. However, Mike McMahon, who limited his mistakes, led the Eagles to drives that resulted in two Akers' field goals, the latter from 50 yards to tie the game. In the overtime,
Osi Umenyiora Ositadimma "Osi" Umenyiora (born November 16, 1981) is a British-Nigerian former professional American football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Troy Trojans and was select ...
sacked McMahon and forced a fumble that was recovered by New York. Feely made it from 36 yards out to win the game. Moats rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns as the Eagles fell to 5–8.


Week 15

The Eagles and
St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams were a professional American football team of the National Football League (NFL). They played in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1995 through the 2015 season, before moving back to Los Angeles, California, where the team had played ...
, both playoff teams in
2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and Its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 60 ...
relegated to 5–8 records in 2005, played a close contest in Week 15, narrowly won by Philadelphia. A 13-play opening drive gave St. Louis a 3–0 lead, but on the Eagles' third play,
Ryan Moats Ryan Moats (born December 17, 1982) is an American former professional football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unquali ...
burst through for a 59-yard touchdown. In the second quarter, an interception from the hands of Mike McMahon gave Rams quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick (born November 24, 1982) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. Fitzpatrick started at quarterback for nine teams, the ...
a chance to throw a fade touchdown pass to
Torry Holt Torry Jabar Holt (born June 5, 1976) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and retired with the 10th most receiv ...
. A 53-yard field goal by
Jeff Wilkins Jeffrey Allen Wilkins (born April 19, 1972), nicknamed "Money", is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the St. Louis Rams of the National Football Leagu ...
made it 13–7 St. Louis. The teams traded field goals in the third quarter. On the first play of the final quarter, McMahon found Mike Bartrum for a 3-yard touchdown pass and the Eagles went ahead 17–16. The defense held for the rest of the quarter and the Eagles had secured their first road win since Week 4. Despite three interceptions, McMahon had delivered the game-winning blow, Moats had 79 yards and another impressive touchdown, and
Brian Dawkins Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...
had his third pick of the season.


Week 16

On
Christmas Eve Christmas Eve is the evening or entire day before Christmas, the festival commemorating nativity of Jesus, the birth of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus. Christmas Day is observance of Christmas by country, observed around the world, and Christma ...
, the depleted Eagles fell to the
Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The ...
in the final Cardinals game at
Sun Devil Stadium Mountain America Stadium is an outdoor college football stadium in Tempe, Arizona, located on the campus of Arizona State University (ASU). It is the home of the Arizona State Sun Devils football team of the Big 12 Conference. The stadium o ...
.
Neil Rackers Neil William Rackers (born August 16, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Illinois Fighting I ...
, the league's best kicker in
2005 2005 was designated as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education and the International Year of Microcredit. The beginning of 2005 also marked the end of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Internationa ...
, kicked two first-quarter field goals. In the second quarter, Mike McMahon was yet again intercepted for a touchdown, this time by outside linebacker
Karlos Dansby Karlos Montez Dansby (born November 3, 1981) is an American former professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Auburn Tigers and received All-American recognition. He was sele ...
. McMahon got the points back with a one-yard quarterback sneak touchdown, but the Eagles still trailed 13–7. In the second half,
Larry Fitzgerald Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. (born August 31, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the ...
and
Anquan Boldin Anquan Kenmile Boldin Sr. (; born October 3, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and w ...
each had receiving touchdowns and Arizona stretched their lead to 27–7. McMahon tossed a 21-yard score to
Billy McMullen Wilbur Anthony McMullen Jr. (born March 8, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2003 NFL draf ...
, whose days in Philadelphia were clearly numbered. With less than a minute left, McMahon scored on another rushing touchdown as the Eagles lost 27–21. After two good performances,
Ryan Moats Ryan Moats (born December 17, 1982) is an American former professional football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unquali ...
was limited to 13 yards.
Jeremiah Trotter Jeremiah Trotter (born January 20, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and was se ...
and
Brian Dawkins Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...
combined for 16 tackles.


Week 17

In the season finale, the Eagles hoped to play spoiler to a
Washington Redskins The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East ...
team needing a win to make the playoffs. Early on it looked like the Eagles may succeed.
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
converted on a 49-yard field goal less than five minutes into the game.
Mike Sellers Michael Sellers (born July 21, 1975) is a former American football fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He was the youngest import player to sign a Canadian Football League (CFL) deal in the history of the football league when he pla ...
scored on a short pass for Washington, but the Eagles followed that with two Reggie Brown touchdown receptions to take a 17–7 lead. Washington drew it to 17–10 with a field goal a minute before halftime.
Clinton Portis Clinton Earl Portis (born September 1, 1981) is an American college football coach at Delaware State University and former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played col ...
' two-yard touchdown run evened things up, but Akers kicked another field goal to make it 20–17 Eagles. Mistakes returned to sink the Eagles in the fourth quarter. Mike McMahon was picked off by Lemar Marshall and Portis took it 22 yards up the middle and into the end zone on the next play. After McMahon fumbled away the ball on the next drive,
Koy Detmer Koy Dennis Detmer (born July 5, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes. Detmer was selected by the Philadelphia ...
came into the game. He was sacked and lost the ball, which was returned for a touchdown by Redskin safety
Sean Taylor Sean Michael Maurice Taylor (April 1, 1983 – November 27, 2007) was an American professional football safety for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected fifth overall in the 2004 NFL draft by the Red ...
, sealing the win for Washington. Reggie Brown had 77 yards and two touchdowns, but six turnovers were too much to overcome for the Eagles. The loss dropped them to 6–10 and they had been swept by their division rivals, a year after sweeping them.


Final roster


Standings


See also

* List of NFL teams affected by internal conflict


References


External links


2005 Philadelphia Eagles
at
Pro-Football-Reference.com Pro Football Reference (PFR) is an online statistics database for professional American football maintained by Sports Reference. The site provides career statistics for players, teams, and games, as well as records and NFL draft history. PFR was ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:2005 Philadelphia Eagles season Philadelphia Eagles seasons
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The team plays its ...
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The team plays its ...